Vendor Profile- Florist: The Olive & Poppy

This month’s vendor profile will highlight our “buds” in the florals biz. Working with a florist will likely be a huge part of your wedding. These individuals have creativity blooming all over the place and can help make your day perfectly you. Whether that’s creating some over-the-top structures or helping hone in on your color palette, these experts will play a big role.

One of the best in the game is our friend Shannon Martinez of The Olive and Poppy, based out of Denver. We asked Shannon a few questions to learn a bit more about her and her business and to share her lovely work with all of you.

How long have you been working as a florist?

I’ve been obsessed with flowers since I was little. We lived in Arizona and I would pick all of the neighbor’s Hibiscus flowers that grew over the fence. I believed I had a magic dresser drawer where I would hide all of my newly foraged friends, once they died they just disappeared (thanks, Mom).

Fast forward to 23 years young, working in the corporate offices, selling copy machines knowing that I couldn’t sustain the rest of my life doing something that I wasn’t truly passionate about. My soul felt a calling to have my hands in something creative, where I could get my hands dirty and give back to others somehow while making pretty things. I quit my job, bartended at night, and volunteered at any flower shop that would let me in. Breaking down boxes, washing buckets, unpacking vases, whatever it took. I can remember shucking roses in the rain in a parking lot in Oregon thinking, “I’ve finally made it!!!!!” I truly knew I was set on the right path.  

18 years of experience thus far and I still continuously seek growth and knowledge of our ever-evolving industry and craft. 

When did you add weddings to your repertoire?

I worked in retail design (dabbled in events) for the first 10 years. I made the switch over to events only about 8 years ago, after moving to Colorado and getting to know our market and building relationships with our fellow event community. There’s such a freedom in the artistic style of Wedding and Event design.

What is your favorite thing about the job?

Being on site the day of the wedding with my team. You get to bring the complete vision to life. Every single bloom has been hand picked, placed, and admired. Seeing your clients smile when they see the room for the first time or their bouquet for the first time… It’s such a fulfilling feeling to be vital part of such an intimate day. 

Do you have a favorite flower or color palette you like working with?

We will never repeat the same wedding twice. Each color palette will come with its own challenges and puzzles, so we never get tired of anything. An all-white wedding in May will look totally different in September; done in a totally different venue in a totally different style. Each season brings your favorites and as the “new-ness” of that favorite starts to wear off, we fade into the next season and you’re invigorated again. As the big cupped Peony season starts to fade into the swirly Dinner Plate Dahlia season you get excited all over again.

Color-wise, I love when couples aren’t afraid to add in an uncomfortable color that doesn’t sound like it would fit right away. For example, adding in a pop of brown to white and blush. Or a bright raspberry to your burgundy and blush palette. Something that helps add dimension or highlights to your varieties.  It’s exciting to look at, totally unique to your day, and helps to stand out from the crowd. 

What are some current trends you’re seeing or expect to come on the scene soon?

The last few years have been all about the greenery. We are starting to see less greenery and a focus back on the florals again. Super exciting to put your investment back into the beautiful blooms and helping create those fun color palettes we were just speaking about. We are also seeing a shift towards fun installation pieces or statement pieces. Big hanging floral chandeliers, or artistic creations straight from a florist’s dream. Guests at a wedding will tend to remember pieces like that versus an over-the-top centerpiece. 

What is the best advice you can give a couple planning their wedding?

Trust your vendors… They have come by way of recommendation for a reason. Lean into their expertise and advice. Most of our top successes have come from clients that have watched our body of work, love our signature style, and trust us to help bring the vision to life. Asking vendors for recommendation in other areas is another big one. Who better to know the industry than someone who has worked with other companies handfuls of times. 

Having a good vision of what you would like, but being open to suggestions is a good one too!

Don’t sweat the small details! Enjoy your engagement!

What specific services does The Olive & Poppy provide and what is the price range?

We specialize in anything floral and/or decor related. If we don’t personally have what you are looking for, we know how to find it! We have all the rentals such as vessels, chandeliers, candles, etc. We can help you create from the beginning. Even if it’s helping you pick a palette to setting up, taking down, and anything in between.

We work with all price ranges. We’ve had clients start with a personals-only package starting at $1,000 and have had events with full service teams leading up to $35,000. For events that require setup and delivery we do have a minimum investment of $5,000 for the 2021 season. 

Anything else we should know about you or your business?

We are obsessed with what we do. We’re here to help guide you and make this a fun experience, and possibly give away a few hugs along the way. I like to make sure that we are easily accessible and totally transparent through the whole process. We want to make this once in a lifetime experience something you will always remember and to take your guests on that same journey!  

Links

If you’d like to know more about The Olive & Poppy and their services, click on the link to their website here.
🌺
To gaze upon all the blooms you can handle and other fantastic design whimsy, visit our Instagram page.
🌼
Special thanks to the photographers who captured all this beauty:
From the Hip Photo
Houseman Studios
T5 Photograpy

Other Colorful Weddings

Looking for some inspo in the form of a color explosion? Check out this wedding at the Denver Botanic Gardens or this one at a private residence in Silverthorne, CO.