A recent escort arrangement I created for a wedding in the Pierre Hotel
I love working all over the world because it gives me a chance to tap all the wonderful local talent for each job. In this week’s Your Turn I’d love to hear from you about the best local florist in your area. Who do you think is the best? And why? (Don’t hesitate to nominate yourself. I would!)
George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
rachelleizard said
"Preston, thanks for being so candid about your own mistakes. It's hard for us to believe that you..."
Stephanie said
"Great advice! Thanks so much for sharing :)"
Sera said
"In response to your question, I feel that the people who you chose to follow on twitter should be..."
Larisa said
"Internet is a wonderfull tool, at least for the last 15+ years I have thought so and still do. It..."
Amy Nichols Special Events
April 30, 2010
A few SF area florists that I love and are oh-so-talented are:
Lidia Sadoun of La Fleuriste
Natalie Bowen of Natalie Bowen Designs
Laura Little of Floramor
Nancy Liu Chin
… I am sure I am forgetting a few, but I love these ladies!
Amy Nichols Special Events
April 30, 2010
Sorry – that is San Francisco/Bay Area for those of you out of California!
Tina Marie Palmisano
April 30, 2010
I am….but nobody would admit it!! I am a very simple biker chick ….with an awesome sense of style and passion for what I do.
Christine
April 30, 2010
With out a doubt, Vicki Sanders, Branching Out Event Florists.I have never met anyone that does so much to expand her thinking and range. Her ideas are always fresh,cutting edge and out of the box.
Add to that, she definitely has the technical chops to pull it off.
Debbie Welch
April 30, 2010
My biggest dream is to work with you on an event, so I have to nominate myself!
Sincerely
Debbie Welch
The Bride’s Bouquet
Palm Harbor Florida
Follow us on our facebook and see new pictures every week.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Palm-Harbor-FL/The-Brides-Bouquet/191375787062
http://www.thebridesb.com
http://www.thebridesbouquet.blogspot.com
Leah Bergoffen
April 30, 2010
The Bride’s Bouquet/Flowers and Events in Palm Harbor, Florida is Fantastic. They have helped me with small dinner parties, our daughter’s wedding…and a charity event for 750 people including backdrops, specialized photo and seating areas…they have talent and ideas galore!…And they always go the extra mile to see that your entire event is wonderful.
Hill
April 30, 2010
HOTHOUSE DESIGN STUDIO of Birmingham, AL
Mandy Majerik Proprietress AIFD, PFCI is not only educated in the field of floral design but has a natural talent having grown up in the industry. As a third generation designer, she creates floral art that sets her apart from other florists in the area. Be sure to visit her site http://www.hothousedesignstudio.com
Michelle P
April 30, 2010
In Singapore, i would say Boegna (although he’s an Indonesian) and also Fiore Dorato. Im also a florist and i really hope to be one of them soon, i believe if there is hope and with the hard work that we put in, im sure we will be one of the best soon! Go The Red Petals Florist!!
Lisa Otto
April 30, 2010
THE BRIDE’S BOUQUET in Palm Harbor, FL. Without a doubt she in the best florist in our area. They always make sure the vision you have in your head as a client makes comes out in the arrangements.
http://www.thebridesb.com/index2.html
LindaRPL
April 30, 2010
Rose Petals and Lace in central New Jersey- We do from over the top designs like the one that just made it to the TMZ Best Catered Events Contest- to simple and elegant like a tented wedding full of gorgeous peonies and hydrangeas that was published in Real Simple Weddings. We love what we do and it shows not just in our design work but how we treat our clients. We also have mentored with the best in the world – Preston Bailey himself!
Lindsey Rogers
April 30, 2010
I love getting my flowers at Hand Picked of Winter Haven in central Florida. They always do beautiful work and the owner graduated from SCAD in Savannah and really likes to think outside the box. He’s even trying to move into even design. Even though there are a bunch (like 7) of shops in our little town, the two designers in this shop are, in my opinion, the best in town.
