Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor • Interviews with past brides
The Wedding Ring is extremely proud to count Colleen O’Farrell, of Foxgloves Flowers in Victoria, among our Wedding Experts. Colleen has a Visual arts degree from Camosun College, a BFA from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and won top honours at the Victoria Flower and Garden Show in 2002 and 2003. She has also won numerous FTD bridal competitions over the years, been published in numerous news papers, and magazines such as Wedding Bells, Real Weddings, Bliss Victoria and Style at Home, the cover of Island Bride on 2 occasions. Wow!
Colleen believes in the 'if you want it done right, do it yourself' adage and can be found playing a role in every order, big or small, wedding or otherwise. We wandered into her lovely studio and were overwhelmed with the sights and scents of flowers being vibrantly arranged. Scattered about were photos of her latest triumphs and we were happy to flip through and admire! Colleen’s creations are, as bride Kristen put it, “Unique, romantic, classy and sophisticated.”
All of this made us eager to know even more about Colleen and her floral style..
From fine arts to fabulous flowers
After graduating with a fine arts degree from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in 1998, Colleen worked for a few years as an interior designer. But, she says, “there was something missing. I was really feeling the need to get my hands dirty again, feel soil under my fingernails and be more grounded to the earth. In my search for work I came across a small shop that the owner was trying to sell. I took a major leap of faith and bought that small shop."
Colleen has over 10 years experience running her own shop and another eleven years working in flower shops right across the country. That’s over 20 years in the industry and well over a thousand weddings! She is able to boast that many of the major floral designers in Victoria at this time, once trained with her. “I have had the pleasure of working with many talented people over the years and learned so much along the way. I think it is really important to continue to learn, to stay on top of the trends, as well as bringing my own special twist to everything that I do.”
Colleen decided to make some changes when her and her husband had their first child. In order to spend as much quality time with her son as possible, she made the momentous decision to move her shop and work as a freelance floral designer. The family studio at the back of their property was redesigned into a stunning workshop that now welcomes bridal couples and their floral dreams. But nothing changed about her reputation for creative and unusual design and the highest standards of bloom quality.
Colleen still enjoys floral design today just as much as when she began. “I love what I do! I really do. This is my passion. I knew I always needed to do something that was creative and this is a really great balance for me…I get to create beautiful works of art every day, work with beautiful organic materials, play with colour and texture AND I get to indulge my business mind as well!”
Bride, Allie, put it in a nutshell. “Gorgeous flowers, great quality, fabulous arrangements, reasonable prices, and a great person!”
Creative integrity
Colleen feels that it is her determination to provide whatever the bride is looking for that keeps her inspired. She is happy to sit down and help figure out your wedding wish list and loves if you bring along any colour swatches, pictures and ideas, as it is all very helpful! “Willingness to adapt and interpret the brides’ thoughts and ideas into a cohesive event, while keeping quality, style and artistic integrity as the ideal,” keeps her fascinated with bridal couples. “My favourite bride is any and all brides! Every wedding is unique and special and should be treated as such. Budget doesn’t matter; we can ALWAYS come up with something lovely!”
Colleen especially feels that the bridal bouquet is key and showcases the bride’s personality through the design. It is the bride’s day, after all! “I pride myself on being able to accommodate any style a bride is after. Whether it is vintage glam or beachside casual. Getting to combine different colours and textures to create a unique inspired look is the truly fun part of what I do.” This kind of dedication to a couple’s floral vision is what keeps clients returning!
Roberta Helgason, Event Coordinator for Hatley Castle, noticed Colleen’s ability to keep the bride’s vision foremost. “I have had the opportunity to watch Colleen interact with her brides and I love that she listens so that she really understands what their bouquet dream is and then she executes it.”
Allie Muniak booked Foxgloves Flowers for her June 25, 2011 wedding day. She told The Ring that Colleen delivered above and beyond what she could have imagined. “I think Foxgloves style matches each couple. The creative style that we experienced was contemporary designs with classic and timeless elements. For our wedding, I particularly loved the use of elements other than flowers that Colleen brought into our arrangements - fruit (green apples in vases), chicks and hens subtly in bouquets, and very classy use of sand, starfish, and sea shells."
