Florist - One and the same?!?

i'm confused...

i've been searching online for different florists and i see pics of flowers that look just like ones i had seen before... so i go back and it turns out the identical photos are shown another florist's website:

tim's florist
http://www.timsflorist.com/massapequa-park-li-florist/Wedding-Flowers

flowers by voegler
http://www.flowersbyvoegler.com/merrick-florist/Wedding-Flowers

i was under the impression that the flowers featured on florists' websites were actual flowers that the florist had created, not stock photos. unless these two florists have merged companies, i'm really confused as to why two separate companies would have the same photos???

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Posted by ndeokinanan

It might not be their own work but it can serve as inspiration...it is sort of an example of what the florist can do and are capable of.

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the whole thing seems strange to me... even the wording on their websites are identical. perhaps they are affiliated in some way, b/c they are selling the same exact products

that is VERY weird!
It is possible they both used the same template to design their websites and changed colors etc.
I am a graphic designer and alot of people who create their own sites use web hosts with pre-designed templates. I just think its weird that the flower pics are the same though!!! Way too many small companies use stock photos and templates like this... i personally think it is misleading to use stock photos to represent your work. They should have their own shots!
Then again... maybe it is the same company!! Def could be the same owners. I you are considering using either of them, I would ask!! And also ask them to email you photos of recent weddings they have done.

ETA: I am using Hidden Essence. Michelle is great!! If you search on facebook, you will see tons of pics from actual weddings and her prices are AMAZING!!!