WILLOW AND STEMS // VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
Today, we are really excited to go behind the scenes and share a spotlight feature with one of our newest Swish List members, Jessie from Willow and Stems.
A short description of what you do: Willow and Stems is a boutique event florals company that specializes in lush arrangements and bouquets with an organic feel. We like to let the natural aspects of the florals shine! We also offer a Flower Bar/Bouquet Bar service that is always a huge hit with showers and parties of your nearest and dearest.
How long have you been working in the wedding industry? Over 5 years.
What makes your business unique? Because we are boutique and take on a limited number of events per season it really gives us the opportunity to get to know our clients dreams and desires for their big day and gives us time to provide our services without the feeling of being rushed. We really try to make sure that you feel confident and relaxed during the decision making process. Our lines of communication are open and are always available for a chat or meet up.
Our Flower Bar/Bouquet Bar service is also unique in the GTA! It provides an eye catching display of fresh flowers upon entry to your venue. There is an option between the Flower Bar (we decorate your guests with wearable flowers such as boutonnieres, ribbon corsages, and hair combs) and the Bouquet Bar (guests get to choose their favourite flowers to be wrapped up as a take home gift and enjoyed for days to come). Both options are always a hit. It's a great activity for guests to enjoy while they sip drinks and sample hor d'oeuvres.
Favourite part of your business? We love seeing your event finally come together! It takes months (sometimes years) of planning for your day to finally arrive. The anticipation is real, but so is the love. It's always so fun seeing everyone arrive, enjoy and celebrate the day.
What inspires you? We're inspired by colour, nature, fashion, music, books, film, travel, good food and good community.
Who is your mentor/hero in the industry? I wouldn't be where I am today without the guidance of Derrick H. Foss. He is a giant in the floral industry and we met while he was my instructor at Seneca for Floral Design. Ever since then he has been nothing but kind, inspirational, generous, hilarious, and pragmatic with any issue I bring to him. Taking that program was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
On your day off...where would we find you? I love getting outside when I'm able to. Going to the beach or taking a walk through one of the pathways around Toronto are my favourite pass times. I also love going to the movies and meeting up with friends at restaurants around the city. There are so many options to try!
If you weren't a wedding vendor, what would be your dream job? I would love to be a pilot! Having a birds eye view of the world would be an amazing perspective.
What great wedding trends are you seeing this year? Barbie-core is going to be so fun. I can't wait to see all the brides live out their Barbie dream weddings. Then on the flip side we're going to have some beautiful minimal designs with delicate flowers and french country fantasy inspiration.
Do you have any practical advice for couples planning a wedding? When it comes to flowers it can be difficult for couples who are just starting planning to be able to get a handle on how much of their budget to spend. My advice is to get a handful of quotes from various florists so you can compare offerings. Not every shop is the same, and everyone will have a different vision or interpretation.
Photography Credits:
