Our first ever 3 day floral masterclass “Fantasia” at the world-renowned Four Seasons Hotel Park Lane was an experience like no other - I am beyond proud of what my amazingly talented team and I produced in 3 days of floral epicness x I have always wanted to run a masterclass for aspiring florists and was fortunate enough to be supported by the best talent in the industry to bring my vision to life. Florists from across the globe joined us to create the ultimate immersive floral experience - The Four Seasons at The Four Seasons “Fantasia”.
The masterclass came about over an impromptu lunch meeting with the director of events from The Four Seasons Sasha Taylor who offered the hotels services when I explained I wanted to create a class for florists to learn techniques, and skills of large scale floral installations that Team Bone are famous for - I honestly couldn’t believe it - that such a huge brand such as The Four Seasons were willing to support my dream - but they were and the whole hotel team from start to finish were a pleasure to work with - nothing was too much trouble, the level of detail and service was exceptional throughout the 10 month preparations for the event. Sasha, as I said in my speech we have become true friends through Fantasia and our friendship, will last a lifetime x
Once the hotel was confirmed and the date secured I was then on the lookout for the very best in the industry to collaborate with - over a glass of bubbles Bruce Russell the acclaimed international wedding and party planner agreed to plan and coordinate Fantasia. I love Bruce's can-do attitude, his sense of calm, and hisknowledge of all things parties. I also really enjoy working with Bruce and found his attention to detail infectious - that's an amazing quality when you are stepping into the unknown!
The list of collaborators goes on and on - to bring the design to life I needed the best team in London and I was so lucky to have the best in the business by my side - trusting in me and my vision both mentally and financially.
Guests were welcomed into Winter - a mirrored walkway led the way past a huge winter tree - surrounded by hundreds of white hydrangeas. Jack Frost greeted our guests at a life-size floral igloo, where the amazeballs Bubblegum Balloons created a white balloon backdrop behind suspended wintery floral chandeliers and giant snowballs of flowers.
Guests were then transported into an enchanted autumn scene - giant floral mushrooms, hanging garlands of rich textured foliage, and a captivating fairy house surrounded by gardens of deep coloured autumnal blooms, masses of candlelight and enchanting tree stilt walkers set the tone of this beautiful concept.
The next room for guests to enjoy was Club Tropicana - complete with our very own Fantasia flamingo bar for the hour long drinks reception! Archways of exotic flowers and foliage encapsulated the guests when they entered the beautifully designed space. This room was stunning - pink planters filled with palm trees and pink exotic flowers looked incredible. The escort card table holding flamingo shaped escort cards from our friends at The Wren Press went down a storm and fit the theme exceptionally.
Being called to dinner walking through our quintessentially English summer complete with fairies and amazing rose clad cake from Hall of Cakes - was nothing short of dreamy. The wisteria and cherry blossom ceiling installation was heavenly, the gardens of English blooms smelt and looked divine.
Dining in spring - the grand finale - when I think of spring I always think of daffodils - so it was an obvious choice for me that spring had to be yellow. The absolute pinnacle of my career was crafted with so much love within the ballroom at The Four Seasons - super wide banquet tables holding spring gardens of yellow blooms, and hundreds of candles in various holders to compliment the beauty of the design. Overhead a canopy of the finest Italian mimosa complete with giant floral butterflies. Bespoke windows filled with the same delicate blooms looked incredible as a back drop to a soft seating area. The mirrored bar complete with floral backdrop stood proud at the end of the ballroom - there was so much to take in - it was a true feast for the eyes x
Not only did I want to run a successful floral masterclass I wanted to throw an amazing party for my industry colleagues to enjoy and my oh my did we achieve that! - What a party it was with the fabulous Elan Artists to entertain us into the early hours - it really was the best night ever! It was surreal - we get to transform spaces with our flowers all the time - and we never ever really get to see peoples reactions or get to feel the love in the room at the weddings or parties we dress - Fantasia you did not disappoint- the look of joy on our guests faces, the positive comments and feeling I wish I could bottle - each time I watch the film I relive the moments again and again!
I can not begin to thank everyone that was involved in Fantasia - Tom and Al from Lightning Events that provided the incredible production for Fantasia - you guys are the best - thank you so much for everything - I always say we can create anything with flowers but its you guys that make them look amazing with your incredible lighting x
Sam from Stock Florist - you were my rock - thank you my darling for always telling me “we got this” always being positive and generally having my back x you are one in a million and I love ya x
Chris - CP - The Wren Press - The invites set the tone of what the event was going to be - they were completely incredible - the whole design process was a joy x The wonderfully quirky escort cards that looked incredible and a total fit to the tropical room.
And finally the menus which made me burst into tears as soon as I saw them - in a good way people!!! - I literally felt like I stepped into the drawing on the back of the menu - thank you Chris for all your hard work you are the very best and as I said in my speech a master of your craft x
Nicola - Hall of Cakes - thank you for raising the bar with your edible masterpiece - your love and craft shone through in what you created - the cake was an absolute beauty x
Neil - Neil Hughes Productions - my god you nailed it! - Considering we have never worked together before, we only had a few telephone conversations, and I sent you the initial mood board you grasped the design and run with it! Thank you Neil for entrusting in me and in the concept of Fantasia - I know we will be working together lots and lots over the coming years!
Anastacia - Wedhead - the chairs looked incredible for spring dining - they fitted into the design perfectly - and your velvet soft furnishings complemented our floral wall perfectly - thank you so much for going above and beyond as always x
Maria Antonia - Duchess & Butler - my go to girl and lovely friend x thank you for your support. The table looked beautiful with your stunning glassware, charger plates and cutlery - as always your support is appreciated and we love working with you x
Sophia - Just 4 Linen - As you know I am a huge fan of your fabulous product and will continue to be an advocate for your brand. Thank you for your support and it was so fabulous to finally meet you at the gala dinner 🙂
Natalie - Byredo - the scent throughout the event was incredible - thank you for your support - I look forward to working with you and the team in the coming months and creating an amazing event with Bruce at your Soho store.
Roger and Sophie - Wow Grass - what a product you guys have - I am so grateful that you embraced the design and showcased your fab grass at Fantasia x thank you for everything and I look forward to working with you both in the very near future.
Laura - Bubblegum Balloons - my go to balloon girl 🙂 I love working with you - theres no such word as no - you are always a joy to work with and your team are incredible. Looking forward to working with you lots more very soon x
Josh and The Elan Artist's team - Wow! - What a performance - absolutely mind blowing - incredible from start to finish. The artists, the choreography, every element was off the chart and I know that we will be working together lots and lots over the coming years as I can't recommend you guys enough - thank you so much x
Teri - Teri & Lori - Thank you so much lovely Teri for capturing all the amazing behind the scenes imagery that have bought so much joy - I can relive the 3 days through your photos x I look forward to working with you very soon when you capture more of our beautiful weddings and events 🙂
