Jamie Strukely of James M Designs, Inc.

Coffee Talk with Jamie Strukely of James M Designs, Inc.

WC: How did you get started in floral design?

JS: Floral design actually found me. I have always had a passion for decorating since I was a little girl. I would decorate attic spaces, garage spaces, playhouses, and anything else I could get my hands on to design the perfect "pad" (yes, I am a child of the 70's). I have a sincere love for design and more specifically for flowers and natural elements. I live, breathe, eat and sleep design ideas, often waking from a sound sleep to write these ideas down so I don't forget them.

My wedding business began when a family friend requested that I design her wedding. And James M Designs, Inc., was off! Through word of mouth and some key relationships within the wedding industry, James M Designs, Inc., has grown exponentially. We are known for our unique designs and ideas and specialize in creating breathtaking, unique and innovative events. Our events are affairs to remember.

WC: What are some of your favorite aspects about working with flowers?

JS: I love the creativity of it all. I so enjoy experimenting with all kinds of materials. My ultimate goal is to find a use for flowers or a particular design that no one else would ever imagine.

WC: What other services do you offer to brides?

JS: We handle all aspects of event design including:

• full service event planning, from conception to completion and every aspect in between
• designing special atmosphere including all aspects of decor, e.g., lighting, linens, centerpieces, church decor, reception decor and bridal party flowers
• offering rental items that include but are not limited to glassware, arbors, candelabras linens and much more
• offering consulting services and in-home design services.

WC: What advice can you offer a bride who is looking for a florist to hire?

JS: I always advise my brides to bring in as many photos as possible. These can be clippings from magazines, internet photos, books, and actual photographs. These photos help me determine a bride's style and vision for her wedding. I always suggest bringing in those celebrity wedding photos, you know the ones. There are always various elements of those designs that can be used on any budget! Don't rule anything out. In addition, I ask them to bring in photos of designs that they do not like as well. Sometimes it is helpful in quickly eliminating particular styles that a bride may not be interested in seeing.

It is also helpful to see swatches of bridesmaid dress colors and a photo of the bridal gown.

Lastly, your florist should be excited for you and offer many creative suggestions for all budgets! Make sure that you view photos of work that YOUR DESIGNER has created. I would NEVER under any circumstances recommend choosing a designer who does not have a portfolio of their own work. These photos are an indicator of their personal design style, quality of their work, and quality of flowers used in these designs. The photos also tell a bride whether or not her style and vision will be represented by this designer. Flowers and décor are the most visible aspects of your wedding... find the right person.

WC: What is the most common misconception brides have regarding flowers?

JS: I have found in my experience that a lot of brides and their family members really want to be involved in the decorating process. I think in most cases this is a cost saving measure. However, I always warn a bride and her family about taking on too much responsibility the week of the wedding.

There are so many errands to run and activities to participate in the week of the wedding that it is nearly impossible to finish everything and still enjoy the wedding itself. It is money spent wisely when you hire a professional to handle all of these details. In fact, 90 percent of my clients who decide to handle the on-site decorating work call me last minute with a frantic phone call. They call requesting that I handle all of the unfinished decorating items. In some situations, the savings can be greater by simply scheduling these services in advance. So brides should be very cautious in taking on too much responsibility as they want to be rested enough to enjoy the wedding!

WC: Which type of fresh flowers are your favorite to work with when it comes to wedding design?

JS: I have a tendency to lean toward the unexpected flowers and elements. I love to use flowers that are not always thought of first in wedding design by many other designers. One reason why our designs are unforgettable, is that they're unexpected. I firmly believe that arrangements should contain blooms rather than filler materials. Unless specifically requested by the bride, James M Designs, Inc. designs arrangements with high-end flowers and elements. Long story short... I love them all!

WC: Do you strictly work in central Illinois?

JS: James M Designs, Inc. designs floral arrangements wherever and whenever we can! We have created entire weddings from the back of a refrigerated truck. We enjoy the challenge and excitement travel offers.

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