Cape Town - Exquisite and distinctive floral arrangements enhance any occasion.
But choosing the right flowers can be challenging and expensive, and that’s why it is important to find a florist who will listen to your ideas and bring them to life.
One florist who has made a name for herself in the industry is Karen Tran from southern California. Over the years, her creations of decadent and lavish bursting blooms have made her a sought-after and trusted wedding florist and designer with elite clientele worldwide.
Tran is in Cape Town this week and will be hosting a networking dinner.
“I stumbled into the floral business professionally by chance. I was exposed to gardening and the love for flowers at a very young age by my father who was an accomplished gardener. It wasn’t until I started decorating friends’ weddings and holiday parties as a hobby that I realised I would like to do this on a professional level,” says Tran.
“Flowers bring so much joy to everyone. The flower business is hard work but also gives me gratification knowing that I have created something that brings happiness to others,” she says.
Describing her signature style as “romantic, feminine and elegant”, Tran’s creations of elaborate displays and luxurious textures distinguishes her from the rest.
On how she developed her signature style, Tran says: “I think this was progressive throughout the years. I stayed true to myself and designed what I thought was beautiful, romantic, feminine, classic elegant, and over-the-top luxury, but not pretentious.
“One of the biggest challenges (in the floral industry) is continuing to satisfy the increasing expectations of today’s modern bride, especially with the ongoing expansion of social media.”
Tran’s favourite flowers include orchids, peonies and tulips, and her career highlights have been designing weddings globally, having a tulip bearing her name planted in Holland, and conducting her master class programme in over 19 countries.
The series of Cape Town events, made possible by mother and daughter team, Sylvia and Elfi Bösinger, the owners of Yes!exclusive weddings & events, promises days of networking and learning from Tran. Industry experts will present lectures and there will be panel discussions on different themes as well as updates on industry trends.
Sylvia, a jewellery designer, travelled the world as an international sales director before she established the events company over seven years ago.
“I really feel I now have the most exciting and joy-filled job in my whole life. Working only with happy people and wonderful flowers opens my heart and makes my creativity fly,” she says.
Elfi has worked in more then 10 cities across the world and draws her expertise from working in 5-star hotels in Dubai and London, for a leading German airline and in the corporate events business for US clients.
“Providing the highest quality standards and services used in world-class hospitality got us where we are today,” says Elfi.
On wedding floral trends, Tran says these include having a large floral wall and hanging floral arrangements.
“Use flowers that are in season and a bouquet should be your accessory, not the focus. Choose a smaller tailored bouquet to compliment your dress rather than distracting from your beautiful gown.” Tran says.
“I find inspiration everywhere: in fashion, architectural buildings, interior designs. We have exciting things for the Cape Town event. It is exciting. This is my first event in Africa. If you are a floral designer, event designer or wedding planner, you must not miss this.”
* Meet Karen Tranat the Inspire!CapeTown luxury wedding industry conference on Wednesday, November 25 at the Taj hotel in Cape Town. Tickets can be bought online at www.yes-events.info.
Contact Yes!exclusive weddings & events on 082 725 0690 or e-mail: info@yes-events.info
Cape Argus