Tell us about your business? What do you do and what makes it special?
Hi! My name is Annie Hull and I am the owner and lead designer of Ash + Lily Floral Design. We are a boutique floral studio in Lake Tahoe specializing in weddings, business events, hotel design, home tours, and small events. Ash + Lily runs out of Truckee, California and has done special events throughout Northern California and Los Angeles. Annie is unique in that she is the only floral designer in the Lake Tahoe region that has been fully certified and has achieved the International title “CFD: Certified Floral Designer” which is only achieved by going to a top floral design school approved by the AIFD association and by completing over 1,000 hours of floral design. Additionally, she is currently undergoing the rigorous training process to become certified under “AIFD” which is only achieved by being invited by an AIFD member.
What would you like to share with future couples?
Your wedding flower budget should be *at least* 20-30% of your overall budget. I promise you, you won’t regret. The number 1 regret I hear from bride’s is “I should have added more flowers instead of adding those guest presents!”
What brings you the greatest joy in your life?
Traveling with my family. Every year, my little family of 4 takes one month out of the year to travel overseas. It has brought us the most unparalled level of time together and if you are fortunate enough to do this with your future family – do it! You will never regret it.
What brought you to Tahoe?
It was hard! In my past life I was a senior manager at The Walt Disney Studios and headed their live-action marketing department, something I worked very hard to achieve. My fiance – at the time, now husband – was in Truckee working on a new luxury real estate development called Martis Camp. Financially, it made more sense for me to move to Truckee then for him to move back to Los Angeles. 13 years later, we have raised our babies here!
What is a must-see hidden gem in Lake Tahoe?
Park somewhere near the Hyatt or Sand Harbor Beach in Incline Village and walk the new path along Lake Shore Drive, nicknamed “Billionaire’s Road”. You will see some of the most extraordinary real estate in the country!
Describe Lake Tahoe to someone that has never been here.
Lake Tahoe: A breathtaking marvel! Its crisp air invigorates, while pristine alpine waters refresh. Amidst the greenest golf courses, find scenic hikes with views that captivate. As a winter wonderland or summer paradise, Tahoe is unmatched—a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Tahoe lifestyle: winter or summer?
Summer all the way!
If you were not a Florist, what would you do?
Full-Time Blogger Mama who focuses on fun hobbies like flower arranging, traveling with families, arts and crafts, and baking/cooking for your family! Basically, all the hobbies I enjoy in my free-time:)
What inspires your work?
Traveling. Every time I travel with my family – and we travel a lot – I get a new inspiration for florals and individual flowers. I also get inspiration from other advanced floral desginers I have come across in my floral education. I absolutely love learning from more-experienced designers and challenging myself to techniques I don’t always do.
What is a fun fact about your company?
It all started as a hobby! If you have ANY extra time, focus on yourself and what you would like to do if you had all the time in the world. If you can find even one hour a week to explore your hobby, you might find it can be your career… what a concept!
What’s the most useless talent you have?
Im a certified Pilates Instructor and I never teach other people! Also, I went to college in Michigan and majored in journalism. My senior year of high school, I was a reporter for Michigan’s Capital in Lansing which means I can run a full sound board, operate a movie camera, and edit sound bites for the local news! Haven’t done that in 20 years!
What is the closest thing to real magic?
100% making babies. Women are super-heroes.
What was your go-to activity to do outside of work?
I have massive OCD which is a blessing and a curse. I can make and check-off a “to-do” list like you’ve never seen which means I can be a wife, a mom, a floral designer, and make time for hobbies better than anyone I know! My hobbies are blogging, calligraphy, traveling, playing with flowers, learning something new by taking a masterclass on Apple or Skillshare, cooking, baking, working out, and watercoloring.
What kind of wedding guest are you?
My husband and I bring the dance party. He has taught me to live in the moment, which Im not great at, he brings me back to the moment.
Any song you can add to our brides’ and grooms’ budding wedding playlist?
“Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke or “Tonight’s Gonna be a Good Night” by Black Eyed Peas
Working in the wedding industry is not for the faint of heart. So how do you rest and rejuvenate?
I relish early mornings when my entire family is asleep and I can drink my coffee in peace. Im also trained in Transcendental Meditation “TM” and I try to stick to a regimented schedule so I can continue my practice. I highly recommend TM to anyone interested in meditating.
What is something people might not know about you?
I can also do calligraphy for weddings!
Any four-legged friends in your home?
Unfortunately, no. My daughter is my beautiful allergy baby and she comes first.
