Roses and Ribbons and Brides... Oh My!

When you live in a small town, word of mouth can make or break you... especially for small business owners. I encountered a soon-to-be-bride the other day who asked me, "Are there any flower shops around here you could recommend. I want someone local. A small business owner. You see, I am a small business owner, too. We have to support each other." My reply was instant, "FLOWERS PLUS!" "Emilie is the best!"

"I am a small business owner. We have to support each other." No truer words could be spoken in today's "big box, want it now, I want quality but not a big cost" world. I get it. I really do. Everyone has a budget. Emilie gets this, too. While spending time with her and photographing her doing her magic we talked about the wedding industry. As Emilie pointed out, not everyone can afford a professional "florist, dj, photographer, caterer, baker, etc". A couple needs to decide what the most important elements of their wedding are and focus their attention on those details. After spending a couple different days at Flowers Plus, I can tell you all, Emilie and her employees are very detail oriented. Let me take you on a journey.. Not one that happens in a day.. or two days.. One that begins months before a couple says I do..

Emilie has a little "Wedding Nook" nestled into an alcove in her shop. This is where it all begins. She sits down with each couple personally and goes over what it is they are envisioning for their day. She details their wishes, their hopes, and their dreams for their wedding day. She suggests what types of flowers come in a Bride's colors, what flowers are in season that month, and what flowers will give them the "special ambiance" they are looking for. She checks flower prices, availability, and must decide just how many dozens of flowers are needed to pull all the details together and give a couple a cohesive looking wedding. I asked Emilie how many hours she puts into a wedding before she even touches the flowers for the first time. "I probably have 6-7 hours in before we even sign a contract" she replies. That is almost a full work day put into just one wedding before even knowing if you are going to be chosen to work with the couple. Yes, sometimes being a small business owner means relying on faith, trusting you know your job, and having the skill set to back it up. (Side-note: Emilie's credentials are amazing!)

After a couple books their wedding with Flowers Plus and the wedding week has arrived things get moving. The week I went to the shop there was only 1 wedding that weekend, Emilie says they can have multiple events sometimes and that's when the real fun happens. Let's take a look at "Wedding Week".

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Day one: Fresh flowers are delivered and processed as quickly as possible.

Each flower is taken out of the delivery box and inspected for freshness, color, and quantity. Tim, who hates his photo taken by the way, was showing a student employee, Rose, how he processes the flowers this day. I was just as intrigued and attentive as she was.

He lays each bunch or individual flower at his work station, inspecting it as he goes. Before trimming the ends for hydration he removes any leaves or stems that may be at risk for submersion. This will ruin your flowers. Tim is quick and thorough at the processing part. Thank goodness for a fast shutter to capture those stems flying as the flowers are prepped for their first drink of fresh water.

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After processing and prep the flowers go into the refrigerator for a rest. The next step is for the girls to get all the "ingredients" for each individual "recipe" separated into their own container. I know! A recipe! Now I am beginning to envision the final product. (Let me tell you, I was totally wrong! It was 1,000 times better than I envisioned. Just wait for it!)

Let's recap. Consult with client. Sign contract. Order flowers. Receive flowers. Process them. Sort flowers. That brings us to the day before the wedding. Here we are folks, GO TIME! I bet you're thinking, "Wait! They have already put days and days in on this thing! What do you mean, now is go time?" Well, this is where the magic happens. This is the time where individual blooms, pieces of wire and ribbon, and bobbles and vases become the gorgeous accessories to lifelong memories.

When I walk in to the shop there are centerpieces being made, bows being tied, and lots and lots of camaraderie happening. If you ask me, it is the great teamwork and joyful atmosphere that adds that extra touch of beauty in each arrangement that goes out the doors.

From my perspective I see a bunch of flowers sitting on a counter. Emilie sees a smiling Bride, A Groom standing at the altar, or a Mother tearing up at her child finding love.

I asked Emilie if there was a method to the madness of putting a bridal bouquet together. "Balance". The colors, the size and shape of each flower, the aromas, each of these need to balance the other, compliment the bouquet as a whole.

"Sometimes when you're putting the bouquet together you need a different perspective, to see what other people are going to see" Emilie says. She uses a mirror to check her work, to make small changes to each placement of every bloom. I wish I could tell you the exact amount of time it took to make this single bouquet. I didn't watch the clock, but I am guessing about an hour. Everything is double checked. The length of each stem, the ribbon, the bow placements.

Once complete the bouquet will rest in it's own vase awaiting the walk down the aisle. I told you, it is gorgeous! What is Emilie's favorite part of making the bouquet? Putting that check mark next to it on the list!

Don't forget, they still have to deliver and setup all the arrangements. Sometimes that means going to a church and a reception venue. Some couples have only one facility for the whole day. Either way, Flowers Plus puts the same care and attention to detail into every wedding they work on.

What makes Flowers Plus so successful? My thought is: Emilie's passion for her craft. You can see it in her eyes as she inspects her own work. You can see the skill and years of practiced dedication as she shows an employee her envisioned details on the centerpieces. But most of all, you can see it in her smile. She loves her work. That, ladies and gentlemen, more than anything is apparent in every arrangement she puts together.

What is the secret to owning and running a small business? Passion, hard work, and above all, Love for the job you do and the clients you serve. Thank you Emilie and everyone at Flowers Plus for allowing me a glimpse into the inner workings of your shop. If you are a Bride and Groom looking for a florist, need to send a birthday bouquet, or are in need of flowers for any reason, I highly recommend Flowers Plus. Let them help you make memories and celebrate your milestones. Thank you, Kim Crawford Photography.