You read that title right. Nashville Event florists created magic before my eyes. Let’s see.. where should I start? This event is one like none other. I can only hope that I’m able to write about this event and give it the proper justice it deserves. Not being a florist, but still involved in the event itself, my picture selections and description are not likely those that a florist would use. However, I’m going to give this my best shot.
Lindsey, the owner behind Gradient and Hue , and a dear friend of mine, created “A Bloomin’ Good Time” – the purpose of the event: to foster a space for florists to gather in support of kindness, community and creativity. SO – what that means: a room filled of passionate florists, creating amazing things.
Each florist created an arrangement or a bouquet – each reflecting their personal style, while all staying within a similar color palette. Photographers, models, event designers, and myself, we were all asked to come in and help provide photo opts for the florists to use – and the result is simply magical. The room was filled with laughter, chatting and spewing with creative energy.
This is me, behind the scenes, with Alex with the New Eclectic! Literally, just observing what we were witnessing. I was running around that day, between work projects, and this was just a few days after the Nashville tornado hit. So while it was a bittersweet time, I was happy the event wasn’t canceled. Little did we all know that we would be in social distancing/quarantine mode just days after this event due to the corona virus. It brings me joy looking back on these photos and hoping we (an industry as a whole) will be back together soon.
For florists, I’m sure its not hard to become less enamored with flowers, especially when you are around them so much. It’s the same way for calligraphers. We are like “oh, that’s a pretty flourish. moving on.” But for me, I’m like “OHHHH MY GOSSSSSHHHH, these flowers are everything. The way you put them together is so amazing.” I hope that makes sense.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many beautiful flower in one place. Raw, and ready to be played with. Again, not a florist here. I was like a kid in a candy store that wasn’t allowed to touch anything. Watching everyone in their element was just icing on the cake.
For this suite I used handmade paper from Fabulous Fancy Pants; and vintage postage from Little Postage House. When pulling together one-off suites for shoots like this, I literally just pull from my stockpile what I already have (most of the time). So with that said, I have no idea where that purple envelope came from. Ha!
Alex with The New Eclectic, a local planner and event designer, takes all the credit for this flat lay! I just stepped back and let her do her thing.
As artists, we are all particular about the way within which we want our work to be photographed. Each florist was able to be on the sidelines, assisting while the photographers went to town. Watching this was so fun!
Again, having fun with watercolor here – but on watercolor paper and not handmade paper.
And lastly, this magical headpiece. Between the florists, the photographers, and the event designers – everyone is technically each other’s competition in the market of the wild wedding industry. However, true creativity is not compromised by competition and not hindered by collaboration. And what happened here at “A Bloomin’ Good Time” was simply magical. Those are my wise words to sum up this special event.
For all of the vendors that participated in this amazing event, their website is linked below. I’m so honored to be a part of such an amazing creative community.
Event: @abloomingoodtime by Gradient and Hue
Photography: Molly Peach, Morgan Franklin Creative, Gray Kammera, Kacie Q Photography, Lindsay Campbell Photography
Venue: The Reserve Venue at Fat Bottom
Floral Sponsor: Dreis Bach Nashville
Table Design & Styling: The New Eclectic, Feather and Oak, The Gifford Collective, RSVP Event Designs
Specialty Rentals: Feather and Oak
Paper Goods: @whiteinkcalligraphy
Linen: Liberty Party Rental
Gowns: The Dress Theory
Hair & Makeup: Hannah Farmer Creative, Hair by Lynn Peadro
Backdrops: Telicia Lee
Models: @authenticfrani, @shelbymhall
Model Styling: RSVP Event Designs
Candles: Chandlerie
Rose Soap: Restoration Rose