Meet Jess Gale the owner and head designer of Sassafras Flower Design! Having been in the industry for 26 years, she's worked on countless weddings and events and has honed a style that's abundant, generous, and utterly romantic. She loves diving deep into the details that bring wedding flower design to life and is constantly amazed by the variety and nuances that she can bring out and showcase in different ways. When she's not flowering or designing, she's loving life with her husband Matt and their four children in the Hills, surrounded by forest and their ever growing menagerie of animals. She believes that not only can you never have too many flowers, but you can never have too much Cholula Hot Sauce on pizza.
What inspired you to enter the wedding industry?
I’ve always been a florist. Moving to the hills with my husband and children I realized I was in flower country and the business just organically grew. Working weekends made sense while my husband worked during the week and we just juggled four children in between. About 18 months ago my husband quit his job to help me in the business part time while taking on most of the kid stuff as well. It’s a great partnership! We're both passionate creatives, constantly building on our shared backgrounds in visual arts, horticulture, and traditional crafts.
Why did you start Sassafras Flower Design?
I'm absolutely obsessed with all things wedding flowers! I start getting itchy if I don’t have lots of weddings on (like now with covid restrictions!). I love diving into the details of color palettes, texture, and tone. Each wedding is different, even the same color palette at the same venue, there’s always something new and that's a source of endless excitement to me. I'm constantly learning new things in business and in floristry and am a collector of beautiful vessels and props.
What's your favorite Aisle Planner feature?
The quotes for sure! I rely heavily on my product templates and this feature saves me a lot of time putting together a full-service floral quote.
If you weren't the Owner + Head Designer of Sassafras Flower Design what would you be doing instead, or what would your life be like?
My fantasy job is set scout/set design for film. I'd love to travel the world to find the perfect space for a historical film and dress the set down to the very last detail.
What are three things you never show up without on event day?
My toolkit with all my gear, my phone for camera and all the digital things, and a printed copy of my AP quote.
What’s your personal philosophy on becoming a great florist?
I think that some great florists just have an innate gift. Understanding the principles and elements of design is not the be-all and end-all. Being open and appreciative of beautiful, natural ingredients and allowing quality product to shine through.
What’s your trademark in the client or event experience?
Generous, abundant florals and excellent service.
Just for fun
What’s the most used tool in your emergency kit?
My knife.
I’m dying to design a wedding or event in…
Anywhere in Italy! I have plans for an extra special shoot there next year and I'm beyond excited for this incredible opportunity.
What’s one trend you think should be left in the past?
The use of toxic floral foam. It's one of the easiest, most cost effective ways to reduce the dreadful impact our industry has on the environment.
If you could plan any celebrity’s wedding, whose would it be?
PJ Harvey.
If you could go back in time, what’s one thing you would change about your wedding?
Definitely hire a videographer!
Want to see more from Jess? Check out her website sassafraswedding.com.au!
Hero photo courtesy: Ashton Jean-Pierre Photography
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