Flowers are one of my favourite components of a wedding. I mean, there simply aren't enough occasions in life that provide you with an excuse to fill entire rooms with fresh blooms and luscious foliage. And just how many opportunities does a girl get to tote around her very own bouquet all day, hmmm?
So it is with great pleasure that I introduce you to one of our newest sponsors here at Love My Dress. Lara Haynes is the creative director of Darling & Wild, a bespoke florist specializing in weddings and events. Based in Tunbridge Wells, Lara predominantly serves Kent, East Sussex and the Home Counties, but she is more than happy to travel further afield.
Love My Dress Wedding Blog – Photography Copyright (c) 2013, Darling & Wild
'The name Darling & Wild reflects my belief that flowers can be dreamy, feminine and timeless while also embracing all that is edgy, contemporary and experimental.'
'I love using textures as well as colour to create interest – think pods, berries, seed heads, twigs, lichen and succulents. Where possible I buy English flowers and I also grow some in my garden. I aim to be versatile and achieve the desired look for each of my clients, but I lean towards a more naturalistic look as opposed to anything too contrived.'
Lara told me more about how Darling & Wild came to be, as well as what she loves about her work…
Image Credit – Emma Case, see the full wedding here
'My journey began 20 years ago in Sydney. I wasn't creatively fulfilled by the marketing job I was in, so I decided to resign and set up my own business. I combined my two great passions, nature and art.'
'I love to collaborate with my clients, guiding them through the maze of limitless choices to produce something wonderful which reflects their personality and vision for their special day.'
'I get to indulge my consuming passion for flowers as well as my love of colour and design. The creative freedom is liberating, and despite working with the same medium, every job and every bouquet is individual.'
Image Credit: Darling & Wild
Lara's floristry is inspired by her interest in interior and garden design, antiques and her enthusiasm for collecting quirky objects.
'I like nothing better than scouring around for unusual containers and vessels that I can incorporate into my commissions. I am inspired by the limitless, constantly changing colour palette and textures of nature, together with the juxtaposition of old and new. The sheer alchemy that occurs when you begin to put flowers together is a constant source of joy to me.'
Image Credit: Emily Butters Photography
There is no job too big or too small for Darling & Wild and Lara has worked with clients who have thousands to spend on their wedding flowers and those with a much more modest budget.
'Go with what you love, be realistic and open about your budget and, most importantly, trust your florist. I truly understand what needs to be achieved in order to make your floral experience a happy one.'
Image Credit: Wild Weddings
Image Credit: Darling & Wild
Image Credit: Lucy Bateman Photography
Image Credit: Claudine Hartzel
Image Credit: Rusty & Sailor
Lara also offers tuition to small groups or individuals, so if you would like to arrange your own flowers she can show you how. Head over to the Darling & Wild website or keep up-to-date with Lara's work via facebook, twitter and her blog.
Much love,
Franky
Annabel View all Annabel's articles
Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.
