Catherine’s Gardens - Chicago and Chicagoland Wedding Florist - Vendor Spotlight
Wedding florists can be really hard to find that will be able to match your style. I have worked with Catherine’s Gardens plenty of times and I have been able to see so many styles and varieties looking so lovely and exactly matching my couples’ visions! Being able to have a florist that can create a personalized vision for based off of your Pinterest ideas is something of high value, and getting to know Julie and her business has been lovely.
Meet Julie:
What is your background? I grew up in the South Suburbs of Chicago in a tiny little unincorporated town called Garden Homes. Currently, my husband, 4 kids and I live in Mokena with our tiny little zoo. We have 2 dogs, 4 Chinchillas, 2 Hamsters, 3 Hedgehogs and 4 Guinea pigs. All were rescued but we're pretty sure they rescued us right back. I graduated with a Bachelors in Philosophy, a Bachelors in Political Science and a certification in Cognitive Science from Illinois State University. I then moved on to get my MBA from DePaul.
What do you do when you aren't working at weddings? Spending time with family. Both of my parents passed several years back. My sister and I learned at a young age the importance of time so we make sure we spend it well.
How She got Started:
How did you get started in your business? My first experience in the industry was in High School. I needed a job and there was a “help wanted” sign and I walked in. When I went away to college, I needed a part time job and the flower shop in Normal was hiring. Working there was a whole different experience. I watched as people came in and Jean, the owner, knew their stories. She knew about birthdays, first dates, engagements, school dances, weddings and funerals. She had been a part of their lives from a young age through the good and the bad. She was a constant and a comfort and that hit home for me, I just didn't realize how much. After I graduated, I entered "corporate America". While I loved my job, I found myself constantly going back to work at my original flower shop from high school part-time. I'd go in at night and fill orders and then on the weekends. Even when I changed jobs, the flower shop always drew me back in and then I realized it was what I was missing and needed. I wanted to help people create their stories. 18 years later and I wouldn't change it for the world.
How would you describe your business or business model? I am the proud owner. I have an amazing team who care and loves the work we do as much as I do. I am extremely thankful I have found them all throughout the years. We practice what we call "Good Karma". We want to sell you what you need and what you want not what we think you have to have.
Her Favorites:
What is your favorite wedding you worked and why? I can't say we have one favorite wedding. Each event is so unique. I can say that our favorite part of each wedding is dropping off the personal florals to the bride. That moment of excitement when the bride "happy claps" gets us each and every time.
That is such a cute moment from the day! Getting to see how your wedding day is starting to come together is such a nice moment.
What is the most interesting/unique/cool thing you've seen at a wedding? We average over 200 weddings a year. In the past almost 2 decades, we've seen a lot. There have been Lego boutonnieres, super hero weddings, wedding cakes made out of twinkies, so many beautiful butterfly releases, and there are always the "best dogs" or "dogs of honor". We are huge animal lovers here and those are always aww moments for us.
I totally agree! As a dog owner, I totally love when the couple’s pets are included in the wedding day. Whether it’s pet-themed signature drinks or having your dog walk down the aisle as the “ring bearer”, I love when your pets are weaved into your wedding day!
Her Advice to You:
What is something that you wish that couples knew when planning their wedding? Make sure you set the day for the photos that you want because that is what you will walk away with. Get the dress you love, pick the flowers you want, do your hair in a way that makes you happy. You're going to walk past those photos in your house every day for the rest of your life, you have to love them.
This makes so much sense! Making sure to find vendors and styles that match exactly what you’re looking for is going to be so important to make sure you don’t walk away with regrets.
Some of the most beautiful weddings I have had the pleasure of working have been with Julie’s work showcased. I love being able to see the couple’s vision come to life with the decor and the flowers that are surrounding their big day. Making sure that you work with a florist that provides what you need and understands your vision is the best way to ensure that you won’t be disappointed by the way your wedding day looks, and going to Julie will ensure that you have exactly that!
If you need some help finding other vendors for your wedding, reach out to me here. I would love to help you find vendors that will be a perfect fit for you so you don’t have to spend the time doing the research!
