August is the peak of wedding season, and florists like Marie Campbell of Blooms by Marie work tirelessly to accommodate the demands of multiple ceremonies, but New York’s unpredictable weather has made their operations even more complicated this summer.
Campbell, who has been passionate about floristry since her childhood in Jamaica, manages inventory, design preparation and logistics coordination.
“When we were little, my dad made us all have a garden,” Campbell said. “I just love flowers.”
Procurement was a challenge this season.
“We had a wedding for which we needed wildflowers and dahlias,” Campbell explained. “We had to approach our five different buyers and growers, most of whom are local.”
Mahbub Rahman, owner of Holistic Family Farm, is aware of these challenges.
“The worst thing is the weather,” Rahman said. “Too much rain is a problem, and tornadoes are hitting us hard.”
To solve these problems, Campbell is working with local producers to find seasonal alternatives.
“You always have to listen to the client’s needs,” she said. “Sometimes we improvise with the client’s permission to adjust the colors.”
As the wedding season continues, Campbell remains true to her commitment to delivering quality and service and adapting to whatever nature throws at her.
“It feels good because you are creating happiness,” she said. “Flowers bring joy, peace and comfort.”
With the fall wedding season approaching, florists advise couples to contact their local florist early to obtain specific flowers or arrangements.
