A One on One With Ashlee from Film And Foliage
Ashlee Wheelhouse of Film and Foliage is a talented Hunter Valley-based florist who has captivated us with her exquisite wedding floral designs, and as you will see, her floristry work is nothing short of breathtaking. In our one on one conversation with Ashlee, we delve into her creative process and gained insight into what makes her a true master of floral design.
Image Credit: The Wilder People Photography
“Ultimately we love offering a unique and bespoke experience that allows our couples to feel confident and relaxed and know they are getting amazing blooms that align with their values and represent them as a couple.”
Firstly, tell us a little about your floristry journey and how you became the exceptional florist you are...
I didn't choose the flowers; the flowers chose me. I decided to do a floristry course on a whim while I was taking a break from University. After the first day I was deeply obsessed, and I didn't end up finishing my Uni degree but I did finally discover my passion. From the beginning I was drawn to weddings, and I began working in the industry straight away. It's been 12 years of over 600 weddings, international events, floral adventures and dreamy, loved-up couples, and I still cannot get enough of the flowers!
What drew you into the world of floristry?
Growing up I was always running around the garden, climbing trees and looking for fairies. I knew the names of the flowers and the trees and I was very creative. Looking back at this it makes complete sense to me that I fell so in love with this career, it feels so natural to me and 12 years in the industry hasn't dulled the passion.
Image Credit: Alex Jack Photography
Image Credit: Film and Foliage
How would you describe your style of wedding floristry?
I have always endeavoured to create a magical floral scene, and I love creating a design that looks like it was always there, as if those wild roses grew up out of the ground and tumbled across the tablescape. I love creating an experience that captures the feeling of the couple, the season and the celebration. Flowers have a powerful effect on memory as they capture so many of our senses: sight, smell and touch, so they carry so much more weight than just a pretty decoration.
What is unique to Film and Foliage? What sets you apart from other florists, and what unique approach do you take?
We have a huge focus on sustainability and endeavour to reduce our footprint wherever possible - this means we source locally grown blooms, work with the seasons, reduce our waste with re-usable mechanics and avoid bleached and preserved florals. Our clients tell us that when they hire Film and Foliage they feel calm, they can let go and enjoy the creative surprise on their wedding day, knowing that they are in experienced hands. Ultimately we love offering a unique and bespoke experience that allows our couples to feel confident and relaxed and know they are getting amazing blooms that align with their values and represent them as a couple.
Image Credit: Film and Foliage
Do you have a specific style of wedding that you just LOVE to flower for?
I really love when the elements of the wedding really reflect the couple and you can see their story woven throughout each of their choices; The music, the venue, the drinks, the celebrant and the aesthetics. Those events always give me goosebumps, and I get a little too invested because it feels so intimate and special.
How do you guide your couples to finding their ideal flower match? I'm sure you'd have a lot of couples who just don't know where to begin, and who find the choice of flowers quite overwhelming…
I like to focus on the design elements and the feel of the wedding over specific flower types. Often the couple don't know flower names or seasonality so this means that we can discuss the aesthetics of the florals without getting caught up in details that they don't need to stress about. Flowers availability isn't guaranteed, and a storm or heat wave can shift the whole market choices, so if a very specific flower is no longer there, I know I can source another that will still deliver the brief. My clients bring me their visual inspiration and we talk through the colours, textures, shape and scale of the designs they love and they leave the flower choices up to me.
Image Credit: House of Lucie
Image Credit: Revolvr
Being a florist, we're sure you've seen some pretty epic celebrations. Any in particular that have stood out for you? and why?
I was flown to a beautiful private island in Borneo, Malaysia to create dreamy florals for a beautiful couple. I picked wild tree orchids for the bouquet and created a lush floral nest on the beach before joining the wedding guests for the reception. The whole experience was so incredibly special and I'll never forget it.
What are some new flower 'trends' we can expect to see in 2023?
I'm loving meadow aisles, gardenscapes (tablescapes that look like a lush growing garden), effortless elegance, wild and organic floral sculptures, massed, single bloom features and incorporating plants and botanicals into floral scenes.
Image Credit: Matt Godkin
Give us your NUMBER ONE piece of wedding planning advice…
Go with your gut feeling, if you're vibing with a vendor in the initial call, that relationship is going to carry on through your entire planning process and then throughout your wedding day.
And finally, where can couples find you? Do you travel all over Australia?
We're based in the Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia and yes, we absolutely do travel all over!
You can find Film and Foliage on THEODORE Magazine by CLICKING HERE, at filmandfoliage.com or over at Instagram @filmandfoliage
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