As the first truly global florists and event designers, we’ve had the opportunity to work on so many incredible projects during 2024. We’ve traversed 3 continents and worked alongside some of the most talented creatives in our industry. Each project we create is truly personal to us, as much as it is to our clients, so we feel very privileged to have been entrusted by so many to bring their ideas to life.”
Larry Walshe, International Floral Designer
Floral designer Larry Walshe is recognised as one of the most creative forces in the global events industry. His iconic arrangements serve as the hallmark of excellence at any significant occasion, whether it be held at a luxury hotel in England, a penthouse in New York, or a villa on the banks of Lake Como. In this discussion, we explore Larry’s experiences over the past year, current trends in floral design, and his aspirations for 2025. First, an introduction by leading wedding designer, Kristina Kempton, who probably knows Larry better than any other in the business!
“Larry and I met 11 years ago, and I would describe him as vivacious, stylish, and focused. From our very first encounter, I was impressed by his attention to detail, his personable nature, and the high quality of his service – attributes that have always stood out to me. We share a mutual passion for our work, a dedication to exceptional design, and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences for our clients while continually pushing boundaries. Over the years, we have collaborated on a variety of events at numerous venues; however, I would say that an intimate wedding shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic was the most special. Together, we have experienced many incredible events. Our successful business relationship is founded on respect, hard work, and honesty – all qualities that Larry possesses in abundance.”
Kristina Kempton, Wedding Planner
C&B: “Larry, first and foremost, congratulations on being included in the CITY & BEACH LIFESTYLE NEW YEAR’S HONOURS LIST! You have achieved remarkable success over the past year, particularly with the opening of your brand in New York. What trends in floral design have you observed over the last few seasons as you worked around the globe, and how have you adapted them into your projects?”
LW: “Many of our clients have leaned towards designs that exude a sense of quiet luxury – understated elegance imbued with thoughtful consideration and personal sentiment. This approach extends beyond the flowers themselves, forming an integral part of the overall visual journey we create for their guests. It influences each decision we make as we work on the overall look and feel of their celebration. From the linens and florals to the space in which we create unforgettable memories, each element is as crucial as the next to ensure a consistent and meaningful narrative…”
We always design with our clients vision and ideas at the core. We take the time to get to know our clients, both as individuals and as a couple and work to weave their shared values into the very fabric of their design. This results in a hyper personalised and detail driven overall look that exudes meaning and relevance.”
Larry Walshe, International Floral Designer
C&B: “Can you share a particularly memorable moment or highlight from an event you designed this year?”
LW: “A highlight of any celebration is witnessing our clients experience the fruition of the work we have collaboratively developed over many months. Watching their expressions as they enter the space we’ve meticulously designed and constructed for them for the very first time is truly invaluable. Tears of joy are the ultimate reward for our efforts – they’re what we work for!”
C&B: “We can imagine – it must take their breath away! How do you ensure that your floral designs always remain fresh and innovative for each and every one of your projects?”
LW: “It has been said before that good taste never goes out of style. We strive to set aside trends and fashionable ideas when designing, focusing instead on what we believe to be beautiful selections to bring our clients’ visions to life in the most elegant and fabulous way possible. If those choices happen to be trending at the moment, that is wonderful, but it is never what drives our ideas. By placing our clients at the centre of our creations, we consistently ensure a look that is both innovative and unique…”
C&B: “What’s the most positive feedback you have received from clients about your work over the past year, and how has it influenced your designs?”
LW: “Our clients have truly appreciated the depth of personalisation that we have included within our designs and constantly challenge us to create work which is meaningful, unique and has never-been-seen before. We strive to create work beyond floristry alone that resonates with the values of our couples and as such, holds deep sentiment on what is most definitely the most unforgettable day of their lives. As a result, we look at each design element in a very granular way, aiming to refine each layer as far as possible so that we create a hugely impactful overall result…”
C&B: “On the subject of personalisation, can you elaborate on any unique materials or techniques you utilised in your floral arrangements this year?”
LW: “Within many of our designs this year, we have been inspired to layer natural materials and tones through each area. Mixing stones, wood textures and warming floral tones, we have created harmonious schemes which are both sensitive to their surroundings and impactful in their appearance. We very much see this continuing into 2025 as we create designs for projects throughout some of the most beautiful locations in Europe and beyond…”
C&B: “With the use of so many natural elements, are your clients concerned about sustainability and, if so, what role does it play in your floral design practice?”
LW: “Sustainability within the floral industry has become a much more considered factor over the last few years, with both vendors and clients taking it into account. Where possible, we implement techniques and methods to realize our work in a more sustainable and environmentally conscious manner. We will guide clients on how their ideas will be executed and make recommendations on how these can be created more sustainably, with the hope that education will help inform their decision-making process.”
C&B: “Like-minded vendors are such a crucial aspect of event design and it must be important to have the right people working with you – what’s your approach to collaborating with other professionals in the lead up to an event?”
LW: “We love to collaborate with others. No one person has all the ideas and it’s always fascinating to see how you can give a group of creatives the exact same brief and receive an entirely different and unique selection of outcomes as a result. Using the skills and ideas of others to hopefully create the very best work possible is how we aim to evolve as designers, pushing the envelope on what is possible and bringing to life ideas we never could have imagined possible.”
C&B: “Larry, you stage many of your projects overseas and at very out-of-the-way locations – Lake Como immediately springs to mind – how do you handle the logistics and planning involved in your large-scale floral installations?”
LW: “The logistics and planning involved in successfully delivering large-scale projects is a talent in itself. If I’m honest, it is the most important part of the whole process. The amount of engineering involved in much of what we do is not to be underestimated. We have a team dedicated to working behind the scenes, hand in hand with our designers as we conceive and produce all our celebrations, making sure that the necessary steps are implemented and realised with the same efficiency and professionalism.”
C&B: “Looking ahead to 2025, what aspirations or goals do you have for your floral design business in the coming year?”
LW: “We’re very much looking forward to developing the work of the studio and continuing to create unique celebrations throughout the globe with the help of our truly incredible, international team. Discovering an artisan who specialises in a technique or medium we have never included in our work before is always so personally exciting; we look forward to cultivating more untapped talent and giving it a global stage as we leap headfirst into 2025!”
CONTACT: http://www.larrywalshe.com
