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A moment with ‘Dusty Gypsy Floral Design

ABIA meets Mariana Pimenta, director and head floral designer, of this Wollongong-based wedding florist

dusty-gypsy-floral-design-wedding-flowers-wollongong-photo-Bella-Weddings

Bella Weddings

Mariana Pimenta says she was always the creative type, but when she became pregnant she swapped writing and photography for roses and ranunculuses, leaving behind her career as a journalist to pursue floristry with her business Dusty Gypsy Floral Design.

These days the Wollongong-based wedding florist services her couples, and indulges her personal love of flowers, with an array of bespoke bridal bouquets and wedding arrangements for ceremonies and receptions.

To find out more about her fondness for funky florals and colour, ABIA sat down with Marina to chat ceremony plinths, minimalist bouquets and bud vases.

dusty-gypsy-floral-design-wedding-flowers-wollongong-photo-Matt-Ashton

Matt Ashton

Tell us about your business and wedding services.

We are a bespoke floral studio, specialising in weddings.

Where are you based and what locations do you service?

We are based in Wollongong and service Sydney, the Illawarra, the Southern Highlands and the South Coast of NSW.

dusty-gypsy-floral-design-wedding-flowers-wollongong-photo-Bella-Weddings

Bella Weddings

dusty-gypsy-floral-design-wedding-flowers-wollongong-photo-Matt-Ashton

Matt Ashton

What inspired you to become a florist? Was it something that interested you from childhood?

I have always been creative and before becoming a florist I was a journalist and photographer. I always loved to be around flowers, so I started Dusty Gypsy when I was pregnant.

At what stage of the planning process should couples start to think about florists and flowers?

One year before their wedding is a good time for couples to start making enquiries and find out what floral styles and services will suit them best.

dusty-gypsy-floral-design-wedding-flowers-wollongong-photo-Bella-Weddings

Bella Weddings

dusty-gypsy-floral-design-wedding-flowers-wollongong-photo-Matt-Ashton

Matt Ashton

dusty-gypsy-floral-design-wedding-flowers-wollongong-photo-Matt-Ashton

Matt Ashton

What recommendations do you have for couples when it comes to choosing their colour palette?

I encourage my couples not to stress too much about the colours. I think the flowers should reflect the vibe of a couple, rather than reflect a current trend.

What are some creative ideas and floral trends to look out for in the near future?

Ceremony plinths, that can be moved and repurposed for the reception, are becoming very popular, as are modern, minimalistic bouquets for brides and bridesmaids.

dusty-gypsy-floral-design-wedding-flowers-wollongong-photo-Bella-Weddings

Bella Weddings

dusty-gypsy-floral-design-wedding-flowers-wollongong-photo-Matt-Ashton

Matt Ashton

If a couple gave you ‘free reign’ what would their wedding floristry look like?

That’d be my dream customer, and they could expect funky florals and lots of colour!

Do you have any suggestions for couples sticking to a budget, and those looking to 'make the most' of their wedding blooms?

Repurposing florals from the ceremony for decorating the reception is a great way for couples to make the most of their wedding flowers.  Bud vases are always a good alternative too. I often advise my budget-conscious couples not to spend too much on corsages and lapels for every single relative, and to go with smaller bouquets and bigger ceremony florals to get the greatest impact.

dusty-gypsy-floral-design-wedding-flowers-wollongong-photo-Matt-Ashton

Matt Ashton

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