22 September 2012
Life is just so funny sometimes. One moment it seem like it takes more than what you've got trying convince people that you're good at what you do- yet you don't get anywhere. Then at other times, for no rhyme or reason, people just decided to give their trust to you on a silver platter... and then I just don't know how to react.
Piero and Violet are new comers to the same church I go to. The first few weeks they came I knew that Piero was a photographer, but it wasn't until much later that I told them that I work in a florist. Not even a week after he referred me to Violet's workmate, Helen who agreed for me to do her bridal bouquets. I was SO surprised! Besides working under Florever, I have no reputation, and she hasn't even seen a single photo of my work- how can she trust me so easily? I'm so keen to do this wedding, but at the same time I had to act cautiously and made sure that after a few phone calls, emails and face to face meeting that she was sure on her decision- and she was!
Not sure what driven me to be so eager to do this gig. I've been a florist for 1 year now and I've learnt so many things that made me want the experience to do things differently. I've seen too many amazing bouquet by my boss Val that it really elevates the standard that I'd like to provide. I also wanted to order my flowers differently which felt a bit risky- but it worked out great in the end.
For the flowers, the bridesmaids dresses are blue-ish green teal and Helen would like deep orange bouquet for them. For her, she would like the bouquet to be peach/apricot/cream? I didn't get a colour or picture example for her bouquet so I just have to go with my gut on this one. What really helped me choose the flowers for Helen's theme is the hypericum berries. They are so gorgeous at this time of the year and they come in 2 different colours, red and cream. The cream will dictate me what to do with the rest of Helen's bouquet and the red will push the orange colour in the bridesmaid bouquet a lot deeper.
Helen also mention that she's got crystals all over her dress. Inspired by that comment I dragged Greg to take me to a trash and treasure market to hunt for an old sparkly brooch that I can possibly use to tie in her bouquet. I walked around and around and just as I was about to give up and leave, I saw sparkles at the corner of my eye. I walked towards the sparkly table and found sooo many brooches! Just as I thought I was going away with nothing, I'm suddenly spoiled for choice! Turns out that all those brooches are really, really old. Possibly around 40-60 years. They are collected by Lesley and Donald who collect sparkly things from auctioneers. It was probably a bit too good and pricey for what I'm looking for, but I couldn't go pass the novelty. So after chatting away for a bit I got their number to keep in touch and bought 3 of their brooches. hehe....
I normally receive my flowers and start arranging them the day before the wedding. This time I decided to start 2 days before. Thing is, I don't normally sleep the day before weddings that I do flowers for- and I would really like to break from that habit. Also if there's a problem with the availability, I still have 1 extra day to look around for substitute. The bridesmaid bouquet are made of Orange "Voodoo" roses, deep orange mini gerbs, double tone carnation, rananculous, red hypericum, wired green berzilla highlight and magnolia leaves backing. Helen's bouquet was a bit tricky. Her bouquet is very light apricot and it was so hard for me not to fall into the trap of putting just white flowers and rely on the berries for colour. I caught my intentions early enough to replace my order for white carnation to blushing bride. The blushing bride that I got turns out to be amaaaazing so I ordered another bunch to pick up on Friday. I have to say that for a tiny bunch they are a lot more expensive than carnations... oh well. whatever. Helen's bouquet includes cream "Vendela" roses, cream hypericum, blushing bride, white freesia and a tiny bit of white spray roses, swarovski 'margarita' crystals, dusty miller backing and of course, the precious vintage brooch.
And now here I am, sitting on my computer happily looking back at what had happened and smile. The look on Helen's face when she saw her bouquet is absolutely priceless and the best reward ever! Without even exaggerating, the flowers literally took her breath away.... My heart started flying when I saw her reaction and I can finally breath again.
Can't wait to see the photos that Piero takes- it would be so different to all my instagram attempts I think. Hehe...
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