Meet Our Executive Florist!

Sandi Hardman of Lasting Memories Events and Catering

Sandi Hardman is the Executive Florist of Floral Memories, one of the many facets of our company, Lasting Memories Events and Catering. In this post, we would like to introduce you to Sandi and give you a glimpse into one of her days, so you can see how she makes her beautiful floral arrangements!

With over 35 years of experience, Sandi became a floral designer right out of high school and began doing weddings around the same time. Her decision to become a floral designer was influenced by her mother, who always had a creative side and used flowers for any family gathering or special event she was hosting. Sandi and her husband, Rob Hardman, also always visit Botanical Gardens or places like Roger’s Garden in Corona Del Mar in their spare time. Her love of flowers made the decision of becoming a floral designer that much easier.

We interviewed Sandi further to learn a little bit more about her.

1. What is your favorite part of floral design?

My favorite part is having the ability to take a bride’s original idea, elaborate on it, and then watch their eyes light up when we deliver the flowers to them.

2. Do you have a favorite flower?

My favorite fragrance flower would be freesias. My favorite garden flower would be gardenias. Overall though, my most favorite flowers are alstroemerias.

3. Do you have a career highlight?

I love being able to use my talents to help my children and grandchildren with items like fundraisers. I also enjoying helping my family and friends with those moments in their lives where flowers brighten their day.

4. What is the most extravagant floral design piece you have ever created?

We did a large wedding at the San Diego Bayfront Hilton that required a lot of flowers. All the employees of the hotel shared that they had never seen anything like we did. It was really special.

5. What would you say is your signature style?

My signature style would be utilizing any budget and turning it into a dream come true. I can take a little bit of money and turn it into a lot!

6. What are your goals as a floral designer?

I would love to pass this onto the next generation and make Floral Memories a legacy. I want to share the passion of floral design with my grandchildren and have them carry on the business.

7. What is one thing you want an engaged couple to know before picking flowers and/or a florist?

It’s your one day to do something totally different, to be creative, and to incorporate family memories that will make your event special, so don’t hold back with your floral arrangements. Just like our tag line says, we want to help every client turn their dreams into lasting memories!

Now that you are more familiar with Sandi, we will share with you a little look into what goes into making one of her gorgeous centerpieces. The centerpiece below was for a wedding on Saturday, November 7th, at Tivoli Too! in Laguna Beach, CA. The bride’s theme was inspired by peacock feathers, so greens, teals, and purples were the colors.

Peacock Feather Inspired Lantern Centerpiece.

Sandi’s process begins with meeting with the bride and groom to learn what they are looking for. After adding in some of her own personal touches, Sandi creates a proposal for the couple and once approved, orders flowers from Mayesh.

Mayesh Wholesale Florist, Inc.

Our order!

When the flowers come in, she goes to Mayesh and reviews everything to make sure they meet her standards. Then, she takes a look at the other flowers for sale to make sure she gets only the best for her clients. Also, the flowers there are beautiful, so she likes to take some time to “stop and smell the roses” you could say.

Beautiful roses.

After getting the flowers home, Sandi collects all the materials she needs and views the floral inventory again to visualize which flowers will go best in each arrangement. She then begins to clean the flowers of any imperfections and gets them ready to be put in an arrangement. Sandi quick tip #1: warm, not cold or hot, water is best for keeping flowers alive!

Look at all those flowers!

Lanterns for the arrangements.

Oasis Flower Foam.

Once the flowers are groomed, (for these particular lantern arrangements) Sandi places wet Oasis Flower Foam in the bottom of the lanterns and then begins cutting flowers to fill up the space. She always takes her time on the first centerpiece she makes because she wants to see the best way the flowers will work together. Once the first centerpiece is complete, Sandi gets to work on creating all the other beautiful arrangements. Sandi quick tip #2: having each arrangement be slightly different is okay because it is visually very appealing and interesting!

Peacock Feather Inspired Lantern Centerpiece.

The floral arrangements are all delivered on the day of the wedding by our staff and then placed at the venue with care, helping to make the bride and groom’s special day that much better.

We hope you enjoyed getting to know Sandi and seeing the care she puts into each and every wedding she does. Remember, we at Lasting Memories Events want to help every client turn their dreams into lasting memories!

Square Peacock Feather Inspired Floral Arrangement.

Peacock Feather Inspired Lantern Floral Arrangement.

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Have an event or wedding coming up, and need catering, floral design, coordination, etc.? Look no further than Lasting Memories Events and Catering! Our six years of experience will help make your event a lasting memory. Our family just became yours! Email us at info@by-lmevents.com or call Adrienne at (951) 205-4346 for more information.

Visit our website at: www.eventsby-lastingmemories.com