Colleen knows that high standards are what keep a bride and groom completely satisfied, which is why she just keeps adding and working on a bouquet until it’s perfect. This way, she ensures that no flowers ever leave that she, and the bridal couple, would not be 100% happy with. This philosophy applies to everything to do with each wedding as she says, “Everything is done by me, always me. I am a very detail oriented person and pride myself on making sure all the finishing touches are in place.”
The decision to nix pre designed packages is part of her style. “Every wedding is unique and as such I don’t offer “packages” as I don’t like to make cookie cutter arrangements. I take the time to meet with every bride and custom design her wedding flowers around her theme, colour palate and style.”
Kristen and Brent, who married Oct. 22, 2011 found Colleen to be a perfect match for their wedding design. “She was eager to work with our needs and vision. Colleen was professional and had a calm and reassuring manner about her. She was an absolute delight to work with.”
Consultations: from wish list to wedding day
Colleen has a distinct process for her bride based on all her experience. Couples come to her or she will meet them wherever it is necessary for their complimentary consultation. “I meet with the bride (sometimes the groom too) and we go through her wish list for her flowers for the big day. We talk about colours, themes and all the little details that make up a beautiful day. Then we work out a budget for what she had in mind. Then the hard part happens, we look at her real budget (if she has one) and find a way for her wish list and her budget to work together. After this we fine tune things and about 1 month before the big day we touch base to make sure she is still in love with all of her choices and I get final numbers for things like table centres as she will have her RSVP’s back by that point."
This style works for brides who are local as well as the destination bride. For Allie Muniak, who married at Laurel Point Inn, it was Colleen’s ability to adapt that made the experience so wonderful. “Colleen offered that "personal" touch that we didn't experience with other florists we had met with. Because we live in Vancouver, Colleen's willingness to chat on the phone, understand what I was trying to convey over phone and through emailed pictures, and being incredibly accommodating to our schedules (meeting us at 8:30 am on Saturday morning) as we traveled into Victoria made it all the difference. Working with Colleen on the flowers for our wedding was like having a friend design our arrangements. Colleen is now our florist ANY time we need an arrangement in Victoria!”
Bringing it all together
On the wedding day, Colleen is there for the bride and groom from start to finish. “I work my magic! The flowers arrive at the time and place requested, broken up into as many deliveries as the bride and groom need, ie bridal party, grooms party, ceremony flowers, reception flowers, cake flowers and even hair flowers can be delivered to the salon. If a bride and groom require it I can also arrange to do the transfers between the ceremony and reception if the flowers are required in both locations. Rentals (if any) are picked up at the appropriate venues.”
Allie couldn’t have been happier with her wedding day florals. “The service and flexibility is what I think stood out with Foxgloves that we couldn't find elsewhere. Foxgloves went above and beyond making our wedding special. As our wedding was a three day event, Colleen worked with us on having flowers for the Friday that were also used on the Saturday, and all the arrangements and vase rentals were located to my parents home for the Sunday BBQ. Colleen provided us with the vase rentals until the Wednesday after our wedding which allowed us to enjoy all the arrangements for a few days after our event. Above and beyond for sure!”
Elizabeth and John were equally thrilled with their florals. “Hatley Castle was simply stunning draped with the finest of Foxgloves touches softening the venue with luscious blooms where ever eyes wandered. And the centerpieces, from the bridal table to each of the guest tables served as elegant and treasured gifs to our guests upon the conclusion of our wedding day.”
Deb Turner, of Cakes Galore, has had opportunity to work with Colleen for many years. “I always enjoy seeing her latest floral creation – from simple designs to elaborate, renaissance productions, Colleen can make it! And generous with her flowers, too! Lush, profuse arrangements and bouquets – a bride will never receive a ‘skimpy’ creation – it’s just not the way Colleen works!!
Our favourite things...
• Colleen’s studio! And her slogan/philosophy: Where artful inspirations and beautiful blooms collide.
• Our first meeting with Colleen at a small bridal show where her table was incredibly colourful! Then she handed us a small pink box of jelly beans. Yum!
• That Colleen is florist to the stars! She has had the privilege of creating florals for: Hugh Jackman, Robert Redford, Aaron Spelling, David Foster, Stephen Spielberg, Halle Berry, and Meg Ryan to name a few.
