you may be asking,
who is Botanicraft?
Hi, I'm Marcelle! I'm the owner and lead floral designer here at Botanicraft Floral Design and I've been fascinated by plants and flowers for far longer than the 15 years I've spent as a professional florist. Raised by an avid gardener who comes from a long line of mountain farmers, I'll gladly admit that I'm obsessed with all things garden, farm and flower. I love sourcing interesting and unusual botanicals for my designs and I'm committed to using as much locally grown product as possible. If you want a florist who is as knowledgeable and experienced as they are passionate about flowers - read on!​
mARCELLE rITA fERNEE
PROFESSIONAL floral DESIGNER
Years of experience
15+
Favorite Materials
Viburnum, allium, grevillea, anthurium, eremurus, clematis seed pods, blooming or mossy branches, kokedama plants, scented geranium, pepper berry...
Personal Design Style
Whimsical, Textural, Energetic,
Cottage Garden-Inspired
sPECIALTIES
Detailed hand work/wearable flowers,
Hand-tied bouquets, Large statement pieces
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
A Bit About Me
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I’m a Jacksonville, FL native! I spent 7 years in the PNW but came back home to put down roots in Murray Hill.
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I studied theatrical directing at Douglas Anderson and continued taking art classes in college - ceramics and drawing. I’d love to get back into ceramics to add something extra special to my future floral offerings!
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I’m a crafter and collector of hobbies and trinkets - I love making miniatures, junk journaling and sewing. I collect books about gardening and flowers, vintage flower frogs, nail polish, and records of my favorite Brazilian psychedelic and jazz musicians.
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I’m married to a sci-fi and horror-movie loving, toy collecting, Miami-Cuban cutie and we are proud pawrents to Xena, Warrior Princess, the world’s most spoiled Chiweenie. We love road-tripping together, looking for vintage furniture and used book shops.
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When we lived in tiny apartments in Seattle, I required copious amounts of houseplants to survive the gloomy months. I crammed 40 houseplants and a planted freshwater aquarium into our studio apartment, and yet…. I still nearly died of garden deficiency related illnesses.
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Now that I’m back to having a garden space of my own again, I’m so excited to transform our property into a magical cottage-style garden/micro flower farm! Hopefully, local flower demand and my itchy garden fingers will bring us to a larger plot one day in the future - but we’re taking it one step at a time for now.
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Nifty flower fact: I’ve done flowers for the weddings of two close friends (among countless others), as well as my own! See if you can spot me in the weddings page of my portfolio!)
Professional Experience
Present
February 2015 - Present
May 2021 – June 2024
May 2015 - August 2021
OWNER / LEAD FLORAL DESIGNER @ BOTANICRAFT FLORAL Jax FL
After gaining 15 years of professional floristry experience, I have established my own company, Botanicraft Floral Design. Studio/online-based floral design company specializing in curated floral collections for intimate weddings and events, sustainable funeral flowers as well as unconventional floral designs for everyday occasions/home delivery.
FREELANCE FLORAL DESIGNER @ POPPY FLOWERS, AMARANTH FLORAL STUDIO and OTHERS in Florida, Washington and California
​This section covers all of the gig work I have done over the years, both with event florists and my own personal design projects ranging in scale from intimate to grand. I am experienced in all manner of studio production and on-site design work and have worked with many florists in a variety of different studio and venue settings. Installations have included full floral arches of all sizes, deconstructed arches, ceremony nests (floor arrangements), pedestal designs, hanging/floating floral clouds, floral chains/curtains, elaborate tablescapes, candle/lantern displays, staircase florals...
IN-HOUSE FLORIST / LEAD FLORAL DESIGNER @ MUGWUMP / SIGHT AND SOUND PRODUCTIONS in Jacksonville FL
Full-service event company duo specializing in corporate and private events. As in-house florist, I ran all aspects of the department solo, from proposal-writing and bookkeeping to wholesale ordering and design execution. Intimate private events to large scale weddings and corporate events, with floral totals up to $30k per event. I hired local freelance designers and rented refrigerated trailers for the busiest weeks, and helped to establish the department by guiding the company in purchasing necessary transport and other studio equipment.
FLORAL DESIGN SPECIALIST @ FLOWER LAB in Seattle WA
Full-service retail and wedding, brick-and-mortar florist featuring designer's choice floral designs with emphasis on local/seasonal product, innovative and nature-inspired designs. My duties outside of daily designing and shop keeping included providing wedding consultations, writing proposals, website design and social media, inventory management, product development, and exploring floral design trends.
April 2010 - February 2015
MANAGER / FLORAL DESIGNER @ ST. JOHNS FLOWER MARKET
in Jacksonville, FL (Avondale)
Full-service retail, brick-and-mortar florist. This is where I was trained in the elements of traditional floral design and learned about the proper care of fresh cut flowers. Being a quick learner (and having exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills), I soon rose to the manager position where I led a permanent team of 6-7 employees, as well as the temporary holiday staff at Valentine’s and Mother’s days.
Professional Experience
Present
February 2015 - Present
May 2021 – June 2024
May 2015 - August 2021
OWNER / LEAD FLORAL DESIGNER @ BOTANICRAFT FLORAL Jax FL
After gaining 15 years of professional floristry experience, I have established my own company, Botanicraft Floral Design. Studio/online-based floral design company specializing in curated floral collections for intimate weddings and events, sustainable funeral flowers as well as unconventional floral designs for everyday occasions/home delivery.
FREELANCE FLORAL DESIGNER @ POPPY FLOWERS, AMARANTH FLORAL STUDIO and OTHERS in Florida, Washington and California
​This section covers all of the gig work I have done over the years, both with event florists and my own personal design projects ranging in scale from intimate to grand. I am experienced in all manner of studio production and on-site design work and have worked with many florists in a variety of different studio and venue settings. Installations have included full floral arches of all sizes, deconstructed arches, ceremony nests (floor arrangements), pedestal designs, hanging/floating floral clouds, floral chains/curtains, elaborate tablescapes, candle/lantern displays, staircase florals...
IN-HOUSE FLORIST / LEAD FLORAL DESIGNER @ MUGWUMP / SIGHT AND SOUND PRODUCTIONS in Jacksonville FL
Full-service event company duo specializing in corporate and private events. As in-house florist, I ran all aspects of the department solo, from proposal-writing and bookkeeping to wholesale ordering and design execution. Intimate private events to large scale weddings and corporate events, with floral totals up to $30k per event. I hired local freelance designers and rented refrigerated trailers for the busiest weeks, and helped to establish the department by guiding the company in purchasing necessary transport and other studio equipment.
FLORAL DESIGN SPECIALIST @ FLOWER LAB in Seattle WA
Full-service retail and wedding, brick-and-mortar florist featuring designer's choice floral designs with emphasis on local/seasonal product, innovative and nature-inspired designs. My duties outside of daily designing and shop keeping included providing wedding consultations, writing proposals, website design and social media, inventory management, product development, and exploring floral design trends.
April 2010 - February 2015
MANAGER / FLORAL DESIGNER @ ST. JOHNS FLOWER MARKET
in Jacksonville, FL (Avondale)
Full-service retail, brick-and-mortar florist. This is where I was trained in the elements of traditional floral design and learned about the proper care of fresh cut flowers. Being a quick learner (and having exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills), I soon rose to the manager position where I led a permanent team of 6-7 employees, as well as the temporary holiday staff at Valentine’s and Mother’s days.
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