Dear cherished clients, friends, and fellow floral enthusiasts,
As I type these words, I find myself in a bittersweet moment, announcing the closure of my floral business- Porterae in 2024. This venture has been more than just a business; it has been a canvas for creativity, a stage for meaningful connections, and a source of profound joy.
I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to each one of you who has been a part of this incredible journey. From the numerous incredible creatives I had the honor of working alongside during styled shoots, to the brides who entrusted me with their special day, to the friends Iāve made along the way, and to all those who marveled at the beauty of the blooms ā thank you.
Reflecting on the past brings a flood of memories, from crafting intricate personal bouquets, having my designs in British Vogue three times, to the surreal experience of taking my work to Europe, and every single design in between. These moments have been a gorgeous tapestry of fulfillment and growth.
However, as life unfolds, priorities shift. Iāve come to the difficult decision to step away and focus on what is best for me, my health, and my family. Itās a decision that comes with a mix of emotions but is rooted in the pursuit of a new chapter aligned with my evolving life.
I truly am so genuinely grateful for the opportunities this business has afforded me and for the unwavering support from each one of you. Your encouragement has been a driving force, and for that, I am profoundly thankful.
So, as one chapter closes, another begins. I carry with me the memories, the friendships, and the countless moments of joy. I look forward to new adventures and challenges ahead, all while cherishing the beautiful tapestry that this floral journey has woven.
To each of you who has been a part of this story, again, thank you for your support, your trust, and the shared love for the beauty that flowers bring. May our paths cross again in the future. š¤
With love and gratitude,
Rae
Feelings upon seeing this for the first timeā¦shock, gratitude, overwhelming joy & giddiness, did I mention gratitude? This seriously feels like a dream! I am so beyond proud of everyone of my friends that were apart of thisš¤ To see a bouquet I did (in Positano,Italy of all places!!!) under the Vogue logo and in British Vogue in any capacity is absolutely wild and such an incredible feeling.
@sheenaoliveraphotography I am so beyond proud of you and so happy your stunning photography is gracing such a prestigious magazine š¤
To the absolute incredible, truly amazing friends, and talented humans that I have the honor of creating along side Iām so beyond proud of you!
Also, omg we are in F-ing VOGUEšš¤āØ
Incredible Photographer: @sheenaoliveraphotography
Stunning Models: @kirstenandrj
Ever-So-Talented Hairstylist: @stevithehairwitch
Absolutely Amazing Stylist & Designer: @desertandashdesign
A beautiful winter wonderland install for @tavoloshoppe , just in time for for the Holiday Bazaar this Saturday November 11th @glenwood_square š¤
All of this greenery was sustainably foraged from up in the mountains and wow what an incredible experience that wasš¤
Thank you again to @tavoloshoppe for always trusting me to create for your incredible shoppe š¤
I can feel autumn creeping in and it makes my heart flutter with anticipation. A season filled with such rich tones, beautiful abundance, and a desire to slow down to soak it all in. Incredible projects and opportunities lay ahead that I canāt wait to create and share, but for now here is a glimpse back at a photoshoot with the ever so talented @anakarencompany that will forever spark creativity in my soulš¤
Styling, concept design, modeling, and florals by yours trulyš¤
Who doesnāt love a little bouquet bounce?
I have a little break in my schedule for weddings/styled shoots until July! I will try to be posting here as much as I can but will mostly be focusing on some exciting behind the scene things/creations and family time! I canāt wait for whatās up next but also so grateful for this breakš¤
This may be my favorite part of every wedding.
Bridal bouquets are seriously my absolute favorite thing to create the intimacy, love, and thought that comes with them is next level. I often spend so long perfecting them, only selecting the absolute most gorgeous of stems, and thinking about the monumental journey they are about to make accompanying you down the aisle! Itās so special and such an honor to create them for my brides, to see their faces light up when they see it for the first time, and then seeing it in all the photos from first looks, to portraits, to down the aisleā¦. itās such a beautiful feeling.
This bouquet in particular was beyond special as I hand pearled fresh succulents in memory of the brides grandma who loved pearls but unfortunately was no longer with her to see this beautiful day. It was such a lovely and unique way to honor her.
Thank you @laughterissunshine for being such a wonderful soul, beautiful bride, and trusting me with such an intimate part of your weddingš¤
Oh Positano how you have my heartš¤
Traveling to Italy to create floral magic along side @desertandashdesign was such a truly rewarding and monumental learning experience that I will forever cherish. I now can officially say I know how to get flowers in a foreign country which is a challenge all in its own, not to mention the added complexity of language barriers and locations often being far from the big cities that have flower markets.
On top of all of that, this particular shoot I designed while having some sort of stomach bug that had left me beyond dehydrated and weak but I wanted so badly to create, to show up for my fellow artist friends, to show up for myself and not miss this opportunity. (Luckily I had several wonderful humans surrounding me trying desperately to get me hydrated again, encouraging rest, and begging me to just try and eat something and I was in a place knowing that if I had to call it, I could.)
As an Artist I always want to give my best and I often do end up sharing a piece of myself with the design. A small token for the flowers and art. Truly the least I can do for them showing up and off their immense beauty.
When I take on clients I want them to know that, I am invested. Your florals are and will never be just something I do itās something I am. I find it actually near impossible to just throw together something without thinking, just follow a recipe, to create without heart and soul. Every design is made with love and intention and it makes me so happy.
I also want them to know I am human and flowers are the most delicate things nature offers us. Itās what makes it all so beautiful.
Thank you again to every single person at this shootš¤
PS I would love to create more floral magic in far off lands so if you have an idea, event, or wedding in mind please consider reaching out to me. Letās create art designed just for youš¤
Concept/Design @desertandashdesign
Photographer @sheenaoliveraphotography
Florals @porterae_studio (meš¤)
Models @kirstenandrj
Hair @stevithehairwitch
Stationary @mauvestationery
Also a huge thanks to my husband @thebigjpman for being the absolute best and so supportive I love youš¤
Florals for every season obviously!
My favorite part about doing this is how connected to nature I get to be. While it is true that you can get A LOT of flowers out of their natural season there is nothing quite as special as when they are blooming in their own time. Itās like magic unfurling. I adore playing with the different seasons and the gorgeousness that each provide.
This beauty was created for a Styled Shoot hosted by the ever so lovely @sheenaoliveraphotography & @anakarencompany at @terrablancawine š¤ Temps rose to almost a hundred and it was like watching Spring literally melt into Summer right before my eyes. While it was hard to watch it go I also became excited for the florals that follow. Excited for the new season and the gorgeousness I will get to create as temps rise and the delicate flowers of spring give way to summers abundance.
If you have a styled shoot, wedding, event or even want some seasonal blooms for your home or business head over to my inquiry link in my bio and I would love to create seasonal magic just for you š¤
Cover photo: @sheenaoliveraphotography š¤