Our Story

When did you first realise you were interested in floral design?
Can you recall what caused the spark?

Lisa:

I’ve been interested in styling and décor for as long as I can remember. I’ve been involved in the wedding industry since 2013 in my role as Wedding Manager and have had a huge interest in the work the floral designers do at our venues - I have to admit to spending a bit too much time “helping” with the set up and photographing installations of some the amazing work of other floral designers.

 I always wanted to do a formal course but was never truly inspired by any that were available - they all seemed too formulaic to me. Then for my birthday one year, Kate generously organised for us both to attend a Zita Elze wreath making course and that was it - the penny dropped.  Zita’s style and method of teaching was just exactly what I had been hoping and searching for.

Kate: 

I’ve always been interested in design and all things aesthetic. I used to follow my grandmother around when as part of her local flower club she used to decorate the church for harvest festival.  Over the years, I did various flower-arranging courses, but they were very formulaic. Lots of ‘rules’ to follow, arrangements to copy, vessels and flowers chosen by the tutors ready and lined up on the bench. Flower arranging wasn’t treated as an art form which embraced individuality and as such I found it somewhat uninspiring.

I had long enjoyed visiting the beautiful florist shop owned by Zita Elze.  Every morning it would be re-curated and re-styled and packed with the most incredible blooms and greenery. Attending her month-long floristry course with Lisa was the light bulb moment for me. We were encouraged to design our own arrangements from the heart, allowing an individual bloom to speak to us and to design with specific individuals or moods in mind.

What - or who - have been your biggest influences - and why?

Lisa:

Without a doubt, Zita has been my greatest influence and I know the same goes for Kate too.  Her techniques, style of floristry, ability to allow you to be brave and work to your mood and feelings is completely original.  In January 2018, I made the decision to do Zita’s four-week career change course – Kate and I did the course together which allowed us to lay the foundations for Kate & Kent Floral Design.  It was extraordinary.

What's your favourite season - and/or seasonal flower? Why?

Lisa: 

It is hard to pick a favourite; every season has amazing and special flowers and sometimes not the expected ones.  Hellebores in late winter, the amazing range of tulips, fritillaries and narcissus in spring, through to all the stunning native flowers if early  summer like foxgloves, delphiniums, dahlias and sweet little geums that add a little shot of colour - the list is endless!  It is almost impossible for me to choose one flower but if I was pushed, I would say a big blousy old-fashioned English rose, with a heady musk scent.

Kate:

I’d say Spring is my favourite season, it’s so full of promise and incredible variety, but each season brings its own delights. I love the way that floristry has and is evolving to embrace the interesting, not just the obvious.  Stems such as spent seed heads and twisted willow. Everything brings its own contribution and bouquets are more beautiful for having lots of variety.

Is there a go-to bit of kit when it comes to creating event flowers?
Your floral design essentials?

Lisa:

If you can believe it, cable ties are the best thing you never thought you would need for floral installations - and chicken wire!

Kate: 

I can’t work without my pair of trusty Sakagen Japanese floral scissors. They are perfect in every way. Woe betide anyone who borrows them and doesn’t bring them back! 

Tell us about the most challenging commission Kate & Kent have experienced?

The toughest commission we have ever had was a charity event where the brief was to create Midsummer Night’s Dream theme.  It sounds like your perfect commission, however, it was held in a 1970’s village hall, with a tiny budget on the hottest day of 2018!  We stepped up and created an ethereal archway and woodland entrance, a central main table with a series of hanging branches and installations over the table and a huge woodland table centre. It was an enormous challenge, but great fun and for a great cause.

What is the best bit of advice Kate & Kent have ever been given?

Use your instinct to trust your style; don’t overthink it, just be true to yourself and believe in your value. If you don’t, your clients never will.

Describe Kate & Kent’s dream client

The dream client is every client who trusts us to interpret their vision and create something magical for their special day or event.

If you could give one piece of advice to a would-be bride, what would it be?

Lisa:

One thing I say to all brides is to take some time out on the day to just step back and look around to drink it all in and savour a quiet moment with your new husband.

Kate:

My best bit of advice to a bride is to embrace the season they are getting married in. Flowers are better in both value and quality when in season.