Where Nature Meets Elegance

From wildflower-inspired bouquets to elegant, contemporary designs, these local florists bring the grandeur of the mountains into every arrangement

by LINNE HALPERN

The decision to get married in Telluride typically involves the breathtaking beauty of the natural landscape. The unparalleled views of the San Juan Mountains provide a built-in backdrop for the most special of celebrations. But even amidst such grandeur, curated florals have the power to elevate the occasion even further. Drawing inspiration from the landscape, local florists collaborate with clients to bring their visions to life.

Discover Telluride’s bespoke floral studios and flower shops, and find the perfect partner to transform your next celebration into something truly extraordinary.

New Leaf Design

Founded by Frannie Aura, New Leaf Design is a fullservice floral and event studio. With New Leaf, you also gain access to its sister company, a. Studio Collection, which includes an assortment of rental furnishings, lighting, linens and tabletop accessories to complete your event’s overall aesthetic. With Aura and her team’s hand in all aspects of the event, clients can benefit from the seamless execution of a cohesive vision.

Aura has a background in landscape design and uses nature as her guiding inspiration. “People come to Telluride to be outside,” Aura says. “So, all of our designs originate in nature and are grounded in the beauty of the San Juan Mountains.” Aura’s organic sensibility and elevated taste combine to deliver swoon-worthy settings. For 2025 celebrations, Aura is looking forward to embracing more color and continuing her signature wild, unstructured arrangements.

Flowers by Ella

Flowers by Ella is Telluride’s go-to brick-and-mortar flower shop. From everyday bouquets to stunning event arrangements, nothing is out of reach for owner and lead designer Ella Hassan. Together with her business partner, Lollie Lavercombe, the duo operate the coolest floral, plant, vintage clothing and gift shop in town. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, Flowers by Ella is an emporium of artisan-made goods (think handmade pottery, luxury candles and coffee table books).

For weddings and events, Hassan blends an elevated contemporary aesthetic with the natural beauty of the Rockies to create immersive, fantasy-like floral moments. Her style mixes a reverence for the untamed enchantment of Colorado’s wildflowers and the refined elegance of traditional English garden arranging. With a signature pinch of artful whimsy and a bold dose of color, Flowers by Ella creations celebrate the magic and wonder of Telluride.

Bridal Veil Floral

Emily Ballou, owner and lead designer at Bridal Veil Floral, has been dreaming up exquisite floral scenescapes since 2014. By leaning on her connections with local planners, venues and vendors, Ballou works collaboratively within the community to deliver an expert-level experience.

Bridal Veil Floral also prioritizes sourcing their blooms from regional farms, with an eye toward sustainability and authenticity. “We focus on creating arrangements that reflect the couple’s style, while complementing the beauty of Telluride’s landscapes,” says Ballou. In addition to detailed tabletop arrangements, lucious bouquets and creative decor elements, Ballou specializes in large-scale, site-specific floral installations that bring drama and romance — from archways to canopies. Ballou also works with many of the area’s festivals along with corporate and real estate clients.

Nested

Nested, owned by local florist Ashley Hoglund, specializes in creating bespoke floral arrangements for private events, elopements and weddings. Renowned for her elegant eye for color and sophisticated arranging style, Hoglund has earned a reputation throughout the region. In need of a custom bouquet? Nested offers personal delivery throughout the area, available Tuesdays through Saturdays. Beyond custom orders, Nested collaborates with local businesses to share the beauty of florals — from partnerships with The Butcher & The Baker to pop-up events at the farmers’ market.

China Rose Florist & Greenhouse

China Rose, Telluride’s longest-standing flower shop, has been a cherished part of the community since 1974. Located in Lawson Hill, the shop offers a wide variety of plants, gifts, pottery, cards, floral vases full of bright blooms and all things garden.

Now owned by Amy and Dwight Olivier, China Rose has carved out a special place for custom designs and fresh flower deliveries at all price points. China Rose can add atmosphere to your special event, wedding, business and home with event setup, summer landscaping, yard maintenance and holiday decorating services.