Events by Marcella
April 30, 2010
Hi there! I must take this opportunity to say you are an inspiration to me as a “paisano from PANAMA”. I love your work and aspire to have a thriving business like your own. Thank you for your designs!
The best local florist I work with is: http://www.lpartydesigns.com
Sharla
April 30, 2010
The Event Divas in Gainesville, Florida are so creative and nice! I saw their “Twilight” inspired shoot on a blog and fell in love with their designs! I am constantly checking out their facebook to see what they are up to next!
Beautiful Kreations
April 30, 2010
I love Medallion Occasions and Xquisite here in FL…but oh don’t forget me..That’s right http://www.beautifulkreations.com is coming right along as being on of the most sought after local floral designer in the Fort Lauderdale area. We had the pleasure of participating at the 44th Superbowl few images on the blog and we are so excited to be a featured / exclusive floral designer for an upcoming fashion show. Preston thanks for being such a wonderful inspiration my eyes can’t get enough of your work I can’t wait to share the fashion show pics.
xoxoxoxo have a awesome weekend. I love this “your turn” Thanks for sharing
Tanya Malott
April 30, 2010
Ron Wendt Designs in NYC. Everything he does makes me happy, and leaves me speechless. Your work has that effect on me as well.
Angela
April 30, 2010
Hands Down, Flowers & Events by The Bride’s Bouquet, Palm Harbor FL.
Not only do they do amazing work, floral displays and have the most beautiful, freshest flowers around…they are amazing people that only want the best for their clients. I would recommend them for anything! <3
Hilary Miles
April 30, 2010
Well seeing as you said you would nominate yourself…I will nominate myself! haha….Hilary Miles Flowers Ltd. has been working with the film industry & events & weddings for 18 years in Vancouver & we are well known as one of the best florists in Canada. Some of our recent films have been “New Moon” & “Eclipse” also the TV series “V” (Visitors) amongst hundreds over the years. Official IOC florist during the 2010 Winter Olympics & just finished a shoot for Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine….tabletop & bouquet/Bout. Fresh, clean, modern, luxurious are our keywords! Still loving it after 40 years in the floral industry (I started as a little girl!)
Tanya Perez
April 30, 2010
In Dallas… A Stylish Soiree, Bella Flora, The Wildflower, Branching out Events, Botanical Art, Soooo many.
Wilhelm Perez
April 30, 2010
Para Tí, Florería en Mérida, Yucatán, México….they aren’t affraid to innovate. What I like the most is that they listen to their customers…….
Emily Tolve
April 30, 2010
Of course we are. We have some of the most experienced floral designers in the world, and 2 of the best artists (who do all our props & custom painted items for parties). Without a doubt, we’re the best!
Jo Ann M. Grant
April 30, 2010
In metro Phoenix area, I have had the pleasure of working with Events By First Rose located in Chander and Payne & Morrison located in Phoenix. So clients will have a choice between westside and eastside but they both deliver in each other’s territory. They both do magical work with their florals.
Leslie Peterson
April 30, 2010
The best local florist in williamsburg Virginia is The Flower Cupboard. They are doing my sister’s wedding and I have seen some of thier wedding work, let me just say, it’s to die for. Their team of experts are very helpful and creative with any idea thrown at them.
Lisa Juliano
April 30, 2010
We have so many fabulous florists in Naples, Florida that it is tough to select just one. If I were to pick I would say either Grace Lakes or Garden District; both are incredibly talented in their own way.
Sacha S
April 30, 2010
In New Hyde Park Long Island NY – Jennifer Flowers Inc. – Very creative wedding designs for every culture to please the ever so diverse New York brides!! They listen and have an impeccable attention to detail….
Kathleen
April 30, 2010
The Brides Bouquet in Palm Harbor is my favorite florist! I have been photogrphing weddings in this area for over 20 years and Debbie never disappoints! The flowers are fresh, creative and well crafted. Beautiful work!
Marcus Fang
April 30, 2010
I also wanna nominate myself: “The Precious Moment Taiwan Ltd”. We won “BEST WEDDING, BUDGET UNDER $500 PER GUEST” in 2005 Special Events, 2 “BEST DECOR” and “BEST FLORAL DESIGN” in 2009 Special Events. We will keep learning with you guys and spreading the love of flowers with passion!!
