my weekend of florist-hopping - a review (long) (now actually complete)

so i had basically one day to make some serious headway in the flowers department, so i saw and spoke to a bunch of them. just thought i'd share my impressions for those who are looking for a florist.

(before i begin, a disclaimer to fend off even a hint of drama: this review is absolutely NOT meant to bash anyone's florist! these are only my personal experiences - so please don't take any of my comments the wrong way!!)

florists who i spoke with over the phone, but who couldn't meet with me:

Laurie from LA blossoms: PHENOMENAL. even though she couldn't fit me in for a personal meeting this weekend, she spent a lot of time on the phone with me discussing my vision and discussing ballpark prices. she invited me to email her with any ideas i might have, and to meet with her when my schedule frees up a bit. laurie is SO NICE!!!!! highly recommend giving her a call.

Heidi from Sugar Magnolias: this is a weddings-only florist in stony brook that is not really used by LIW brides (that i know of), but who is on the recommended vendor list for vanderbilt). she was an absolute DOLL. she also took the time to discuss my flowers with me, despite the fact that she had 4 weddings this weekend!! obviously i can't vouch for her work, but she gave a great first impression.

Florists I personally met with:

Jenn from Verbena designs: i chose to visit jenn because she's gotten some good reviews on LIW and because i liked arrangements on the website. on first impression, jenn was very nice, not to mention understanding of the fact that we got lost on the way and were 1/2 hour late! having said that, though, jenn really didn't seem all too enthused about doing my flowers. i felt like our interaction was strained... she didn't contribute much, even when i flat out asked her for ideas. i suppose we just didn't 'click'.

Keith from In Full Bloom: my sister went to a wedding at bourne mansion last weekend, and said that the flowers (done by keith) were absolutely gorgeous, so i figured i'd give it a shot. honestly, i was a little disappointed by this meeting. though i'm sure he didn't mean to come off that way, i felt that from the beginning he was just shooting down my ideas left and right. he seemed to disapprove of my color choices (which some of you may know i AGONIZED over for months) and kept on trying to tell me that i should be open to other colors... didn't quite appreciate that
from the get-go i found myself feeling defensive... like this wasn't someone i could call if i changed my mind. another person who i just didn't gel with...

and last, but certainly not least:

JOHN FROM FLOWER MICHELE!!!!!!!!!!!!!:

O. M. G. i LOVE this man!!!!!!! from the second i walked in i was comfortable. he totally 'got' me and what i wanted in my flowers and in my wedding in general. he clearly loves what he does, and that comes through with every single word. i was excited about my flowers, he was excited about my flowers, and fh fell asleep in the corner (just kidding). seriously, john respected my vision. he took my ideas and ran with them, and by the end we basically had an entire theme for the wedding!! there is only one word for him - FANTASTIC.

so i think you guys can probably tell who i'm gonna go with... but it's not official yet, so i'm not going to declare it to the world

Re: my weekend of florist-hopping - a review (long) (now actually complete)

geez louise!!! sounds like a busy weekend!!!! congrats on your florist!!!!!

Re: my weekend of florist-hopping - a review (long) (now actually complete)

Busy girl! Congrats on your choice!

Re: my weekend of florist-hopping - a review (long) (now actually complete)

Congrats on your choice!

Re: my weekend of florist-hopping - a review (long) (now actually complete)

Wow you sure were busy. So glad you loved John at Flower Michele. You can tell he loves what he does and he makes you so excited about your wedding and the flowers. Congrats!

Kim

Re: my weekend of florist-hopping - a review (long) (now actually complete)

How were his Prices???

(You have FM)

Re: my weekend of florist-hopping - a review (long) (now actually complete)

Yay, Alex! Sound like you have the whole multitasking thing down!!! Congratulations on your almost choice ;)

Re: my weekend of florist-hopping - a review (long) (now actually complete)

Sounds like you were really busy but extremely productive. Great job!

Re: my weekend of florist-hopping - a review (long) (now actually complete)

Great energy and you have made some serious strides on the florist front. I need to get it together and start looking myself.