"You took the fragmentary ideas from our conversation and translated them into designs that inspired and surprised," a bride wrote in her thank-you note to Leighsa, which arrived the morning before our meeting. This note describes Leighsa perfectly. She is a quiet woman, who listens carefully to her customers before she makes her proposals. She is in tune with all types of flower design, from the richly textured European flower decoration to the lush, romantic western style packed with flowers, and the sparse Japanese elegance. At times she combines some of the elements to create something unexpected or whimsical: a bouquet surrounded by loops of bear grass; an asymmetrical design, yet totally in balance, with white, yellow, and deep apricot colored calla lilies, tiger orchids, eucalyptus seeds, and dark reddish magnolia leaves.

She loves weddings with all the attention to detail and wants to make others shine and feel special. The basis is the client's taste. From here she "branches out" to blend and reflect the overall mood of the event and the venue for the celebration. Additionally she can combine elements such as linen, napkins, chair covers, and lighting. To set the tone she may even start with the invitations. A letter from a grateful bride reads: "....I was very touched to see the acorn details you picked up from the theme of my invitations."

With a formal education in floriculture and a couple of years working with flower designers, she opened her own business in 1993. She has won numerous design awards and was inducted in the American Institute of Floral Designers in 1996, one of the highest floral design honors bestowed only to the most creative professionals.