Dial the contact number at JeffLeatham.com, and you’ll get... Jeff Leatham. That is... if the rock star of the floral world isn’t occupied with such humbling matters as being made a Chevalier of the French Légion d’Honneur.

Knighthood hasn’t made Leatham—known for TLC’s “Flowers Uncut” reality series and for imbuing celebrity weddings with floral artistry—any less committed to his “day” job. “I am probably the most loyal person you would meet,” says the Artistic Director of Four Seasons HotelGeorge V, Paris, who needed a job 20 years ago and found employment—and a new talent—at the flower shop at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. Orchestrating openings around the world and sustaining the Four Seasons Hotel George V’s fame as a “flowerland hotel” are opportunities Leatham has no intention of relinquishing.

“I basically have a couture show every three weeks,” explains Leatham, who says the ever-changing, never-the-same-twice installations at the Paris landmark keep him on his toes. His Four Seasons partnership is "the best marriage I’ve had in my life,” he says. 

“We’re always honest with each other. We’re always communicating about what I’m doing outside the hotel. I have my line of products, my books, my event company in Los Angeles now: They realize I need that, as an artist, to keep me inspired.”

With a collection of stunning Fleurology crystal vases and handblown glass flowers from Waterford, a home fragrance line debuting in spring 2015 and his third book, “Visionary Floral Art and Design,” Leatham is conquering every designer’s biggest challenge: staying “relevant.” 

The new book dispels a myth: “People think all my flowers are tilting out of the side of the vase,” says the artist of his signature rebellious slant. This “greatest hits” compilation showcases his versatility and provides a look at Leatham’s work through his own lens: He shot more than half of the book’s photographs.

The “king of clean, simple and chic design” says the days of “wowing people” by “filling the room with flowers, flowers, flowers” are yielding to a more thoughtful touch. “When I approach a wedding, it doesn’t matter if it’s for a Saudi princess or a New York socialite or a cool artist in Los Angeles. It’s always about bringing her personality to life,” he says. When Tina Turner wed longtime love Erwin Bach, she immediately recognized Leatham’s enormous wall of 140,000 roses was a nod to her trademark red lips. “She was like: ‘That’s me!’” Leatham remembers. It was the ultimate compliment.

Relocating his event company from New York to Los Angeles feels “like I’m coming home,” Leatham says. While he’s excited to return to the city where his career blossomed, he admits: “I’m traveling pretty constantly.” Being recognized internationally for his innovations brings him ever closer to his dream of being “an iconic lifestyle guru” whose inspiration reaches into homes everywhere.

His lectures keep him rooted in the transformative essence of flowers. “I call them my little Leatham rock concerts. I love to get on stage in front of 1,000 people and play with flowers and show beautiful images,” he says. “If flowers have changed my life this much, I have a responsibility to share my gifts with others and show them they can do it, too.”

“I’m a well respected artist all throughout Europe. You come to New York, and no one cares,” bemoans Jeff Leatham, whose unconventional, architectural approach to floral design began pivoting heads at the George V Paris a decade ago. The Utah-born designer accidentally discovered an affinity for flowers when he sought employment at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons’ flower shop in 1995. “I really needed a job; I started with no idea of what I was doing,” admits Leatham. Now, the Four Seasons Hotels’ energetic Artistic Director regularly turns down requests in Europe, but since opening a Manhattan studio in 2009, he concedes: “We need work here.”

“It keeps you grounded; it’s a good struggle,” Leatham says of sharing the plight of any artist trying to make it in New York. Of course, few get a boost from TLC. “Flowers Uncut with Jeff Leatham” reveals the stress inherent in bringing high-profile clients’ dreams to life. Leatham hopes the show will captivate, inspire and elevate his profession. “I don’t think there’s a respect level out there for beautiful flowers—as an artistic medium,” he explains. Executing major installations is “really intense, and it’s really crazy, and it takes months of planning.”

Cameras followed Leatham and collaborator Mathieu Miljavac as they undertook two dozen lavish events. Weddings, which Leatham deems “a big responsibility,” are featured prominently in several episodes. When Grace Ormonde challenged Leatham to devise an environmentally friendly table, he took to a rooftop. “She wanted a destination wedding. New York City is such a character, I wanted to keep the destination here,” he divulges. Leatham’s thoughtful design incorporated tulip bulbs, lily of the valley with intact roots, hand-harvested organic hydrangea and recyclable chairs. “We didn’t just choose things that were beautiful: Everything made sense,” says Leatham, who acknowledges: “It’s hard work to be green—even in the flower business.” But there are fringe benefits: “When the tulips bloom in the springtime that will remind [guests] of the event.”

While Leatham’s work is admittedly aimed at evoking “that gasp,” he also strives to demystify his craft. “I love to have fun when I’m working. A lot of people take flowers very seriously, and they shouldn’t,” he insists. “You should just have fun with them. Do what you want with them.” Leatham wants viewers to realize: “There is no bad way to do flowers. It’s all about simplicity. Just stick with the same color.” Leatham hopes to film future seasons and is committed to creating never-before-seen floral experiences. “If I’m hired for a job, I actually do it myself,” he says. And while he’s on a mission to “take over New York,” he’s also branching out into other artistic endeavors and developing eponymous product lines, from vases to fragrances. He’s inspired by art, photography, music, movement, moods, color, but “everything I do will always have an underlying theme of flowers: You never forget what got you started in your business,” he assures. “Flowers are so important in every aspect of design. That’s nature’s art itself, the art of the world. I’ll always love flowers.”

