There is so much power in flowers, plant friends. A flower is so much more than a bloom, but an expression, a connection to something deeper. Whatever our known or unknown bias for blooms is, flowers are little joy bombs just waiting to be cut or grown. It’s undeniable that flowers also can play a huge part in a wedding day: from the ceremonial bouquet and corsage to the ceremony and reception flowers can be used to enliven a wedding day, and also express a part of yourself through your choices. But as a tropical foliage lover, I was actually tremendously out of my depth when it came to understanding what went into wedding florals, or flowers in general when I was planning our wedding. As wedding florals are also a huge investment, I found myself going through a little wedding floral crash course of my own and with my florist, Corina of The Botaniste. In this episode, Corina and I share all things wedding flowers so that you know where to start come your wedding planning! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society!The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop-shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection.Click here to join us!Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn:[02:22] Introducing Corina[04:16] What to expect of the last episode of My Botanically Inspired Wedding Series[09:29] Corina shares her experiences planning wedding florals with couples[10:33] Why Pinterest is every bride’s best friend AND worst enemy[11:52] How Corina became a plant lady and how she started The Botaniste[17:29] Corina’s biggest influences in floral styling[18:18] What are current and upcoming trends for wedding flowers?[19:46] What elements are there in a tablescape?[22:28] Is there a difference between wedding flowers and event flowers?[26:14] Maria shares her decision-making process with her wedding florals[28:02] How flowers elevate any event[29:26] How to preserve your wedding flowers[31:00] What are the best and the worst flowers to have at your wedding?[34:01] Which flower is an alternative to peonies?[35:54] New rose varieties to try in your wedding flowers[39:27] How to condition cut flowers[41:23] How to keep cut hydrangeas from wilting[42:58] Where to get the best organic indoor and outdoor gardening products[44:12] Planning to grow from seeds this coming garden season?[48:15] How to work with florists and where to start with your wedding flower planning[52:33] Building a trusting relationship with your wedding florist[55:08] Corina’s advice for couples planning to DIY their wedding[58:51] Maria’s garland and greenery vision[01:00:40] How to style a wedding with greenery[01:03:38] Incorporating bud vases in your wedding[01:07:55] Adding statement greenery to your wedding venue and reception[01:12:49] What you should know about greenery[01:14:38] Corina’s ultimate tip for wedding planners and contractors[01:15:15] Corina’s current favorite flowers and combinations[01:17:00] What Maria loved about blushing bride protea[01:18:08] Where you can hire Corina as your florist[01:20:25] Maria’s Wedding Series reflectionsMentioned in the conversation:Check out Corina's video on how to arrange a big bridal bouquet!Lush Magnolia Flower Preservation artistDIY Wedding Copper Arbor blogBAGR Episode: 3 Plant Inspired DIY Wedding Ideas that Live on After the Big DayBAGR Episode: 26 Ways to Incorporate Plants Into Your WeddingBAGR Blog: 26 Ways to Incorporate Plants Into Your WeddingThank you to our episode sponsors:Territorial Seed CompanyIt’s time to start planning your garden and placing your seed orders! Territorial Seed Company has an unbelievable selection of seeds and plants to choose from to build the garden of your dreams all year, with sustainably-grown seeds for the best-tasting, best-producing, highest-quality vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Check out their amazing variety of seeds, plants, garden planners, and more at territorialseed.com and use code BLOOM10 to get 10% off your first order.Espoma OrganicEspoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To learn more about their pet safe indoor and outdoor gardening products, visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront. Follow Corina:The Botaniste Florida: Website | InstagramThe Botaniste East Hampton: Website | Instagram Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet!Take the Bloom and Grow Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadioTiktok: @bloomandgrowradioSubscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /BloomandgrowradioWebsite: www.bloomandgrowradio.comJoin the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club