Event photography courtesy of Corifas Films

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The bride is my niece. It’s possible all the good looks in the family went to her. She’s a beautiful human, inside and out. I look forward to getting to know the man who won her heart and whom she trusted enough to become part of the Watson/Shoemaker clan. There are a bunch of us.

The work for this event couldn’t have been accomplished without a boatload of help. My very close friend, Alicia, traveled with me and my daughter the 4 hours to the venue with a van-full of supplies. She worked tirelessly (or probably very tiredly) alongside me to make this event happen. My husband, mother, father, two sisters, two brothers, daughter, and sister-in-law all pitched in to make this vision come to life.

Leap day 2020. The perfect day before the world went sideways. Full of light and love and flowers. The flowers! Everywhere.

To date this is the largest floral event I’ve ever done. My sidekick Alicia was with me for this ride. Others helped as the day went on — making it possible to accomplish this feat. The results were the perfect backdrop to a day full of laughter and joy.

Can this color scheme be any more daring? Unusual color combinations are a florist’s dream. And thistles—come on! They can possibly be the most interesting flower to incorporate into a wedding design. Their subdued and deep blue hue, star-like shape, and bristly texture make for a wonderful contrast to the dainty asters and delphiniums.

Flower arranging has been one of my many side hustles since 2002. After a move to a new town in 2000, I needed a job. I found a job at a local flower shop, thanks in part to my Purdue University degree. The owner was a Purdue grad and she took a chance on me. I convinced the owner’s son to give me a shot at arranging in my third week. I’ve been arranging flowers off and on since.

I worked at the flower shop in a part-time capacity for two years, then freelance for another two. After that, I did a wedding or two (or twenty) — here and there. Every now and again I get the opportunity to arrange flowers for work events. My floral arranging opportunities are now few and far between, but the skills are still there.