When we know that brides are using Victoria Floral Designs for their flower needs, we know they’re in good hands!  Meet Victoria, who owns Victoria Floral Designs with her husband, John.  We love our husband and wife teams!

Tell us a little about your company!

My husband John and I opened our retail store, Flowerama, on August 17, 2004. We moved into weddings and special events before the end of our first year! You know us by our corporate name of Victoria Floral Designs which features our upscale wedding and event designs. Weddings and events have become our first love. Each one is just a exciting for us as it is for the bride, groom and event planner! Each one is unique, brings new designs, new skills and new challenges.

How did you get started in this business?

In 2001 our family moved to Chester, Virginia. We had researched different types of businesses and dreamed about opening our own. We considered many types of businesses. One of the many things we loved to do was garden and landscape around our home. Since I had floral experience during my high school and college years, a floral business seemed to be the natural next step.

What differentiates you from other businesses in your field?

We’re involved! We visit growers and wholesalers throughout Virginia. We buy in Virginia as often as possible. I am a designer, and love to bring the vision to life. You can find me working in the store right beside my staff.

Victoria Floral Designs 2

Why do you like working with weddings?

Working with  brides keeps me young and my skills fresh! What better way to learn and use new products and techniques? There is a lot that happens over the internet, and this year we did our first internet wedding where all the planning, flower selection and design was done through email. I also love helping brides and grooms plan this first BIG life event. I guess that’s the mom in me coming out!

What is the most difficult situation you have faced with a bride and how did you resolve it?

Sometimes fresh flower colors will vary. Blue hydrangea can be white and blue, green and blue, light blue, dark blue all in the same box of 30 that you get from one source. Fortunately there is a product called “Just for Flowers” that allows the florist give the bride the perfect color every time. We always show our brides the types of flowers she will receive on her wedding day, and we always let her know some color enhancing maybe needed if she is expecting a perfect consistent color.

Photo by Third Eye Studios
Photo by Third Eye Studios

From a vendor’s perspective, what is the one best piece of advice you can offer to engaged couples?

Select vendors you feel comfortable with and who will act in your best interest. Ask your vendors if they have a “plan B” and what they will do if all the hydrangeas are not a medium blue!

What or who motivates you?

First, I am motivated by my brides. I want them to have the best experience working with us. I want them to be excited by their flowers on their wedding day. I am motivated by my fellow professionals in the wedding business. I always what them to feel confident that a bride and groom referred to Victoria Floral Designs will be given the highest level of care and service.

As featured in Richmond Weddings
As featured in Richmond Weddings

What do you like to do when you are away from work?

Talk to my children, grandchildren, family and friends, catch up on my favorite TV shows, and read.

What would we be surprised to learn about you?

I was working on a PhD in Business Administration when I met my husband.

Thank you, Victoria, for answering our questions!  If you’d like to learn more about Victoria Floral Designs, please visit www.floweramarichmond.com.