Ali Conway, Rambling Stems

06/09/2024

And just like that. Autumn has come, the cosy Cardi’s are out and everyone’s back at school/college/uni …and literally overnight it seems here in Beds, UK - the sun has disappeared 😳🥲

But trying not to be sad, I’m looking forward to the next run of weddings, a fabulous wedding fair (more news to come of that) and exciting new course developments. 🙌

And what’s not to celebrate with these gorgeous Autumnal colours, the explosion of grasses, dahlia, cosmos continues…and we’re a long way from that first frost….so the pickings from the flower farms are still absolutely glorious, at their peak 🙌🙌❤️❤️

In fact, there’s always something more akin to the ‘New Start’ for me in September…more so than in Spring for me. I think it’s because I think of myself foremost as ‘mum’ - 19 years of the ‘back to school’ chaos, school runs, mum cabs and after school clubs. Over the years that has meant the juggle of working around dance class, swimming lessons, gymnastics and rock climbing (amongst others!! I think there was a small spate of ‘trampolining’ from my eldest….but we don’t talk about that!😜)

Feeling reflective this week and a tad emotional about my amazing girls who have grown into incredible, independent, brave young women. Facing their fears this week and pushing themselves out of their comfort zones to achieve what they want in life - moving on to bigger things as they both face their big new challenges this September.

So back to it!!! I’m back into the studio with renewed confidence and energy (I just might need a little hug occasionally if you see me! 🤪🥰)

26/08/2024

Funeral flowers don’t always have to follow ‘convention’, and they certainly don’t have to be in oasis/floral foam. A simple low sided wicker basket casket topper, full to the brim with beautiful British flowers that can all be taken home by individual members of the family, afterwards, to enjoy.

Isn’t that a nicer way to say goodbye? 💚🌿

Proud to be part of the directory - a whole network of like-minded florists who are able to create foam free and biodegradable arrangements, all across the UK. Heart warming to know the word is getting out and we are making a positive change. 🙌💚♻️

Message me if you would like to know more.

Ali x

25/08/2024

WHAT LIES BENEATH….. 😱😱

Yep. It’s true. This isn’t the most attractive image that has ever appeared on my grid; but it’s showing the true ‘horror’ of what’s hidden beneath a lot of outwardly ‘beautifully aesthetic’ floral displays.

This is the ‘hidden stuff’…the mainstay of the floral industry, and why we have such a shockingly bad track record of sustainability. 😱💚🌿

From top, clockwise…

1. Leaf ‘shine’ spray (anyone know what’s actually in this and why we need it? Tell me below)

2. ‘Square/round’ tray sits on top of most vases (that water could have gone into, crazy right?)

3. Oasis/floral foam - we all know this stuff by now…or do we?

4. Plastic wreath wrap - backing for most wreath products to ‘protect’ your door

5. Poly ribbon - reels and reels in every florist shop. Plastic content. Sometimes wired for good measure.

6. Assorted tapes, fixatives and stemtex - we still use tape to hold items in place…trying to replace as much as possible.

7. Plastic card sleeves and plastic picks to poke them into gift or funeral arrangements.

8. Cellophane- used to ‘aqua pack’ a huge majority of bouquets, used as sleeves for flower transport.

9. Elastic bands - on just about every wrap of flowers, box of gift boxes …usually cut off and discarded.

10. Cable ties - used to hold just about every floral installation you’ve ever seen…in place. Cut off and discarded.

11. Oasis plastic ‘paddle’ - used for foam bricks for floral displays on event signage, arbours, staircases etc (combined with cable tie).

12. individually wrapped packages of flower food. Snipped and discarded.

Do you think most people are aware of what lies beneath? Should we be asking more questions… like;

‘WHY???!!!’ 😜🤷‍♀️

Thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are alternatives and we can make positive changes …if we can just get the word out there 😍🙌🌸

Please do SHARE and SAVE this post for a quick reference visual reminder, when you need it!

24/08/2024

The Secret is Finally Out! 🌿🙌

I’m beyond excited to finally share that I've teamed up with the amazing Roz of Field Gate Flowers to launch The Great British Flower School. After months of plotting and planning, we are ready to open our doors and tell you more.

