Q:  How did you become partners?

A:  We discovered during our discussions to merge our two flower shops that my real passion was doing weddings and special events.  A Arrangement Florist, at the time, really had no wedding specialist per say, so we decided to form a new company, A Weddings and Events, to do just  that and I would head it up.

Q: How do you know one another?

A: We have been friendly competitors in Spartanburg for over 25 years

Q:  How did you become interested in the floral business:

A:   I have been around the floral business since I was about 12 years old when my father started Starnes Flower Company. I grew up with the knowledge of the floral industry, so once I returned home from graduate school, I worked for other people. This opportunity allowed me to learn more, allowing be to also do some freelance floral work, eventually I purchased my family's business in 1999.  That is where I have been since.

Q: How long have you been in business? 

A:  Starnes Flower Company has been in business since 1979

     A Arrangement Florist has been in business for 35 years.

     Combined years total: 45 years

Q: What are your favorite flowers to work with?

A: I really enjoy working with all flowers, but there is nothing more beautiful to me that a perfect coral or pink rose.

Q: What’s the most popular request for flowers?  

A:  Cala lilies are currently the rage.

Q: What’s the wildest request for flowers?

A: The strangest request I have ever had was to create a telephone out of flowers for a memorial service and to design the deceased calling Jesus to come home.

Q: What advice would you give to a bride when choosing flowers?

A: BE FLEXIBLE !  Choose your colors before you consult with a florist and bring any pictures you have seen that you like so the florist can get a sense of your style.

Q: Can you give an average flower budget spent on a wedding?

A: There is no average budget. I do all weddings from just a bouquet and boutonniere to a 30 member wedding party with 50 centerpieces- I love them all!

Q: What are some money saving tips?

A: This goes back to being flexible- for example if you have a picture of a bouquet you like but the price is not in your budget- you may be able to achieve the exact same look with less expensive flowers.