Today we’d like to introduce you to Wanda Couch.
Wanda, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My love for flowers began when I was just a little girl. My grandmother and mom were the ones who shared their knowledge and love for flowers with me. It only made sense to name my little business, Grace’s Garden Floral Design, after the two of them- my grandmother, Grace, and my mom, Paula Grace. While it has always been a passion, it was never really a dream until I was asked by my daughter’s childhood friend to do the flowers for her wedding. I had no idea when I did that wedding that it would blossom (get it?) into what it is today.
It goes without saying that Grace’s Garden wouldn’t be where it is without the 4th generation of this line of strong, amazing women. My daughter, Kristin, handles all the business and social media. But her main job is on the wedding day when she keeps the excitability level (mine) intact and makes a long day of “work” so much fun!
Sometimes I wish that Grace’s Garden happened earlier in my life, but I think I appreciate and cherish it so much more now. It is a sweet reminder that you are never too old to start something new. It has opened up new friendships and relationships that I will always treasure, along with the family and friends that have been there for me from the beginning. They have pitched in, pushed me, inspired me, encouraged me and mostly loved me into making Grace’s Garden a reality.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am primarily a wedding florist. I create bouquets and boutonnières (which are my two favorites), centerpieces, ceremony backdrops and really anything that requires flowers. We joke that if you stand there long enough, we will put a flower on you. While I will and have done other types of events, I have found that weddings are my HAPPY. I love my brides, and I love working with them on what will be one of their most important days of their lives. They are my inspiration to make their day exactly what they envision, and it be a reflection of her and her groom’s personality.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
To me, success is the excited look of my bride when I hand her the wedding bouquet. It’s the end of the night when I am cleaning up after the reception, and she runs up to hug me saying everything was perfect. Honestly, I work with a beautiful product that I am lucky enough to share. The colors and textures of the flowers and greenery come together and create the backdrop for an amazing day. If you are passionate about what you do, your bride will know it. And as a result, she knows you are going to do everything you can to make her wedding daydream a reality. To me, that is success!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Well, unless you are a wedding crasher my work really isn’t on display. Fortunately, I have worked with so many talented photographers that appreciate all the details of the wedding day (like florals) as much as I do. Kristin is always updating our website and social media platforms (Instagram and Facebook), so that is the best way to see what we have been up to! We are always looking for new followers, so if you have a love for flowers, sweet couples, dogs and the occasional grand baby picture- we are the ones for you!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gracesgardenfloraldesign.com
- Phone: 404.915.5532
- Email: wanda@gracesgardenfloraldesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracesgardenfloraldesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracesgardenfloraldesign/
Image Credit:
Once Like A Spark Photography
Carrie Joy Photography
Laura Anne Watson Photography
Martine Beher Photography
Ais Portraits
Sydney Bruton Long Photography
Julia Madden Sears Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
