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Congratulations to Berkshire-based independent florist, Sonning Flowers who won the Wedding Florist of the Year award at this year’s prestigious National Wedding Industry Awards. This news comes after the florist was crowned top of its class in the regional heat, taking home Wedding Florist of the Year for the South Central of England.

Heather Reilly, owner of Sonning Flowers tells us, “We are absolutely delighted and just can’t believe it! It’s the icing on the cake after winning Best Florist in Berkshire at the Muddy Stilettos Awards for 2021. We never dreamed of winning another award six months later.”

She continues, “A huge thank you to all our wonderful wedding couples who voted for us and provided generous and incredible feedback about their wedding flowers and service we provided. It’s been a whirlwind for our whole industry, and the support we have received has been truly amazing.”

Feedback from voters applauded Sonning Flowers’ flexibility, creativity, faultless communication, expert knowledge and exemplary customer service.

Heather concluded, “I personally also need to say a huge thank you to the Sonning Flowers team. We’ve had back-to-back weddings since Covid-19 restrictions were lifted and my small team of seven have worked incredibly hard during a wedding season like no other. Winning three renowned awards in the last six months is a great kick-start to 2022, and we look forward to the wonderful weddings we have coming up. I always knew Sonning Flowers was award winning, and this is the true recognition the team deserves!”

Let’s chat: 01189 590 301, www.sonningflowers.com; www.facebook.com/ sonningflowers; www.instagram.com/sonningflowers

IVY CRUZ, a Reading-based floral design studio specialises in turning faux flowers into elaborate life-like arrangements for weddings, providing customers with durable and long-lasting floral installations. The studio offers an in-house design service and their Insta-worthy displays include their take on the traditional flower wall. The talented team proudly create all of their floral arrangements in their studio, from custom-built or repurposed trees to floral ceiling installations, planters, walls and arrangements. It's a sustainable decision in choosing to produce their products in the UK and director Ioana Caciun tells us, "Over the last few years it has become apparent how important buying 'Made in the UK' is, from the obvious benefits of superior quality, easier communication, and creating much-needed employment, to reducing the carbon footprint and purchasing smaller quantities which in turn will create less waste.”

Let’s chat: 01284 245 700, www.ivycruzflowers.com; www.facebook.com/ IvyCruzltd; www.instagram.com/ivycruzltd

Large or small, statement floral installations and arrangements have never looked so pretty

Wow! Check out these gorgeous blooms, ideal for a summer wedding, from Newbury-based florist Willow & Blooms

Let’s chat: 01635 528 900, www.willowandbloomsflowersnewbury.co.uk www.facebook.com/WillowAndBlooms www.instagram.com/willowandblooms

Stems of London based in Berkshire are seeing neutral colour themes trending with floral installations created to look like they’re growing from the room, plus garden-style arrangements.

Let’s chat: 07951 329 807, www.stemsoflondon.com; www.facebook.com/ stemsoflondonflorist; www.instagram.com/stemsoflondonflorist

The Thatched Florist based in Buckinghamshire, run by mother and daughter duo Hannah and Paula are seeing a demand for ecofriendly arrangements, bouquets, buttonholes, headpieces and wrist corsages made using recyclable and renewable materials.

Let’s chat: 07711 782 407, https://thethatchedflorist.co.uk www.facebook.com/The-Thatched-Florist-103343114539377 www.instagram.com/the_thatched_florist

The Flower Shed Oxford based in Bicester offers natural, wild arrangements made with soft grasses that are popular looks for weddings. Berkshire-based Lisa Darban Bespoke Floristry created this cascading bridal bouquet with pampas grass, a popular choice for brides.