Photo by Emily Wren Photography
Upping the beauty quotient for your big day
by Emily Kovach
Besides food, there is one other wedding detail that is practically universal, making an appearance at even the most low-key backyard weddings or far-flung-destination nuptials: flowers. Whether in the form of bouquets, garlands, boutonnières, scattered petals or table arrangements, the colors, aromas and shapes of flowers signify romance and abundance. This wedding tradition may have some murky roots (to mask the smell of the couple in predeodorant days, for example), but these days, flowers are a lovely way to spiff up the scene and wink at fertility. There are countless florists around town, but what separates the good ones from the great? We think an excellent place to start is with florists who prioritize sustainable practices, as the flower industry is generally rife with problems, ranging from rampant pesticide use to child labor. Luckily, there are plenty of responsible, eco-minded florists to help you choose the perfect wedding blooms.
This East Falls flower shop (formerly Falls Flowers) is currently rebranding, changing its name to Vault + Vine, as well as moving from its old location on Conrad Street to an upgraded space at 3507 Midvale Ave., which will include a florist, café, greenhouse and locally focused gift shop, all under one lovely roof. From the start, owner Peicha Chang has made sustainability a focus that goes way beyond the flowers, all of which are locally sourced or organically certified. Nearly everything from ribbons to waxed paper is recycled or composted, and the company bears the honor of being a certified B Corporation.
Based in Fishtown, this husband-and-wife-owned florist is completely events-based. Designer Amy Bruck scours the area, building relationships with local farmers and nurseries, in search of the most stunning flowers and plants she can find. Vale Bruck brings a different set of skills to the table—formerly a large-scale art-installation technician, he helps clients dream up dramatic ways to use flowers in their event spaces that go way beyond traditional bouquets or table arrangements.
From an unbelievable urban flower farm in Roxborough, Jennie Love of Love’n Fresh Flowers grows nearly all of the blooms for her wedding clients. Sticking to the offerings of each season, Love’n Fresh’s floral services are guided by its design philosophy, which includes a devotion to locally grown flowers, an avoidance of the fussy and stuffy, and the belief that “flowers are living poetry.” Wedding options range from prix fixe packages, where couples trust Love’n Fresh to choose the specific colors and flowers in their floral décor, to à la carte and bulk botanicals, as well as full-service packages.
