If you are looking for nature-inspired, relaxed and romantic florals for your wedding day, with a touch of elegance and sophistication, then Kellie from Twisted Tulip Designs is a florist you should speak to!

TELL US ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS?

My name is Kellie and I own Twisted Tulip Designs, specialising in weddings and event floral design. I work with couples who are nature-inspired and hold flowers as an important part of their wedding day. I’m based in Sidcup in Kent on the borders of South East London, where I own a retail flower shop, and cover London, Kent and Essex predominantly, although happy to travel miles with my pretty flowers. I would describe my style as a blend between relaxed, romantic and airy with elegance and a twist of sophistication.

WHY DID YOU START YOUR WEDDING BUSINESS?

Frankly, I am a hopeless romantic. I’ve tried my hand at many careers on my way to finding my creative happy place, including healthcare, teaching, marketing, random shorter jobs and my longest career as a Detective in the Met. As soon as I started to retrain in floristry, I knew that I wanted to create weddings and be a part of someone’s special day in a unique and special way with show-stopping creations. So I set to focus additional training in this area. Since then, along the way, I managed to accidentally buy a flower shop. It was never my intention to go down this route, I was set to start the business from my log cabin at the bottom of the garden but I went to view it and fell in love. I have an amazing team now who run the shop for the majority of the week, and whilst I love nothing more than working my days there at the weekend, it allows me to focus on weddings and events, which is so exciting to get going again as restrictions gradually lift.

” I would describe my style as a blend between relaxed, romantic and airy with elegance and a twist of sophistication ”

WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN WEDDINGS?

Although as florists we don’t generally get to be at the actual wedding or reception in the same that photographers, videographers and celebrants do, we get the preview. I always feel such a buzz when we get there early to set up, perhaps creating an arch or other installation when it’s just us there or perhaps the stylists and caterers doing their thing. It always feels so special and to be honest, a little bit naughty, like we shouldn’t be allowed to be there. Then as other vendors start to arrive, the anticipation grows and is palpable. I love watching the cake being set up, tables being expertly set out to an inch of their lives and quartets warming up. And while we then usually have to clean up, pack up and leave before the main event, we leave behind the promise of an incredible day ahead. But, my favourite part? That has to be delivering the bouquet to the bride. It is the singularly most scary build up as I drive to where she is. All my confidence that I had as I finished it, that it was a masterpiece, my best yet and knowing that it totally captures who she is, wains and falters as I pull up outside. And then… and then her reaction truly gives me goosebumps. It is the best feeling; that perfect moment in time.

WHAT KIND OF COUPLE DO YOU LOVE TO WORK WITH?

I love to work with couples who believe flowers are so much more than just the finishing touches of a wedding; they are an integral part of creating the atmosphere and experience for couples and their guests that will be spoken about for years to come.

”I love to work with couples who believe flowers are so much more than just the finishing touches of a wedding”

WHY SHOULD SOMEONE BOOK YOU FOR THEIR WEDDING DAY?

I work closely with couples through the journey so that I can plan a design that truly portrays the couple, their story and their vision for their special day. Each wedding design is unique and every detailed element is photogenic. We build a relationship way before the event. I build the fullest picture of the two of you and you build confidence in me.

WHAT QUESTION DO YOU GET ASKED ALL THE TIME BY COUPLES AND WHAT’S THE ANSWER TO IT?

Couples want to know when to book their florist. Some florists like their couples to have bridesmaid’s dresses chosen so that the colour pallet is set in stone. However, the way I work is very different. We have an initial consultation, currently over zoom. As this is a creative process, it’s so important that we get to know each other in this first meeting and both feel comfortable that we are a good fit over and above everything. We talk general principles and I go off and create an estimated proposal based on our conversation and a booking is made so that I can save the date for you. Finer details, where colours can be altered and floral pieces added, happen in our final consultation, 8 weeks before the wedding so it is not imperative that the colour scheme is finalised. I would say that you need to first book your venue so that you are working to a definite date. Then those vendors that actually have to be available on your day, you should book at the earliest opportunity, so photographers, florist, entertainment and catering, for example.

WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER ONE PIECE OF WEDDING PLANNING ADVICE?

This is a really practical tip that I picked up and now pass on to all my couples and that is to create a cloud-based email address solely for wedding correspondence. Both having access ensures they keep up to date with developments and appointments, spreading the planning load and keeps all the emails in one place so nothing gets lost in a myriad of junk mail. You can even give the address to bridesmaids or other family members who might be helping with the planning. And the added bonus is that it’s quite nice to have a digital diary of sorts to read through your planning emails and reminisce on your 25th wedding anniversary.

“ Each wedding design is unique and every detailed element is photogenic ”

DO YOU HAVE A DREAM WEDDING VENUE, LOCATION OR WEDDING THEME THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO WORK AT?

I love venues that have a story to tell. When you stand there and think if only those walls could talk, what tales they would uncover. The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College would be an absolute dream. As the name portrays, it has incredible décor and is steeped in history. As someone who adores the outdoors, I also love venues that have stunning surroundings, such as Penshurst Place and Gardens in Kent.

IF WE WANT TO SPEAK TO YOU ABOUT OUR WEDDING DAY WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

You can contact me on Instagram, email hello@twistedtulipdesigns.co.uk or contact form on my website at www.twistedtulipdesigns.co.uk

If you are looking for something relaxed, romantic and airy, chat to Kellie today.
www.twistedtulipdesigns.co.uk
Facebook: @twistedtulipdesignsuk | Instagram: @twistedtulip.designs