Name: Fiona Pickles
Company Name: Firenza Floral Design
Website: www.firenzafloraldesign.co.uk
Twitter: @firenzaflowers
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FirenzaFlowers
Fiona from Firenza Floral design is a wedding florist, she only does weddings and she specialises in a soft, romantic and natural style – a little like a beautiful Gertrude Jekyll garden. She uses scented flowers and herbs wherever possible.
Where did the name of your business come from:
I wanted to use something that was personal to me or my family - my nana’s name was Florence and Firenza is a form of the Italian for Florence. I didn’t realize until afterwards the meaning of the name Florence is “flowering” or “blossoming” so it was even more appropriate than I realised. Funnily enough my other nana was called Olive so I had plenty to choose from.
The best part about your job:
Without doubt the best part of my job is delivering the brides bouquet on the morning of the wedding. The room is always buzzing with excitement and emotion (and usually a little champagne too) and hearing squeals of delight (or often tears of joy, which then sets me off, so be warned) when she sees her bouquet for the first time makes all the time and effort (usually on very little sleep) more than worthwhile. LOVE it!
What is your favorite flower?
It is just impossible to narrow it down to one flower, it would have to be between peonies and proper old fashioned scented garden roses. Funnily enough, the sort of flowers I use A LOT throughout my weddings… (looks puzzled and strokes chin…!) It took me a while to realize that it is far better just to go with the style of flowers that you love anyway, the passion is genuine which then comes across to your brides. I don’t want to create weird and wonderful designs that appear to defy gravity, or look like they’ve landed from another planet - I love beautiful, romantic, tumbling, blousy, scented flowers that you want to rub your face in, so that’s what I do!
Favourite Song:
I have a very wide taste in music, but I’m going to plump for the one that WITHOUT FAIL has me in floods of tears. It’s not a cool song, it’s not trendy but the words just really hit home and if it comes on with other people in the room I have leave or turn it off for fear of embarrassment.
The song is Christina Aguilera – Hurt (see, I told you it wasn’t cool)
Emotion alert …..
My dad died when I was a 17 year old horrible git of a moaning teenager (a long time before this song came out). I always worry that his memory of me was basically a horrible 17 year old who was very different to the person I am now, so every time I hear the words it just gets me every time – even thinking of it now I have tears streaming.
“I’m sorry for blaming you for everything I just couldn’t do and I’ve hurt myself by hurting you”
“Are you looking down upon me, are you proud of who I am?”
“If I had just one more day, I would tell you how much that I missed you since you’ve been away”
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to hear your voice again”
“If only I knew what I know today, I would hold you in my arms, I would take the pain away, thank you for all you’ve done…”
Etc etc. Sooo sorry for bringing the mood down – maybe I should have just answered “Agadoo”
Favourite Month:
May. The garden is gorgeous, the seasonal flowers are gorgeous, the weather is often gorgeous – shame my birthday is in January and my wedding anniversary in November – pah! Anyone with a birthday in May I have birthday envy.
Favourite Drink:
During the day Tea (weak, with milk, preferably Earl Grey) or coffee (milky, preferably latte)
After a reasonable hour (this varies with what sort of day it has been) – wine – and lots of it
Favourite Word:
Discombobulated – especially said in a Rowan Atkinson styley
What don’t we know about you:
I have done a parachute jump – none of that namby pamby just throw yourself out malarkey, oh no sirree, I had to climb along the wing of a Cessna, hold on then was told when to let go – except I got blown off the wing before they had a chance – all ended well though
I broke my left elbow (and multiple other injuries) in a very dramatic fall off a galloping horse onto a very hard road
I broke my right elbow trampolining
I lead a much more relaxing life now
Favourite Quote from a Film:
He’s not the Messiah, he’s a very naughty boy
Fiona is exhibiting at The UK Wedding Show at Manchester Central (GMEX) on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October so why not call in and experience the scented displays for yourself – they have to be smelled to be believed!
