Interview with Gerry

Alexandria flower shop owner

Gerry is the creative mastermind and celebrated floral designer at the helm of Petal’s Edge. We thought we’d take an opportunity to share some details.

How did you get into flowers? Did you grow up gardening?

G: I definitely have always been around flowers, and most especially because my father was a very avid gardener and flower enthusiast. My father’s affinity for growing things meant a special orchid room when we lived in Ecuador, an extensive collection of African violets in Panama, meticulously pressed and preserved specimens of flowering desert plants in Egypt, and his garden focused on native wildflowers like trillium and pink lady slippers. Though I never planned to work with flowers, I realize my father’s hobbies made the plant world easy and accessible to me. In truth, I started working with flowers and then started Petal’s Edge as a bit of distraction while working on my doctorate. The company took off very quickly, and in short order, I had a successful company on my hands and didn’t look back.

Do you have a favorite flower?

G: I have always been a fan of orchids, the more unusual the better. And even though I don’t remember it, my father collected orchids at some point in time.

Where do you find creative inspiration?

G: Different elements have provided creative inspiration for me over the years. I went through a time period early on where I’d become obsessed with a particular flower and incorporate it where ever I could. Truly though, my clients are the most continuous source of creativity – their likes, dislikes, their story and more.

Typical DC question: Where are you from?

G: I grew up all over the place.  My father’s work with the Foreign Service took our family from Peru to Ecuador, Panama, and finally Egypt, where we lived for six years. My family photos are peppered with stylish American fashions of the time in exotic locales.

Intrepid travelers, my parents were not shy to continue exploring beyond the exotic locales we called home. We traveled throughout Central America (they thought a good way to get back to Massachusetts to Panama was to drive – 17 days!) as well as England and Kenya amongst other smaller trips. We returned to the US to live when I was in high school, and spent time in Massachusetts before finally settling here in the DC area.

What are your favorite local spots?

G: I have largely lived in the DC area since college, and so much has changed in that time. As a former art historian, I have always loved the National Gallery – and worked there for a few years. I love the different neighborhoods in the DC area, and it’s been interesting to see them all grow in different ways. And of course, I love being in Old Town Alexandria. It’s like having a small town with a big city feel.

How would you describe your style?

G: Our style, most notably, isn’t just one style. We love experimenting, and the style can be lush and abundant or it can be sleek and minimal. Most of all, we like to use premium blooms or elevate unexpected ingredients. It just depends!

Where else do you find inspiration?

G: Architecture, travel and fashion most often influence my work.

What is your favorite season for flowers? Why?

G: Winter. There are so many cool things available – so many striking varieties of amaryllis, many of the spring flowers like peonies, lilac, tulips, lily of the valley – as well so many textural elements like berries and pods to choose from.

We're on Instagram!
Some weddings are magic. ✨ 

This one just took a cart, a loading dock, stairs, ramps, 250 feet of hallway, and a very determined florist team.

Here’s what you don’t see in the final gallery: the cardio, the zip ties, the setup hustle. But would we do it all again for this dreamy blue-and-white moment we created for Jenni & Aaron at the Omni Shoreham? Absolutely.

📍 @omnishorehamhotel 
📷 @genevieveleiperphotography 
💐 @petalaedgedc
Some weddings are sweet.

This one? Smart, stylish, and just a little unexpected.

At Eaton DC, where there’s a record player in the lobby and intention in every detail, we brought florals that nodded to tradition. White and blush, gold compotes, lush greenery - and then we slipped in a few surprises (hello, orchids). From a ceremony full of movement to tall reception designs that played with height and shape, this wedding proved modern love doesn’t have to be minimal.

📍 @eatonhotel.dc 
📷 @jessicanazarovaphotography 
💐 @petalsedgedc
No, ma’am. That’s not how any of this works… 

💐✨ Wedding flower myths? We’ve heard them all. ✨

“You can just reuse the _____ flowers.”
“Faux flowers look the same.”
“Greenery is cheap, right?”

