Let me be super clear. If there is one thing I know NOTHING about, it’s flowers. I know there are roses, gerber daisies, and sunflowers. That’s about it. The good news for you as a bride is that I don’t have to know about flowers. I have to be able to take fancy pictures of them. That I can do. :) However, Barbara & Thomas from La Tee Da Flowers in Tyler, TX know absolutely everything about flowers. Week in and week out I get to interact with different florists. The folks at La Tee Da Flowers set the standard for this part of Texas. I popped into their shop one day to hang out and snapped a few photos while I was there. Barbara kept getting on to me because I didn’t warn her and she didn’t get a chance to pick up a bit. But seriously, look at this place. It’s like working in The Secret Garden.
Seriously, even the “mess” on the floor is fun to photograph.
How did you get started & how long have you been doing this?
Started in 1989 as a flower wholesaler..I used to drive a 24 foot long bob tail truck. Went completely retail in 1994 after the big Calif. earthquake. Our store was called Antique Flower Garden. (goggle us) We were an award winning florist and sold it in 2006 and moved to Texas. Love it here!
What is your favorite part about your job?
Giving the bride her bouquet and seeing her first reaction…it’s worth all the effort.
What are some things brides should look for when looking for a florist?
An owner involved florist/designer. Tons of pictures of that florist work…current ones, not pics from a book. someone who understands your sense of style and will help you develop it.
How many flowers do you guys typically go through per week?
As little as a couple of hundred to many thousands. Nothing is typical in the flower business.
What are some arrangements that you don’t get requested often but you think look great for a wedding?
Wreaths for the entry doors.
What is something unique to your service that you are extra proud of?
No drop and ditch for us..we deliver and I mean deliver. We set up, pin on all of our own bouts and corsages (don’t leave it for the photographer) we tear down….we do it all.
Anything else you wanna say?
We love what we do….our enthusiasm is contagious, we are committed and happy to be here designing and creating for such great people. We love Texans! (My husband Thomas, says he got back here as soon as he could)
And, because you can never have enough photos in a post, here are some images from Kristina & Nick’s wedding where La Tee Da provided the flowers.
This first shot may not seem like a big deal. But, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to a wedding where the florist dropped off a cardboard box full of boutonnieres and no one had any idea which one went to whom. Then at the last minute, someone is walking up to a grandfather and REMOVING his flower to place it on the usher because they thought they had enough for everyone. Not a good way to start the wedding day. This labeled board makes the whole process seamless and easy.
Say hello to the La Tee Da mascot.
One last thing… not only are their arrangements beautiful and incredible to look at, Barbra & Thomas are nice people. Think about it. This is your wedding. Why would you want to interact with someone who is not super nice? About 15 seconds into our first meeting I felt like I had known these two forever and they were totally invested in my life and business. That type of interaction is what you want from ALL of your wedding vendors.
La Tee Da Flowers
105 North Spring Avenue
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 566-1566
Web: http://lateedaflowers.com/
Blog: http://lateedaflowers.blogspot.com/
