5 Questions // Janelle from Flowers by Janie

This edition of 5 questions dives into the world of florals, as we chat to Janelle, owner of Flowers by Janie. Flowers by Janie is one of Calgary’s leading floral design studios, known for creating elegant, garden inspired, arrangements that turn heads. With a focus on timeless design, quality blooms, and meticulous attention to detail, Janie and her team bring a level of artistry and professionalism that makes each wedding feel truly special.

What got you into wedding florals? 

My high school vice principal. I had some spares in my last year of highschool and she asked if I’d be open to doing a work experience placement. I took an aptitude test and came back with floral designer or interior designer as great career options. I’m from small town Alberta (Brooks), so floral designer was the only option and so I started working at the flowershop up the street from my parent’s home and fell in love with flowers and floral design! I knew pretty much from day one that I wanted to be a wedding florist because of the joy that flowers bring, but specifically so much more joy that is tied to a wedding day! Plus the designs are more creative and challenging for a wedding which I love.

What kind of style do you specialize in and feel showcases your skills the best? 

I can design in any style but I do love the romance of English gardenesque designs that are flower heavy. I also love using colour and trying interesting colour palettes.

What do you enjoy the most about creating wedding florals?

The joy and happiness that they bring to our clients. I love seeing our bride’s faces light up when they see their bouquet and ceremony florals for the first time. Even grooms have commented that they’ve never seen such beautiful flowers so that is always special. I love creating large installations and “wow” moments for the couple and their guests to really enjoy the flowers. I also love that we use so many varieties of flowers for our designs which you don’t usually see on a regular basis at a retail flowershop or grocery store florist.

What was the most memorable wedding you’ve worked at? 

That is a really hard one because so many have been memorable. We had a September 2024 wedding that was our largest wedding ever and we had 1 month to pull it off. The bride’s dad was terminally ill and has since passed so there was just so much more emotion behind the day. The designs were very lush and we got to create an 11ft tall oversized archway which was spectacular. Also, Ian + Alex’s wedding earlier this March was super fun because not a lot of couples ask for a red and black colour palette and we designed with thousands of bold red blooms and added on an extra special sweetheart table design closer to the wedding date that turned out amazing. Their wedding rehearsal was featured in People Magazine and their wedding is being featured in Rocky Mountain Weddings Magazine. Another recent favourite was Laine + Parker’s wedding at the Fairmont Palliser, because they gave us full creative control, such as trusting us with a metal frame backdrop floral concept that was tough to convey in only a canva mock up, but came together beautifully.

 

What advice do you have for couples looking for a wedding florist?

Try to narrow down your florist choice down to your favourite 2 florists. Check out their website portfolio, Instagram and Pinterest pages and see if you like their design style, use of colours etc. Ask your planner’s and venue’s opinions; who do they like to work with, who has been the most professional and can execute your design flawlessly. Floral proposals can take hours to curate so approach only the florist’s whose work deeply inspires you. Also, if you are comparing quotes please remember that some florists have years more design experience than others, use more premium blooms, use more flower heavy designs etc. This will be reflected in a higher price point. Ultimately choose the professional wedding florist who you think is the very best for you and your partner’s big day and they will work with you to make sure it is spectacular!

 

If you’re looking for a spectacular florist for your wedding, check out Janie’s website, and Instagram portfolio, and send her a message today!

Photos by Kadie Hummel Photography and Breeze Photography