Get to Know: B+B Designs

Photography by Betty Globa Photo, Design by One Fine Day Events

Tell us about your business? What do you do and what makes it special?

I’m a special event florist. I specialize in larger special events, mostly weddings. I find that larger events, especially weddings, require a lot of attention and detail; which means, a lot of time goes into each event to get these details just right. I don’t believe that there is a cookie cutter formula for each event. I feel as if each event is different and each client has their own vision that they would like to see come to life. B&B Designs works exceptionally hard to understand their client’s needs and vision in order to leave them with a perfect finished product.

What would you like to share with future couples?

When it comes to choosing your florist, there are an abundance of choices. Just remember that there is no such thing as a perfect set up and there will always be an obstacle or two that your florist will need to deal with on the day of your wedding or event. Make sure your florist is experienced and knows how to handle stressful situations so you don’t have to worry about them. B&B Designs has been in business for about 17 years and I know how important it is to put the needs of the client first and what matters most is their vision, and how that vision can be best achieved within their budget.

What brings you the greatest joy in your life?

My family of course!! I have a 13 year old daughter and a 10 year old son, and watching them grow and become these wonderful individuals with their own personalities, just amazes me. My husband, is also an artist in the form of painting, and it is great to have someone to feed off of creatively with both his projects and mine.

Photography by Corey Fox Photography, Design by Jalie Events

What brought you to Tahoe?

The sheer beauty of the lake and mountains. Coming from a very flat area in Minnesota with very cold winters, and spending some years in Arizona where everything is hot and desert; Tahoe seemed to be the perfect combination of these two areas with a mountainous twist.

What is a must-see hidden gem in Lake Tahoe?

Without a doubt, it is the lake itself. It has such healing, peaceful elements that can rejuvinate your mind and body. My favorite is the west shore.

Describe Lake Tahoe to someone that has never been here.

Tahoe is breathtakingly beautiful with its crystal blue waters surrounded by pine tree covered mountains, and the most gorgeous sunsets. No matter what season, it is always a real life postcard.

Tahoe lifestyle: winter or summer?

I love the beauty of winter and the idea of it, but coming from Minnesota, I definitely prefer the warm summers. Hanging by the beach, reading a book, and going for an occasional dip in the lake is perfect for me. Being that the majority of weddings happen over the summer, it sometimes can be difficult to take advantage of the gift around us, but I certainly appreciate it when it does happen.

If you were not a florist, what would you do?

If I wasn’t a florist, most people would probably tell you that I should be a baker; but I would probably do something in an athletic department. I’m a huge sports fan and would love to be involved with the day to day of sports in some way.

What inspires your work?

Honestly, clients and great coordinators give me inspiration. When clients and coordinators have ideas that they want to try, I get really excited. It is fun to have a new challenge, and I love to work in all different styles, which I believe sets me apart from a lot of other florists that only have one individual style. Creativity and beauty can come in all different forms.

Photography by ITLA Photography, Planning + Design by One Fine Day Events

What is a fun fact about your company?

B&B Designs wasn’t planned, but basically started from word of mouth. I did a friends wedding, and a guest from that wedding wanted me to do their flowers, and it kept going and growing until I was booked every weekend and my business was born.

What is the closest thing to real magic?

Awww, we have so many magical moments in our lives, we just need to notice them. Some of my favorite are when my children will give me a hug out of the blue for no reason other than to just say I love you, definitely magic; when a bride starts to cry upon seeing her bouquet because at that moment the day just becomes real as what she has been dreaming about is now sitting in her hands; giant snowflakes falling from the sky; children singing carols to the elderly and watching the smiles on all their faces – heart warming.

What was your go-to activity to do outside of work?

When I’m not working, I love going on walks with our dog, reading a book, watching TV or a movie, and traveling. However, most of my outside work time is spent chauffering children to and from sporting events, which leads to my favorite activity of all, which is watching them play.

What kind of wedding guest are you?

Boy, it’s not too often that I get to be a wedding guest; but when I do, I like to have fun and fully enjoy all of it – the ceremony, the food, the cake/dessert, and definitely the music and dance floor.

Photography by Corey Fox Photography, Designs by Cloud 9 Events

Working in the wedding industry is not for the faint of heart. So how do you rest and rejuvenate?

You can always tell a hard working florist by looking at his/her hands. So many long hours and late night are spent to make a couples day just perfect that it can really take a toll on the body and mind. I find that trying to get a little extra sleep, exercising, yoga, and the chiropracter all help to get me going again, and if time allows for a trip away well that to me is the best way to rejuvenate.

What is something people might not know about you?

Many people may not know that I am very afraid of heights, as I’m often times seen on a ladder hanging flowers from high places.

Any four-legged friends in your home?

A female golden retriever named Indiana Rose. “We named the dog Indiana” a favorite family quote from Indiana Jones.