Flowers, candles and fun in bloom at Lovin Florist

BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON STAFF CORRESPONDENT

A Gwinnett County landmark since 1960, the award-winning Lovin Florist continues to grow as friends and customers stop by for the flowers, but stay for the fun. Its popular Sips & Stems classes invite budding flower designers to learn from the experts on how to make floral arrangements, wreaths and dried flowers.

“We do two of those a month,” Lovin Florist’s owner Brandon Neisler said. “People can bring a bottle of wine and we’ll have a two-hour class. It can be girls’ night out or date night or it can be anything.”

Neisler, a Lawrenceville native has owned Lovin Florist at 173 North Perry Street in Lawrenceville for about four years. His love of flowers began with his Great-Grandma Jewell Parr, who was known for her beautiful flowers. Since buying the florist in downtown Lawrenceville, Neisler has expanded to a second location in Braselton. Located at Chateau Elan, the second Lovin Florist location, as well as the first location was recently remodeled in a style that Neisler describes as “shabby chic.” In addition to flowers, both stores feature gift collections and other items and this month, Lovin Florist will debut its own line of candles.

The all-organic soy wax candles feature essential oils and Neisler says people can dip their fingers into the melted wax and use it as a moisturizer. With names like Lavender Lemonade, Just Peachy, Moody Melon and Strawberry Poke Cake, each scent has a special meaning and are rotated seasonally. Neisler said his great-grandma always made strawberry poke cakes for her family, so it holds a special memory for him. All candles are made in the USA. The soy is grown on a farm in Iowa; essential oils come from Tennessee and the candles are hand-poured in Lawrenceville.

For the second year, Lovin Florist will have Flower Market Saturdays at both stores this spring and summer. Shoppers can stop by on Saturdays, choose stemmed flowers and go home with hand-tied bouquets.

“Our weddings and events have just been skyrocketing,” Neisler said. “We are booking months in advance for weddings and events and already taking bookings for the end of the year right now.”

Lovin Florist was recently honored with being named one of seven florists designated as “The Best Of In Georgia” competition. For more information, visit www.lovinflorist.com.