“A florist has the best job playing with flowers all day”.  It must mean it’s the most relaxing and fun job out there.  Yes, playing with flowers all day can be so much fun, but being a florist isn’t always pretty fragrances  and flowers. 

A florist’s day  involves getting your hands dirty, cleaning buckets, processing flowers, crunching numbers for orders, logistics of everything coming together, contacting your growers to order all the flowers, triple checking that the pink is the right shade of pink , setting up of the products, ect. There is so much more to being a florist than just playing with pretty flowers. 

• I am absolutely a fan of Pinterest but it my job to bring you back from the world of luxury to match your budget.  I would love to be able to create beautiful, cascading arrangements.  We all know we cannot.  I know how to help get the biggest bang your budget will allow.

• Flowers are not clean.  Your hands WILL be dirty when you’re done.  There will be dirt under your fingernails and your palm lines will be stained green.  It is not glamorous.  I can’t tell you the last time I got a manicure because I know the nail polish will just chip within hours of working.

• Where will you be getting your flowers and greens?  Sure, there is Sam’s Club, Costco and places on-line. But then…

 What happens when half a bunch of your flowers come in bruised,      molded or frozen?  What happens when the flowers you ordered don’t show up and you get stuck in the customer service loop with no answers or solutions?

Trust me when I tell you that every bunch of flowers does NOT arrive in pristine condition, with no broken heads, no bruising, or no mold.  This is when having a great relationship with your wholesaler comes in handy!

• How do you know you’ll have enough roses, hydrangeas, greens to fill all 20 centerpieces?  How do you cost out each centerpiece so you know you’re staying within your budget?

       We all have that moment of oopps totally counted that wrong.  There have been times that I have needed to call my wholesaler at the last minute 

• Who will be the one tasked with spending their morning packing, delivering, setting up and tearing down all the centerpieces?

Depending on how many details you have on your tables this can be a timely task when your mothers, aunts, or girlfriends should be relaxing and getting ready to celebrate you and your love. 

A  florist isn’t just playing with pretty flowers all day.  There are so many different stressors that come with designing centerpieces and bouquets for a wedding. This is a very important day and we all want it to be beautiful.

Being your florist means I take all of those floral worries off your shoulders.  I hold all the stress that your flowers look perfect, colors flow together, nothing wilts, and your day comes together just as we discussed.

It is my greatest reward when I see your face light up when you first see your bouquet.

Brides, take that week leading up to your wedding to relax, enjoy your wedding bliss, spend the time you have with family and friends who have traveled near and far to celebrate you.  TAKE the time to get a massage, be pampered with a mani and pedi.  Do not get your hands dirty so that stunner of a rock on your finger sparkles just as bright as the love you two share.

Take that week to love your best friend and celebrate that love.  You deserve it.  Leave the stress of flowers to your florist. I have been creating for over 25 years.  I love it.  Would not change my love for being a florist with any other job.  
Stay safe and healthy ♥️

Sometimes you wonder if you are working hard enough, if there is something more I could do, or am I in the right business. Then you get a honor given to you that reminds you why you do what you do. We all like to be recognized for our work, but seldom do you hear the good but boy you can bet you will hear from the bad. I don’t think people care that you put your heart and soul in your work, they just want an instant “does not cost anything or much” feeling.

I was awarded in the top 1% of the entire United States by Two Bright Lights. They are a publication means for vendors throughout the wedding world. What a surprise and such an honor.
thank you to all that made this possible, my clients, my vendor friends, and Two Bright Lights. I am humbled and thrilled.

May 2020 be as exciting and beautiful

I am thrilled to have my work featured on Wedding Chicks Website. With over 1.8 million followers. What a blessing. Check it out www.weddingchicks.com .

Picture #1

Model Hannah Easton. Photography Wild Heart Films. Makeup Richmond Makeup Artist. Posh PR and Venue Dover Hall

Picture #2

Model Valeska Liner. Photography Theresa Elizabeth Photography. Venue Reverly NOVA

Yesterday I had the most amazing experience with some ladies in business. Posh PR in Richmond allowed me the floor to talk about my business. I spoke about how I named my business, how I started my business, how I manage my business, and how I treat my clients.

Yes it was all about me but I wanted all to know that they are absolutely amazing and they all have amazing gifts. I truly did not value myself like I should, but Posh has helped me reach my full potential. They taught me that it’s ok to say “ I am good at what I do”. And mean it.

That was the one thing I wanted all these ladies to learn, we are good at what we do. Thank you Posh PR.

It is so much fun to include everyone in the day filled with memories. A picture of your fur baby all dolled up. Your little people adding to the smiles of the day. The entire family sharing the special moment together.

So many ways to add to your wedding day. Remember that you can do whatever your style, your way without ever you like. There are no set rules, it’s your day.

So remember when planning your wedding day, there are no rules- just your memories.

Many people ask me why do I travel for weddings. My answer is the same, I love weddings, I love to travel, and I love flowers.
Without question, there are many great florists throughout Virginia. By traveling to different parts of the state, I also have opportunities to create in different styles and themes. Northern Virginia has a tendency to be more contemporary or elegant themes. Virginia Beach area have tendency to be more of a beach feel. Williamsburg area has a more casual family and romantic feel. Charlottsville have a rustic and vineyard feel.

To me, nothing is more exciting than to be creative. A blank canvas for each wedding is like an artist with a paintbrush. That is also why I work without a storefront. The 1-800 type companies serve their purpose. I find it like being a robot. Doing the exact arrangement over and over. I never do the same arrangement for two couples. Every couple is different and so should their wedding flowers.

So why I travel….because I love it!

Roses are an amazing flower to use for your special wedding day. But did you know there are “meanings” behind the colors.

• Redd roses: “I love you”

• White roses: “I am the one for you”

• Pink roses: “Thank you”

• Yellow roses: “We’re such good friends”

• Yellow roses with red tip: “I’m falling in love with you”

• Red and white roses together: “We are a great match”

I believe any color speaks of your personality more than “meanings”. I believe it’s your day. Celebrating it with flowers only adds beauty to your story day. Let’s create some beautiful memories with flowers

Quicksand roses

I saw an article today that really hit home to me. I absolutely love this.
The reason I love this is because so many people think there is a certain way you are to do your wedding. Let me tell you. There is no “way” you have to do your wedding. All you have to do is enjoy your day, your way, your love, your friends and family, your memories. Add your personal touch to your day. Remember it’s the only time you get to do this day.

I hope this makes you smile like I did. Grandma sure loved it .

2019 was such an amazing year. From brides on paddle boards, bohemian style, and just redo my website. I have had the best time. All my clients were so beautiful and each one so much fun to work with.

I traveled to New Orleans, Maryland, Washington DC, Miami, and throughout Virginia spreading flowers everywhere. I have never loved my “job” so much. I was published in magazines and wedding blogs over 40 times this year.
I want to continue in 2020to be even bigger and better. So let’s design together🍾

Happy New Year and thank you.

Today an event that I had the honor to work on was published. I love to style my designs in different colors, textures, and style. This is one of my favorites, Bohemian.

Take a look

https://www.aislesociety.com/post/vintage-meets-bohemian?utm_source=chicvintagebrides&utm_medium=email&utm_term=unclaimed-featured&utm_content=I+Do+Weddings+with+Love&utm_campaign=Vintage+Meets+Bohemia+Wedding+Ideas

Many amazing artists worked with me. I really love what I get to do!