Have you ever been someplace that had a really nice floral arrangement? Perhaps you’ve gone to a wedding where the bouquet that the bride carried was absolutely extravagant? Whatever the case is, (and even if you’re an allergy sufferer) we can all agree that flowers are such a beautiful and special part of a wedding day. There is such a touch of elegance and class that gets added to a space or to a day when someone carries a bouquet of fresh flowers. Maybe it’s the fact that they aren’t permanent? That even in the height of their beauty, they won’t last more than a few days before they return to the ground to become dirt and pave the path for the next generation of flowers. Am I seeing a ton of human and flower parallels or what?
Okay, so moving away from the introspective—let’s talk about this amazing florist located right here in Lafayette, Indiana. Honey and Sage Flower Studio. The owner, Melissa Harber, is an absolute artist when coming to putting together flowers. I first had the pleasure of meeting Melissa and seeing her work at the Fowler House Mansion’s Styled Shoot last year. Everything was perfectly arranged, a complement of exactly what my wife, Felicia, owner of Emerald Lotus Events, had planned and envisioned with her team.
I interviewed Melissa earlier this year and wanted to share some of the beautiful work she has done. There are a lot of florists in town and I believe that a lot of them have a lot of talent. But I thrive on relationships and rapport. I KNOW that Melissa will do an amazing job for your day, answer your questions, and value you and your wedding day or event.
Tell us about you!
My name is Melissa Harber. I’m the owner and designer of Honey & Sage Flower Studio. I’m mom to two girls, Quinn and Reagan, with a baby due in June and married to Ryan, who is my right hand man on delivery days. I’m native to West Lafayette and a Purdue graduate. Boiler up!
How long have you been in business?
I started Honey & Sage Flower Studio in 2016, but I have been in the floral business for 8 years.
What was the inspiration for starting your business?
I loved working with flowers (brides in particular), but I also wanted to be home more with my young family. Having a home studio is the perfect way for me to balance both!
How do you help your clients decide on what types of flowers to choose?
When I meet with brides, I have them go over their overall theme and vision. Once I’m able to get a feel for their style, I’m better able to suggest florals that will best fit their theme and color scheme. I would say most brides I meet don’t have specific flowers in mind and that is completely okay. It gives me creative freedom to design something unique for each bride.
Do you have a favorite type of flower and plant that you enjoy working with?
I love working with ranunculus. You’ll find it in most of my florals. I love the shape of the petals and the texture it adds. A few close seconds are peonies and dahlias, when I can get my hands on them. They’re only available a short time during the year, but man are they stunning!
What types of 2019 and 2020 trends have you seen for the wedding and floral market?
A lot of brides are getting back to nature when it comes to florals. I’ve seen more and more brides that are using greenery in everything from bouquets to centerpieces. I think greens with votive candles for centerpieces is such a simple, romantic look. I’m also digging the greens mixed with a few white flowers. Another fun trend I’ve seen pop up is the use of pompas grass to add visual interest to weddings. I love the texture and how it moves in the breeze.
Should clients choose flowers that are in season? How do they know what is in season?
I’m happy to make recommendations for flowers that are in season, if they aren’t available year round. Some of these flowers are peonies (in the spring) and dahlias (in late summer/fall). However, brides may be surprised to learn that a lot of flowers are available year round.
Favorite binge worthy TV show?
The Office – an oldie but a goody
How do we get in contact with you/see more of your beautiful work?
Website: www.honeyandsageflowerstudio.com
Email : honeyandsageflowers@gmail.com
I’m available to meet in person, by appointment only.
New Adventure Productions is owned by Nate Dale, a Lafayette, Indiana wedding and elopement photographer. We travel nation and worldwide to capture beautiful and intimate weddings and elopements while providing a guidance, love, help along the way.
He is married to the love of his life, Felicia with their two doggies, Pika and Princess.