In Her Own Words:  Florist Laura Giles on Creativity, Connection & the farm

Laura Giles | Little Workshop Floral

I’ve always felt like flowers were meant to be part of my life. My grandfather was a dahlia and rose farmer in Havana, Cuba, where I was born, and his story still inspires me every day. He began with a simple street flower cart and eventually built one of the largest flower farms in Cuba. That legacy is such a gift to me, and I carry it with enormous pride.

Years later, as a young mom staring at a blank backyard and wondering what on earth to do with it, I signed up for a Master Gardening course through Michigan State University. That course lit a spark in me and turned on a lifelong love of flowers. Since then, I don’t think I’ve had a single day where working in the garden, or now designing florals for someone’s wedding, has felt like anything but pure joy.

Before I was a florist, I worked at the Farm as the Admin, and I absolutely loved it. I adored the Cornman Farms family, and I especially loved getting to know the couples and their families. Every wedding felt unique and full of heart. During those years, I also designed florals for friends and family, and I cherished the chance to play with new blooms and color palettes. Looking back, I realize how much my time at Cornman Farms shaped my garden-style aesthetic. The freedom, the creativity, and the way florals could transform a space all stayed with me.

Some of my favorite photography spots at the Farm are the dressing room suite window, the porch, and honestly anywhere outside. The caravan, the dahlia garden, and the willow garden all hold something special. There’s something about the light on that property that seems to hold the joy of the day.

Getting to be a florist on a property that means so much to me still feels surreal. The Farm is beautiful on its own, but adding florals, whether it’s an arch, a tablescape, or even the tiniest bud vase, feels like adding the final flourish. Every color palette sings there. I’ve yet to meet one that doesn’t.

I also have such a soft spot for intimate weddings. There is something incredibly special about a celebration where everyone present is truly part of the couple’s inner circle. One of the unexpected gifts of Covid-19 was the way it opened people’s hearts to smaller weddings, where every detail matters and floral dreams often become more possible thanks to a streamlined guest list. They’re meaningful on a level that’s hard to describe.

My design style is unmistakably garden-inspired. I love big, lush, airy, asymmetrical bouquets full of movement and texture. Less perfectly tidy, more nature but elevated. Texture is something I learned in my own garden, and it allows each bloom to shine. I pull inspiration from traveling, wandering outside, and noticing how unexpected colors meet in nature. I also always use negative space. I love giving the eye room to breathe. It’s what makes each element feel intentional and artful. Whether it’s a bridal bouquet or a full arch installation, that airy, whimsical feeling is always there.

One of my favorite memories will always be a wedding in the summer of 2024. The bride, Sarah, was the sweetest soul. I was in the upper barn when she came in to see her reception space for the first time, and when she saw the florals, she started to cry. Happy, grateful tears. And of course, I cried right along with her. It was everything she dreamed of, and in that moment, I felt so deeply that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Flowers matter on your wedding day. They live forever in your photos. Your bridal bouquet sets the tone for the entire celebration. I always tell newly engaged couples not to get hung up on specific blooms. Instead, focus on your color palette and the season. A good florist can take those two things and create something truly beautiful. I’m proud to offer mood boards to every couple, even for the smallest weddings, and to source locally throughout spring, summer, and fall. Locally grown flowers are the true treasures of our industry. Once you experience them, nothing else compares.

I also encourage couples to incorporate florals into their ceremony. You’ll never regret it. Those pieces are the heart of your story and can often be repurposed for the reception. There’s simply no other moment in life where florals have this kind of power and presence. Don’t miss the chance to create that magic.

If I had to choose one flower that represents my style, it would be the David Austin garden rose. Their soft ruffles, full texture, and graceful movement embody the romantic, modern garden aesthetic I adore. They photograph beautifully, feel bespoke, and add an effortless elegance to every piece. Someday, I’d love to design a full floral arch made entirely of them.

Even after hundreds of weddings, I still think about my couples long after their day. I love seeing them celebrate milestones, move into new homes, or start families. It’s an honor to have been part of their story, and I never take their trust for granted. I hope my couples always feel how grateful I am for the chance to bring their vision to life. Knowing that new couples are out there wit ideas I haven’t tried yet is what keeps me excited.

After all these years, being part of the Cornman Farms family is still one of my greatest joys.

XO,

Laura