Today on the journal, we’re delighted to chat with Michele of Michele Coomey Floral – a florist whose work brings quiet magic to every celebration she touches.

Tell us a little about you and how you got into wedding floristry.

My journey into wedding floristry really began when I started freelancing alongside my sister’s styling business in Queenstown, finding my people in a tight-knit community of flower-obsessed creatives. It was the chance to work on a large-scale wedding under my own name that sparked Michele Coomey Floral – and I haven’t looked back since.

How would you describe your floral style?

No two weddings look the same in my hands. I draw inspiration from the spirit of a place and the unique story of each couple, weaving together locally foraged plant material with more traditional florals. My work is abundant, generous, and timeless -without ever feeling templated.

What types of arrangements do you love designing the most?

A ceremony installation is my happy place – especially one that feels like you’ve stumbled into a wild garden dressed for a wedding. I pay close attention to the landscape, the architecture, the photographer’s shot, and even the heights of the couple. My over-the-top aisle runners, built with plants not typically available as cut flowers, are a signature touch.

What makes your approach different?

I love sourcing unique vessels and props to complement my florals, giving each wedding that polished, elevated feel. I’m also quite fluid in my process – the week of a wedding you’ll find me hitting the road scouting interesting plant material, DMing local growers, and checking in with markets to see what’s looking beautiful right now. It keeps the energy alive and the results feeling genuinely fresh.

What advice would you give couples choosing their wedding flowers?

Lean into the season and let it tell its own story. Embrace colour thoughtfully, let it sit well in its environment, and learn the art of restraint – even a generous floral budget works best when it’s used with intention rather than excess.

Is there a floral element that can completely transform a space?

Creative freedom. I work from a loose, feeling-led plan – how should the room feel, how should the couple feel – and let my experience do the rest. Whether it’s a grandmother’s favourite rose woven through an arrangement or a palette that perfectly suits the landscape, it’s the personal details that make the difference.

What are you loving in the wedding floral scene right now?

Texture, shape, and movement. I lean naturally towards the naturalistic, but have recently developed a deep admiration for sculptural florals that feel more like art than wedding décor. Bold, considered, and not for the faint-hearted – in the best possible way.

Imagery by @sapphirestudios___ / @katerobergephotography / @loversbyrubyjayne / @kerynsweeneyphotographer

To work with Michele get in touch