While there are SO many amazing aspects of running my own business, one of the sad truths is business ownership can be a lonely endeavor. When I first started out, I had the idea in my head that I needed to be an expert on everything, had to do everything on my own, to look and feel successful. Boy, I learned quickly I couldn’t have been more wrong! I don’t know about you, but studying tax law is NOT my idea of a good time. So once I figured out it takes a village to put together a couple’s special day, I started reaching out to say hello! One of my favorite ways to get to know new wedding vendors is to sit down and chat over coffee. While that’s not possible right now, I’ll take my cup of coffee and enjoy some virtual chatting instead!!

So in this Vendor Spotlight series, I’ll spend some time introducing you to the amazing vendors in the wedding industry I am lucky enough to call a part of my community. It’s the perfect way to brag on them plus it gives me the chance to provide my current and future couples with details to help build the vendor team of their dreams!

Indianapolis Florist | Custom Blooms

I recently did a styled shoot with Annaleis of Custom Blooms as our florist and she absolutely blew us away with her gorgeous work!! Lisa Norris Events and I gave her an idea of what we wanted as a backdrop and she elevated it to another level! Even better than doing amazing floral design? She is such a team player! She was willing to help with anything, we have some funny behind the scenes photos of her filling soda bottles for us and problem-solving how to get our paper straws to work right (who knew straws could be so difficult?!). She is absolutely at the top of my dream team list, I look forward to the day we get to work a wedding together!!!

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS! HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY?

As a former kindergarten teacher, I was looking for a way to keep my creative juices flowing after deciding to stay home to raise my babies.  I have always been drawn to weddings and even worked styling brides at a local bridal salon for several years.  This is when I decided to turn my hobby of flowering friends’ weddings into my floral-inspired business, Custom Blooms.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE DOING FLORAL DESIGN?

Flowers evoke such happiness in people- there is nothing like it!  I love to see a bride’s face light up when handed her bouquet or seeing her venue space all flowered up.  I truly think the flowers can make a space. We are so proud to be able to provide these services to brides while building relationships with them, their family, and their vendor team.

WHAT SHOULD COUPLES KNOW ABOUT YOUR PROCESS AND ABOUT WORKING WITH YOU?

Our name, Custom Blooms, truly came from the concept that our floral design services are 100% custom.  You will not find “package” info or pre-boxed floral recipes from us.  We select every single stem based on consults, emails, and venue walk-thrus with our clients.  And if hand-selecting every flower isn’t your thing, we can guide you with options to help bring your vision to life- even if you aren’t quite sure what your vision is!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING WITH COUPLES AS THEY PLAN THEIR SPECIAL DAY?

I have lost count of how many brides have said, with a terrified look on their face, “I don’t know anything about flowers!”   Our job is to help guide clients through flower selection, color options, style choices, budget focus, and overall feel of their event.  There is a good chance that our clients have never planned a wedding before, and we want to make the process as fun, easy, and empowering as possible.

HOW EARLY SHOULD COUPLES REACH OUT TO BOOK YOU TO ENSURE YOU’RE AVAILABLE FOR THEIR WEDDING DAY?

We love to start talking with brides 12-15 months before their wedding date.  But if a date is still available on our calendar, we can finalize a design plan within 6 weeks.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO COUPLES FOR THEIR WEDDING DAY?

Life is too short to stress yourself into misery when planning your wedding.  Get a good support system and design team behind you to help keep the big picture and at the end of the planning process, you’ll be married! Which is the whole goal after all, right?!

If you don’t follow Annaleis already, head over to her Instagram or Facebook to learn more about her and stay up to date on her gorgeous work!

Much love friends,