Tell us a little bit about your business.
I got my start in flowers in 2014 as a grower but quickly fell in love with large-scale event design. My aesthetic as Summer House Flower Co. is rooted in nature, and my design principles tend to follow my gardens: organic, seasonal, and a little untamed. When it comes to weddings, I think of every arrangement as a work of art that will augment an extraordinary moment in time, and I insist on exceeding the expectations of every couple who trusts me with their florals.
What makes your work unique?
There are so many super talented florists in Pittsburgh, and you can’t go wrong, honestly, if you’re searching for one on Burgh Brides. I’m distinctive in that I offer a truly custom-tailored experience from top to bottom, often starting specially-requested or impossible-to-source flowers in my gardens for a client six months before their wedding. I’m also really into originality and authenticity, so, while I’m happy to have a look at inspiration images, I promise that your wedding will be entirely unique and completely you.
What is your ideal client like?
My perfect clients love flowers! They are thoughtful and imaginative, dynamic and discriminating, and they delight in the ability of flowers to elevate their wedding. My couples appreciate that many of their flowers have been grown – with so much care and attention – just for them on their wedding day.
How do you work with couples to bring their wedding dreams to life?
Every client relationship is unique, but wedding planners and couples typically inquire by filling out a very short questionnaire at my website, and I always reply right away by email or text to set up a consultation. That first conversation is mostly a vibe check, in which I try to get to know a bit about the couple and their vision. If we’re a good match, a rough pricing estimate follows to help the client focus their plans and set a budget that makes sense for them before we move to the proposal and contract phases. Once we’ve formally agreed to work together, we keep in close touch, and, as the wedding approaches, we refine concepts, make necessary adjustments, and finalize details. Throughout the planning process, I’m always available by phone, text, email, or in-person for venue visits, garden walk-throughs, or coffee hangs. My very favorite thing about this business has been that most of my couples make the jump from clients to friends, and we remain in touch long after the weddings are over.
