More about the owner and lead designer :
I’m Cynthia, the founder and Grand Poobah of Design In Bloom. A self-diagnosed plant geek rattling off names in Latin in the garden while always looking to grow just one more ‘might be perfect bloom for this wedding,’ my aesthetic always works back to nature and adding just a little bit of whimsy for truly unique designs. Great colors, good solid design, excellent mechanics and locally grown product really inspire and excite me!
A daughter and granddaughter of a hardworking clan with artistic tendencies - there are master level art professors, gardeners, chefs, carpenters and painters in my immediate family - I’ve always been encouraged to explore the world of form, color, function as an extension of my personality. It’s what we do! Although it took a couple of detours through more traditional careers, my quirky and laughter loving self ended up where I am supposed to be - with flowers and a garden.
Since starting my career in flowers and Design In Bloom years ago, I’ve gone from an apprentice designer in New York, to opening new flower shops, to my own studio, to teaching others including other floral designers and being a mentor to those coming up behind me. Always learning, always curious, always adding more techniques and skills to my repertoire. I’m insatiable when it comes to knowing. Studying and workshopping with the best the industry has is important, it keeps the creativity flowing and the practical hands on business of floral art fresh and on the edge of trends. Learning never goes out of style.
Design In Bloom was born of my love for flowers, and specifically, for creating beautiful works of art using them as medium, my paint or clay. It is a calling and an artisan craft.
Our studio lies tucked against Shenandoah National Park in beautiful Madison County, Virginia, in a little hamlet called Hood. Our service area for delivery runs from the northernmost state line with Maryland west to West Virginia, south to Roanoke and through Fredericksburg and up to Fairfax and Falls Church. Most of our events are in Northern Virginia or Charlottesville. We’re often asked to design outside this circle and happily do so as part of a Destination Event - this now includes event within the District of Columbia (Washington DC).
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHIES
Beauty. Honesty. Fairness. Respect for each other and our clients, inclusivity and compassion. Pride in our work. Joy and laughter. These are the qualities I want instilled in my business, for every single person that works for me, and most of all, for myself as an example. These are the qualities we'd like to share with every single client.
Every contact with Design In Bloom is rooted in these principles - we're going to find you the best product, we're going to make this process easier for you, and we're going to give you the best dang service at the best price we can.
what are your floral Needs?
Whether you need a few designs for an upcoming function or many more than a few for a wedding, my team and I stand ready to help you.
How can we assist in making your event special, a real moment captured in time?
View some of our work
Featured bouquet- my absolute favorite design style
Georgina’s bouquet was a mix of the very best my garden has to offer in spring - peonies, phlox and orlaya with garden roses and ranunculus, little bit of lisianthus Sweet, fresh and over the top in the best way - just like her.
Featured man flowers - the pocket squares
No judgement on those gents who don’t wish to sport a bloom, but huzzah to those who do! We love a pocket square floral, and here is a little collage of some of our favorites.
“Dear Cynthia,
This thank you is long overdue! Thank you for providing me with the perfect bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony arrangments. I wouldn’t have changed anything! You truly were my favorite vendor and I mean that sincerely. You listened to what I wanted. You showed me tons of pictures and gave lots of creative ideas and suggestions. You answered countless emails, always in a timely fashion. You were willing to work with our budget no matter how big or small. And you didn’t frown upon Mike not wanting to wear a flower! You were such a pleasure to work with! Even Mike says that! Thank you for all your hard work and all the time you put into our wedding!”
-Julie & Mike