🎉 Join us for our Open Evening in this Facebook Group on the 19th of September at 8pm BST! 🎉 It’s totally FREE and packed with valuable insights: from cutting and conditioning blooms to demos on sustainable techniques. Plus, we’ve set aside plenty of time for Q&A. 🙌🌼

👉 REGISTER HERE: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/gbfsopeneve

This School is perfect for:
🌸 Flower Farmers diving into floristry and mastering sustainable techniques
🌿 Florists eager to embrace sustainability (we know it’s hard, but we’re here to help!)
💐 Anyone who adores flowers and wants to learn floristry an eco-friendly way

We can’t wait to welcome you! 🌷💚

Great British Flower School

21/08/2024

Can't wait to be back at Knebworth House again next month for another beautiful wedding. Cant believe it's been nearly 2 years since this beautiful day...where does time go?!..

15/08/2024

Still not over this gorgeous set up , so it needs a few more stills!!! 🌸🙌❤️

Just loved how the instal created such beautiful framing throughout the ceremony, and into the evening. Captured by the brilliant

Although one of the more expensive items to create, ONE big statement focal point like this is actually GREAT value for a venue like this, with so many benefits. You do need a suitable venue/position and it’s not just about floral costs, its cost is also about the logistics, which will vary each time, for each set up.

Here’s what I’ll be taking into account:

🌸a venue where an installation can be built on site - access points, steps, flooring, water sources, heat of room
🌸timings of ceremony - how quickly I need to build, with how many staff
🌸allowed access entry time for us
(We need to allow min 2hrs x2 people),
🌸how close we can get with vehicles
🌸where/if it needs to be re-positioned (only a slight shuffle backwards a couple meters for this reception)
🌸when/how we can gain access after the event to de-rig

Then, and only then, after those considerations…I will be considering percentage floral content, foliage content and number of buckets of stems needed to create the fullness and effect desired 😍🙌

Pop me a message if you have any questions, or if you’d like to book a consultation - let’s chat!

30/07/2024

Awww.. from preparing his words, waiting for his bride…. to exchange of vows, laughter and tears, and complete joy!!

I absolutely LOVE the way captured this really beautiful day for E & M

(And I can’t lie, I LOVE the way they captured our gorgeous blooms too .roots 😜)

Just a stunning day! Thank you for letting us play our part in it 🌸❤️

Venue:
Photography:
Florists: .roots
Hair & makeup:
Celebrant:
Dress:

24/07/2024

- B R I D A L. B O U Q U E T S -

Yesterday I was reminded of this stunning vintage look that we created for the gorgeous Jenna & Travis .

I was scrolling through images of all the bridal bouquets I’ve created, as Lucy and I were excitedly chatting to a ‘new’ bride to be, in a catch up meeting before their wedding next week.

The ‘bouquet chat’ is always pretty special.….talking over options, looking at fabrics, checking out her veil and deciding and discussing bouquet shapes, outlines, size…..style of her dress, her figure and fit, and discovering the bouquet styles that she was naturally drawn to.

Heidi immediately fell in love with the style of Jenna’s bouquet, and it gave me such a buzz! The feeling of pride when you know that you’ve created something special for someone, and that you get to do it all over again….but different.

Because no two are ever the same!

Heidi’s will be different, different time of year, different colours, different flower varieties. But she knows, and we know, that it will be unique, right for her, and completely gorgeous.

We just can’t wait for this one, it’s going to be another stunner - and that’s all I can say! 🥰❤️🙌🤗

The 2025 books are still open for advance wedding bookings, and there are still some (limited) opportunities for later this year, 2024 if you would love to chat flowers with me. Pop me a message, let’s get it booked in 🙌
:
:
Photography

10/07/2024

Working with locally grown British flowers is such a joy. That feeling of excitement really does get to a ‘kid in a sweetie shop’ level for me. It itches a scratch on the brain…the wheels and cogs start turning…..the creative ideas start flowing. 🙌🌸🌸

Finding your buckets of flowers, all picked for you…ready to create your designs, really is the best feeling, and gives me such a lift…EVERY time, without fail!

The BIGGEST problem?

Choosing and selecting your stems, when the choice is so huge…and the possible combinations are endless!!!

Aaaarghhh!! Send help!! 😝❤️
(Good problem to have, eh?)

