Winning South West Florist of the Year at the National Wedding Awards last year was an incredible moment—especially because it was voted for by my amazing couples. Their kind words and trust in my work made the award even more special, and I’m so grateful to be a part of their wedding journeys.
But the excitement didn’t end there! Winning my regional award meant I was invited to the National Awards in London, where the winners are chosen by a panel of industry professionals.
I couldn’t wait! My husband, Alex, and I got dressed up and headed to the event, excited (and a little nervous!) for the results. The competition was incredibly strong, and the wait felt endless… but then my name was called—I had won Highly Commended at the National Awards!
A Journey of Growth & Gratitude
It’s incredible to think that just two years ago, I moved to the South West to grow my business. Since then, I’ve had the honour of winning Highly Commended at the Regional Awards, then winning the regionals outright, and now receiving Highly Commended at the Nationals.
None of this would be possible without my incredible couples. Their vibrant personalities and creative visions allow me to bring unique and stunning floral designs to life. Not only that, but their generous feedback played a huge role in helping me win these awards.
What My Couples Say…
Here are just a few of the wonderful testimonials that helped me achieve this milestone:
“Femme Petale was amazing for our May wedding. I had a good idea of what I was after, and Gemma really brought it to life whilst remaining within my budget.”
“Gemma was absolutely brilliant in translating our vision. Our ceremony flowers, in particular, were beautiful and vibrant. I really enjoyed working with her!”
“Our wedding wouldn’t have been the same without Gemma. We weren’t feeling very inspired until we spoke with her—she suggested a tropical theme (inspired by my husband’s love for Birds of Paradise!), and suddenly, everything fell into place. The bouquets and the ‘palm cloud’ she created for our ceremony were breathtaking. If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
“Gemma is an absolute joy to work with. Her passion and professionalism shine through everything she does—from pre-wedding communication to her beautiful flowers! Her bright and decadent design style truly stands out.”
“We loved working with Gemma and Femme Petale for our wedding. The whole process was fun and easy from start to finish. She helped bring our half-formed ideas to life and created incredible flowers, including flower crowns, wands, and garlands. We would recommend her to anyone!”
Reading these heartfelt words means the world to me. The connection I build with each couple, and the trust they place in me, is what makes this job so rewarding.
Winning Highly Commended at the National Wedding Awards is an achievement I’ll always cherish, but it’s also a stepping stone. I’m constantly growing, refining my craft, and pushing creative boundaries. I can’t wait to see what this next wedding season holds and to continue creating unforgettable floral designs for my wonderful couples.
A huge thank you to every couple who has chosen Femme Petale—I wouldn’t be here without you!