The Flower Studio: Wedding Florist Spotlight

It’s Spotlight Day where we introduce you to Andie Muller of   The Flower Studio and share the stories behind her company.

When people ask “what do you do?” how do you answer?

I am a floral artist. I help your dream wedding and vision come to life.

What did you do before you did this?

My college degree is in Math and Physics. I was a high school teacher in Brazil.

When and how did you get into the wedding industry?

A friend of mine called me one day back in 1993 and asked me “Hey, do you want to buy half of the flower shop?” Me: “Sure.” It has been 26 years so far.

How did your work evolve to get you to where you are today?

Lots of education, lots of networking, lots of hours away from my family. Educate yourself as much as you possible can.

What is your favorite thing about what you do? What’s your WHY?

My WHY is to be able to connect, talk, learn, and create exactly what the couple that is celebrating their special day have in mind. The notes, cards, text, and emails that I get saying how perfect everything was are priceless. The memories I am able to create is the main reason.

Tell us about your most memorable event so far and why it was.

I have many. Each one had something special: an elopement from a couple from Guatemala, a New Year’s Eve brunch wedding, and an Indian wedding (3 days of partying), and the wedding where the bride hugged me after the wedding just to tell me I was her favorite vendor. Every wedding has a very special moment.

What’s the best part of your job?

Seeing the reaction of my clients when they see their ideas coming to life. It is not easy for people to trust you. So I guess the trust they put on me.

What motivates you to do this every day?

My passion – I am a kind of a girl that wakes up every day saying ” ohhhhhh I am so happy to go to work!”. I am blessed to do what I love. Oh and coffee. I am a coffee lover.

What fun fact would people be surprised to learn about you?

Many people wouldn’t guess I am 6 feet tall. And that my college degree is in Math and Physics.

What is the best compliment you’ve received from your clients?

A thank you! Text, email, card, phone call… no matter how. A thank you goes a long way.

How did you decide on the name of your company?

I want to be a flower shop, but not your grandma’s flower shop. I want to be a studio but also have a retail space. And I want people to know I am specialized in events (weddings, corporate, parties). There is where Events by The Flower Studio was created.

What is important for clients to know about your company before they book you?

My flexibility. And no minimum. I can guide you and educate you towards what you want to spend versus the expectations. Every item has a price tag, and no, we can’t make it similar for half of the price. Half of the price will be half of the flowers.

What is the most unique service/product you offer?

Right now, flower crowns. And wearables. From corsages to lapel flowers.. Flowers can be jewelry as well.

What types of events do you specialize in?

Weddings, corporate, grand openings, holiday parties. Anything really to do with flowers.

What makes your business stand out from others in your category?

My accent – oh, I am just kidding! But being an immigrant ( I am Brazilian ) and an entrepreneur, sure makes a difference.
I don’t have a minimum to provide you with services, and that makes people feel comfortable.
I tell everyone ” I can sell you a rock, but do you need one? ”

Tell us about your ideal couple.

Anyone willing to buy flowers. I am passionate about what I do. I need to make sure my client is happy with whatever they need from me. It is my obligation to provide them the best possible quality.

Why do couples hire you?

It may be my accent…just kidding! I had one bride once tell me that I was her #9 florist. I asked her, “why 9?” Her answer: “I guess I had to find you.” Explaining, educating, showing where your money is going, answering all the possible questions. A combination of all.

What does your most popular package include? Tell us briefly about some of your package options. What is the price range for these packages?

Usually personal flowers (couple, attendees, parents/grandparents). We have several collections—anywhere between $200-$500 for personal flowers and the Deluxe Collections from $700-$900+ and includes 10 simple yet elegant centerpieces. The average price for a wedding is $2.5-$3K.

Why do you think your business is successful?

It didn’t happen overnight. 28 years being a florist, and 20 years in the USA… We have to evolve fast these days. So being up to date and always learning new techniques is what the market demands. And it is up to us, professionals, to make sure everything that we do, is up to the standards.

What is your best piece of advice for someone that just got engaged?

ENJOY the journey. It will be overwhelming.. but so worth it.

What current trends have you seen at weddings that you like the most?

Micro weddings, elopements, courthouse weddings… everyone is celebrating love. No matter how big or how small your wedding will be.

What are the most common questions you get asked by brides and/or grooms?

What flowers are you using? My answer: I sell color, not specific flowers. Yes, we can name them and make a list, but what is more important for me is making sure you won’t see a flower that you dislike, for example, lilies. If you dislike lilies, I don’t want you to see it at all.

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions that people have about your vendor category?

Price. Just because you saw it online doesn’t mean it won’t cost anything to put together. We do charge labor, delivery, setup, breakdown, and anything in between. No, won’t charge you for a consultation. Consultations are always complimentary.

Name three unique venues that you enjoy working at and why.

Mission Inn – location (beautiful lake county), property amenities, the staff is always ready to help.

Hidden Barn – literally a ” hidden gem” . People have no idea where they are located.. super friendly people. And the best thing? They are always improving.

Luxmore – another hidden gem! It is a gorgeous venue. Another venue where you can choose from many different locations for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

What some of their previous couples had to say….

“Andie is an angel! I have an undying love for flowers and can be quite picky with colors, styles, and arrangements. Andie is so knowledgeable and passionate about her craft that I had all the confidence in her ability. Not only is she amazing at what she does, but she also has such an easygoing and friendly personality that makes you feel like you are family. My first wedding day tears were when I saw my bouquet upon delivery. It was the prettiest one I had ever seen! Our reception centerpieces and ceremony arch flowers were unbelievable! We really could not have asked for anything more from The Flower Studio. Andie truly is one of a kind.
.” –  Carolina & Andrew, Winter Park Farmers Market

“Andie is the absolute sweetest and we’re so lucky to have found her! She works hard to ensure that your dream flower arrangements are brought to life! For me, I wanted a larger than life bouquet mixed with real and dried flowers and she made my dream a reality. Andie even goes as far as providing the option to text you on your big day with photos in case you want anything changed/rearranged etc. I was so thankful for that! It was a huge relief seeing my bouquet was everything and more before arriving on-site! She is sweet, loving, and her passion for flowers shines through her work and her warm personality! She was a joy to work with and my husband and I are so thankful we hired her to be apart of our special day!” –  Ashley & Dakota, Lake Mary Event Center 

“Andie is the greatest!!! She is incredibly talented, caring, generous- she’s exactly who you want to be involved in your wedding. The flowers for our wedding were a dream come true. They were beautiful and perfect. Andie worked with our budget and she allowed us to provide accents and worked them into all the arrangements. One of my favorite moments- as I was about to walk down the aisle, Andie was in our reception area set up and saw me thru the window; she gave me the warmest smile and reminded me to hold my bouquet a little bit lower so everyone could see my dress. Andie, makes you feel cared for, calm, beautiful, and special. Do not hesitate to hire Andie for your wedding.” – Sarah & Nate, Marina Del Rey – Mission Inn