We get it. Planning a wedding comes with a lot of well-meaning advice. But when it comes to flowers, there’s a big difference between a cost-saving hack and a costly mistake.

At Petal’s Edge, we design with intention, experience, and artistry. We’re not here to upsell. We’re here to guide you through what works, what doesn’t, and what’s actually worth it. Because your flowers should feel just as thoughtful as the rest of your wedding. 🌿💐
We're Pinteresting!
  • The Army and Navy Club's dark wood lined ballroom was the perfect complement to the classic white and blush color scheme of the spring wedding's floral palette including peonies, ranunculus, and campanula. Petal's Edge is the Washington DC area's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company, specializing in unique wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations & tablescapes for weddings in DC, Northern Virginia & Maryland.
  • A vintage Palm Springs theme for The Scout Guide launch party at Hotel AKA. Petal's Edge is Washington, DC's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company. Specializes in wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations, floral walls, backdrops, arches, Chuppahs, boutonnieres, floral centerpieces, tablescapes & more for weddings receptions & wedding ceremonies in Washington, DC, N. Virginia, Alexandria, Arlington, VA, Maryland.
  • Classic luxury for Hay Adams wedding. White roses. Phalaenopsis orchids. Crystal candelabra. Petal's Edge is Washington DC's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company. Specializes in wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations, floral walls, backdrops, arches, Chuppahs, boutonnieres, floral centerpieces, tablescapes & more for weddings receptions & wedding ceremonies in Washington, DC, N. Virginia, Alexandria, Arlington, VA, MD.
  • Gallery O on H Street with its indoor and outdoor event spaces and a multi-level tent courtyard was the perfect setting for an urban garden vibe with a bold floral palette in shades of coral and peach, bright yellows, and lush greens. Petal's Edge is the Washington DC area's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company, specializing in unique wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations & tablescapes for weddings in DC, Northern Virginia & Maryland.
  • Not everyone gets a do-over, but Caitlin & Sean'a small 2020 fete was followed by a summer celebration at River Farm, a fabulous floral arch, whimsical flowers skirting the cocktail tables, centerpieces to accompany the metro theme. Petal's Edge is the Washington DC area's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company, specializing in unique wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations & tablescapes for weddings in DC, Northern Virginia & Maryland.
  • Modern black & white wedding, St. Francis Hall DC, light curtain, white flowers, speakeasy lounge. Petal's Edge is Washington DC's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company. Specializes in wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations, floral walls, backdrops, arches, Chuppahs, boutonnieres, floral centerpieces, tablescapes & more for weddings receptions & wedding ceremonies in Washington, DC, N. Virginia, Alexandria, Arlington, VA, Maryland.
  • Summer hotel wedding with pops of color. Olive tall centerpieces. Cascade bouquet. Smilax installation. Petal's Edge is Washington DC's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company. Specializes in wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations, floral walls, backdrops, arches, Chuppahs, boutonnieres, floral centerpieces, tablescapes & more for weddings receptions & wedding ceremonies in Washington, DC, N. Virginia, Alexandria, Arlington, VA, Maryland.
  • Rustic spring wedding at St. Francis Hall featured soft neutral hues and lush greenery. Smilax and candle strewn aisle. Spirea accented elevated arrangements. Peonies. Garden roses. Petal's Edge is the Washington DC area's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company, specializing in unique wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations & tablescapes for weddings in DC, Northern Virginia & Maryland.
  • White Lotus Mediterranean wedding theme. Citrus accents. Flower color blocking. Aisle flowers. Arch. Petal's Edge is Washington DC's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company. Specializes in wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations, floral walls, backdrops, arches, Chuppahs, boutonnieres, floral centerpieces, tablescapes & more for weddings receptions & wedding ceremonies in Washington, DC, N. Virginia, Alexandria, Arlington, VA, Maryland.
Join Our Mailing List!
Categories

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *