Reenie Rose: July 2014

Ok, it's been a long time. This wedding season is kicking my butt…but in a good way. I have so many different projects going on and work coming my way that I really can't complain. It only makes me a slacker in the blogging department. If you follow me on Instagram, you'll see the piles of work as they come in and go out.

How about that painting I've been working on for months….yeah, that's been slow too. The last minute chalkboard projects have taken over, leaving the painting to a smaller time slot during the week.

Some progress has been made though, and I'm also happy to share with you the maker of this fabulous bouquet, Lora Losinger of Sophisticated Floral Designs! In a crazy wonderful world, I would be able to deliver this painting when it's completed and meet the artist behind the flowers at her Portland studio. Well, it just so happens that while my bride did get married in Portland, she is now living in Louisiana… so that plan is out the window. Ah well. A leisurely trip to Portland will have to be planned in my future….post wedding season.

In the meantime, let's meet this talented florist who's work I have been a long time admirer of….

1. How did you start in this business?

I was first introduced to floral design as a young 14 year old freshman in high school. My school had an in-house floral shop where I gained my initial design experience doing daily arrangements, prom and homecoming flowers, as well as holiday orders.
This was when I made up my mind that retail floral shop was not for me. I wanted to specialize in wedding and event design out of a private studio. No walk-in traffic, meant I would have the time to focus on what I did best; which is weddings.

I continued my floral education at Floral Designs Institute in Portland, OR. Graduated in 2004 and two years later ventured out on my own and started Sophisticated Floral Designs out of my little apartment with a rental garage at the time. Looking back, I am amazed at the volume of designs that came out of that tiny place. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

2. Gotta ask...what’s your favorite flower?

I can’t say I have a favorite flower. It always changes, based on the season. Top favorites are garden roses, ranunculus, succulents, dahlias, jasmine, orchids, ferns, unique textures-pods, berries, etc.

3. Toot your own horn....what’s your specialty?

I enjoy being very versatile and trying new styles and flower varieties. I love using unique, seasonal and locally grown flowers, foliages and pods, as they add so much interest and texture to any design.

I gravitate more towards the Sophisticated, Formal, Lush and Elegant look.

4. What would be your dream creation?

I would love to design a full botanical dress. Also a large floral installation/floral wall for an event.

Too many fun ideas to explore.

6. What do you like about working in the wedding industry?

No two weddings are ever alike. Brides have very different styles and it keeps things interesting and challenging all at the same time.

7. What is something you wish your clients knew about your job?

Its not as glamorous as most think. The end product is beautiful, but the process to get there is very labor intensive and stressful. From heavy buckets to cleaver loading procedures to get the flowers to the venue in one piece. Unloading and set up takes blood, sweat and tears {literally at times}, but in the end everything is gorgeous and picture ready. Working with perishable product is no joke.

8. When you are not working, what are you up to?

Spending time with family and gardening. This is my first year growing a vegetable garden and its going well so far.

9. Anything new and exciting coming up that we should know about? (either professionally or personally)

We are expecting a new baby due December 2014.

Congratulations to Lora!!!! So excited for her.