MEET VAL HUNTER OF FLOWER AFTERNOON

VH:  I spend a lot of time on my computer doing emails, researching inspiration for upcoming weddings or inspiration shoots, checking out my favorite blogs and other florist’s work. Most often I’ll head out of the house to pop over to a few thrift stores to search for new props, containers and ribbon. If I have a wedding I am busy processing flower shipments and running errands to our local wholesalers. 

In between all of this I have a husband, Justin and two adorable Springer Spaniels- Sharma and Rabbit. Warmer weather has come to Utah so we will be spending a lot more time outdoors- gardening, rock climbing, hiking, etc. We love to take our dogs to a nearby lake to do some kayaking, and cliff jumping- the pups fully participate. Haha!

VH:  Not to say that my way is the right way, however, I have never been too fond of mirrors as a part of a table centerpiece or those decorative rocks in containers.  I just think they’re odd. 

TBC:  Describe your client? 

VH:  My client is someone who is fond of the aesthetics that I use in my florals. My client doesn’t have a wedding-in-a-box mentality. They are fun, creative and have an eye for detail.  They see flowers as an art form and a necessity of their wedding.

VH:  The flowers themselves. Is that cheesy enough? I’ll see a flower on the side of the road and immediately begin brainstorming what flowers to pair with it and soon enough I’ll have a Pinterest board planned around it with place settings and linens picked out.

TBC:  Name one of your favorite “vendor” sources that you just can’t do without. 

VH:  My local flower wholesalers! When I don’t order enough flowers from other national distributors, it’s nice to be able to just waltz in and back out with what I need to complete a wedding. Plus it’s nice to be able to pick out your flowers in person.

VH:  My designs tend to be textural, lush and a bit wild. They have a flow that keeps the eyes interested. Each flower is strategically placed and is moved if it doesn’t feel good or isn’t  pleasing to the eyes.

TBC:  To date, what has been the highlight of your career? 

VH:  I’m still a newbie so features and weddings are highlights for me. Though, I am most proud of the first inspiration shoot that I directed and styled.   It was great being able to connect and work with local vendors & artists that I admire.  I was giddy with excitement  when it all came together. It’s a great feeling to see this tiny idea flourish into something that others will look to for inspiration.

VH:  My first big break was when Nikkol of Peter Loves Jane asked me to do the florals for an inspiration shoot for Be Loved Magazine.  Nikkol has nurtured and encouraged my work from the beginning. It was nice to have that kick start. It propelled me to keep going.

 1.     If you want to learn the trade, contact a florist that you admire and offer to assist.  Be willing to get your hands dirty. I was lucky to work one summer with Sarah Winward of Honey of A Thousand Flowers. I spent hours picking candle wax out of votives till my fingers bled, cleaned, prepped and lugged buckets, processed flowers and eventually she let me design a few pieces for weddings. I loved every minute of this because I was learning the trade! Sarah was an open book and gave me the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the wedding floral industry.  Her knowledge was invaluable.

2.     Be kind! No matter how rusty and termite-laden a bridge is, don’t burn it down. Exit with grace.  This is in regards to clients that don’t fit your style or other professionals in the wedding industry who may rub you the wrong way.

3.     Hold on to that glorious, every thing is wonderful, honeymoon phase.  Because soon enough it will start feeling like work.  I’m not there yet, but fellow florists have warned me that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.  I’m still feeling pretty blissful and energized with every new client but I’m sure the lugging, prepping, cleaning, and drafting invoices and emailing will start to feel monotonous soon enough.

VH:  The energy and beauty she envisions her wedding day to have. Of course it should also reflect her personal style. 

TBC:  What’s your favorite part about weddings when it comes to the florals?

VH:  The look on the brides face when she sees her flowers and getting compliments when I come back to clean up. Gives me warm fuzzies. I love that part.

VH:  Some times I send the husband away and design in silence. Other times I have my favorite folk and bluegrass blaring. Depends on my mood for sure.  I also have to have a clean & open space when I begin designing. I can’t think with clutter and tight spaces.

VH:  First things first- prepping the buckets & containers with water and processing flower shipments when they arrive.  Centerpieces are usually designed the day before and bouquets, boutonnieres the day of so they are as fresh as possible. If I haven’t seen the wedding venue before, I leave extra early.  I don’t have any additional staff. I’m still solid as a one woman band.

However, my husband will usually do last minute errands and assembling props for me. Florist husbands are the best!  It does get pretty overwhelming doing everything myself so I have a lot of lists and maps so nothing falls between the cracks. I have a timeline which allows me to keep track of what can be done months or weeks before the event (like buying ribbon and other supplies) and then I can prioritize what needs to be done in the moment (making arrangements and assembling props).

VH:  Ugh. I don’t like to think about that, haha. I’ve already had so many career changes. Being a florist is it for me. 

VH:  I guess my style is pretty eclectic. I love that conflicting patterns in clothing is now a trend because I am awful at matching.  My favorite stores are JCREW and Anthropologie. For home goods, I love West Elm and Terrain.