Weddings. Just Weddings. When Kim Wagner started her own floral business, that’s what she decided to do. No Valentine’s Day, no birthday parties… just weddings. Read on to find out her favorite season, what her own wedding flowers were and more!
Dragonfly is unique in that you only create floral arrangements for weddings. Can you share a little bit about how you decided to specialize?
I worked in a flower shop most of my adult life. I didn’t want to do all the birthdays, anniversaries and funerals, like all the shops I worked for. I wanted something different, so the idea of only weddings and catering to the bride and groom, making their day unique and fun, and offering wedding supplies that most floral shops can’t was the idea I came up with.
Would your teenage self be surprised that you’re a wedding florist?
No, I was always into creating art. I used to draw and work with silk flowers all the time. Even at a young age, we used to sell my silk creations at flea market. It was always fun.
How many people are part of your team? Does everyone do everything, or does each have their own specialty?
I have two full time designers besides myself. When needed, I have up to nine people on my team. We have designers and helpers. The helpers mostly make simple corsages and similar designs, but the designers and I can do everything.
Can you give a couple examples of how wedding floral styles have changed in the past few years?
We have gone from more elaborate pieces, to smaller and less expensive. Brides are definitely more budget conscious.
Do you find that brides and grooms tend to have a clear vision for what kind of florals they want? Do many come in with no idea, looking for guidance and inspiration? How do you help them through what can be a very overwhelming decision?
Thanks to Pinterest, brides usually have some ideas of what they like and want. But, if they don’t, I show them lots of ideas. If you take the time to see what they gravitate toward, their style will emerge.
What are some of your favorite kinds of arrangements to create and design? Do you have a favorite season?
Personally, I love summer. I hate the cold. But professionally, no, all seasons are lovely with flowers.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced creating florals for weddings? How have you overcome them?
Storage for all the rental equipment I have accumulated! How have you overcome them? We are using the second floor of my husband’s company. Thank God for family businesses!
What are some common misconceptions you encounter about wedding flowers?
A common misconception is that roses are always expensive. Roses, even at the peak of February, can be cost effective. You can buy your roses ahead of time to get a good price. You 
just need to plan ahead, and have a good florist who looks out for the vendor pre-buy deals.
Can you describe one or two of your favorite floral creations from the past year?
We did a Cinderella pumpkin wedding with white pumpkins sitting up on double trumpet vases. with flowers cascading down and around the vase. It was so fun!
My second favorite floral arrangement was a bouquet that had all shades of fall colors using succulents and dahlias, it was beautiful!
Lightning round of randomness!
- Do you have a favorite venue?
Not really – I have venues that I love to work with because they are so accommodating time wise and easier load in and out, but no favorite venue. - Favorite restaurant?
I love The Olive Garden! - What did your own wedding flowers look like?
Believe it or not, I had silk flowers for my wedding. It was at Phipps Conservatory – it was only about $200 to have a wedding back then! - Favorite place to go for a walk?
We love walking and biking downtown.
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Christina Montemurro Photography specializes in photographing Pittsburgh weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs. Using a photojournalistic approach, Christina provides extraordinary attention to detail and customer service. Contact Christina now to check availability for your engagement session, wedding, bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah. Christina has been rated among top Pittsburgh wedding photographers. You can read reviews by Christina’s past brides and grooms here and here. Some of Christina’s favorite venues include the Carnegie Museum, Heinz History Center, Edgewood Club, Edgewood Country Club, Hotel Monaco, Omni William Penn Hotel, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square, PNC Park and Twelve Oaks Mansion.
Christina is also available to shoot weddings in Bucks County, including Doylestown, Chalfont, New Hope, Yardley, Newtown, Warminster, Warrington, Bedminster and Pipersville.