Heaven on Earth - A Florist's Perspective

Susie Q Events: Tell us about Linda Merritt..

Heaven on Earth: I am married to Bill Merritt and live in Manassas, Va.  I have 2 sons and 4 grandsons who are the love of my life!  My two little maltese dogs and cat are in close competition.  I have been involved in floral design for over 30 years and retired from the Federal Government 10 years ago.  I spent the majority of my career with the U.S. Customs Service in Washington, DC.   I am the owner of Heaven on Earth Wedding Flowers and also design all of the bouquets for weddings.  I always feel like every wedding is "one of my own", and I love working with brides!

Susie Q Events: Describe heaven on earth floral design in six words…

Heaven on Earth: Heaven on Earth makes dream weddings/events a reality.

Susie Q Events: Was floristry something you’ve always wanted to do?

Heaven on Earth: Ever since I was a little girl, I have hade a love for flowers.  My grandmother had massive gardens with all kinds of blooming flowers and I think she passed her passion on to me.  I can remember walking home from grade school  - picking flowers and bringing them to my Mother.  There is nothing more enjoyable than working with flowers and turning them into beautiful creations.

Susie Q Events: What is the strangest thing you have ever been asked to create?

Heaven on Earth: I don't think that I've been asked to create anything strange - but perhaps unique might be a better desription.  Last year we had a winter wedding and the centerpieces were sparkly white birch branches and white ostrich plumes and pearls spraying out of a tall glass trumpet vase.  The tables were sprinkeld with glass diamonds and glitter - it was beautiful when the entire ballroom was finished.

Susie Q Events: What is your advice to a bride choosing a florist and what are some things brides should look for when looking for a florist?

Heaven on Earth: My advice to brides is to select a florist with whom they feel a connnection.  Someone who takes time to see their real vision and listen to their ideas.  A good florist gives advice to a bride, based on years of experience, and then does exactly what the bride wants.  After all, it's all about "the bride".  A bride should also be able to see pictures of actual work; i.e., bouquets and ceremony/reception arrangements.  A good possibility is also a florist who has good write-ups on resource websites, such as The KNOT and Weddingwire.  References should also be freely given. 

 

Susie Q Events:  What are some arrangements that you don’t get requested often but you think look great for a wedding?

Heaven on Earth: I love designing arrangements and bouquets that are "different".  Arrangements that include vegetables (like artichokes) and other unusual flowers such as hanging green amaranthus are really awsome!  In Fall and Winter months, branches and earthy accents are also very pretty additions to floral work. 

Susie Q Events: Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?

Heaven on Earth: In five years, I would like the business to include local floral delivery in the immediate Manassas area - arrangements for anniversaries, birthdays and funeral work.

Susie Q Events: How is Heaven on Earth Floral Design different then its competitors?

Heaven on Earth: Heaven on Earth is very different from typical florists.  We specialize in weddings and events and the designs we make are very different from regular FTD type work.  Weddings have afforded us the opportunity to see beautiful reception venues and churches in the entire Washington, DC area and we take pride in being able to recommend the type of arrangements that compliment specific styles of weddings.  We have the luxury of working with the most beautiful flowers avilable (orchids, mini callas, etc.), where most florists work with FTD style flowers (carnations, mums, and alot of fillers).

Susie Q Events: What is the process when a bride decides to work with you for her wedding day?

Heaven on Earth: Each bride first meets with me for a free consultation.  And, from that meeting, I prepare a written flower proposal.  A deposit of 1/3 of what we think the total order might be is required to book a wedding.  I then work closely with each bride and order the flowers two weeks before the wedding date.  At that time, any final balance is also due.  We are very flexible and can update the order and/or meet with the bride as often as she likes up to the two week mark.  We also offer delivery and complete set up - we never "stop and drop".  It is important to us that everything is as perfect as can be. 

Thank you Linda for sharing with us! 

Heaven on Earth Florists can be contacted by emailing linheavenonearth@aol.com or visiting the website at www.heavenonearthweddingflowers.com