My first-ever job was at a grocery store, bagging groceries and pushing carts. One day, there was an opening in the floral department and upon raising my hand, I was given a week-long trial in the new role.

Fast forward a couple of years and I'd cut my teeth in the world of floral design basics with a craving to start working within a more creative, organic space that would also scratch my itch for event planning and coordination. I cold-emailed every independent floral designer in the greater Seattle area until someone named Rachel finally agreed to meet me for coffee.

We must've really liked each other because I started with with her as her main assistant at Finch & Thistle Event Design seasonally from 2010 - 2016. We'd spend hours in her adorable floral studio listening to NPR and eating peanut butter M&Ms crafting gorgeous floral arrangements. My specialty became boutonnieres, which worked out perfectly because Rachel hated making boutonnieres. I like that they are teeny tiny arrangements and you can add in fun things like berries and pinecones.

All photos courtesy of Finch & Thistle's blog.