Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Bold, opulent, wild, romantic, deep
What about your business are you most proud of?
I'm proud of a lot in my business as each step has been exceptionally hard work. But I'm most proud that I have created a successful business named after someone very close to me - my Nan. She was an amazing person and I wish she was still here to see how well I've done, to offer advice and I know she'd be telling me to take a few more days off! I know that in some way she has been part of my success and I hope she knows how much she inspired me.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
When planning your wedding flowers, my number one tip is to use your budget to focus on one big design for maximum impact, rather than having lots of smaller designs, dotted around. The larger designs are always the most memorable and make for fabulous photo backdrops.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
First things first, we'll have a chat about what you've got in mind for your wedding. If you've got some pictures or moodboards, that's even better. We'll work out what style of flowers you like talk about and what elements you want for your big day. Once I'm clear on what you need, I'll put together a quote for you, taking you through the vision of your wedding flowers and how much they will cost. You'll give me your feedback and we can tweak the designs and add in forgotten aunts corasages and table designs for extra guests! You'll then pay your 50% deposit to secure your date. We'll next catch up a couple of months before the big day to check in and ensure the plan is still OK and we don't need to add anything else in. Your final payment will be made 4 weeks before the wedding so that I can place the flower order. It's an early start for me on your wedding day as I'll be creating your bouquets and buttonholes in the morning and hand delivering them to you before you head to the ceremony. I'll also be busy setting up your venue and on hand for any turnarounds we have to bring flowers from the ceremony to the reception. Once all the dancing and champagne are finished, I'll be back to take all the flowers away and sweep up every last petal.
What is the most interesting thing you have put in a bouquet?
Plants! Obviously not your average cut flowers, but succulent plants look amazing in bouquets with their blue green colour and soft rounded petals.
Is there a flower that has specific symbolism that you would recommend for couples?
I love to find flowers for my couples that really represent them. Whether it's the flower from your home town, or a favourite flowers of a loved one, bringing them into the designs makes your wedding flowers incredibly personal and meaningful.
What should you do with the flowers after the wedding?
I partner with a charity called Floral Angels who take in flowers from weddings and events and create beautiful designs which are taken to hospitals and care homes around the South of England. Wherever I can, I try to give them any usable flowers to keep them bringing joy to people for as long as possible. Still, that doesn't keep them around forever so a wonderful idea is to get a bespoke illustration or painting of your bouquet or flowers so they can live on in your home for many years. If you're looking to dry or preserve your bouquet, I can give you some tips and advice on what flowers to choose and how best to preserve them after your big day.