Spring has sprung and it’s a time of year where we’re more attuned to nature – the blossoms, the birds arriving, new leaves appearing – nature renews itself after the dullness of winter. So it is a perfect time to introduce to you Flowersmith. Fiona has a passion for nature in all its glory favouring a ‘just picked from the garden look’ in her work. Tortured foliage and flowers are not her thing – she lets nature loose to flow naturally, while crafting voluptuous arrangements and bouquets that bring out the best in the botanicals she uses. Because flowers and foliage are, after all, perfect just the way they are!
How did you get into floristry?
Working with flowers began when I was a teenager, selling flowers roadside for my neighbour who had two roadside stalls in Melbourne. We would spend Thursdays preparing the flowers for sale and then sold them over the weekend. He had a fabulous old milk cart that had been restored. It was the perfect roadside shop.
Image by Tania Samuel (mobile 0448 844 855)
What is your favourite thing about your chosen profession?
Flowers are what I love most about my profession. It also allows me to be creative everyday. Joy! I have loved colour and texture since I was a little girl, so finding my way into floristry is just perfect for me. Shopping for flowers is also so much fun, the changing seasons, the lovely flower growers. Love it!
Where do you find creative inspiration?
I am inspired always by what is in season, nature itself and the ever-changing colour trends.
Image by Flowersmith
Are you known for a certain style, and if so how would you describe it?
Flowersmith’s team (affectionately known as Fiona’s tribe) tells us, ‘A modern classic garden style that marries colour and texture to perfection’!
Do you have favourite flowers you use time and again?
I have favorite blooms in each season. I like to design each wedding specific to the client, so the elements I use tend to vary all the time.
What is your favourite season?
My favourite season is Spring. Everything just comes alive again and there is so much colour and texture available. It’s a florist’s playground.
Image by Flowersmith
Is there a move to less structured florals for weddings?
Gathered from the meadow, a distinct boho feel is the current trend. Flower crowns, loose, unstructured bouquets, lots of foliage, particularly native gums at the reception.
And is the use of greenery increasing – even all green bouquets?
It’s all about foliage at the moment. Rhapsody in green! Long foliage garlands adorn the guest tables interspersed with blooms, it’s suspended from the rafters and filling large vessels of glass or copper.
What are some things to consider if we want the ceremony and reception arrangements to look abundant?
I think the use of foliage enables you to fill the space. It is lush and brings a natural, organic feel indoors.
Please describe a typical week before a wedding?
A typical week leading into a wedding begins with liaising with my suppliers to ensure we have the best of what is available for the look we are creating. Fine tuning delivery details with our client and their venue, organising and designating tasks to my gorgeous team, lists and logistics, going off to market at 4am to collect the flowers, load the van and then unpacking them at my studio, the labour intensive bit now begins! Washing and packing vases, props etc. choosing ribbons, making up boxes and labels for the Bridal party’s flowers. Then making the bouquets, buttonholes, flower crowns, wristlets, table centrepieces, garlands etc. Loading our trusty van and off we go!!
Image by Flowersmith
Can you describe some installations/arrangements you’ve done recently which you’ve loved?
With current trends for suspending flower and foliage arrangements I seem to be spending a lot of time up ladders. We recently created a flower wall as a back drop to the Bride and Groom’s table. It was lush with foliage interspersed with the Bride’s favourite roses. It had a very romantic feel. The next week we were at a venue with a very contemporary feel. Here we suspended a large foliage installation over the dance floor. It was in the shape of an oversized drum light shade.
What are the considerations when planning with the bridal couple the sorts of flowers you’ll use and arrangements you will make?
I like to create a mood board with my clients. I ask a lot of questions to determine their style and expectations. I show them lots of colour and texture in both flowers and vessels and then I fine tune from there. This is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I really enjoy working with my clients and their families. It is a privilege to share and contribute to such a special occasion.
Do you have some ideas on what to do with the reception flowers at the end of the evening?
We always provide paper and string for the flowers to be distributed to guests at the close of the evenings celebrations.
What are some trends you see emerging for the next 12 months in wedding flowers?
I think the dramatic floral trend will intensify. Big, wild cascading bouquets and centrepieces. I think metallic will continue to be popular and that the colour palette will move into hints of maroon, plum with muted latte and greens. I think the outdoors will continue to come in including the use of twine and rope.
Image by The White Tree
Right now I’m being inspired by……
Right now I am being inspired by gardens and fabrics. Can’t get enough of them. Beautifully embossed flowery and feminine fabrics and I love going to open gardens. I have to say I do love a good junk shop, hunting for vessels with form, texture and function. I find them inspiring.
In my spare time I like to……
In my spare time I like to laugh with my husband and kids, just love seeing smiles on their faces, walk the beach with beautiful George the boxer, explore new places and faces.
Thank you Fiona for sharing your floral ideas and story with us today. To find out more about Flowersmith visit the website.
Headshot by Tania Samuel (mobile 0448 844 855)
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