Editor-in-Chief of Wedding Style, Grace Ormonde, makes it no secret that she loves orchids. Simply peruse the pages of past issues, the various online inspiration galleries, or Grace’s book, Being in Love Never Goes Out of Style, and you’ll find orchids galore. Even Golf Srithamrong of Tantawan Bloom, one of Wedding Style’s longtime contributors and Platinum List members, has been dubbed “The King of Love and Orchids” by Grace. Maybe it’s their varying colors, dramatic shape, sweet and subtle fragrance, or exotic edge – but there’s several reasons why orchids may very well be the best wedding flowers for creating a luxury wedding décor scheme.

The best wedding flowers can stand alone
For weddings, the most commonly used orchids are Phalaenopsis, also known as “the moth orchid.” Because of their large size, these are some of the best wedding flowers to use when you want a simple tabletop design that also pops. It only takes a few handfuls of blooms to create an impact.

The best wedding flowers blend well with others
From calla lilies to tulips, orchids blend well with any floral décor scheme. Tantawan Bloom has used white orchids to add volume and texture to a calla lily chandelier, while peppering the bottom with purple orchids to create an incredible sunset-like color palette.

The best wedding flowers make gorgeous floral installations
Floral bridges, canopies, and full-on ceiling installations are a favorite among discerning couples. Orchids add a stunning cascading effect to any floral masterpiece.

The best wedding flowers can offer a pop of color
Variety is everything, and orchids offer enough color options to suit anyone’s preference. A multicolored mix is eclectic and whimsical, while filling your reception space with a single vibrant color is a surefire way to achieve that “WOW” factor.

The best wedding flowers are timeless
Most importantly, orchids represent the perfect blend of timelessness and modernity. A lush, all-white floral décor scheme of Phalaenopsis offers over-the-top glamour yet remains classic in its overall aesthetic.

Floral Design: Tantawan Bloom

When it comes to weddings in South Florida, Boca By Design is a leader in cultivating gorgeous celebrations, from overall conception down to the last flower. As a group who constantly produces wedding floral inspiration in the form of bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and large-scale floral installations, the Boca By Design team consists of eight individuals: Lisa M. Coccoli, Mariel Mackintosh-Eldridge, Jackie Fischer, Andrea Nunez, Carlos Marquez, William Summerlin, Adriana Macias, and Christian Leiva. Together, the team shared some tidbits about their favorite flowers and what sparks the floral inspiration behind their incredible weddings.

GO: How would you sum up your personal design style?

A: I like to create according to the season and the venue to determine my personal inspirations and designs.

GO: What prompted you to start a career in the wedding and event industry?
A: I was a student studying the arts in University of Puerto Rico. I started working part-time as a floral delivery driver for a high-end floral shop and developed a passion for floral and design.

GO: What should couples expect when working with you? 

A: Full commitment and honesty; will do my best to create your vision within your perimeters to bring it to life; will create memories you will never forget.

GO: What are your favorite types of flowers or décor elements to use?
A: I love oversized tropical foliage and long stem flowers. Tulips, garden roses, gardenias, and calla lilies are some of my favorites. I believe all types of candles and crystals should be utilized to create the romantic and glistening effect.

GO: What flowers or details mesh well with any type of wedding style?

A: Hydrangeas, roses, stock, callas and orchids mesh well with all.

GO: Where do you get your inspiration when creating one-of-a-kind floral arrangements or wedding décor schemes?
A: I refer to nature frequently to get my inspirations as well as architecture.

DMV weddings (Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) are often traditional in style, with even the most lavish affairs having a stately air to them. While Amaryllis Inc., Floral & Event Design is a master in creating weddings of all types, this luxury floral design duo excels in bringing a fresh approach to events in the form of sumptuous flowers and inspired aesthetics. As both business partners and partners in marriage, it’s safe to say Rick Davis and Christopher Vasquez are experts in everything pertaining to love and beauty. Their successful partnership has led to Amaryllis Inc., Floral & Event Design. being the go-to luxury floral design company for DMV weddings, and their passion is evident in every collaboration. Here’s some facts we love:

Rick and Christopher are veterans of their craft

Although Amaryllis Inc., Floral & Event Design was founded in 2002, Rick has more than 25 years of experience in designing and producing high-end events. “Beauty is at the heart of our business,” he says. “From a bride’s bouquet or groom’s boutonniere, to a glorious centerpiece or a massive installation – stunning flowers, plants, trees, and greenery are central to what we do. We utilize only the freshest, most lush and stunning florals in original, unique, and extraordinary designs that add to the overall beauty of your occasion.”

They love incorporating unique blooms into their luxury floral designs. Orchids, roses, and hydrangeas may be a classic choice for DMV weddings, but Rick and Christopher’s favorite flowers and decorative elements include sweet peas, flaming parrot tulips, daffodils, moss, and Osage oranges.

Birds are a huge source of inspiration

The designers have shared that nature and couture fashion spark their creativity, but one of their greatest sources of inspiration is the avian world. Some of the most stunning Amaryllis Inc. weddings and tabletops have featured details like feathers and birds. The couple even raises several flocks of exotic fowl on their farm in southern Maryland.

Amaryllis Inc., Floral & Event Design is homegrown
One thing that truly sets Amaryllis Inc. apart in the world of luxury floral design is the fact that Rick and Christopher often grow and harvest the specialty flowers and foliage used in their weddings and events. Not only do they love gorgeous flowers – they love horticulture itself, and the process of creating a homegrown element to incorporate within their designs. It doesn’t get any more “couture” than that.