Behind the Blooms with Holly Turville of Holly Fleur
Wedding florals are something a bride will always remember. The way her bouquet looked, how stunning the ceremony florals were, and just how happy the flowers made her feel. A wedding floral artist is key to making these dreams come true and Holly Turville of Holly Fleur has a true gift of making this happen. Her stunning designs capture the bride's floral vision and bring it magically to life. We were able to sit down with Holly as she shared with us what brings her joy in life, what she loves about Tahoe, and what inspires her the most!
What brings you the greatest joy in your life?
Traveling with my family and experiencing new cities and locations. I love to eat, get lost, and hang out in the local cafes.
What brought you to Tahoe?
My husband and I met in San Diego, but he grew up in the Reno/Tahoe area. I knew the moment that he brought me to visit for the first time that we would move here one day. We moved here exactly three years to the day from when we met. We love, love, love Reno but are grateful for our regular escapes to our family condo in Incline Village. It's a really special place. And, The Lone Eagle at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is pretty much the BEST PLACE EVER to have lunch and a glass of wine with that gazillion dollar view of my favorite lake on Earth.
Tahoe lifestyle: Winter or Summer?
Summer, 100% summer. I'm an Arizona native and I love the snow, but the sunshine and bathing suits of a Tahoe summer will forever speak to me.
What are you most proud of?
Personally: My daughter. She's 14 and she's a really good person; beautiful inside and out. (And she's fun to hang out with!) Professionally: This little floral design business of mine. My clients often become dear friends. I am proud that they trust me enough to create, deliver and set up their dream décor for their MOST important days. It's seriously such an honor that I don't take for granted.
If you weren't a wedding floral designer, what would you do?
In my past life, I was an elementary school teacher. I loved it but disliked the politics and the lack of creativity that exists in most schools these days. If I didn't work in this super-creative business I'd have to find another way to express my creativity. I enjoy multi-tasking and working on many different things at once, so maybe being a chef would suit me. I love to cook and have a slight obsession with cookbooks.
What inspires your work?
I find happiness in perusing home design blogs and magazines. I am inspired by interiors, color, textures and of course, nature. I tend to enjoy trends and embrace them. But, I prefer to put my spin on things. Having trusting clients inspires me as well. I feel that I do my best work when clients are open-minded and think outside of the box. It's super refreshing!
How would you describe the perfect day in Lake Tahoe?
The perfect day in Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous, sunny day in early September. The crowds have gone home and the kids are all back in school. The lake is calm and the water is still warm enough for a cruise on the boat. We love to anchor along one of our favorite shorelines for a dip in the water. We usually make a stop Garwoods or Chambers Landing for a drink and tasty lunch then wrap up the evening with family and friends at our condo near the Chateau. Pure bliss!
What are you most proud of?
Personally: My daughter. She's 14 and she's a really good person; beautiful inside and out. (And she's fun to hang out with!) Professionally: This little floral design business of mine. My clients often become dear friends. I am proud that they trust me enough to create, deliver and set up their dream décor for their MOST important days. It's seriously such an honor that I don't take for granted.
Who inspires you the most?
There are two industry professionals that I really admire to the nth degree. Holly Chapple from Holly Chapple Flowers and Allison Ellis from Floral Artistry & Real Flower Business have paved the way for floral design business owners, like myself, to learn about floral industry standards (yes, they do exist) and best practices. While this business seems all about the pretties (I mean, who doesn't love those gorgeous blooms?), it takes endless hours of work- physically, mentally and creatively and having strong business sense behind that work is essential. These ladies have raised the industry bar and have given us designers permission to value our own work. I'm forever grateful for what they've done for me and this beautiful biz!
What is your life motto?
See the world, take the risks, break the boundaries, eat the tacos (and the dessert).
What was the most recent thing that made you laugh?
Watching a hilarious video of my super funny, get-it-done friend, Andrea attempting to conquer her clogged bathtub drain with a snake, and a song.
Working in the wedding industry is not for the faint of heart. How do you rest and rejuvenate?
Ahhhh, yes... this business is the real-deal in terms of pressure, logistics, time management, scheduling, etc. I always try to allocate a few "no-work" weekends way in advance, so my family and I have some time together to travel and enjoy the summer months with the rest of the world. But it IS TRICKY because Tahoe is such a dreamy destination in the summer time. --I encourage all you "out of the box thinkers" out there to consider booking your event during other seasons- after all, Tahoe is gorgeous in the fall and who doesn't love the idea of a snowy winter wedding? Our crazy way of rejuvenating is hitting the road; preferably somewhere where we'll get a chance to eat yummy street-food, put our toes in the sand, and struggle with the language a bit.
What is something people might not know about you?
I danced with Prince for a few moments at an after-party that took place following a Built to Spill concert in San Diego. Yes, it's true. I also won the Showcase Showdown on the Price is Right when I was 19.
Pets: Any four-legged friends in your home?
Absolutely! We have two dogs: A sweet old-lady labradoodle named Fanny and a totally naughty, but super cute cockachon (Cocker Spaniel/Bichon Frise) named Michael. We also have two cute cats: Wheaty and Moose.
What is something people might not know about you?
I danced with Prince for a few moments at an after-party that took place following a Built to Spill concert in San Diego. Yes, it's true. I also won the Showcase Showdown on the Price is Right when I was 19.
Pets: Any four-legged friends in your home?
Absolutely! We have two dogs: A sweet old-lady labradoodle named Fanny and a totally naughty, but super cute cockachon (Cocker Spaniel/Bichon Frise) named Michael. We also have two cute cats: Wheaty and Moose.
We loved getting to know Holly a little bit better and hope you did too! To learn more about Holly Fleur and Holly's beautiful floral designs check out her vendor profile on Tahoe Unveiled.