In Conversation With: Marie of Melbourne Floral Studio Estudyo
Marie, the creative force behind Melbourne’s Estudyo, transitioned from nursing to floristry, driven by her deep-rooted connection to nature and a desire for creative fulfilment. She began her journey selling flowers at local markets and gradually found her passion in transforming wedding venues into enchanting floral wonderlands. Marie’s signature style, inspired by her travels and love for organic, romantic designs, brings a unique and timeless touch to every wedding she works on.
Interview Alexander Ross
“The best part is witnessing the sheer joy on couples’ faces when they see a once-empty space transformed into a beautiful floral wonderland.”
What inspired you to become a wedding florist?
I've always had a connection to nature since I was young. There's just something about getting lost in its beauty that's incredibly calming and liberating. Even though I enjoy my healthcare career, I couldn't ignore this craving for something more creative. That's when I started selling flowers at local markets on weekends. Balancing nursing with floristry was quite a juggle, but it brought me a sense of creative fulfilment that I hadn't experienced before.
Over time, I found myself gravitating more and more towards weddings – that’s when I realised this was truly where my heart lies. The best part is witnessing the sheer joy on couples' faces when they see a once-empty space transformed into a beautiful floral wonderland. It’s been six years since I first dipped my toes into floristry, and for the past two, I’ve focused on weddings and events.
Can you describe your signature style or approach to creating wedding floral arrangements?
I am fascinated by how something can look imperfectly perfect, from a small seedling to a beautiful flower — it's just magic.
My style can be described as organic and carefully considered, with a cottage garden and a romantic vibe. I draw inspiration from my past travels, from the swooping bougainvilleas in the Philippines, the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand, the colourful floral displays that lined the cobblestone streets of France and the rambling roses in the whimsical gardens of the UK. My mind's always brimming with creative ideas.
How do you work with couples to understand their vision and preferences for their wedding flowers?
I believe in creating a personalised and genuine experience. To do this, I always start by having a relaxed chat over Zoom or a phone call with them. This helps me get what vibe they're after and gives them the chance to share any details that are important to them.
Most couples don’t have a clue where to start with wedding flowers. They usually have a picture in their mind of what they want but might not know the names of the flowers or what’s in season. That’s where this initial consultation comes in handy.
What are some emerging trends in wedding floral design that couples should consider for their big day?
While trends bring in fresh and exciting ideas, I believe weddings are deeply personal and should beautifully reflect the couple’s unique love story. Rather than following trends, I prefer to focus on timeless style and personal expression. Trends come and go, but true style is about embracing what makes you feel confident and unique.
Could you share some tips for couples on how to maximize their floral budget without compromising on quality or design?
1) Trust your floral designer to work creatively within the set budget.
2) Focus on prioritising key areas that will have the most impact. If you envision an abundant ceremony backdrop and immersive table centrepieces, consider choosing minimalist bouquets. Skip the floral arrangements on the signing table, as well as the corsages and floral crowns. Concentrate your floral budget on spaces where guests will spend the majority of their time, ensuring that your chosen areas make a memorable impression.
3) Use what's in season. Like fresh produce, flower availability fluctuates throughout the year, so opting for seasonal blooms ensures freshness, quality, and cost-effectiveness. That's why it's important to have an experienced floral designer who understands the flower seasons and has strong connections with local growers.
What factors do you consider when selecting flowers for a wedding, such as seasonality, venue, and theme?
When I'm brainstorming floral ideas, I really dig into what makes the couple's relationship unique. I look at the venue they've picked, consider the season, and think about their personal style and the atmosphere they want their guests to experience. For example, if it’s an autumn wedding, I might suggest cozy, warm colours like pumpkin orange, deep eggplant purple, and mustard yellow.
How do you ensure that the floral arrangements complement other elements of the wedding, such as the venue décor and the couple's style?
Most often, couples find themselves inundated with the extensive planning, effort, and wealth of information available to them in wedding preparations. However, with expert guidance, they can navigate through these challenges more smoothly.
Following our consultation, I'll provide couples with a mood board reflecting their vision and personalised advice on styling their venue, florals, and more.
And finally, what is your number one piece of wedding planning advice?
Choose vendors whose style and values align with yours.
When all your vendors share a similar style and approach, it creates a sense of consistency and makes the planning process much smoother. This results in a refined and elevated experience from the start of your wedding planning journey.
Find Etudyo online by CLICKING HERE or follow on Instagram at @estudyoflora
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