• Colleen’s charity involvement. Throughout the year she participates in many, many silent auctions, charity drives, and fundraising events to help support various not for profit organizations in need.
• The personal touches! Kirsten recalls, “On the morning of our wedding, Colleen delivered my bouquet and the boutonnieres and corsages to my parent's house. I was a bit anxious (as was to be expected) and Colleen had nothing but kind, reassuring words for me. I will always remember her telling me that today was the happiest day of my life as I was getting to "marry my best friend." It was so lovely.”
• Attention to detail! “We loved that Colleen could order almost anything in, at a reasonable price. She specifically worked at finding the perfect colour of blue hydrangea for our arrangements which were absolutely stunning.” Allie
Details, details, details
• Colleen believes in working with the bride’s budget. “Every wedding is different and I am very happy to try and accommodate any bride’s budget. Budget is completely based on bloom choice, mechanics of the arrangements, as well as the time of year. Flowers are seasonal and some definitely cost more at certain times of the year."
• Allie felt that Colleen provided quality for price. “Foxgloves prices are incredibly reasonable. Colleen worked with us to settle on a price that we were happy with where we didn't feel once that we compromised on the quality of our flower arrangements. With the prices matched the value we received on the quality of the arrangements and the service we received.”
• Kirsten knew that she wanted the best for her wedding day. “In my opinion, the value of the floral arrangements far exceeded the price. As it is such an important day, I was extremely happy to pay a bit extra to ensure my flowers were perfect.”
• Taxes, gratuities, fine print that applies: just HST and any delivery charges which vary depending on the location.
• Deposit required to book: $100 books your date.
• Months to book ahead: 4-10 months, though we do last minute weddings…if we can squeeze them in!
Contacting Foxgloves Flowers....
To order, or book your private consultation, call 250-386-4741 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For order pick up, or for scheduled consultation, please visit Colleen at her private studio at 2825 Heath Drive, Victoria BC. Be sure to check out Colleen’s website at www.foxglovesflowers.com where you can see plenty of her work but also order online for any of your floral needs.
The Wedding Ring is extremely proud to count Colleen O’Farrell, of Foxgloves Flowers in Victoria, among our Wedding Experts. Colleen has a Visual arts degree from Camosun College, a BFA from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and won top honours at the Victoria Flower and Garden Show in 2002 and 2003. She has also won numerous FTD bridal competitions over the years, been published in numerous news papers, and magazines such as Wedding Bells, Real Weddings, Bliss Victoria and Style at Home, the cover of Island Bride on 2 occasions. Wow!
Colleen believes in the 'if you want it done right, do it yourself' adage and can be found playing a role in every order, big or small, wedding or otherwise. We wandered into her lovely studio and were overwhelmed with the sights and scents of flowers being vibrantly arranged. Scattered about were photos of her latest triumphs and we were happy to flip through and admire! Colleen’s creations are, as bride Kristen put it, “Unique, romantic, classy and sophisticated.”
All of this made us eager to know even more about Colleen and her floral style..
From fine arts to fabulous flowers
After graduating with a fine arts degree from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in 1998, Colleen worked for a few years as an interior designer. But, she says, “there was something missing. I was really feeling the need to get my hands dirty again, feel soil under my fingernails and be more grounded to the earth. In my search for work I came across a small shop that the owner was trying to sell. I took a major leap of faith and bought that small shop."
Colleen has over 10 years experience running her own shop and another eleven years working in flower shops right across the country. That’s over 20 years in the industry and well over a thousand weddings! She is able to boast that many of the major floral designers in Victoria at this time, once trained with her. “I have had the pleasure of working with many talented people over the years and learned so much along the way. I think it is really important to continue to learn, to stay on top of the trends, as well as bringing my own special twist to everything that I do.”
Colleen decided to make some changes when her and her husband had their first child. In order to spend as much quality time with her son as possible, she made the momentous decision to move her shop and work as a freelance floral designer. The family studio at the back of their property was redesigned into a stunning workshop that now welcomes bridal couples and their floral dreams. But nothing changed about her reputation for creative and unusual design and the highest standards of bloom quality.
