The Wedding Journal

A Wedding Journal

Arika Jordan Photography

If I had kept a journal of my wedding experiences what a read that would be! I can remember the first time I was put in charge of a wedding circa 1996. I was nervous, to say the least, but I made it through and completed the task. I had wonderful teachers that checked behind me to ensure I did a good job.

Fast Foward to 2000 and I found myself working at one of the most prestigious shops in Durham, NC. On my first day on the job, we were doing the wedding for Coach K’s oldest daughter. What!! I had never seen so many gorgeous flowers. I also experienced a huge tent with foliage flowing from the ceiling. What a great way to open my eyes to the big world of weddings. I had just received my NCCPF Certification and was ready to take on the floral industry. As a shy girl from the country, my mentor Pat Murray AIFD had a lot to teach me and did so willingly. I trained and learned under these two AIFD designers for many years. Learning how to speak up, stand in front of an audience and commentate and how too compete. I traveled to different states taking classes from German, Norwegian, and British Columbian designers. I was like a sponge soaking up all the knowledge about design I could find.

I competed in every competition I could to get feedback and hone my skills. I was fortunate to be a part of the North Carolina State Florist Association filled with so many highly trained and talented designers. I volunteered in the workroom at conventions doing any task to get the behind-the-scenes scoop. I competed and won, I competed and failed, Always learning and pushing for my next goal. In 2006 I was honored to win State, Regional, and National designer of the Year! Wow, what a year that was. Competing against so many amazing designers from the Southern Region and then from across the United States. I swept every category. All those hours had paid off.

My next chapter was the true game-changer for my wedding training. I began to work for Barry West AIFD of Blossoms Events in Murrells Inlet. I thought I had seen a big elaborate wedding but boy was I wrong. We traveled and produced some of the most gorgeous weddings I have seen to this day. I had the opportunity to be featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, The Charleston Bride, and many other publications. The events our team produced, led by Barry, were such a wealth of experience and knowledge. From prop building to producing amazing out-of-the-box designs. I will always treasure that opportunity!

After my son was born I chose to settle at a local flower shop in Durham, NC. Being a Mom has been the greatest blessing I could have ever asked for. Being back in a retail environment sparked my inner entrepreneur. I fell in love with the business side of the floral industry. Managing, buying, social media, production… all of it. Learning to successfully manage in a retail setting added a new skill set to my resume. I loved the fast pace, and the constant pressure to grow and succeed. Managing a strong, fast pace successful shop for years was both fulfilling and a blessing.

At this juncture in my career, I have decided to slow it down a bit and take on a new challenge in a town I have always loved Oxford, NC. I’ve had connections in Oxford for over 20 years. The charm and small-town feel make for such a welcoming atmosphere. A spot where I can share my love and passion for flowers with such an amazing community. I am looking forward to becoming a contributing member of the Oxford community and having a new challenge to grow a successful wedding, event, and workshop business among long-time and new friends!

Planner: Ooh La La Weddings & Events
Concept: Inspired Design Floral Retreats & Styled Shoots

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