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 Wedding Florist | Satin & Stems

When I was younger and questioning my career choices, I knew I wanted to get into the wedding industry. For a while, I considered becoming a wedding florist. I mean really, whose day doesn’t get a little brighter with a bouquet of flowers in it?! While I ended up focusing on photography, I love following so many of our amazing floral designers here in Indianapolis. Today’s Vendor Spotlight highlights the wonderful Elizabeth of Satin & Stems!! Her soft, romantic florals never fail to give me heart eyes and I’m so excited to share more about her and her business with you all!!

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

Satin & Stems came about through a need to pivot my focus on careers. To be honest, I always wanted to focus on flowers – I thought about landscape design or floristry back in high school even. So it became time to invest in myself and my passion for design in a new way after I developed several food allergies that made my Pastry Arts degree an almost impossible career to have. With a lot of encouragement from family and friends that I had done wedding planning and floral design for – I had the lightbulb moment. Like all businesses- it morphed as it grew, but I am happiest with my path as a wedding floral designer and business owner!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A WEDDING FLORAL DESIGNER?

My favorite part of this job that I have, would have to be the energy around setting the scene at the wedding. All of the vendors working toward creating this beautiful space is such a great experience at times. Delivering the bridal bouquet is something that I treasure. I ask all of my brides to try and manage a “reveal” of their bouquet so that it can be another part of the day for them to be surprised!

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

I want to have conversations about the whole feel and look of the wedding. When we connect on a level where I can understand what they like best in all of the parts that make up their wedding, it really helps me tune into what direction to go for the flowers. There are so many options! The designer part of me doesn’t use a one-size-fits-most shoe in my floral recipes- I build every person’s recipe from scratch with every stem intentionally being used to reflect my client’s personality.

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

Going to the venue together is a favorite meeting for me. It allows us all to look at the space and dream up ideas to create that desired feel!

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

I allow booking a year out if someone comes to me, but I would say that the most popular dates in summer and fall are all booked by the 6 months before-the-big-day point. I really think that when planning, getting the venue, dress, photographer, then florist is a good way to arrange the bookings!

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

Creating a budget to give all of your vendors is imperative for keeping stress down to a minimum. The biggest stress factor when planning can easily become money. Your vendors always use this information to show you things that respect that budget. Like, I am not going to show people with a $2500 budget, for a wedding with 150 guests, a flower wall. It’s just going to burst their bubble when they see the cost and make them feel deflated. Also, your caterer will know which main course options fit in your price range, and just show you those. None of us want to assume you have X amount of dollars for our craft, you will have your time wasted as well as theirs without somewhat of a ceiling, at least, to that range of money being spent.

If you don’t follow Elizabeth 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,

HEADSHOT CREDIT: Heather Sherrill Photography

FIREPLACE INSTALLATION PHOTO: Heather Sherrill Photography