Vanessa Watters & Jenny Dagg
April 30, 2010
The BEST florist in Vancouver and the entire Lower Mainland is without a doubt Hilary Miles. The BEST florist on Vancouver Island is us! Verbena Floral Design Inc.
Rosalin Hanna
April 30, 2010
Hilary Miles Flower shop has the best designs in the world! Hilary does to flowers what lady ga ga does to songs…. nothing but personality, charisma, and art!
Hilary Miles
April 30, 2010
Palm Harbour, Florida….The Brides Bouquet !!!!
Hilary Miles
April 30, 2010
Victoria BC & Vancouver Island….The girls at Verbena Floral Design!!!
Brad
April 30, 2010
Chalifour’s flowers Manchester NH http://www.chalifours.blogspot.com . Voted best local florist 5 years running. Always creative and beautiful designs
Brad
April 30, 2010
Chalifour’s Flowers Manchester NH always fun and unique designs. http://www.chalifours.blogspot.com http://www.chalifours.com
Jodi Schutz
April 30, 2010
The Bride’s Bouquet in Palm Harbor, Fl. The most beautiful and unique wedding work I have ever seen.
Shannon Livingston
April 30, 2010
I must second (and third) Brides Bouquet in Palm Harbor Florida. Not only does Debbie have an amazingly creative eye but she has to be one of the nicest people I have ever met. She really knows how to live life. She IS a flower.
Debbie Welch
April 30, 2010
In Vancouver- definitely Hilary Miles Flowers LTD. She just did an amazing bouquet – all hand wired hyacinthus that was just gorgeous for a photo shoot with Grace Ormonde.! You have to check it out on her facebook page. It reminds me of something you would do Preston.
Laura
April 30, 2010
In the Cincinnati area it is Kevin Ford, Ford-Ellington Wedding & Event Design. He is absolutely the best; creative, innovative, and beyond fabulous! His vision exceeds the clients’ and his fun-loving personality make the entire process of planning a wedding from beginning to end exciting and memorable.
Heather Fonshell
April 30, 2010
The Bride’s Bouquet of Palm Harbor, FL! They meet my creative needs lol.
elizabeth kowal
April 30, 2010
Here’s my vote for HILARY MILES In Vancouver as well!
Dionne
April 30, 2010
In the Boston area Tamie Davidson of Tamara Reid Designs is AWESOME! There is nothing she can’t do! Her vision is unparalleled…she has found ways to exceed my expectations with each and every project!
Bernadette Coveney Smith
April 30, 2010
Spruce Floral in Boston will do anything I ask and sometimes I ask for some really random stuff! I love it when vendors don’t say no to my or my client’s inspired ideas and Spruce is the epitome of visionary.
Cindy Jarrell
April 30, 2010
Definitely The Bride’s Bouquet in Palm Harbor, Florida. They never never dissappoint!
"I Do" Weddings by Crystal
April 30, 2010
Wow…there are many but a few of my fav’s are
Lee Forrest Designs – Orlando Florida
Winter Park Florist – Winter Park/Orlando
Dazign’s – Orlando
Adelaide Linn
May 1, 2010
The Rhoads Garden is the best florist in the Montomery county and Bucks Co area. in PA.
Their creative designers do each order in detail and artistic ability for every customer from
funerals to weddings and proms. More than 7 desingers skillfully execute designs.
Our wedding team is top notch. Our gift shop and new atrium has been deemed best merchandising team for
Florists Review. 10/09. Several acres of nursery and a garden center set us apart from all the
other florists in the area.
Ryan Reid
May 1, 2010
I would definatly say Winston Flowers in Boston. The talent is amazing. For a smaller city it is one of the largest floral companies in the USA. The events they do are modern and Amazing!
