Laurel Designs

What 3 words describe your work? Classic, seasonal, innovative.

Tell us about your company name. My name, Laurel, is a good one for a florist since laurel is a variety of flowering tree! Using it as my business name keeps the direct connection between my work and myself.

Why should someone hire you? Because I combine years of experience with ongoing creativity and innovation, I can come up with fresh ideas for you that I know can be executed to the highest standards.

What drew you to this field/how did you get started? I started doing arrangements for friends and family while pursuing a legal career. Eventually I realized my heart was in flowers, not lawsuits!

What are some of sources of inspiration or influences on your work? I'm inspired by my Italian grandmother, once a couture dressmaker, who created amazing one-of-a-kind gowns for some of San Francisco's most elegant ladies. I'm also inspired by my work with the San Francisco Opera as an on-stage extra, where I get to experience the highest level of artistry and creative expression.

Tell us about a wedding you worked on that really makes you proud: I was lucky to be part of the vendor team for a wedding where the groom was suddenly deployed to Iraq a month before the wedding. We were all able to rearrange our schedules and move the entire event back a year—to finally celebrate his safe return and a joyful wedding day with them.

What have weddings taught you? The importance of being connected to family and friends.

What is the best advice you give to a couple when planning their wedding? Get a grip on your budget and priorities BEFORE you select your venue and caterer, to avoid the pitfall of committing to those and using up your entire budget at the very start of the planning process.

What are 3 words that describe your personality? Vivacious, creative, warm.

What's your favorite book/movie/work of art? The Church at Auvers by Van Gogh. I'm a color person, and when you see this painting in person the blue of the sky just knocks your socks off!

What is your favorite quote or saying? "If it can't be fixed with duct tape or a martini, it ain't worth fixing."

Extracurricular activities: Extra at San Francisco Opera, volunteer work, university alumni activities, gardening, reading, and quality time with my big Italian family.

What's your favorite way to wind down after a hard day? A long hot bath in my old clawfoot tub, then curling up with the cat and a good book!

Tell us about your pets, if you have any. One beautiful black and white "tuxedo" cat name Emma. She's the boss of the house, but I don't mind :)

What are some of your favorite places to eat—either everyday spots or special occasion splurges? My Uncle Bruno's house—best Italian food in town!