We’re thrilled to introduce Steve Papoulakos, owner of Vogue Flowers, a beloved Richmond floral staple that’s been bringing floral wedding visions to life for nearly four decades! Steve began his journey in the flower business back in 1985, and what started as a one-man operation has blossomed into a full-scale floral enterprise. Keep reading to learn more!
Tell us how many years have you been in the wedding industry.
I started out in the flower business in Richmond 1985, and from the beginning we provided wedding services. Back in those days I handled most of it by myself but we have grown and expanded over the last forty years and my role is very different today. We now have a wedding department, complete design room staff, a wholesale flower business, and a DIY wedding flower business. Our main headquarters at 1114 N Arthur Ashe Blvd in Scott’s Addition and we provide consultations on site. What makes us truly unique is that we don’t just talk about ideas and images in our consultation, we can actually go walking through the coolers and put together the flowers and colors that the bride has in mind. With the flowers in front of you it becomes much easier to see and realize your vision for your wedding.
What’s your specific role in the wedding process?
Currently my role is to make sure that we procure all of the right flowers in the right quantities for the weddings that occur on any given week. We buy most of our flowers directly from farms in Central America, but I will go to other sources to find specific flowers for a bride when necessary.
When should couples book their services with you?
Most couples book several months in advance and that gives everyone plenty of time to make changes if necessary but two weeks is required. If a wedding is small and the flowers are in stock we have been know to service a wedding in just a day or two! Our inventory is so deep that we can meet last minute needs when possible.
What’s your most frequently asked question by engaged couples?
The most important thing for couples to understand is the type of flowers that they select will impact the budget and the time of year will also have an impact. We always work within the couples budget by educating them on varieties and steering them toward flowers that will give them the look they want at a price they can feel comfortable with.
Do you have any unique tips for couples when choosing their vendors?
Work with people that you like and have experience in the industry. Wedding day jitters can have many different stories but if your vendors are experienced chances are that they have dealt with these things before and that will provide a level of comfort.
When it comes to food, what’s your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate
What’s a fun or unusual fact about yourself?
I was born in Greece and came to the US when I was 15 years old. I live on a farm in Hanover County and I grow flowers there for our business and for fun!
Do you have any pets? Introduce them to us!
Yes I have a yellow Lab named Dahlia after the beautiful flower.
How do you de-stress?
Work in my garden/farm.
Anything else you want our followers to know?
We are the flower experts and we consistently surpass our brides expectations.
Contact Steve Today!
Email: steve@vogueflowers.com
Website: http://www.weddingsbyvogue.com
Instagram: @weddingsbyvogue
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