14/03/2024

I get it. Wedding flowers are a luxury item. And like all things in life, luxury items come at a cost. The huge installations, floral archways, wedding aisles and abundant urns are all individually curated, by skilled designers who have selected the very best ingredients and orchestrated the mechanics, logistics and whole design aesthetic for you. The very bespoke nature of wedding florals at this scale, of course, comes with associated costs.

But what if you could have a taste of designer florals, without the designer price tag? What if you would like a small selection of items for a smaller wedding, or for a venue that doesn’t need any extra flowers?

What if you could have a few floral touches to uplift your photographs, or beautifully designed bouquets for your walk down the aisle?

That’s what I’ve done for you. I’d been thinking for a while how I could achieve this, and still not compromise on my own quality and design standards.

The ‘ready to wear’ signature collection packages are my answer. I have thought of everything and given this serious consideration - and I hope it helps lots of you.

Head over to the website www.ramblingstems.com to see how this could work for your wedding. 🌸❤️

06/03/2024

Floral design for everyone? On today’s Rambling Stems blog - we’re delving deep into the uncomfortable truths! You can find it on the website RamblingStems.co.uk (link in bio) and direct link in my stories. Have a 15 min read and join in the discussion 🙌

🌸We might not like it, but are we all guilty of a little floral snobbery?

🌸Furthermore, is the world of floral design accessible to all, and is there room for all tastes, styles and budgets?

🤷‍♀️ Let’s here it from you, let me know your honest thoughts and opinions in the comments below 👇 👇

10/02/2024

I’ve always been a great believer in collaboration and have been so lucky to work alongside so many incredibly talented wedding professionals. 🙌❤️

So it’s no surprise that I’m introducing Chloe, of .roots to my page! Chloe and I are the perfect match - we have been working together since her recent move to Ampthill- and she has the same eco ethos as me, working sustainably and a very similar wild, natural style.

I’m over the moon to say that Chloe and I will be collaborating a lot more this year. It just makes sense!

So, if you’ve booked a 2024 RamblingStems wedding, you’ll most likely have her support and will most definitely see her on your wedding day 🥰❤️. Aren’t we lucky?!

Love working with you Chloe!

X

12/01/2024

I’ve just been thinking how funny it is that trends come and go (it may have something to do with the fact that my daughter is wearing the low rise, baggy style jeans that I sported in the 90’s - oh those were the days! 🤔).

But it’s even funnier to think that flowers…and even flower colours…. also come in and out of fashion! We are so fickle aren't we?  One minute Dahlias are banished to the back of garden allotments, the next they are used as centrepiece show-stoppers for every Bride.  
Carnations were definitely 'out out' for a long time, and are now being "re-incarnated" (see what I did there!?) as fashionable blooms, but only if reflexed and popped in the right way of course!

So while Peach Fuzz might well be our colour Pantone of the year for 2024…..and I can firmly remember a definite ‘peach phase’ I went through in the late ‘80’s….I’m more than happy to embrace new ways of playing with peach, in flowers this year - so bring it on!!



Photos by the fabulous

03/12/2023

Last min Cancellation!!! Space now available.

If anyone finds themselves at a loose end this morning…from 10-12 - I have 2 spaces available for our gorgeous Christmas wreath workshop. TODAY

Millbrook village hall (just outside ampthill). Pop me a DM if you’d like to join us. We have an absolute abundance of beautiful materials to choose from - only using the very finest quality foliages, dried materials and the biggest range of luxe ribbons in every possible colour.

“This is the best - much better than other workshops I’ve been on. friendly teacher, lovely environment and much more and better ingredients to choose from” (one of many similar comments from yesterdays group 💚)

(Just 4 examples below of some of yesterday’s participants work 💚🌿🙌)

15/11/2023

Aww thank you so much for sharing your preview shots!!. They have absolutely taken my breath away.❤️
you have captured the low winter light so beautifully, these photos simply glow ❤️❤️❤️

Just Stunning!

Absolutely loved working on these burgundy, rust colours…with a rambling stems twist. Thank you for the trust 🙏. ###

Venue
Photographer
Florals
Stylist& Props
DJ & MC
Dress
Cake

09/11/2023

A flowery kinda day…. (And trying to keep warm in the freezing studio 🥶🤪)

Wedding Prep for tomorrow 🌸❤️

05/11/2023

Let’s here it for the girls. 🙌❤️

Here’s to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them ❤️💪

Photo
Venue

wedding

23/10/2023

Cosy Autumn feels. Mixing up the colour palette is one of my favourite things to do…especially at this time of year. I had the absolute joy this weekend, of selecting from the flower field ….and the creative freedom of just working with what I could find….that’s when you can let your imagine run riot, and really ‘expect the unexpected’.