Flowers From The Rainflorist
May 1, 2010
We’ll nominate ourselves also. We are the Premier Florist in the Ft.Lauderdale area and have been sending Brides down the aisle for over 21 years with exquisite flowers. We love creating weddings and have become a popular destination shop for our out of towners who love the sea side style that we have create, our concierge services that enhance our daily designs and our event and party work. Our Floral Artisans passion for design allows us to execute any size party. We were also a selected vendor for the Superbowl held here in South Florida as well as the Pro Bowl events and had the pleasure of creating several football fantasy parties for clients.
We love the idea of “it’s your turn” and thank you Preston for the chance to give ourselves a “shout out”. Come visit us on line at http://www.flowersfromtherainflorist.com or stop in for a visit!
Simon Chase
May 1, 2010
In the Minneapolis, St. Paul Minnesota area, I would vote for Chez Bloom as the best florist around!
They’ve got you covered in style for any occasion where you need amazing flowers!
Shawn
May 1, 2010
Lisa Greene AIFD at Nunan Florist in Georgetown MA (about 20 miles north of Boston) is the best designer I have worked with. Very creative, great sense of color her designs never fail to thrill me.
Kathie
May 1, 2010
In the Birmingham/Hoover, Alabama area Especially For You Florist, “Expresses you emotions with a WOW”.
Gary and Matthew
May 2, 2010
Hi Preston,
We think that we are the best in our area Oxford UK. http://www.fabulousflowers.biz
We love weddings and events and are always inspired by your work and your new blog has been a real help and support.
Thank you so much
Ellen Prague
May 3, 2010
Lee James is the most incredibly talented artist at Lee James Floral. He creates fabulously unique arrangements and can throw an event like no one else. Our brides and party hostesses love working with Lee as he is not only talented, but makes every planning session enormous fun. He does all this and constantly, quietly gives back to the community, and, is the Ritz-Carlton Orlando florist as well.
Cori Blake
May 3, 2010
Big Apple Florist New York, NY
Karen Harrison
May 3, 2010
Yet another vote for Debbie Welch and The Bride’s Bouquet in Palm Harbor FL. I’ve worked with Debbie and her team on several weddings, and they always do a top notch job. In addition to the flowers being beautiful, their customer service and follow through is amazing. They make sure every last detail is perfect. I look forward to every opportunity to work with them!
david vasquez
May 3, 2010
el mejor de mi ciudad soy yooo!!!!
Rick Canale
May 4, 2010
Exotic Flowers is Boston’s Premier Florist – they offer the traditional to the outlandish.
They have 2 cool stores and a friendly knowledgable sales staff.
Rafael Ribeiro
May 9, 2010
OLA, MORO NO BRASIL, E SOU PROPRIETARIO DA EMPRESA AR VERDE, ONDE TRABALHO COM DECORAÇÃO A 10 ANOS, E SOU FÃ DESSA, DE PRESTON BAYLER O QUAL ME INSPIRO, PARA OUSAR NAS CRIAÇOES DE MINHAS DECORAÇÃO NESTE PAIS ONDE TEMOS UMA INFINITA QUANTIDADE DE ESPÉCIES DE FLORES, OU MELHOR A MAIOR PAIS COM DIVERSIDADE BOTANICA. ABRAÇOS
MOARA FRAGA
May 9, 2010
OLA ADIMIRO MUITO SEU TRABALHO E É MEU SONHA UMA DECORAÇÃO PARA MEU CASAMENTO ABRAÇOS SUCESSO !!
Mrs. Willie Jones
May 10, 2010
Hello Preston. I am a floral designer for Dana Dineen in Clearwater, Fl. She has been in business for the last 20 years and we do hotels and weddings. Dana’s attention to detail is legendary and for all of us who work with her, doing flowers is a labor of love. Please enjoy viewing her website.
SERENE
May 11, 2010
Exotica is the best in the Middle East and Gulf region. Please have a look at our retail website http://www.exoticaemirates.com and our corporate website http://www.exoticaemirates.ae. It would mean a lot to us to get your opinion, as you are a great source of inspiration to us.
