2017, What a Year!

As 2017 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on what has been an incredible year. It’s not been without its challenges, but there have been so many highs we really have to pinch ourselves that it’s all real!  In particular, 2017 has been a year where we have succeeded in achieving some long-sought after goals, which also means we’re exhausted and can’t wait for a mini-break and a glass of fizz!

National Wedding Florist of the Year

 

The year kicked off in sensational style when we were announced not just as North West Florist of the Year in The Wedding Industry Awards but for the whole country!! It was an incredible moment that we won’t forget in a long time. For us to be recognised as one of the best or, can you believe it, THE best in your field is something we are infinitely proud of and hugely indebted to all the brides and grooms who voted for us, giving their seal of approval.

Flash forward 12 months…

…and I have just finished being a judge for the same awards! This was a huge honour and, I’m not going to lie, an incredibly fascinating journey for me.  There is some unbelievable talent out there and I’m proud to be amongst them, representing our industry.

We had a makeover!

 

It’s only been 12 months in the planning! In all seriousness, this was my one big ambition for 2017 and thanks to the glorious talents of Sian Astley and her Moregeous team, a goal that was well and truly ticked with the opening of our newly revamped shop back in November.  We love, love, love our new home!

We were inspired

 

Back in October, Mark and I were fortunate to visit Fleuramour in Brussels for one gob-smacking hit of floral inspiration. These kind of exhibitions and showcases are mesmerising for florists, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in floral design.

Prior to that I joined Florismart on a tour of our dedicated and wonderful British growers, witnessing the innovative technology and sheer passion our home-grown talent have for their trade.  I wanted the team to understand and experience more about the production of the beautiful stems we work with, so finally got round to doing something I had promised for ages; shutting up shop and taking them all to Amsterdam! It was ace to spend some time together without an apron on and scissors in our hands (we replaced those with cocktails) and I was rewarded seeing their interest and fascination.

The launch of our Creative workshops

 

Again, something that has sat on my wish list for a while, but this year, I took the plunge and launched The Flower Lounge’s very first creative workshops! They have been a raging success and we have been overwhelmed with the positive feedback.  You’ll be pleased to hear, they’re here to stay; we even factored them into our shop design, disguising workbenches within the shelving units.  Our Spring Workshops are on Eventbrite now with more to follow in 2018…

Innovative brides

 

It goes without saying that our wonderful couples, now newlyweds, have also played a huge part in shaping our amazing year.  We’ve noticed brides being braver and more imaginative with their vision, so have thoroughly enjoyed getting creative and embracing new ideas.  You can see the most trends for 2017 in an earlier blog and we’ll let you know about the predictions for 2018 in the coming weeks – expect plenty of foliage and texture, new ways to wear flowers and Pantone’s Colour of the Year…Ultraviolet!!

Which just about wraps things up.  A huge thank-you to all our wonderful customers, followers and supporters for your never-ending faith in what we do – we’re having a ball!!

Happy New Year x

2017, What a Year!