Her business card with the blue delicate Belladonna tells about Laurie herself and her love for nature. Very modest about her work, she can transform a room with beautiful flower decoration, or create the most delicate boutonnieres or flower girl wreaths with Cecile Brunner roses picked from the exploding rose arch in her garden. Whimsical containers such as egg cartons or children’s toys are used for appropriate fun occasions. For one of our BRO parties, she draped the banister leading to the second floor of the Kohl Mansion with a magnificent garland to which she added tree branches, picked during a walk, magnolia leaves, gardenias, gold-painted grapes, and pomegranates. Guests raved about it long after the party. Her wedding work was just as impressive, with top-grade Ecuadorian roses, lilies of the valley, hyacinths, lilac, sweet peas and trailing pink jasmine that made up the white and cream bridal bouquet. The smaller bridesmaids’ bouquets included some of the same flowers but added the soft colors of ranunculus, tulips, lisianthus, and lilac. Even more colorful was the extraordinary, custom-made candelabra-like two-tiered stand with five 24" candles, covered with a symphony of colorful spring flowers, including peonies, tulips, and roses. The creations were perfectly in tune with the clear blue spring day. The flower-loving bride had also ordered a veil sprinkled with flowers, flower shoe clips and bustle flowers. Every client I talked to praised her creativity, her personalized service, and her calm and pleasant manner.

After receiving a degree in ornamental horticulture, Laurie worked for two prominent florists in San Francisco and San Mateo for eight years and has now owned her own business for many years. She presents her floral art with a natural look and welcomes challenges. During the last few years Laurie has added many props to her collection, such as a willow arch and a willow chuppah. Her work has been featured in the wedding supplement of the Examiner, and you will find her on the preferred list of the Garden Court Hotel, Stanford Park Hotel, Thomas Fogarty Winery, and Stanford Memorial Church.