I’d love to work more with British flowers, which is why I teamed up with Lucy for this supplier wedding show to help promote and demonstrate this different way of designing with what nature provides. Come down to Lucy’s farm - it’s just outside Bedford, at Renhold ….to see for yourself, just how amazing (and unique!) your wedding florals could be ❤️🌸 pop lucy a message to arrange it and you won’t be disappointed….I promise!

Flowers by Lucy Venue floral designs and

15/10/2023

My Garden Design background….

(Something a bit different showing up on my Rambling Stems page today…just for Sunday musing, if anyone is interested!!) 🌿🌿🌿

I’ve been clearing out the office (for possible home-move! 😬) and went down a giant rabbit hole of finding and looking through 20 years of garden design projects (yep!! It was a major distraction. Ooops). Thing is, I’m an ‘all or nothing’ kind of person. If I want to do something, I have to do it properly, and hyper focus on it intently…..concentrating efforts and giving it my all.

So, when I wanted to switch things up and explore floral design, my brain couldn’t absorb it all fully without putting garden design on the back burner. Hence, My design company: Silver Grass Design, was put to bed whilst I completely immersed myself into the floral side of things, and set up Rambling Stems.

So - here’s why I’m sharing this now. It points to many things…. my obsession with good design, my attention to detail, my inability to ‘just do mediocre’ and my strive for perfection in everything I do for you.

Some of you may be surprised by the modern, contemporary straight lines and clean edges of the design work…..not very ‘rambling’ you may think? 🤔 (you can see more on my design page which has been dormant for 3 years…but still there )

Thing is, there is actually a HUGE overlap in the work. The process is EXACTLY the same…because this is a service, not a product. The ESSENTIAL elements of both lines of work are:
🌿Getting to know you, my client and understanding the BRIEF
🌿 Doing my utmost to getting it completely right for you
🌿 playing with diff creative ideas and exploring all the options - thinking out of the box and having alternative solutions if things don’t work out
🌿 communicating well - to you as my client, and to the team who are helping me bring the vision to reality

You see? It’s not such a different business afterall - in fact, it may even be something I combine…. What do you think?

14/10/2023

If you are local to Ampthill, and happen to have a spare morning next week - come and join me on my small group Autumn wreath workshop. Next Weds18th 10-12, full details on website. www.RamblingStems.Co.uk. I have places available and tea and cakes waiting for you! 🥰

11/10/2023

Had a reminder yesterday of how lucky I am to meet and work with such lovely people 🙌. A couple of months since their glorious wedding day … E & D popped by to see me and collect their preserved & framed bridal flowers. What could have been a quick 5 min pick up, turned into a really lovely long catch up-chat, hearing all their news and stories.

I get so excited for each couple I work with. This is such a bespoke service, I get the chance to get to know you a little and I become truly invested in making every last detail absolutely perfect for you. It’s because I care and want you to have the best you possibly can….and I wouldn’t be able to do this job any other way 🤷‍♀️

I only do a limited number of bespoke weddings a year - and 2024 is looking pretty full already now, so please do get in touch soon if you’d like to enquire. (You’ll find the link to my website on my profile page)

Photography:
Venue:
Florals:
MUA:
Cake:

05/10/2023

Would you like to learn how to make a beautiful, natural eco-wreath, from a Professional florist? Places are limited, so please do book your spot, with a £25 deposit. It’s fun, informative and I don’t skimp on a beautiful array of natural materials! Professional teaching with lots of tips, tricks and knowledge shared.

See website for booking details:
https://www.ramblingstems.co.uk/workshops-courses

See you there! Ali xx

(Friday class FULLY BOOKED)

23/09/2023

Getting hubby involved! 🤣. So many out-takes and giggles - but we got there in the end 🤗🙌

Just wanted to answer the most common Signature Collection questions for you! Book now for current 2023 prices (which will change 1st Nov). All booking enquiries through website:
https://www.ramblingstems.co.uk/signature-collection

21/09/2023

Woohoo they’re back!! After missing out last year due to December wedding commitments….I’m so pleased to be able to offer a few select dates for Christmas wreath workshopping!! 🎄🎄

New venue - fabulous facilities, the same gorgeous selection of seasonals and a load of fun, mulled wine and mince pies.

