RHS Chelsea Flower Show definitely influences the work of Mindenwood; it’s great to see garden designs from around the UK and world – how flowers and foliage are used to create, and not just for their aesthetic value, but also with meaning and to evoke an emotional response…”
Lisa Corbett, Founder & Lead Designer, Mindenwood Floral Design
Lisa Corbett is founder and lead designer at Mindenwood Floral Design, based near Durham City, in Durham’s stunning countryside. The company works across the UK and offers its services to special events and weddings around Europe. Mindenwood has been seen in TATLER and has also been featured in Belle Bridal. Here we discuss Lisa’s inspirations, her choice of flowers for this season, and favourite venues in her area…
C&B: “Lisa, it’s a beautiful time of year, and it is wonderful to feature you in our RHS Chelsea Flower Show series. What first inspired you to found your own floral design company?”
LC: “I have always loved having flowers in our home, as gifts, and in art, as well as gardening and appreciating natural landscapes. My first memories include picking lilac in my Gran’s garden and buying simple bunches of flowers for my room at university. My Mindenwood floristry adventure began as a creative outlet while I was a full-time primary school teacher in 2020. Opportunities to learn – both online and in person – with some of the best floral designers have been both life and career-changing. We love collaborating with other wedding industry suppliers on styled and editorial shoots as well as wedding photography workshops and content days…”
Mindenwood’s main focus is on wedding and event floral design, and we also offer styling services. I love every minute of flowery delights, and if you’re wondering why I chose the name ‘Mindenwood,’ the answer is that it’s the pedigree name of our four fabulous Mindenwood pedigree Boxer dogs. Now we have a new addition, Maude, who’s our fifth!”
Lisa Corbett, Founder & Lead Designer, Mindenwood Floral Design
C&B: “You’ve come a long way in a very short space of time! Who are your typical clients and what are they generally looking for?”
LC: “Our typical client has the following in common: they appreciate a classic, refined, and timeless aesthetic – think Ralph Lauren and his campaigns of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s in collaboration with Bruce Weber. They appreciate quality and want their florals and styling to be intentional and have meaning, rather than following fleeting trends. Our clients are looking for quiet luxury and understated elegance. Their wedding florals may be simple or abundant but will always be considered, bespoke, and memorable. Their wedding includes what they want, rather than what they think they should have or should do on the day.”
Our upcoming weddings and events are a perfect blend of classic and seasonal florals schemes of white and green or colours such as pinks, corals, and buttery yellows. While the colours may vary, our couples’ florals are always a perfect fit with Mindenwood’s style, values, and ethos – classic, refined, and intentional. Their florals will elevate, not overwhelm, spaces and will be filled with texture and scent…”
Lisa Corbett, Founder & Lead Designer, Mindenwood Floral Design
C&B: “You mention scent, which we believe is really important! Which specific flowers are currently most popular with your brides and couples?”
LC: “Mindenwood brides and couples appreciate fresh flowers that are as natural as possible. Usually, they will be a mix of classic florals that are available all year round with seasonal, locally and UK-sourced florals and foliage. Garden roses and Sweet Peas for their romance, scent, and tendrils; Peonies while they’re available in late Spring/early Summer; Hydrangeas en masse for their instant visual and sculptural impact; and in contrast, light and airy Summer florals, such as Scabious and Larkspur. Including seasonal, locally grown flowers can offer our couples unknown varieties that can become favourites too…”
C&B: “You’re based in a particularly picturesque area of England where there are beautiful locations and venues; which are your favourites?”
LC: “We love working at so many venues in the north of England, including private estate homes, country houses, and marquees. We appreciate venues with a story, heritage, and architectural features, where the outdoor spaces connect with the indoor spaces. Middleton Lodge Estate in North Yorkshire is only 35 minutes away and is always a delight – the Fig House, with its incredible light, calm atmosphere, and walled garden; the Georgian grandeur of the Main House; and the Marquee. Lartington Hall in County Durham evokes ‘old Hollywood’ with its impressive entrance and hallway. Smaller, exclusive hire venues are also wonderful to work at, as it’s about a feeling as much as it is about scale…”
CONTACT: http://www.mindenwoodfloraldesign.co.uk
PHOTO & VIDEO CREDITS, TOP TO BOTTOM OF PAGE:
IMAGE: Sean Elliott Photography
VIDEO: Ryan Edwards Wedding Films
IMAGES: MindenwoodPhotography.co.uk / Urban Photo Lab
IMAGES: MindenwoodPhotography.co.uk / Amy Lou Photography
IMAGES: MindenwoodPhotography.co.uk / Phoebe Lenderyou Photography
