Venice is a city full of amazing sights at every turn. Its ancient palaces and bridges tell stories from the past. The sounds of water and distant bells enhance Venice’s peaceful atmosphere. This city, between water and sky, inspires creativity, and time stands still here. Adriana Smith, the founder of Moss Floral, saw Venice as the perfect place to hold a floral workshop. The city’s beautiful surroundings, rich history, and the Carnival’s romantic and mysterious spirit would inspire her team’s designs. Adriana boasts over ten years of worldwide experience, and in Venice, she aimed to teach her students floral design and encourage them to express themselves creatively.
I had envisioned a floral workshop in the captivating city of Venice for some time. Venice intrigued me - the ability to get lost in tiny alleyways, the dense foggy mornings over the canals, and gondolas slowly passing by - there was no place like it. How inspiring would it be to bring floral designers here to be allured by the olden city?
The workshop offered an enriching experience beyond traditional floral design. Adriana’s vision was to provide not only skill-building sessions but also a deep dive into the essence of branding in the floral industry. “Floral design is such a saturated market,” Adriana shared, emphasizing the importance of visual communication and personal expression in standing out.
Michaela from Hnstly.co contributed significantly to the workshop by guiding participants through exercises aimed at discovering their unique voice in floral design. She encouraged students to ponder essential questions like, “Why do you love to design arrangements for couples? What do you enjoy most about it?” This introspective approach was designed to help students uncover their true passions and translate them into their floral creations. Through candid discussions and reflective exercises, participants gained insights into how to communicate their artistic identity effectively.
The students enjoyed Venetian delicacies prepared by a private chef, fostering a sense of community and connection during shared meals. These lunches and dinners were integral to the workshop’s atmosphere, allowing participants to relax and bond in the picturesque setting of Venice.
The creators used various blooms such as garden roses, fritillarias, tulips, peonies, and anemones, blending deep burgundies, burnt oranges, soft blushes, and delicate ivories. The choice of flowers, lush greenery, and sculptural elements like hellebores and scabiosa pods created visually dynamic and intricately detailed bouquets. They balanced bold contrasts and gentle romanticism, echoing the beauty of Venice through flowing lines and cascading forms.
The workshop culminated in an editorial shoot, where the models displayed Adriana’s demonstration bouquet and the students’ creations. The shoot took place in the early morning hours at St. Mark’s Square, capturing the ethereal beauty of the city without the usual crowds. As the models wandered through the quiet pathways of Venice, the serene surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for the floral compositions.
The Fall Bride provided a curated selection of dresses designed to seamlessly complement the location and the editorial’s intended ambiance.
The first gown was a shimmering dream. This full-length dress, adorned with thousands of dazzling sequins, reflects light beautifully, creating a captivating sparkle with every movement. The deep V-neckline and long sleeves extending gracefully enhanced the fluidity of the design.
The back of the gown was a stunning highlight, featuring an open design that adds a contemporary edge to its classic shape. This striking back detail frames the model’s figure elegantly, accentuating the shoulders and creating a sense of balance and proportion.
The second gown was made of luxurious satin fabric and has a flowing silhouette, combining classic refinement with a touch of modernity. It features a soft, plunging neckline and billowing sleeves that add a romantic and fluid touch to the design.
The gown’s simplicity allows the purity of its lines and the richness of the fabric to take the spotlight. The gentle train flows gracefully along the Doge’s Palace, echoing the historical beauty of its surroundings.
A pearl-embellished headband complements the gown, adding a hint of vintage charm and highlighting the bride’s natural beauty.
The next part of the Moss Floral editorial captured models elegantly strolling through Venice’s historic pathways, their gowns harmonizing with the city’s enchanting atmosphere. Against the backdrop of narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque bridges, the models’ presence evoked a timeless romance intertwined with the city’s charm.
The third look featured an elegant off-the-shoulder design crafted from sheer, pleated fabric. The soft sleeves drape gently, creating an illusion of lightness and movement. The dress showcased a fitted bodice that seamlessly transitions into a full, flowing skirt with a subtle train. This design captures the bride’s figure while exuding an effortless elegance.
Against the backdrop of Venice’s winding canals and ancient marble facades, this look captures a timeless charm, reflecting the city’s storied past and the fresh, innovative spirit of modern bridal fashion.
The editorial concluded with a stunning floral installation crafted collaboratively by Adriana Smith and her students. Positioned against a stately stone wall, the installation featured a vibrant cascade of deep burgundy, soft peach, and bright orange blooms. Garden roses, tulips, and fritillarias intertwined with trailing ivy and ferns, creating a dynamic composition that echoed Venice’s natural beauty and architectural grandeur.
The time we spent in Venice was truly inspirational for everyone involved. The mix of the city’s rich history, the modern beauty of the floral and bridal designs made a magical experience. Walking through Venice’s charming streets and seeing the perfect blend of flowers and fashion against its iconic backdrop left everyone feeling inspired and creatively fulfilled.
No matter how many years of experience one has, it is so important to invest in yourself. Take time to learn more, grow, play. There is so much reward.
WORKSHOP HOST & FLORIST Moss Floral | PHOTOGRAPHERS Taylor & Porter | STYLIST & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hnstly.co | STUDENT Pam Hulsey | MODELS Tecla Guidotti, Casting Firenze, Irene Rizzi | MODEL MANAGEMENT Iso Model Management | GOWNS & For Love, Newhite | BRIDAL SHOP The Fall Bride | ACCESSORIES The Fall Bride, Lelet NY, Otiumberg
