Vendor Spotlight - Vintage Florals
Continuing with our Vintage theme, today's Vendor Spotlight comes from the sweet Melissa Broadwell of Vintage Florals. Melissa made floral centerpieces for one of our meetings last year and we loved what she created! She definitely has a unique way of looking at flowers and adds the most whimsical touches to her arrangements. Here's what Melissa had to say about her business:
How did you get into floral design?
Several months after I got married, I stumbled on a job working at a local flower wholesale in town called Import Flowers. I began working there in 2001, and over time, began learning all about fresh-cut flowers. I would take week-old bunches of flowers home and play around making arrangements for my house and I loved it!! I never dreamed that "playing" with flowers could turn into a business! When I found out that a friend of mine was getting married, I offered to do her flowers at cost. It must have gone well, because I've been doing flowers for weddings and events now for 8 years. I get to work out of my home and also run around with my husband and 3 kids!
Explain your process of working with a bride?
Once a bride has contacted me, we will set up a consultation. I love meeting with brides face-to-face, because it gives me a better sense of the bride's style and personality. I have worked with several out-of-town brides via email and phone meetings, but if it is possible to meet face-to-face, that is best. During a consultation, we will get to know each other a bit, and then I'll run the bride through a thorough list of bridal party flowers and decor ideas. After the meeting, I will draw up a proposal. I always tell brides that it is best to let me quote everything that she could possibly want so that she can get a good idea of what each item will cost. If the bride decides to move forward, we will start the process of finalizing the quote, signing contracts, and securing the date.
What are your favorite flowers?
It depends on the season, but my all-time favorites are peonies, garden roses, hydrangea, ranunculus, and dahlias.
What makes you different from other florists?
I am willing to work with brides at just about any price-point. From the small wedding with bridal party flowers, to the larger event with flowers in every corner, we can work it out. I understand living within a budget, so I believe that working within a wedding budget is important as well.
What is one thing you love to hear in a consultation with a bride?
I love to hear, at the end of a meeting, that the bride has a better vision for her wedding and that she is excited about it! Flowers are the fluff, the ruffles, of a wedding day, and it makes me excited to hear that a bride's dreams of her day are starting to take shape.
And now some personal questions about Melissa!
Mac or PC? Mac..my husband wouldn't let me in the house with a PC! :)
Coffee or Tea? Coffee!! If you haven't had the local honey latte at Fido, go get one today!
iPhone or Blackberry? iPhone
Favorite song right now? Shadowfeet by Brooke Frasier
Images Source Top to Bottom: Evin Photography, John Gentry Photography, and Mary Rosenbaum