Bouquets & Beyond
When the Language of Flowers Defies Words
By Clementina Verge
She was once a little girl fascinated by her grandfather’s sprawling garden; childhood photos capture images of her holding flowers wherever she went. Today, Brenda Christie is an award-winning florist recognized for her innate ability to infuse timeless designs with modern glamor and classic elegance.
“Flowers and decor set the mood and create a memorable atmosphere that will be long remembered after an event,” explains Christie, owner and creative director of Bouquets & Beyond, a luxurious floral boutique in Woodbury. “They are a universal language that allows us to express love, support, celebration, sympathy, and care when words are not enough.”
Initially, a 10-year corporate career involved overseeing event decor, but instead of ordering floral arrangements, Christie would gather individual pieces and assemble them at her desk. Passersby noticed her passion and talent, and encouraged her to pursue florals.
Ultimately, “drawn to the industry by a desire to bring joy and beauty into people’s lives and make an impact in the world,” she opened a home-based studio in Woodbury, and 15 years later, in 2017, the boutique.
Whether assembling corsages, a couture single rose, 10-foot tall vase designs, or wedding arches towering 15 feet, Christie “delivers an experience, not just a product.”
Voted Best Florist of 2024 in Litchfield and New Haven counties, she was also honored as Northeast Floral Designer of the Year a few years ago. Accolades are appreciated, she says, but seeing clients’ excitement when their visions become reality is what fuels her.
From “intimate soirees to lavish extravaganzas,” weddings have been Christie’s specialty for nearly 20 years. Though incredibly rewarding, the behind-the-scenes work is challenging depending on event size and complexity. Large weddings encompass an entire week of unboxing flowers, quality control checks, processing and conditioning, and design prepping, followed by the actual design. Smaller-scale events can be executed in a couple of days but follow the same process.
Because color influences emotions, captivating arrangements must incorporate the right palette. Jewel tones are Christie’s favorite, featuring purples, fuschia, indigo, blues, and reds “bursting with regal drama, and strong and rich velvety brilliance.” She also loves the classic white/cream palette.
Flowers are sourced locally when seasonally available or arrive daily from around the world. Orchids are a favorite year round, Christie notes, effortlessly naming preferred varieties, including Vanda, Lady Slipper, Phalaenopsis, and Hawaiian Dendrobium. They create the innovative, luxurious, and elegant aesthetic she is known for, whether she is designing for holidays, corporate events, sympathy tributes, or any other occasion.
“I fell in love with flowers, gardening, and nature at a very young age,” Christie reflects. “I was surrounded by and fascinated by the intrinsic beauty of all plants my entire life.”
Grateful to have a special part in helping people celebrate and express their love through the language of flowers, she emphasizes “the natural architectural beauty of every floral and non-formal element.”
“It’s an honor to be a part of the best, and even the worst, moments of our customers’ lives,” says Christie.—bouquetsbeyond.com
