From the Ground Up Floral’s Gina Thresher: Finding her Calling, What she Loves About Weddings, and How to Choose Your Colors!

I first met Gina, of From the Ground Up Floral, last fall when she graciously provided a bouquet for Karey and Nate’s styled anniversary session. I absolutely love her work, but most importantly I love her warm, joyful, and genuine presence.  I decided I wanted us all to get to know her a bit and hear her tips on selecting colors, being unique, and the influence of florals on the wedding day!

I met up with Gina on a Monday, fresh off a big wedding weekend, and she was still happy to create an arrangement for me while we chatted so I could see her in action. It was mesmerizing watching it come to life!

Below is the interview that I have been so excited to share!

Heather: How long have you been a Floral Designer?

Gina: I have been a “designer” since 2008. I use quotations because in the past year or two, I have realized that the term designer involves an appreciation of art and education. I have always struggled with well, am I a florist or a floral designer. I think also the term florist can be one who owns a shop and provides more to the everyday customers, while I get to focus on weddings, specialty events, competitions and styling. Of course, there are some shops who have floral designers as well. I love being well rounded and adaptable to my surroundings.

H: You stumbled upon this love, right? It wasn’t something you planned to do?

G: Yes, I was attending school focusing in marine biology. Specifically invertebrates. I was actually a specimen collector for the Marine science and technology center in Redondo. Between working a fulltime job and 2-3 hours of homework a night and dives throughout the week it was a tiring time. My hubby to be was not amused with the amount of time calculus and organic chemistry was taking up. I was on the fence of whether to continue. Then we got engaged. I went into wedding planning mode. We picked a destination wedding location in Oregon. From there I accidently incorporated myself. LOL. I took a basic design class to do my own wedding flowers and my teacher actually told me I would get a better deal if I got a business license and purchase my flowers wholesale. Soooo, of course I did. And I ended up loving every minute of it. I do regret not drinking champagne with my girls and staying up till 3am doing boutonnieres. But, I not only gained an incredible husband, I found my calling.

H:What is your favorite thing about weddings?

G: My favorite part is handing over the bridal bouquet. It’s such a rewarding experience the only thing I can liken it to is a chef creating a masterpiece and having someone completely love every bite.

Ok, and I am totally a closet sap. I will cry if I sit through your vows. I really do love weddings. I think I would crash them if I didn’t get to work them. It’s amazing to see the whole event come together.

H: How do florals influence the overall look and feel of a wedding day?

G: Flowers have such an impact on how an event feels. We are extremely visual creatures. We draw or repel so much energy just on color. Not to mention fragrance, design style or other factors. Flowers that are bold and colorful can lighten the mood and bring a brightness to the day. While soft colors can easily bring a romantic feel.

H: What advice do you have for a couple choosing their colors/blooms?

G: Hit up your local hardware store paint swatch aisle. It is an awesome resource for color. Plus, you can hold all the swatches together and see how they play off the others. Don’t be afraid to go bold if you love color. It will bring so much personality to your wedding. Also, play with tones and tints of the same colors. Flowers naturally have different stages of color due to age and maturity.

H: Do you have any tips on being unique?

G: Find the style you love and why you love it. Then from there maybe narrow it down to an amazing color palette. Or a really cool vase. Or did your mom grow a type of flower that means a lot to you? I have wrapped bouquet handles with mother’s dress sleeves. Added photos of loved ones on charms. Brooches and pins from a grandma. There are so many things to make the designs speak about you and your fiance.

H: When you hear “whimsy” and “joy,” what do you think of and how would you incorporate that into your designs for a wedding

G: I would make sure to add wispy or dancing flowers to arrangements. You want that sense of movement and fun colors also make me think of joy and whimsy.

H: What color and/or bloom would you suggest to add a bold, rich feel to the overall look?

G: Marsala is still the queen of the deep, rich and moody. I would love to see more brides love a deep dark sexy red. There is a variety of garden rose called “Hearts,” or “Wanted”. It is sooo good. Makes you want to get some red lipstick and a plunging neckline.

I hope you all can use her wisdom and advice when planning your wedding! Thank you, Gina, so much for spending the morning with me and sharing a bit about yourself and your passion!