The Petal & Pod signature style is soft, pretty and elegant and the delicate touch that Rebecca puts into each and every arrangement is testament to her skill. On a day when a bride feels her most beautiful self, Rebecca enhances all the froth, sparkle and lace with flowers that are once feminine, and exquisite in their perfect colour and shape. Flowers to oooh and aaah over, bouquets to inhale the perfume of, petals to touch and admire – flowers are indeed the finishing touch to this special day.
How did you get into floristry as a profession?
I was looking for something creative to do after having my children and have always loved flowers. I spotted a Commercial Design course in floristry and signed up!
What do you love about floristry that keeps you interested and fresh?
I love working with a fresh and seasonal product. The flower markets are never the same! Also weddings are such a positive event to be involved with and each bride has her own vision. No two are ever the same. The industry is constantly evolving and its important to keep up with trends. I love that too.
Image by The Simple Things Studio
Are you known for a particular style of floral design?
Petal and Pod has a modern pretty style. We love to put a super romantic and fresh spin on a wedding and aim for ‘to die for’ blooms.
What flowers do you particularly enjoy using, and use time and again?
I love using flowers that are only around for a limited time. Peonies are pretty special as their local season is only November and part of December. They’re super pretty!
How do you help bridal couples decide on their wedding flowers?
I will meet with couples to discuss their initial thoughts and ideas and see if they’ve decided on a colour palette etc. We look at past examples and often they will have images they’ve come across online or in a magazine as well. I’ll go away and come back to them with a concept and some thoughts on seasonal flowers that are available at the time which can be used to compliment their theme and achieve the look they’re after.
Image by Petal & Pod
Do you see a trend for increasing use of foliage in wedding floral designs?
Yes definitely, we’re starting to use a lot more transitional material and foliages to give that lovely whimsy and soft look.
For a bride on a strict budget, what would you suggest so that she might spread her dollar further?
Simple and elegant is always beautiful! Using seasonal blooms that are readily available helps as well.
Do many Australian brides base their floral design around Australian native blooms, or are other flowers still more popular?
We don’t often use a lot of natives but I do really enjoy adding native elements to bouquets and arrangements. They can add beautiful texture and contrast when mixed in with other flowers.
Image by Petal & Pod
What are some new ideas you’ve seen for using flowers at the reception?
People are loving hanging flowers at the moment. It’s such a beautiful look. Everything from garlands, strings of blooms and hanging chandeliers. Stunning!
Do you work closely with the wedding stylist when designing the ceremony and reception blooms?
Generally we do a lot of floral related styling for our couples but will also work closely with a wedding stylist when applicable.
Image by Lucy Leonardi Photography
Do you see any colour or flower trends emerging for 2015?
A neutral base with pops of colour are very on trend at the moment. Fresh peaches and corals are lovely too.
What do you suggest brides could use more of in their wedding flowers?
I think fresh flowers really make a wedding, they add such a beautiful element. Don’t forget the lovely little details. They can make all the difference.
Where do you go for a short break on your time off?
My family live on the Gold Coast so we often duck up to see them and they also come here to Sydney. Otherwise a lovely little getaway a few hours from Sydney is great. The Blue Mountains, Elizabeth Beach, Hyams is a favourite too!
Image by Petal & Pod
Favourite restaurant?
Ive always loved the food at Longrain on Commonwealth Street, Sydney. My husband and I had a lovely little meal at Via Alta on High Street, Willoughby recently too.
If I could make a wish, I’d wish………..
For my kids to become happy, healthy and well adjusted people.
Thank you Rebecca for sharing your story. For more information visit the Petal & Pod website.
Headshot courtesy of Petal & Pod.
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