READING TIME: 4 min 6 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/13/2024
UPDATED: 09/13/2024
Larry Walshe Studios emerged from the ambition and vision of Larry Walshe, who originally carved his niche in the bustling London events industry. Working with a prestigious catering company, Walshe was introduced to the world of grand celebrations and sophisticated gatherings. "I became infatuated by the way that great floristry and design could utterly transform spaces into unique and memorable environments," Walshe says.
Dissatisfied with the status quo, Walshe embarked on a personal mission to elevate wedding floristry to the same level as other design services. "I also became increasingly frustrated with the service level and excellence for design that was being offered in the marketplace by other vendors and thought that if I felt I could do it better, I should go and put my money where my mount was!" he stated, marking the beginning of his venture.
After completing a two-week floristry course, he made a life-altering decision. "Upon completion, handed my notice in and found myself sitting at my dining table saying, “so…this is what I do now!”"
Despite the excitement, he soon noticed significant shortcomings in the industry. "I felt that in that moment, the design service being extended in the industry was lacking behind what one would expect from a similar investment into interior design for example, where you receive drawings, renderings, plans, sketches, samples, swatches etc. Given we are talking about investing the same sums, I couldn’t understand why we were asking clients to part with their money without showing them exactly what they would be getting for it,” he shares. “To this day, our team works tirelessly to create an industry-leading guest experience that guides each of our clients through the design process in the most enjoyable and transparent way possible."
“I’m not sure if taking such a bold decision to transform my life is something that I would be brave enough to make again however, a decade later, I am beyond thrilled that I took the leap as the opportunities, experiences, and creative satisfaction I have achieved since really have been utterly life-changing,” Larry adds.
One of Larry Walshe Studios’ most challenging and rewarding experiences came when they were asked to oversee a high-profile wedding in Lake Como on short notice.
"Working internationally in any capacity has its increased challenges, not least logistically, and as one of our first projects in the region and our largest at that time, I will never forget the very fast learning experience we had in overcoming all the challenges that we faced," Larry recalls. The event proved to be a spectacular success, leading to the establishment of a studio in Italy. "We were certainly not mentally prepared for the amount of work involved in creating projects in locations which are not designed for events or easily accessible. When I look back at the fabulous imagery captured of all these celebrations, the sense of pride is overwhelming. The satisfaction that we experienced viewing the end result was worth every moment of the journey. So much so that after this wedding, we decided to establish a permanent studio in the region and this was the start of our Italian adventure."
Larry Walshe Studios prides itself on its flexibility with client budgets and its innovative use of diverse materials. "We do not have a minimum commission value, but rather work with any realistic budget," says Walshe.
The founder emphasizes the importance of creativity in their work, "As a designer, we love using an array of media to create a visual experience for each of our guests. We love to create environments within which our guests can create memories so with this in mind, are always keen to find new or interesting materials and ingredients that we can incorporate within our work."
Larry Walshe Studios is particularly supportive of the trend towards organic and sustainable floral designs. "Appreciative of the opportunity to work in this manner, we have very much supported this trend and applied a great number of sustainable floristry techniques to achieving this successfully," the team adds.
For couples uncertain about their floral preferences, Larry offers practical advice. "Start gathering imagery you like. It really doesn’t matter where it is from," he suggests. "You likely will not find the “perfect” image you are looking to create and if you’re anything like me, if it has been made before, I don’t want it! As such, just gather a selection of reference images that you particularly like (or don’t like!). Whether they are from interiors, colour swatches, something you’ve seen on your travels, this will help to inform your designer in a way that is so much more descriptive than words."
He emphasizes the importance of this collaborative process: "I always believe the moment you know you have found “your designer” is when they can interpret what is in your mind that which you haven’t even been able to articulate yet. They should be able to take your ideas and transform these into the most beautiful reality, just for you."
When asked about his favorite flowers to work with, Walshe's enthusiasm is evident. "Honestly, I love all flowers," he admits. "They all have their place and the selection I have to work with ensures that each of our projects feels unique."
Today, Larry Walshe Studios operates globally, with a presence in the UK, Italy, and the USA. "Larry Walshe Studios are the first florists & event designers in the world to have a legitimate commercial presence in three countries. This allows us to work globally in a manner which is unparalleled, providing each our of clients with the most convenient, intuitive, and enjoyable service possible," the team states proudly.
Larry Walshe Studios continues to lead and inspire in the world of wedding floristry. For those uncertain about their floral preferences, Walshe advises, "Gather images that speak to you. It’s not about finding the perfect picture but about finding what inspires you." Through his commitment to innovation, client satisfaction, and global outreach, Larry Walshe and his team are set to keep transforming spaces and expectations alike.
