Vendor Spotlight - Andy Hopper, AIFD

The florals that you choose...from your bridal bouquet, to ceremony arrangements, to reception decor truly speak about your style and can transform a space.  Having a great and creative florist is worth every penny in my opinion.  One of my favorites in Birmingham is Andy Hopper, Head Designer at Kathy G Designs.  Get to know who he is and see some of his gorgeous work!

Why did you choose to work in weddings/events?  How did you get started?

I really believe that wedding design, floral and events chose me. When I was four years old I was creating tablescapes in my grandmother's back yard and eventually I produced my first wedding at the age of eighteen. I've always had a fascination for art and anything beautiful so you could almost consider it a natural instinct that blossomed at a young age and was honed over time. I guess the adage is true, “You do what you love and love what you do.” Design definitely chose me.

How would you describe your style/product?

As far as style, I love a beautiful, clean line and take a classic approach to design. But my aesthetics can change for each individual because it is the bride or the client's style that I try to home in on. As a designer I really listen to my client and understand what his or her needs are. I give them artistic guidance through the process until I make their vision a reality so that their event is everything they dreamed it would be and more.

What separates you from other Birmingham area vendors?

My attention to not only detail and design, but the client as well separates me from every vendor in Birmingham. I personally hand my bride her bouquet the day of her wedding and if she notices, which they all do, I have planned my own outfit to match the look of her wedding to a T. I try to foster a friendship from day one with my bride. I want her to feel at ease and relaxed knowing that not just a professional, but a friend is taking care of her on the most important day of her life.

What would you be doing if you didn't work in weddings?

I'd likely be a fashion consultant to celebrities, giving Rachel Zoe a good run for her money. I take great pride in the detail of everyday dress. In Steel Magnolias, the great Dolly Parton says “I haven't left the house without Lycra on these thighs since I was 14,” which are words to live by except for me it's a Tiffany ring on my finger instead of Lycra.

Favorite TV show and why?

TV??? What is that? I really don't watch that much TV. I'd much rather be at an art opening, runway show, shopping or traveling. I've really never been drawn to television; I guess it was the way I was raised. My parents fostered creativity and hobbies over watching TV, which was a huge factor getting me to where I am today. If I ever do sit down to watch something on television, it's usually a new movie.

What advice would you give to brides in choosing a florist?

When choosing someone to design your floral there are many aspects a bride must take into consideration. The bride must first rely on someone that's going to create something just for her, listening to her ideas to create something beautiful and original. The second and the most important detail is finding someone she or he can relate to and feel comfortable with. It's extremely important that the bride and the designer be able to communicate to each other honestly and openly just as they would with any other personal relationship in their lives, making relatability key. Lastly, check their background. See what events they have done, what they're currently designing and what they've got coming up. I like to personally invite my brides to drop by events that I am producing so they can see the transformation of venues and the quality of my designs for themselves.

What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general?

First and foremost, find a fabulous planner that can help you with every detail of your wedding. The wedding planner is one of the most important vendors a bride needs to make her day what she dreamed it always could be. Your wedding day is one of the most important events of your life. Never assume that you can do everything on your own. You need help with the stress and details that come along with planning a wedding.

Check out the Kathy G website for more pictures of his fabulous work.   You can also follow him on twitter @andyhopper!

Stay tuned for many more great vendor spotlights to come!  If you or someone you know would like to be in our Wednesday Spotlight, send me an email to meghan@melizabethevents.com or if you've got any other great questions you'd like vendors to answer in the future spotlights, leave a comment!