Welcome back to another installment of Real Weddings Magazine’s Partner Profiles!

This week, we thought it would be appropriate to highlight one of our vendors from our Real Weddings Magazine cover model fashion photo shoot that we just mentioned in yesterday’s blog. And, it’s the exceptionally talented (and just downright super-cool!) floral designer, Shannon Cosgrove-Rivas from Flourish. Take it away Miss Shannon!

Flourish

Tell us a little about your company?  We are a special event floral design company based out of Sacramento.

When did you establish your business?  I started Flourish in 1999, but I have been designing in flowers for 21 years.

What sets you apart from your competition?  Flourish is known for detailed and artistic floral designs. We pride ourselves on incorporating the personality of the client in to their event so it reflects them in a unique way.

Where do you find inspiration?  I find inspiration everywhere. I love to shop so I am always looking at the latest fashions, scents and colors. I find a lot of inspiration from nature. The way a tree’s branches are balanced, the color shading of a blossom and the seasons all inspire me.

When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers?  Fresh, eye catching and “wow” worthy designs is what we make happen for our fabulous clients. I want every single one of my clients to feel like their event was unique and artistically executed. But most importantly, I made a vow to only use the highest quality flowers in our designs.

Do you have any hidden talents?  I can wiggle my ears. Does that count?

What trend do you see coming in 2010?  In wedding floral–the up and coming flowers are Amaryllis, garden roses and seasonal textural elements. The flowers still holding their popularity are peonies, dahlias and tulips. Flowers falling out of favor are callas and stephanotis. The color purple is super hot too!

Do you regularly blog? What’s your blog site?  Why yes I do! I try to blog at least three times a week. www.flourishdesigns.com/blog-new/

Dress from The Bridal Box.

Dress from Diamond Bridal Gallery.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?  Mulvaney’s is so yummy! I love the local and fresh foods and flavors they use when creating their menus. My less high brow favorite is In-n-Out Burger. I am originally from SoCal. Down there In-n-Out is a staple.

What’s your favorite local charity?  My children’s school and Wish Upon a Wedding.

What is your favorite fun thing to do locally?  I love to go on day-trips. I think we are incredibly lucky living here in Sacramento. We are an hour and a half from Lake Tahoe’s fresh mountain air, an hour from the world class Napa Valley and their amazing wine and an two hours from some of the most beautiful beach and coast line on earth. Well, if my husband is driving we can be on the beach in an hour and 15 minutes.

Do you have secret vice or indulgence? What is it?  I wish I had never discovered it. Lindt’s dark chocolate with a touch of sea salt. It is the best! I love the combo of sweet with a little salt (just like my personality).

What are you most grateful for in life?  My family. I am blessed with an amazing family filled with smart, funny and loving people.

If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you?  Photography! I had a friend photograph our wedding (I know- gasp!). He had the best of intentions and tried really hard for us. Unfortunately he didn’t have the knowledge a professional wedding photographer possesses. How to get those great shots quickly, how to keep the day’s schedule on track and a million other little things that make the wedding day go smooth and give you the memories you will cherish.

What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today?  Make the wedding about the marriage. The marriage of two lives, two families and two futures. And try not to take it all too seriously.

Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides?  I just launched a wedding blog focused on the Northern and Central California wedding scene. I am excited to share all the insider info I have accumulated over the last 21 years. The blog features lots of down to earth inspiration and gorgeous inspiration images. Check us out at Fancy Pants Weddings.

Find out more about Shannon and Flourish for yourself. Call her at 916-212-5179 or visit her Web site at flourishdesigns.com. And, check out her profile on Real Weddings Magazine!

All photos by True Love Photo, copyright Real Weddings Magazine.


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