Meet Audrey Gardemeyer, she so much more than just a pretty lady, she is an charming and chic floral artist and the proud owner of Bontanica Floral Designs.  She is not afraid of breaking away from the traditional wedding flower arrangements and creating a true one of a kind colorful statement while remaining true to her client.  I met Audrey over three years ago and have been impressed by the beautiful pieces that she can create.

• Who is Botanica Floral Designs? We are a design team dedicated to making any event extraordinary through florals, decor, and your personal style!
• When did you know you wanted to be a Floral Designer? I knew the Floral Industry was where my passion was at the age of 15.  I was very involved with FFA (Future Farmers of America), where I was introduced to floral design and floral crop evaluation.
• Where did you train for this discipline? My floral background and experience started in high school where I competed in State and National competitions in floral design as well as cut flower quality.  Upon graduating from high school, I studied Environmental Horticulture Science at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where I received my Bachelor of Science degree. With over 10 years of direct hands-on experience, I have had the opportunity to work in various retail flower shops as well as for some of the most talented A.I.F.D (American Institute of Floral Designers) designers in the event industry.
• How long has Botanica Floral Designs been in business? Botanica Floral Designs is starting our third year in business.
• A word that best describes Botanica Floral Designs? Innovative.
• Do you have a team and if so tell us about them? We do have a team of assistants which help design and deliver our fabulous events.  Depending on the size and scope of an event, our team is there to make sure our client’s wishes are met with a stress-free day!
• If Botanica Floral Designs were a Flower which one would it be and why? Oh Gees, there are so many flowers…. I would say an orchid.  A simple bloom can be beautiful all by itself, but in an arrangement can add sophistication and elegance.
• What is your favorite thing about being in this business? Weddings and events are fun!  People get excited about weddings, they look forward to them, and seeing an event put together from start to finish is such a rewarding process.
• What would you consider Botanica Floral Designs style to be? Our style is versatile, my favorite style is romantic.  I love full, textural arrangements with unique elements.
• What would a party be like in your home? Probably outdoors with wine, delicious food, maybe some Michael Buble or Dave Matthews Band background music. We are pretty kick back, we like guests to feel comfortable, and I love spending time outside!
• Where do you draw your inspiration from? The world around me, whether it be interior design, fashion, fabric, nature… I’m always looking at things in a different way, out of the box, something unexpected!
• What professional in your discipline do you admire? There are so many talented floral designers out there, just a few would be Michelle Rago, Ed Libby & Co., Colin Cowie… I love to follow designers in metropolis cities where budgets are extravagant and styles range.
• Is there ever a moment, when doing an event, that you get butterflies? I am always excited to hand a bride her bouquet and see her reaction.  Because they haven’t actually ever seen the finished product, it is always a joy to see their elated reaction.  Another favorite part of the day is watching the bride and her father walk down the aisle.  Such a moving moment!
• You provide a product that is seasonal, can you tell us which flowers are best per each season? Of course there are some basic flowers which are available year round such as roses, gerbera daisies, anything grown in a hot house where the temperature can be controlled.  But, some of my most favorite flowers are things that are seasonally available such as peonies, ranunculus, coneflower pods, blooming branches, helleborus, and I could go on! 
• Any wedding stories you are willing to share with us? Yes!  Just this past week we were hired to do a wedding in less than 36 hours, yes, you read this right!  It was actually a “Platinum Wedding” for the WETV channel, and will be airing this next Spring.  It was a short timeline, and it seemed as though the planets aligned with the floral availability, my floral vendors, and our wonderful design crew!  We pulled it off, nothing is impossible as far as I’m concerned. : )
• Any particular event you are most proud of? I am truly proud of each event I work on.  Each event is completely unique in itself, a reflection of my client’s personality and the feel they are desiring to achieve for their special day.
• What is your ideal client? Someone who trusts my eye, and that I will carry out their look to the full potential.  Someone who is willing to give a little artistic freedom.  When I work with clients’ like this, they are always blown away by the results!
• How far in advance do you recommend a potential couple should start looking for a Floral Designer? I recommend nine to twelve months in advance.  Your flowers are an important part of the overall look of your event, so making decisions in step with the rest of your decor is essential.
• What questions should a Bride in Groom ask when interviewing a Floral Designer for their wedding? What exactly will you be purchasing, what size will the arrangements be, can the designer show you an example or photo of a comparable price?  What does the designers delivery entail?  Is it a drop and go service?  I think it is important that a Bride & Groom makes certain that a designer really meshes with the look they are trying to achieve as well as meshes with their personality. You will be working hand in hand with your designer, and your decor is dependent upon this person interpreting your visions, make sure they “get” you.
• What words of wisdom are you willing to bestow upon a young couple ready to make the leap into marriage? I would say, be open and honest, always, as with everything else you do in life.  I think that is a healthy way to live life, and these are words I live by.
• Why should they hire Botanica Floral Designs? We are dedicated to growing our happy clientele one bride at a time.  With every event we deliver, our reputation is at stake, we want to exceed your expectations, and that is what we are here to do.
• Where or how can they find more about Botanical Floral Designs? Check out our website, http://www.botanicafloraldesigns.com, and visit our blog to see some of our most recent events, http://www.botanicafloraldesigns.com/blog
• Who do you recommend that I interview next? A sweet and very talented artist, Sara Hamm with Bella Vita Invitations.  Her stuff is so unique!
• If you were a shoe would you be Flats, Boots, Pumps, Sneakers, Thongs or Loafers? I would live in sandals all year if I could… what can I say, I am a beach kinda girl

Images provided by:

David Pascolla Photography

Kristy Huston Photography