Photographer: Emily Hansen Photography
So, I’m not new to the wedding flower industry but I have to say that so much has changed since my early days as a wedding florist. Back in the “old days” as my children like to refer to it-advertising was done in the Yellow Pages (basically obsolete now) and the local newspaper. I don’t remember local magazines like, “I Love Boise Weddings”, Rocky Mountain Bride, Eagle Magazine, etc. Advertising was very expensive, $1500.00 a month for Yellow Pages! and $400-$1000 for a one-time newspaper advertisement. The Yellow Pages was absolutely essential. The newspaper was mostly beyond my budget.
Let’s fast forward 30 years! Yes, I’ve been a floral designer longer than most of today’s brides have been alive. How do wedding professionals advertise and market their businesses? Social Media. Instagram and Facebook mainly. The posts on Instagram are beautifully curated and more professionally done than any advertisement 20-30 years ago. For the most part they are created by young, professional and extremely talented young people-selling their stories and selling their products and services.
Photographer: Susanna Grant Photography
That brings me to stylized photo shoots with wedding professionals. In the last few months I have had the pleasure to participate in several of these marketing campaigns with some amazingly talented professionals. I have felt so blessed to have my floral design creations photographed by some of the best, Emily Hansen Photography, Susanna Grant Photography, Nicole Catherine Photography and Alex and Isabel Photography. Gorgeous models that have had hair and makeup done by talented professionals like Makeup by Morgan Grinder, Erika Zarate and Behrens Artistry add so much beauty to my bouquets. Wedding and Event planners like Sarah Michelle Weddings are wonderful to work with and pull all the details together.
My talent and my art is working with a medium that is perishable. Fresh flowers. Their beauty is breath-taking but short-lived. But, that is where the joy lies. Experiencing the colors, textures, fragrances that only fresh flowers can bring is a very special privilege. But, once photographed in the setting of a stylized shoot-my art can be shared and appreciated. And marketed! My business is designing fresh flowers for the moments of life that matter. Finding a way to market that business is essential.
Photographer: Nicole Catherine Photography
Learning the new way to market and advertise in today’s world has been exciting, frustrating, challenging. But, all I have to do is remind myself of the days of $1500.00 a month Yellow Pages ads!!! And budgeting for fresh flowers for stylized shoots is a painless pill to swallow. The opportunity to work with some of Treasure Valley’s best-is worth it!
I have to say that designing bouquets for stylized shoots is fun but let’s not forget the end goal. Designing for real weddings is my true love. That moment when I deliver the Bride’s bouquet to her is what makes my heart sing. I try to always get there before her makeup is done-because tears of joy are sometimes shed. All the flowers at a wedding are important-but the Bride’s Bouquet is the most important element that brings everything together. It should be everything she has ever dreamed it would be. That bouquet will be photographed in that bride’s hands over and over, sometimes hundreds of times that day. Every flower and every leaf should be magnificent.
And so why do I “give away” fresh flowers for stylized photo shoots? Hopefully, that by designing bouquets for styled shoots and then collaboratively advertising on social media, the bride that loves my work, and connects with me, will choose me to be her floral designer for the most important day of her life. Then…the photographs that really matter will be those taken at her wedding!
Each of the photos from these styled shoots has a special place in my heart, The top one was taken in Downtown Boise on January 2, 2019. The beautiful models look ever so comfortable and sunny but it was a freezing cold day!!! We had so much fun though jonting all over downtown finding just the right spots. Emily from @emilyhansonphotography is such a professional and had every detail nailed down. Formal Wear: @laneigebridal Makeup and Hair: @makeupbymorgangrinder Jewely: @fluffhardware and of course…my favorite part-Florals by @petalworksdesignstudio!
The second photo was taken by @susannagrantphotography. This amazing Boho scene was created at Lucky Peak Reservoir in Boise. The day was gray and gloomy and I didn’t think there was any way Susanna would get great photos. But, I was sure wrong! She captured every bit of light there was and the results were amazing! This dress was provided by @sosnboutique, hair and makeup by @cosmoerik123 and decor by @emaitkenevents. And, of course, my favorite part…the florals…@petalworksdesignstudio
The third and 4th photos were taken by @nicolecatherinephotos on the Oregon Coast. I did not get to tag along for this shoot but looking at her amazing photos it is like I was actually there! My florals enjoyed the trip and the results are so beautiful!
