My Journey into the World of Flowers + How I'm Evolving my Craft
The details of where exactly my journey into the world of flowers began, and how I've committed to evolving my craft over the last 19 (!!!) years.
I hardly ever share the full details of where exactly my journey into the world of flowers began, and how I've approached honing my craft over the last 19 (!!!) years. But today I’m sharing it all!
Below are the three main avenues of flowers I've explored along the way, including how I commit myself to continually evolving my craft.
1 - The Flower Shop
My first-ever job was as a salesperson at my local flower shop back in Pennsylvania. I worked there through high school and college, taking phone orders, memorizing flower names, sweeping floors, and breaking down flower boxes. Eventually I graduated to designing handheld bouquets, refining their website, and taking simple wedding orders. The hands-on experience was invaluable. It gave me an ego-free launch into the elusive and seemingly glamorous world of flowers. Don’t be fooled! I relate running a flower shop to running a restaurant — It’s exhausting. It’s dirty work. There are kind customers, then not-so-kind customers. But at the end of each day, the profuse scent of fresh flowers would follow me to my car and back home and I’d think to myself — how lucky am I to be able to work with my hands (and flowers) each day.
2 - Freelancing Part-Time
After I moved to San Francisco from Philadelphia for a career in tech, I rediscovered the world of flowers via freelancing and booked jobs with other wedding and event florists on weekends. Freelancing taught me so much about different techniques, styles, and Bay Area wedding venues, all while expanding a very supportive network in the floral community that I still rely on! I always recommend freelancing to anyone getting started, as it gives you a real life behind-the-scenes experience of what it means to be a wedding and event florist without the commitment of running your own business with your own clients. Ultimately I knew I always wanted to run my own business (both of my parents were small business owners and I grew up appreciating what comes with that lifestyle) — so once I had a few of my own bookings under my belt I launched my business (more on that story another time!).
3 - Investment in education
A mix of 1:1 workshops, semesters with a local community college, online flower courses, and ongoing business coaching/mentorship have evolved my designs, techniques, and business processes. I make it a goal to invest in a few of these each year so that I constantly learn and evolve, and never get stuck or stagnant in set ways. Additionally, every single client and planner collaboration allows me to expand and stretch my imagination — and I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to share my art with each.
May we never stop learning and evolving!
Moodboard: Mocha Mousse
A peak into my design process and inspiration behind an event design inspired by the Pantone Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse.
My first event of the year is inspired by the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse. It’s such a versatile color, ranging from relaxed and mellow to indulgent and rich.
For this event — hosted at The Charter Oak in St. Helena — we’re leaning into sensorial sophistication. Think: vibey lighting, rich velvet upholstery, silky draping and tassels, funky candles. I’ll be pairing this with classic blooms like tulips, callas, and anemones in mono-floral arrangements.
Often for event and wedding floral designs, the planner shares a design deck with the general idea of the floral vibe already determined, to which I’ll then add my spin. But for this event, Harlene Events and I have been collaborating closely from the beginning which has given me a lot of opportunity to get really creative. We’re really leaning into the theme — and nothing can stop a good florist-planner duo! I always recommend working with a planner, because they’ll really take the design to the next level in collaboration with key vendors (not to mention keeping the event smooth, on-track, and most importantly — super fun and relaxed for their clients.
I can’t wait to share more from this event, but for now wanted to share a bit more behind the design process. I want to hear from you though — any questions about my design process or things you’d like to see more of?
xo
Anastasia
Japanese Wedding Inspiration in California Wine Country
The beauty of Japanese gardens in springtime was the inspiration for this wedding design at Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, California — one of my favorite Bay Area venues! From the Ikebana-inspired tablescape to the interactive escort display designed to take guests on a walk through a Japanese garden, each moment transports us to another place.
Sharing our latest publication feature in Wedding Sparrow.
“The beauty of Japanese gardens in springtime is the inspiration for this organic wedding editorial at Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, California. Designed by Northern California wedding planner, Jacinda Weddings & Events, natural Japanese-inspired elements were woven throughout every detail, from the Ikebana floral art to the interactive escort display.