Colleen still enjoys floral design today just as much as when she began. “I love what I do! I really do. This is my passion. I knew I always needed to do something that was creative and this is a really great balance for me…I get to create beautiful works of art every day, work with beautiful organic materials, play with colour and texture AND I get to indulge my business mind as well!”
Bride, Allie, put it in a nutshell. “Gorgeous flowers, great quality, fabulous arrangements, reasonable prices, and a great person!”
Creative integrity
Colleen feels that it is her determination to provide whatever the bride is looking for that keeps her inspired. She is happy to sit down and help figure out your wedding wish list and loves if you bring along any colour swatches, pictures and ideas, as it is all very helpful! “Willingness to adapt and interpret the brides’ thoughts and ideas into a cohesive event, while keeping quality, style and artistic integrity as the ideal,” keeps her fascinated with bridal couples. “My favourite bride is any and all brides! Every wedding is unique and special and should be treated as such. Budget doesn’t matter; we can ALWAYS come up with something lovely!”
Colleen especially feels that the bridal bouquet is key and showcases the bride’s personality through the design. It is the bride’s day, after all! “I pride myself on being able to accommodate any style a bride is after. Whether it is vintage glam or beachside casual. Getting to combine different colours and textures to create a unique inspired look is the truly fun part of what I do.” This kind of dedication to a couple’s floral vision is what keeps clients returning!
Roberta Helgason, Event Coordinator for Hatley Castle, noticed Colleen’s ability to keep the bride’s vision foremost. “I have had the opportunity to watch Colleen interact with her brides and I love that she listens so that she really understands what their bouquet dream is and then she executes it.”
Allie Muniak booked Foxgloves Flowers for her June 25, 2011 wedding day. She told The Ring that Colleen delivered above and beyond what she could have imagined. “I think Foxgloves style matches each couple. The creative style that we experienced was contemporary designs with classic and timeless elements. For our wedding, I particularly loved the use of elements other than flowers that Colleen brought into our arrangements - fruit (green apples in vases), chicks and hens subtly in bouquets, and very classy use of sand, starfish, and sea shells."
Colleen knows that high standards are what keep a bride and groom completely satisfied, which is why she just keeps adding and working on a bouquet until it’s perfect. This way, she ensures that no flowers ever leave that she, and the bridal couple, would not be 100% happy with. This philosophy applies to everything to do with each wedding as she says, “Everything is done by me, always me. I am a very detail oriented person and pride myself on making sure all the finishing touches are in place.”
The decision to nix pre designed packages is part of her style. “Every wedding is unique and as such I don’t offer “packages” as I don’t like to make cookie cutter arrangements. I take the time to meet with every bride and custom design her wedding flowers around her theme, colour palate and style.”
Kristen and Brent, who married Oct. 22, 2011 found Colleen to be a perfect match for their wedding design. “She was eager to work with our needs and vision. Colleen was professional and had a calm and reassuring manner about her. She was an absolute delight to work with.”
Consultations: from wish list to wedding day
Colleen has a distinct process for her bride based on all her experience. Couples come to her or she will meet them wherever it is necessary for their complimentary consultation. “I meet with the bride (sometimes the groom too) and we go through her wish list for her flowers for the big day. We talk about colours, themes and all the little details that make up a beautiful day. Then we work out a budget for what she had in mind. Then the hard part happens, we look at her real budget (if she has one) and find a way for her wish list and her budget to work together. After this we fine tune things and about 1 month before the big day we touch base to make sure she is still in love with all of her choices and I get final numbers for things like table centres as she will have her RSVP’s back by that point."
This style works for brides who are local as well as the destination bride. For Allie Muniak, who married at Laurel Point Inn, it was Colleen’s ability to adapt that made the experience so wonderful. “Colleen offered that "personal" touch that we didn't experience with other florists we had met with. Because we live in Vancouver, Colleen's willingness to chat on the phone, understand what I was trying to convey over phone and through emailed pictures, and being incredibly accommodating to our schedules (meeting us at 8:30 am on Saturday morning) as we traveled into Victoria made it all the difference. Working with Colleen on the flowers for our wedding was like having a friend design our arrangements. Colleen is now our florist ANY time we need an arrangement in Victoria!”
