Designer Spotlight on... Poppies & Posies

Meet Sierra Steifman, creative director and owner of floral event and design studio Poppies & Posies.

Sierra Steifman

Jamali Garden: How did you get your start in floral design? Poppies & Posies: We started our business in 2007 with the intention of offering event planning and floral design services. We then decided to focus solely on floral and event design, and at the time there were really only a handful of companies specializing in organically constructed, loose, garden-inspired arrangements. I was immediately drawn to this style.  

JG: Tell us about one of your favorite, recent events. P&P: We design weddings and private parties all over NYC, New England, even in California, and work in some of the prettiest locations and venues around the country. This October wedding was at one of our all time favorite places, Blue Hill at Stone Barns. The bride was incredibly sweet, laid back and put all her trust in us. Anytime a client gives us creative freedom, the project becomes that much more fun and we find the flowers always turn out better. JG: We love the chuppah and the large Pewter Lanterns and Silver Lanterns you used along the ceremony aisle.  

The wedding ceremony at Blue Hill at Stone Barns

 

Blue Hill at Stone Barns centerpiece

  JG: What are the 2016 trends you see for for floral and event design? P&P: Over the past couple years we’ve seen a spike in requests for floral and non-floral installations. We have an in-house installation artist to handle our larger-scale projects, so we’re looking forward to seeing this trend continue to grow. This is an altar installation we built at The Bowery Hotel. The couple wanted a backdrop to exchange their vows and this mantle was the perfect space to create that. JG: It's beautiful and the candles make it even more romantic.

Wedding backdrop at The Bowery Hotel. (photo: Heather Warsaka)

  P&P: This is a hanging floral installation we did over a dance floor in a big tent last summer. It was a fun piece for guests to enjoy during the night.

Floral chandeliers with eucalyptus, peonies, clematis, and roses.

  JG: Do you have a favorite Jamali Garden vase? P&P: We’ve used many Jamali Garden vases over the years to create our low, lush floral arrangements but one of our favorites is the Hammered Copper Iron Bowl.

A Poppies & Posies arrangement in our Copper Bowl. (photo: Jen Huang)

JG: How can we re-create this look? P&P: To arrange in this bowl use chicken wire as a base to build your arrangement. It helps to hold your stems in place and keep the desired shape. First, layer in your greenery and any texture you’re working with such as blueberry or privet. Then place a few focal flowers. Typically for us that's peonies in the spring and dahlias in the fall. Finish by weaving in some medium and smaller sized blooms.