Behind the Scenes at La Belle Epoque Floral Workshop
Earlier this Summer we ventured into the deepest depths of beautiful Cornwall to attend and speak at the La Belle Epoque floral workshop created by UK based Fine Art Curation member The Garden Gate Flower Company and US based Fine Art Curation member Tinge Floral. We know first hand how devoted they are to their craft and artistry and this workshop was truly a reflection of their combined experience and talent. Set in the grounds of the incredible Boconnoc Estate (perfect for weddings and events!), we met so many like-minded attendees who all took so much away from this learning experience...
From The Garden Gate Flower Company: "This spring we hosted a collaborative workshop at the amazing Boconnoc Estate, near our cutting gardens and studio in Cornwall. We were delighted when Ashley Beyer of Tinge Floral agreed to come and co-teach with us. Ashley couldn’t have been lovelier and she even brought her husband, Curtis, along with her to help tidy up! Attendees got to learn how Ashley uses colour in her own beautifully unique way, whilst we (Becca and Maz) taught bowl arrangements and discussed the world of weddings with a fantastic group of flower lovers.
We learned about large scale arrangements and flower choices, we discussed everything from compost to candle sticks, our best mistakes to how to use purple…nicely (Ashley can do this without even trying. She is a genius). We had full use of the house, stable yard and grounds and Taylor & Porter Fine Art Film Photography were on hand, with styling by Leslie Lau, to document each student’s work, alongside the workshop. After a flower filled few days and a super lunch cooked by Emily Scott, Wedding Sparrow’s Sara Russell gave a very insightful talk about branding, getting your work published and developing your own style. Champagne on the last of the day’s spring sunshine, out on the lawn, topped off a fantastic few days. Students went away with a whole host of ideas and inspiration which comes from spending quality time in a creative atmosphere, and lots and lots of flowers, as well as some lovely portfolio images by Louise and Teo of Taylor & Porter to really kick-start a season of flowers for 2016. We’ve had some amazing feedback about the experience and about Boconnoc and its landscapes which made this a really special few to days to treasure."
From Ashley, Tinge Floral: "I was so honored when Becca and Maz invited me out to help teach their workshop in England. I had never been before, so the experience of seeing such a beautiful country along with teaching flowers was magic.
The setting at Boconnoc was breathtaking, inspiring and the perfect setting to teach flowers to such a wonderful group. We used the best of spring's bounty curated perfectly by Garden Gate. My favourites were their garden grown ranunculus and the beautiful and endless hellebore. It was easy to be inspired by the gorgeous landscapes of Cornwall."
Workshop student comments:
'Thank you all so much for such an inspiring workshop. The setting, ideas, arrangements, food, people and flowers all slotted together to create a truly unique experience- I left on such a high! It challenged and pushed how I think and work with flowers- which is great, and I have taken away so many techniques and thought process that I'll carry forward.' Holly
'I have been on the “wedding flowers” treadmill for the last 10 years and haven’t really had time to look and see what’s being going on around me. The one thing I do know is that I really love working with flowers and especially foliage from my garden - foliage that makes my heart sing and isn’t brought from the Dutch wholesale markets. Seeing you work and hearing you all talk with such enthusiasm for the materials you grow, nurture, forage and obviously love was amazing, uplifting and inspirational. You were all so calm in your teaching methods and generous with your knowledge. The atmosphere in the stables was welcoming and warm and you created a wonderful learning environment that I would highly recommend to anyone and would definitely attend another of your workshops again.' Fiona
Wedding Sparrow is taking workshop bookings for 2017. If you'd like Wedding Sparrow to attend and speak at your workshop, please email us here.
vendor details
Photography: Taylor & Porter | Film lab: Richard Photo Lab | Workshop by: The Garden Gate Flower Company & Tinge Floral | Venue: Bocconnoc Estate | Catering: Emily Scott | Styling: Lesley Lau | Silk ribbon: Lancaster & Cornish
