Behind the Bouquets: How to Nail Your Wedding Flowers with Clare Lamata

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Just as Planned TV and Podcast Show, where we explore the stories behind the vendors that make weddings truly unforgettable! I'm your host, Nathan Cassar, and today we have a floral powerhouse joining us: Clare Lamata, the creative genius behind Bella Fiore Floral Designs.Clare’s journey into the world of floristry started in 1998, as a hobby that would eventually grow into a multi-award-winning business. Taught by none other than the mother of the Blue Wiggles, Marie Field, Clare’s love for flowers blossomed into a career that has now seen her design thousands of weddings from the North Coast to Wollongong, with a focus on creating stunning, tailored designs that perfectly complement each couple’s vision.Not only has Clare’s business become a go-to name in Sydney's wedding industry, but she has also worked at major events like the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where she had the honour of telling the Head of the IOC, Juan Antonio Samaranch, what to do during the medal ceremonies. From brushing sand off volleyball gold medallists to navigating the behind-the-scenes chaos of wedding day dramas, Clare's experience is unparalleled!In today’s episode, Clare is going to take us behind the curtain of her floral world. We’ll be talking about everything from funny wedding stories, how to save money on flowers and styling, to the power of repurposing ceremony flowers for the reception. She’ll also share her insights on running a successful business as a sole trader and a mum of two, while managing the often-overlooked challenges of anxiety in business ownership.Get ready for a heartfelt and fun conversation as Clare gives us the inside scoop on the life of a wedding florist. Clare, welcome to the show!