What is your most memorable wedding?
The very first one I did when I started my business. It was huge and I prepared the flowers in the kitchen of the shared house in which I was living! (Things are very different now!) The brief was 'vintage, abundant, sumptuous and romantic'. We used a blend of pink, ivory and peach roses, including old English garden roses, among lots of other textures like snow berries, thistles and lisianthus. So pretty! The end result was so beautiful and the whole thing was the start of everything for me and my business!
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Eclectic
Flexible
Contemporary
Stylish
Client focused
What about your business are you most proud of?
The reviews! My clients have been over the moon with their flowers and the reviews I receive are so positive and give me such a boost. Doing the best for my clients really does drive me as this success is absolutely addictive!
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Regarding your flowers, don't make any decisions to start with. Just gather some images that catch your eye of bouquets and flowers. Then I will discuss these with you and in the consultation, I will design something personally for you and not just copy someone else's bouquet.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
The personalised labels I attach to all bouquets. It gets a great response from my clients and is a really lovely personal touch.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
From initial contact, I will respond within 24 hours (usually a lot less!) and explain the process to clients, advising them on where to begin with setting their budget and how to start thinking about choosing wedding flowers. I will book them in for a thorough consultation (via telephone for smaller budgets or face to face). The consultation usually takes between 1-3 hours. Then I will then produce an estimate to meet my clients' budget. Once they're happy with everything, a deposit of 20% is payable and the balance is due 2 weeks before the big day. On the day, I will set everything up at the venue and deliver flowers the the couple around 2 hours before the ceremony.
What is the most interesting thing you have put in a bouquet?
Fruits, like grapes. Or succulents. Or I recently did a gothic wedding where we used a lot of black foliage! I'm always open to ideas to create interesting and original arrangements.
Is there a flower that has specific symbolism that you would recommend for couples?
I include the symbolism of all of my clients' choices in their estimate. There are thousands of varieties and meanings, so it's hard to narrow it down!
What is the most romantic flower and why?
Roses are definitely the most popular and many colours symbolise love.
What should you do with the flowers after the wedding?
It's completely up to you! You can preserve them, or give them as gifts.