We usually just post photos of the end result of our work here, but do you want a little peek into what goes into getting all of those perfect petals in the first place? Weeks before the big day, we are strategizing with our floral supplier, Mt. Newton Floral, where to get the best rose, hydrangea, peony, fibre optic grass, ferns, and on and on. We consider local versus imported, the current quality, quantities and colours of various growers’ products and more. Thankfully we have an awesome friendship with the team at Mt. Newton. They go the extra mile for us because that’s who they are… and we bring them absurd amounts of chocolate and goodies.

They get us almost everything we use in terms of floral supply, whether it’s a flower from their farm or another local grower, or a fiddlehead fern imported from Hawaii. We not only love the people at Mt. Newton and think that they are the best at what they do, but we are happy to be supporting a family-owned and operated business located on the Saanich Peninsula. Here’s a look at their operation and what goes into getting that perfect flower.

Verbena owner, Vanessa, going to check out what is coming into bloom on Mt. Newton’s flower farm with Ryan, who helps runs the family operation his father started in the 80s.

Some of the beautiful David Austen roses they brought in for us this week. Ryan and his dad, Michael, are up in the wee hours of the morning buying all kinds of product to the island from around BC, Washington, California and beyond.

Ryan inspecting Mt. Newton’s first sunflower of the season (they grow their own crops as well as bring in local and import products).

If you’ve been following us for awhile, you might remember the pictures below from Ryan’s wedding five years ago (we arranged the flowers). He brought his bride, Britt, and his parents by our shop to talk about designs, and before Britt knew what was happening Ryan, Vanessa and Jenny were talking in flower lingo and had figured out exactly what she wanted for her bouquet (which-thankfully- turned out to be exactly what she wanted for her bouquet). Then for the big day, Ryan scooped up some good deals on beautiful flowers, threw Vanessa and Jenny in Britt’s parents’ garage for the day with the flowers and supplies and took off. We thought about walking out, but we like Britt too much so we set up the venue for her, cursed Ryan a lot, and then got over it when we saw how handsome he looked. (Kidding, Ryan is the nicest guy in the world). We consider their families to be our friends, and we were touched to be a part of their intimate wedding. Here’s a look back. Happy five-year anniversary, you two!

Still after all these years, one of our favourite weddings. It was so beautiful in its simplicity. Our favourite part -just as they were saying their vows, the sun came streaming through the poplar trees that lined the property.
(All wedding pictures courtesy of the incredibly talented Karen McNeil.)

The bouquet, which was featured in WeddingBells. We still see these images in brides’ collections of inspiration.

Our silly, beautiful Jenny-and Vanessa’s arm…

And now there are these guys (Britt and Ryan’s twins), who love to “help” at the farm.

Now you know where all those beautiful petals come from!