Best, S
Maureen Mac Mahon
May 11, 2010
Hi Preston, I would be honoured for you to check out my site!!!! http://www.MacsFlowers.com I am a ‘lone’ florist! I am in a very small seaside town and usually working on my own with a miniscule budget!! I only dream of getting that one wedding where somoeone would say the price is no option so that I could try and recreate a similar design to some of the fantastic creations you create!! If you are ever in Ireland, make sure to visit, I would be happy to show you around the west coast!
Maureen
Yelena - The Stylish Soiree
May 11, 2010
In Southern California, Carissa of JL Designs (http://www.jldesignsandevents.com/) work really shines. She is one of my all-time favorites to work with, and is such a great person as well!
Lisa Krauss
May 11, 2010
Plaza Flowers in Philadelphia and Norristown, PA
Great service, prompt delivery, longest lasting flowers, largest selection.
http://www.plazaflowers.net
Attaxiltdiarm
May 14, 2010
thanks!
lets write them until the admit it, or stop doing it! i am writing them now!
Trudy
May 15, 2010
Chalifour’s does everything – from invitations to rentals! They have been voted best florist in NH year after year! Chalifour’s Flowers is known for their creativity and every wedding is so unique!
Elena
May 19, 2010
I would always recommend my florist in Jersey City, just a couple of miles from Manhattan. Check her style out. Her website is simply class. http://www.limelightfloral.com
The Dezign Shop
May 21, 2010
12 years of experience of doing weddings in LA CA.
Jess
June 4, 2010
so repetitive, I know, i’m sorry, but YOU ARE by far the best i’ve seen so far down the line…..i find it hard to believe in much more….whau, just whau!!! I would love to work with you, dream on Jess
Ferne
June 18, 2010
Talent is not the word. Jose Graterol Designs in Miami Florida are my favorite floral designers They are my lifeline when it comes to entertaining. Whether it is a party for several hundred or a dinner party in a home, Jose does a transformation. He knows his space and what to do with it. Whether you want classical,traditional, or modern he follows through with every” T “crossed and every” i “dotted. I am usually surprised how much more is done then expected. He executes with perfection. Jose and Steven are a pleasure to work with and nothing is ever a problem. You ask and it is created. Sometimes I will call and say I need a little touch of Jose at my home and over it comes. Miami is lucky to have Jose Graterol Designs and so am I !!!
Teresita Fernandez
June 21, 2010
The most exquisite and creative designer in South Florida is Jose Graterol Designs, he is a platinum designer. No matter what project you give him, he works his magic. He has designed many parties for my family in the last five years and my guests are always amazed at his creations. It is also a pleasure to work with him because Jose and his partner Steve are incredible human beings. If you want the WOW factor in your event, Jose will achieve it for you.
Jessica Thomas
June 28, 2010
Jose Graterol Designs!!!! Miami, Florida… Not only the most unimaginable, incredible, EXTENSIVE creativity but also out of this world service!! I got married with them and would throw parties every week with them if I could!
LV
July 1, 2010
Merriweather’s Flowers. They’re in Raynham, MA and do everyday stuff out that way. For events though, they go from Boston to Cape Cod to Newport and everywhere in between. Extremely creative design, superior attention to detail, and extrodinary service. Lee is the best around, by far!!! A true artist with an amazing eye for color.
Alan Johnson
July 21, 2010
PENNY JOHNSON FLOWERS Having worked alongside some of the uks leading event and exhibition organisers,and creating some of the biggest landscaping and design concepts ever undertaken we have built a reputation within the this industry and we are very proud of our achievements…We are very eager to move into the high end Private & corporate events world “we just need that opportunity” Keep moving forard and im sure it will come..!
Eric
July 24, 2010
Affleur Event Design.
I want to nominate my beautiful and talented wife, for the best floral and event design in the Toronto, Ontario, Canada
She always goes above and beyond for all her customers, and because she’s a perfectionist every last detail is handle flawless lessly… check out her portfolio at http://www.affleur.ca
B. Mehall
August 26, 2010
My favorite florist in Cleveland, OH is Pieter Bouterse. He’s from Holland and very talented and there’s just something about him. You’ll have to meet him in person to know what I mean.
I have all your books and THANK YOU for all the joy you bring me when I page through them…