Bringing it all together
On the wedding day, Colleen is there for the bride and groom from start to finish. “I work my magic! The flowers arrive at the time and place requested, broken up into as many deliveries as the bride and groom need, ie bridal party, grooms party, ceremony flowers, reception flowers, cake flowers and even hair flowers can be delivered to the salon. If a bride and groom require it I can also arrange to do the transfers between the ceremony and reception if the flowers are required in both locations. Rentals (if any) are picked up at the appropriate venues.”
Allie couldn’t have been happier with her wedding day florals. “The service and flexibility is what I think stood out with Foxgloves that we couldn't find elsewhere. Foxgloves went above and beyond making our wedding special. As our wedding was a three day event, Colleen worked with us on having flowers for the Friday that were also used on the Saturday, and all the arrangements and vase rentals were located to my parents home for the Sunday BBQ. Colleen provided us with the vase rentals until the Wednesday after our wedding which allowed us to enjoy all the arrangements for a few days after our event. Above and beyond for sure!”
Elizabeth and John were equally thrilled with their florals. “Hatley Castle was simply stunning draped with the finest of Foxgloves touches softening the venue with luscious blooms where ever eyes wandered. And the centerpieces, from the bridal table to each of the guest tables served as elegant and treasured gifs to our guests upon the conclusion of our wedding day.”
Deb Turner, of Cakes Galore, has had opportunity to work with Colleen for many years. “I always enjoy seeing her latest floral creation – from simple designs to elaborate, renaissance productions, Colleen can make it! And generous with her flowers, too! Lush, profuse arrangements and bouquets – a bride will never receive a ‘skimpy’ creation – it’s just not the way Colleen works!!
Our favourite things...
• Colleen’s studio! And her slogan/philosophy: Where artful inspirations and beautiful blooms collide.
• Our first meeting with Colleen at a small bridal show where her table was incredibly colourful! Then she handed us a small pink box of jelly beans. Yum!
• That Colleen is florist to the stars! She has had the privilege of creating florals for: Hugh Jackman, Robert Redford, Aaron Spelling, David Foster, Stephen Spielberg, Halle Berry, and Meg Ryan to name a few.
• Colleen’s charity involvement. Throughout the year she participates in many, many silent auctions, charity drives, and fundraising events to help support various not for profit organizations in need.
• The personal touches! Kirsten recalls, “On the morning of our wedding, Colleen delivered my bouquet and the boutonnieres and corsages to my parent's house. I was a bit anxious (as was to be expected) and Colleen had nothing but kind, reassuring words for me. I will always remember her telling me that today was the happiest day of my life as I was getting to "marry my best friend." It was so lovely.”
• Attention to detail! “We loved that Colleen could order almost anything in, at a reasonable price. She specifically worked at finding the perfect colour of blue hydrangea for our arrangements which were absolutely stunning.” Allie
Details, details, details
• Colleen believes in working with the bride’s budget. “Every wedding is different and I am very happy to try and accommodate any bride’s budget. Budget is completely based on bloom choice, mechanics of the arrangements, as well as the time of year. Flowers are seasonal and some definitely cost more at certain times of the year."
• Allie felt that Colleen provided quality for price. “Foxgloves prices are incredibly reasonable. Colleen worked with us to settle on a price that we were happy with where we didn't feel once that we compromised on the quality of our flower arrangements. With the prices matched the value we received on the quality of the arrangements and the service we received.”
• Kirsten knew that she wanted the best for her wedding day. “In my opinion, the value of the floral arrangements far exceeded the price. As it is such an important day, I was extremely happy to pay a bit extra to ensure my flowers were perfect.”
• Taxes, gratuities, fine print that applies: just HST and any delivery charges which vary depending on the location.
• Deposit required to book: $100 books your date.
• Months to book ahead: 4-10 months, though we do last minute weddings…if we can squeeze them in!
Contacting Foxgloves Flowers....
To order, or book your private consultation, call 250-386-4741 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For order pick up, or for scheduled consultation, please visit Colleen at her private studio at 2825 Heath Drive, Victoria BC. Be sure to check out Colleen’s website at www.foxglovesflowers.com where you can see plenty of her work but also order online for any of your floral needs.
