Behind the Flowers | Sassafras Weddings

We are sure you have seen one of their revered floral installations, but have you seen the faces behind the brand, Sassafras Weddings?

Founders (and partners), Jess & Matt have mastered balancing a successful business, married life, and a family of four beautiful children. We had the pleasure of sitting down with both of them for a candid look behind the curtain of one of Melbourne’s best wedding florists.

Jess and Matt’s love story began 18 years ago when they were introduced through mutual friends. Since that day they were inseparable and together have created a full life, and now with 4 children, a loving family.

When we asked the talented duo to paint a picture of their wedding, they paused, looked at each other, and laughed. Not only did Jess do the florals for her own wedding, but also three others that same day!! This is a true testament to Jess's passion and dedication to her craft.

Jess made her way onto the floristry scene 25 years ago, starting as a junior at David Jones Florist and assisting with the Spring Flower Shows. It was here, Jess fell in love with the creative process, using flowers as a medium to build out spaces and watch her creativity bring joy to others. This was a pivotal point in Jess's career that sparked her desire to one day, create her own floristry business.

This dream became a reality 13 years ago when Sassafras Weddings was born. While working her day job in corporate florals, Jess began working weddings on weekends from her spare room. Matt became the “alpha parent”, looking after their beautiful children and helping Jess with flowers after work.

Fast forward to the present day, Jess and Matt both work full time at Sassafras Weddings, with two warehouses side by side expanding over 400 sqm. Together, they have created a comfortable and happy space in which their team can thrive and shine. With Jess’ eye for design and Matt’s background in visual art and horticulture, they are a powerhouse in the floral industry.

By working and raising their family in the Yarra Valley, Jess and Matt have been able to create a special bond with the region, along with its wedding venues and couples. All product is sourced from local markets, wholesalers, and farms. Keeping in line with their sustainability practice, the team at Sassafras Flowers recycles, composts, and reduces waste where possible by using reusable vessels and structures wherever possible.

Wedding advice with Jess

Jess did her first wedding at Stones of the Yarra Valley 12 years ago and has continued to be a significant part of our weddings since. We asked the experts what advice they had for our future couples at Stones. 

What advice would you have for couples that are planning their wedding?

Once you have chosen your vendors, trust them and their expertise. Let them do what they do best and be open to allowing their experience to guide you. Also, trust your instincts as couples usually go back to their first ideas. 

What are some planning points about floristry specifically that couples should note?

Don’t be overly prescriptive regarding the brief and overall design. We suggest being open with communication and allowing your florist to take creative control in bringing your brief to life. One week before the wedding, we will leave time to source different varieties of seasonal availability which is probably the most magical part of the process and where we have created the most 'wow' factor moments. 

What is your favourite thing about working at Stones?

We absolutely love the aesthetics of Stones and how beautifully they align with ours. There are endless ways to design the space using scope and scale, so we can express our creative flare in so many ways. Even if it’s something simple and classic or the other end of the scale, it always works so magnificently.  We also love the people. The team is so welcoming, warm, professional, and kind, and their attention to detail is wonderful. We can trust that the tables will be set beautifully and curated to perfection. It feels great to be supported by the Stones team to collaborate and create something magical for the couples. 

What is your favourite backdrop at Stones for photo opportunities?

We would have to say inside The Chapel where we can build an installation under the arch windows. The back of The Chapel also allows for endless beautiful installations and photography. 

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When asked if there was anything else they wanted to talk about, Matt paused, he said he would just want to talk more about how great Jess is. And their advice to couples? Don’t lose your sense of humour. Always be able to laugh with your partner, and always check in with one another.  

A beautiful couple and an incredible team to collaborate with. Thank you, Jess and Matt!