Petals with Purpose

It all started with watering plants.

At just 18, Laura was working shop help in a little Mom and Pop flower shop. She was sweeping floors, processing blooms, and taking care of customers. Nothing glamorous, just the everyday work of floral life. But somewhere in the middle of the buckets and blossoms, something clicked. She fell in love with it.

And she never really looked back.

Today, Laura is a Certified Floral Designer, holding her accreditation through the prestigious American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). This was a goal she worked toward for years. Earning that designation and maintaining it through continued education and service to the industry is more than just a title for her. It’s a reflection of her deep respect for the craft and her commitment to growth in a field that is as demanding as it is beautiful.

Over the years, Laura’s journey took her from beginner to lead designer, team leader, and eventually the owner of her own event floral studio. Her story is proof that passion paired with grit can grow into something truly incredible.

But it hasn’t all been easy.

“I fall in and out of love with floristry all the time,” she says, laughing. “It can be hard on your body and your mind. There are days you question why you’re doing it. But I always push through because I truly love what I do.”

One of her biggest challenges came when she relocated to the Upstate after building most of her career in Orlando, Florida. “Establishing myself in a new event community was tough. But I focused on showing respect to the amazing professionals already here while slowly putting my work out there. There’s enough business for all of us. Building genuine relationships was key.”

Her floral roots go back even further. Some of her fondest memories include her grandparents. “My grandfather used to grow roses, and my grandmother would arrange them for church. He’d say, ‘I grows ‘em, and she shows ‘em.’ I think they’d be so proud of how their love of gardening and giving shaped the woman I am today.”

With nearly three decades in the industry, Laura has lived through every trend imaginable, yet her work continues to feel fresh, refined, and unmistakably her own. “I’ve cycled through so many seasons of style. But over time, I think I’ve created a signature look. People recognize my work, and that’s something I’m proud of.”

When working with new couples, Laura leads with intention. “We always start with a conversation. I want to understand their event day vision, not just the florals but the feeling. From there, I send a custom proposal within a few weeks, and I always ask for their Pinterest board or saved images. Pictures are such a helpful way to get on the same page.”

While she prides herself on bringing her clients’ vision to life, she is also not afraid to bow out if something doesn’t feel like the right fit. “If a couple’s aesthetic really doesn’t align with mine, I’ll refer them to someone else. They deserve a designer who fully gets their vision. I want that for them.”

So where does Laura draw inspiration from?

“Nature, always. But I also look to other art forms like interior design, photography, and architecture. And my clients themselves often inspire me. The way they want their day to feel or the style they are drawn to helps guide the work.”

As for current flower obsessions? “Butterfly ranunculi and anemones. They have the cutest personalities. And tulips, always tulips. They’re phototropic, which means they stretch and bend toward light. They almost dance. Every flower has a personality if you’re paying attention.”

Wedding weeks are anything but calm. Laura is juggling everything from ordering and processing stems, managing substitutions, prepping containers, making bouquets, corsages, and boutonnières to loading, delivering, setting up, and striking after the event.

The day before? “Sometimes it’s an overnighter,” she says. “It’s the final push, checking all the details, tool kits, and rental items. Everything has to be right.”

And on the wedding day itself, Laura is up early no matter what. “I like to get into the shop before the team arrives to make sure everything is on track. Every event is different, but I always want us to walk in completely ready.”

Behind the dreamy designs and perfect petals is a ton of hard, physical labor that most people never see. “There’s so much grunt work. Scrubbing buckets, hauling water, cleaning coolers, dealing with trash. And then there’s the mental labor, too. Planning, scheduling, managing people. That can be just as exhausting as the physical side.”

To stay grounded during the chaos of wedding weekends, Laura relies on a daily routine. “Meditation, journaling, and working out are non-negotiable. They help me stay focused and centered.”

Ask her what keeps her going, and her answer is immediate. The people.

“I love flowers so deeply, but the connections I’ve made with clients, vendor friends, and my team, those are the most rewarding parts of this job.”

Her advice to couples choosing a florist?

“Make sure you get each other. Not everyone is a good fit, and that is okay. You want someone who listens, who understands your vision, and who genuinely cares.”

And if she could tell her younger self anything?

“Never give up. You’re on the right path, kid. You were meant for this.”

For Laura, flowers are more than just business. “When I’m designing, I feel connected to Nature in the deepest way. I know it sounds a little crazy,” she says, laughing, “but every stem has its own energy. I feel so lucky to work with them.”

Florals for Shannon and Patrick. Photography- Meredith with MerMacMedia.