Wedding Vendor Interview: Maddie Jayde Floral Design
As many of you would know, at the end of April this year, my partner, Danny proposed to me. And after many tears, hugs and celebratory toasts, we began the exciting task of planning our own wedding! While spending hours upon hours researching the perfect wedding vendors for our big day, I realised others would be in the same boat as we were.
On top of designing wedding stationery, I have such a passion for helping couples plan their big day which is why I have decided to start a series called ‘As Featured On Post Road Studio.’ Here you will be able to read the inside scoop on wedding businesses, ranging from florists, to makeup artists, to cake designers, and more!
To start off this exciting series, I would like to introduce the beautiful Maddison Walsh, from Maddie Jayde Floral Design.
Maddison Walsh
Maddison Walsh is a qualified florist, who has been working in the industry for four years from her home studio based in Brisbane. Her journey with floral design comes from a deep passion for the artistic beauty that exists within nature. Having worked alongside some of Australia’s best florists, Maddie is dedicated to bringing your dream arrangements to life, imparting her own creativity, love and natural beauty into each design.
How did you begin in the floral industry and what made you want to start creating floral arrangements for weddings?
I actually went to university to study education after high school, something I quickly realised was not suited to me (I’m not the biggest fan of children). I needed to have a substantial amount of time off uni for health reasons, and while recovering, I realised that there was no way I was going back and that I needed to find something else to do. While on bed rest, I took every career test imaginable and ‘florist’ kept popping up. I knew commercial floristry would be glorified retail, but the first certificate was only six months long at TAFE so I thought, ‘why not?’. As it turns out, I was actually pretty good at floristry and really enjoyed using my hands to create things (something I knew I loved, but not something I thought I’d find in flowers). I finished that certificate and got the next! The rest is history as they say.
As for bridal floral arrangements specifically, it was quite a natural progression for me. I started out working in shops with some very talented designers, learning everything I could, and assisting for weddings, events and regular orders! I did a few weddings here and there, but I finally bit the bullet last year and really started my own business. It’s still in its infancy, and a part-time gig, but I can’t wait to see where I can take my business!
What preparation goes into planning and creating for a wedding day floral order?
A lot more than people think! It starts with the consult of course, then hours of quoting and emails with the client until they are happy with their proposal. A few weeks out, I order sundries and flowers from my suppliers. I will prep any sundries that come in about five days before the wedding such as cutting ribbons, washing buckets, prepping delivery boxes, filling vases etc. A day or two before the wedding I’ll head to the flower market and pick up all the beautiful blooms! From there I will spend hours prepping and cleaning the flowers, before finally arranging them ready for the big day. On the day, I usually deliver the bridal party flowers first before creating any ceremony arrangements on site.
Maddy & Billy’s Wedding: Shot By: Tessa Shannon Photo
Is there something/someone in particular that inspires your creativity when designing arrangements?
I’m inspired by a lot of things. Pretty dresses, travelling, architecture, artists like Florence + the Machine, films like Lord of the Rings and Howl’s Moving Castle, and books like The Secret Garden or even manga like Sailor Moon. The list could go on forever.
If you could put one flower into every bouquet for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This will come as no surprise to anyone that follows me on Instagram, poppies!
What is your most favourite floral colour trend of 2021 and what do you think will be popular in 2022?
While not necessarily “trending”, I do think a lot more couples are taking on a bit of colour with their florals for their wedding day! I love a pop of colour, even if it’s subtle, like pastel peach and pink, rather than the classic white and pink. 2022 will definitely be the year of chic micro-weddings, elopements, and lush intimate affairs. I can’t wait to see what people come up with!
Emily & Lucas’ Wedding: Shot By Zac Monty Media
What’s next for your business? What do you most look forward to for Maddie Jayde Floral Design?
As I said earlier, Maddie Jayde Floral Design is still in its infancy, so getting to a place in the next few years where I can work on my business full-time would be ideal! My first “proper” year in business was 2020 (and we all know how that turned out), so now that 2021 is coming to an end, and I’m booked out with weddings, I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens for MJFD in 2022!
Planning Your Own Wedding?
If you’re planning your own wedding, and are interested in learning more about Maddie Jayde Floral Design, you can check out her website and Instagram!
Rebekah Williams: Shot By: Catguts Photo