Opening the door of Forget-Me-Not Florist made me smile and fall in love again with my sweet town of Northfield. Blue vases lining the window filter stunning light into the shop and highlight the florals, houseplants, and gifts. Let me introduce you to the florist who has everything! Chocolates to pair with your bouquet and a stuffed animal to share a smile. Thoughtful cards, artwork, and ceramics to share condolences and tokens of remembrance. Spunky houseplants ready to transform your home in lush tones. Even bonsai plants that look like people (scroll for proof!).

As I began talking with Therese, I just had this feeling that I was right where I needed to be. Small businesses are the very heartbeat of Northfield’s downtown – we certainly would not be as cute without them! As the pandemic rages across our nation, I found myself brainstorming how I can spotlight the amazing vendors in the wedding industry who truly make our town shine. I have worked with some amazing businesses since I began my photography business in 2018, and I thought to myself: I have a blog! I want to photograph and showcase how the business owners I work with in Northfield offer amazing services. Therese Chapman of Forget-Me-Not Florist is just such a business owner: one who creates custom floral arrangements tailored to share the message of her clients. To connect and inspire.

Your Northfield Florist

With her 16 years of experience, I should not have been surprised that Therese naturally started crafting bouquets before my eyes. Minnesota peonies stole my heart and danced into a colorful arrangement with ranunculus, sunflowers, and delphinium. A deeper color of peony paired with eucalyptus and hypericum berries for an elegant blush tone bouquet. At every phase of the crafting process, Therese answered all my questions. Why did she prefer a knife as a tool over scissors? How delicate is a peony? How does she approach wedding florals? What is her favorite part about her job? Therese’s sincerity and passion for her work filled the shop (and my camera frame!)

I learned that Forget-Me-Not opened in 1994, owned by Therese’s mother Jane Williams. (Folks, that means this business has been open for 26 years!) Therese therefore grew up around floristry in the very shop she now owns. Her career took her to Arizona for 14 years until her mother retired. So it was in 2018, Therese became the proprietor of Forget-Me-Not, continuing the legacy. And that is how Therese and I became neighbors. (You see, our home is just down the street!)

Something For Everyone

Lest you think a florist shop is not your cup of tea – think again. From the beginning through the end of life, flowers speak like a poem when words fail. Funeral arrangements, wedding florals, prom florals, condolences, gifts, holiday arrangements, and congratulatory gifts–just about every age group benefits from the work of a florist. (Even the birth of a baby brings out the flower giving instinct inside us!) If that list didn’t include you, then that must mean you love houseplants (right?) Therese offers “houseplant therapy” – the advice you need to keep those indoor plants thriving. You can even bring in plants you’ve bought elsewhere!

What’s Right For You

As I photographed those marvelous peonies below, I got to eavesdrop on two client visits. One client came to create a funeral arrangement, and the other to plan wedding florals. Therese’s team coached both through the decisions they had to make, all the while tailoring the final products to the desire of the client. In chatting with Therese while shooting, I loved hearing how she approached wedding florals. From a large floral budget complete with installations, bouquets for bridesmaids, and reception florals to the wedding where flowers are an accent, Therese shared confidently that florals always enhance an event. I’ve often thought about my own wedding in 2013 and how little I valued florals. How I’ve changed! I think if I got married today I would have a bower. As in, all the florals I could get my hands on! As a wedding photographer I’m biased, I know. (Florals add a soft texture to photographs and make everything better!). If I had trusted a florist (instead of doubted!) I honestly think I would enjoy my wedding photos more than I do right now. The moral of the story is this: plants and flowers are your friends.

I hope you enjoy this virtual walk through Therese’s gorgeous flower shop – and stop on by, because they are OPEN! (And yes, all of these were photographed on location, in the shop.)

Therese,

Thank you so much for letting me capture you in your element. The comforting and cheery feel of your shop makes me want to hang out and stay a while. It is inspiring to see you, as another local small business, wade through the collateral damage of this pandemic. You do so with care for your clients, and with sincerity for your craft. Thank you so much for leaving Arizona and making Minnesota a better place! I can’t wait to nab some more florals for detail shots. Also, I’m delighted to be your neighbor 🙂

Joyfully,

Jennifer