It’s no secret that 2 weeks ago we got to spend 5 days out east in New Jersey and New York as a team! It was so fun to spend time together learning from talented designers, meeting with future and current clients and exploring the city. We could spend the next 3 months posting every single picture and telling stories, but we decided to compile it all into one spot for you! You’re welcome 😉
Day 1: Jardin de Buis
We’ll spare you the details of our travel day, but know it was long and exhausting. After spending day traveling we spent the night in the cutest little cottage.
We then woke up and spent the day at Jardin de Buis a beautifully restored property, artfully tailored to display the incredible architecture and organic beauty. We were greeted by a beautiful room full of flowers brimming with possibilities and then were gifted a tour around the property! It was truly incredible to see the work this couple has spent years working on.
We then got to watch the masters TJ McGrath and Graeme Corbett design and learn their process, what inspires them and what they consider when making their arrangements.
Once they had demonstrated their talents we were set free in a room full of the most beautiful and local blooms to create our own compote arrangement. With warm sunshine we got to work, trying to apply different techniques given to us by TJ & Graeme.
After lunch the talented Max Gill got to work creating a beautiful monochromatic arrangement, again teaching us techniques and comparing much of his design process to placing the flowers as if they were on a stage. So beautiful and inspiring to hear how someone so talented goes about creating his masterpieces.
Day 2: Jardin de Buis —> NYC
After another cozy night in our cottage we went back to Jardin de Buis where our wonderful hosts had prepared a group project, creating a table scape and surrounding floral enclosure. All then beautifully photographed by the talented Petronella Photography.
We ate lunch at our carefully designed table and chatted with so many incredibly talented and passionate flower lovers! It is always so inspiring to hear the stories, trials and successes of those who belong to our flower family! We ended our time at Jardin de Buis with some Q&A from our talented teachers. This part is always so wonderful for us as we can really work on expanding our knowledge of not only the flower design process, but managing clients, producing events and so much more. We then headed into the city – a first time visit for Mecayle.
Day 3: NYC Tourists & Dream Clients
Our first official day in the city we embraced the day as tourists, drinking in the sights and sounds and eating the most incredible foods. A trip to Bergdorf and Goodman for lunch, followed by a stroll through Central Park that finished at the Met. As lovers of art it was so fun to stroll through years worth of collections, stories and pieces from people all around the world.
We then caught a can back to our hotel where we met with the most incredible future clients! It’s not often we get to do a first meeting in person, so it was extra special that the connection right off the bat was so strong.
We ended the day at Per Se with an incredible tasting menu dinner that we are still dreaming about. Genuinely some of the most exquisite food we have ever tasted.
Day 4: Flower Markets & Broadway
Bright and early on May first we woke up and headed to the flower markets! Sami, as many of our readers know spent two year living and working in New York City. That morning we had the lovely opportunity to take a bouquet class from one of her dear friends from her time in the city. And then sent our arrangements out to those lovely clients of ours who live in the city.
After a quick nap and dinner we headed to broadway to see Wicked! So fun to see Mecayle experience her first broadway production and Alison’s first time seeing wicked after years of waiting!
Day 5: Dress fitting & Laser Wolf
By day five we were honestly exhausted so we relaxed that morning and then went over to Elizabeth Fillmore’s design studio for our gorgeous bride’s wedding gown fitting! Not only was it incredible to meet the designer but also to see our bride gush over her dress that we can’t wait to share photos of (just not until August ;))
We then had our last meal in the city at Laser Wolf an incredible Israeli restaurant that one of our lovely brides was able to secure us a reservation at. The views, the food and the company was incredible.
RECAP
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations and thank you for reading! We truly feel so grateful to have been able to spend the time together as a company! We cherish the relationships we have both as co-workers and as friends and feel blessed to be able to have both at once. We feel inspired, rejuvenated and excited after our trip. Our wheels are turning with anticipation and ideas! We cannot wait for the clients and events we have on our calendar this year and in the coming years!
If you saw our instagram post, our trip for Sami was a walk down memory lane and an opportunity to reflect on how far she has come. Having spent two years working in New York working for someone else’s business to then return nearly 20 years later with her own employees with the business that she now owns was an incredible reflection. Fun to reflect on how far we have come and then to set goals on how far we can go!
xoxo