The floral design by Anastasia Andenmatten highlighted spring elements and blooming branches, such as dogwood, Japanese sweet pea, Pieris japonica, and hellebores, arranged in modern stoneware vessels," explains Jacinda. The textured linens and floral plates mirrored the shape of the dogwood blooms in the centerpieces.
Japanese garden elements were woven throughout many details, including the rippling water in the Ikebana dining table arrangements, and the escort display. The escort table featured individual escort cards artfully set atop black stones and natural moss with beautiful floral elements. Stepping away from the ubiquitous escort wall concept, we designed a dynamic and interactive escort table where guests would embark on a little hunt to find their name in this unique Japanese garden display.
The invitation suite by Elsa Madeline featured original artwork was inspired by Japanese calligraphy brushstrokes and x-ray florals. This artwork was mirrored in the ethereal painted rice paper appliqué on the contemporary square wedding cake by Pretty Please Bakeshop.
VENDOR TEAM
Photographer: Olivia Marshall | Film Lab: PhotoVision | Planning and design: Jacinda Weddings & Events | Florals: Anastasia Andenmatten | Rentals: Theoni Collection and The Ark | Venue: Carneros Resort and Spa | Cake: Pretty Please Bakeshop | Paper and signage: Elsa Madeline | Cake table linen: Napa Valley Linens | Pale blue cocktail table linens: BBJ-La Tavola | Calligraphy: Blanca Lewis Calligraphy | Gifting: Bestowe Gifting
A Contemporary Napa Valley Elopement, featured in Style Me Pretty
Rob and Jason stepped away from their hectic lives in St. Petersburg, Florida to travel to Napa Valley for their most important vacation yet. This time, they were back at their favorite destination to celebrate their love. That, and a weekend of obligatory wine tasting with their dearest family and friends.
THE COUPLE
Rob and Jason stepped away from their hectic lives in St. Petersburg, Florida to travel to Napa Valley for their most important vacation yet. This time, they were back at their favorite destination to celebrate their love. That, and a weekend of obligatory wine tasting with their dearest family and friends.
THE VENUES
Rob and Jason exchanged their wedding vows fountain-side at the quiet and exquisite Beaulieu Gardens. From there, guests were treated to an evening of wine tasting, dinner, toasts, and dancing at Promontory Winery. The winery sits in a secluded canyon and is known for its transitional design, top notch wine, and extensive views of the Napa Valley. The property is a true work of art, and a really special spot. ^ All of these things made this the most beautiful dinner party ever.
THE FLOWERS
With Rob & Jason’s floral design concept, I aimed to add softness and intimacy to the concrete, steel, and glass setting.
I started with the communal 26-foot table that guests would gather around because it’s an impressive focal point to build from. Rob and Jason loved the idea of a lush floral runner along the length of the table, so I chose a mix of statement flowers and soft textures. These included anthuriums, lisianthus, ranunculus, roses, and queen anne's lace. Like Promontory’s designs, I wanted my work to feel connected to its natural surroundings while also structural. I placed flowers playfully at varied heights as if they were growing out of the tabletop.
Lots and lots of candles nestled throughout the flowers created a romantic glow as the sun set, while a monochromatic palette of white added contemporary elegance. Each guest had one lovely little bloom atop their place setting’s menu card.
GRATITUDE
Rob and Jason planned their entire elopement from afar with the help of their amazing wedding planner Tracie Domino. Without a chance to meet in person, I appreciate their grace and openness as we worked together throughout planning. I am lucky to have played a part in their celebration, and have a feeling the party is just getting started for these two.
Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten
Wedding Planner: Tracie Domino Events
Catering: Paula LeDuc
Ceremony Venue: Beaulieu Garden
Reception Venue: Promontory Winery
Videographer: Tri Luu Films
Photography: Jeremy Scott
Music: Napa Valley Media
Officiant: Rose Barboza
