Florist - Ashley Eileen
- Business: Ashley Eileen Floral Design
- Location: Denver, Colorado CO
- Experience: 9 Years
- Profile: Ashley Eileen Floral Design
- Website: www.ashleyeileenfloral.com
1. Introduction: What's your story?
A creative at heart, I’ve always wanted to do something beautiful for my work. Oftentimes, I found myself in jobs that involved some aspect of hospitality (which serving people is its own kind of beauty!), but I felt drawn toward something more. Flowers became a dream of mine for years, and the desire grew after my grandpa’s funeral where I experienced the gift flowers could be in life’s profound and meaningful moments. Beauty reaches the heart in a unique way and I witnessed the important role a florist can have in people’s lives: bringing beauty to joyful, heartbreaking and ordinary events. I knew I’d found what I was looking for – work that was a service to others through the beauty of flowers. After years of experience, weddings became my favorite designs to create and I love working with couples as they prepare for their wedding day and future life together!
2. What's your experience as a wedding florist business? How many weddings are in there in your portfolio?
In 2013, I began doing flowers on the side. It wasn't until 2017 that I made flowers my full-time work. I started out at one of Denver's Top 5280 shops and became one of their lead designers for weddings, events and daily flowers. In 2019, I started my own floral design business to do wedding flowers exclusively. I haven't kept track of the numbers of weddings I've done, but now I intentionally accept a limited number of weddings each year in order to devote my time well to all of my clients. It's been amazing to work closely with each couple and help bring their ideas to life for such an important day.
3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?
Most of the couples I work with reach out 9-12 months before their wedding date.
4. How do you price your floral arrangements? What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?
Every wedding and couple is different, so the pricing varies. All of my designs are personalized and based on what is most important to them for their wedding day. While there are florists who offer packages, my designs are individually tailored for each of my couples.
5. How many meetings will you have with the couple, and how will they be involved?
I meet with my brides/couples typically 3 times. I have an initial meeting, where we discuss a bride's overall ideas and vision, as well as budget. We then have a follow up meeting , where I present a customized proposal. Typically the contract is signed and the date is reserved on my calendar during this meeting. We then have a final meeting 4-6 weeks before the wedding to go over any details and minor changes that need to be adjusted. Through this process, I'm able to get to know my couples and their story, and by the time their wedding week arrives, I feel like I'm able to design something that is special and unique to them.
6. Who else is in your team and how many people on your staff will be at the wedding?
I'm the only full-time member for my business. My husband assists me with all non-design related things for wedding day set-up and is also my accountant. I also have a small but mighty team of trusted floral designers who frequently help me design the week of a wedding and on the wedding day.
7. How would you describe your design style? (e.g. traditional, modern, rustic, organic)
My designs are natural and garden-inspired. I love using a variety of blooms and greenery to create visual interest and love designing with different color palettes. My designs are a mix of classic and modern elegance.
8. Who will handle setup and delivery? What other services do you offer?
I'm always there on the wedding day to personally deliver flowers, pin on boutonnieres and carry out the design for the ceremony and reception. As I mentioned previously, every wedding is different, so the number of people needed for set-up on a wedding day will vary. If there is extensive set-up required, I will have at least 2-4 additional people. If the set-up is minimal, it's often just me and 1 other person.
9. What happens to the flowers after the wedding?
Again, it depends. Some clients or their wedding coordinators will take care of the flowers after the wedding. Starting this year, when I'm providing the clean up services, I'll donate the flowers after an event.
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
This is all outlined in my contract and is something I discuss with couples during our second meeting. Thankfully, even during the pandemic, I've been able to work with all of my couples through extenuating circumstances when they've come up.
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Photo credit:
Nicole Clarey
Chelsea Sliwa
Bree Woolliscroft
Chelsea Sliwa
Northern Glow
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