All booking enquiries through website contact form please, link below:

https://www.ramblingstems.co.uk/workshops-courses-1

See you there! Ali xx

N.B. Classes based in Millbrook Hall, Ampthill. A non-refundable deposit payment of £25 secures your booking.
All places filled on first come-first served basis through the website and payment channels. Place not secured until deposit payment received. Thank you!

26/08/2023

Getting the last shot before presenting the bridal bouquet to my bride.

Always gives me butterflies in my tummy. 🦋🥰. This, believe it or not, is the final check over stage - making sure it’s still perfect…and the shape that I wanted to create. Sometimes…I will even add stems or remove them here, if I’m not entirely happy with it. Has anything moved around, got squashed in transit or looking less than perfect? (Yes, on this occasion - one little cosmos head was looking less than perfect, and had to go!) A little spin of the bouquet - and a few headshots help with this! We need to see it from the viewers perspective, and how it will look on camera, held in different ways. We can’t resist some silly ‘look over there’ poses - and feeling like an idiot, I always collapse into nervous giggles.

And then - off I go, with the butterflies, to present to my bride, and hope she loves it as much as I do ❤️🤞

For Ellen, who I’m happy to say, totally loved it ❤️🙌



Thanks for taking the pics! 🙌

13/08/2023

A flowering Sunday for me today; unusual but actually very nice. Calm, enjoyable, quiet - it’s a smaller Monday wedding and I decided I didn’t need freelance help on this one…so it’s back to just me, the studio and the flowers…..and a bit of old-school cheesy tunes and radio chat of course.

Not that I don’t love the buzz of lots of people around and working as a team!! (Just so you know, I love that too!). It’s just, different. I wonder if my flowering style and creations will be different - as my mind is wandering… and I’m in a world of my own. 🥰❤️🌸

(Hubby’s around to keep me in tea and biscuit supply….so perhaps that’s the pull! 😜Maybe I’ll insist on all Monday weddings from now on..🤔🤣)

Will keep you posted on how it goes as a lone-worker, tomorrow! (I’ll probs be bored of this quiet by then, and be craving company!)

08/08/2023

To adorn a willow casket, and to fill a small church with an abundance of flowers, in very unique and especially heart-breaking personal circumstances, was an honour and privilege that I’ll never forget. ❤️
———————————

Farewell florals:

Rambling Stems funeral flowers are unique, personal and made with absolute love, care and attention, right down to the intricate details. For Jasmin, we created a woven willow personalised letter wreath, a 5 ft casket meadow, a church porch welcome arrangement, and 2 large floor standing Altar arrangements. Poppy seeds were collected from the arrangements for little envelopes of seeds for people to take home and scatter. We hope that special memories will be recalled every time a new poppy blooms 🌸

Enquire through website for any funeral requests. Foam free arrangements, church displays, bio funerals and woodland burials all catered for with thought and empathy.

15/07/2023

Let’s talk F L O R A L
A B U N D A N C E …and my absolute dream brief from my Californian girl .

Minimalism was not the way to go for this one! Kayla and I chatted excitedly on our zoom calls about creating the full exuberant charm from English country florals; wild and whimsical with a beautifully soft mixed pastel palette, with pops of peach/apricot vibrancy.

So much to share from this beautiful wedding, which, despite the unwelcome but typically British rain…. was a wedding full of fun, laughter, and FLORAL Abundance!!! My absolute all time fave combination 🥰❤️🙌

Fabulous supplier team, as we all had some things to work through and deal with on the day! Brilliant teamwork brought it all together. Love it 🙌❤️

(Pics are just my iPhone snaps, professional shots to come later …)

Venue:
Florist Freelance help:
Lead florist:
Stylist:
Photographer:
Videographer:

11/07/2023

Today was simply the saddest, most difficult I’ve ever had to face in my working life. We included Rosemary for remembrance and loyalty,
and English oak; as a symbol of the strength of their everlasting love.

Jasmin; Tom and your family did you proud, and your very own flower choices, decisions and colours were simply breath-taking. I shall never forget. 💚