Barcelona-based florist Carolina Spencer works at the intersection of structure and vibrancy. Rooted in the vivid palettes of her South American upbringing and refined through the exacting standards of European hospitality, her creations carry both spontaneity and precision. She draws as much from Japanese minimalism as from the riot of color and texture in her heritage, shaping arrangements that feel at once graphic and wild, delicate yet unafraid. For Spencer, flowers are not static ornament but living matter, preserved, reimagined, or set into unexpected dialogue with food, ceramics, glass, and space itself. Each composition becomes a reflection of identity, a bridge between client and creator, and an exploration of nature’s fleeting, ungovernable beauty. Here, THE WED sits down with the floral artist to unveil her creative journey.
Tell us about your background, and how that has influenced your journey and work?
I was born in Costa Rica, and lived throughout South America where there is a really colorful culture across the likes of Mexico, Perú, Chile. That runs through my work which is really powerful and vibrant, so I'm sure that's whre I got that from. Then moving to Europe, I learned to be really structured, to have really high standards. The job needs to be very well done, with a high-end finish. I worked many years for a hotel company where everything had to be perfect. So when I started creating my own language, I mixed both elements. From South America, the more relaxed and casual approach, and from Europe, a more structured and refined touch. I think my personality reflects that balance as well — organized but also a little chaotic.
How did you begin to develop such a personal language in your work?
I worked for a hotel for seven years with florsit Donna Stain where I learned everything — all the high standards and perfectionate approach. I eventually felt I had to do my own thing, to explore more and find my own way. I started working with plants because I didn’t want to simply copy my teacher’s flower compositions. I began making pottery — cylinder vases with cactus inside. That felt very Mediterranean, and something I hadn’t done before. As a designer, I thought: why sell plants not in plastic pots, but presented as finished pieces? So I created potted cactuses, showing the different greens, the shapes, even the “ugly” ones. A client in Barcelona then asked me to create vases for their shop. Through those shapes, I built my own way of working with flowers again. I became more into Japanese minimalism mixed with color — like a crazy Ikebana.
What are you most inspired by when creating?
I’m a visual person. I forget names, but I get moved by small things. I’m a good observer; I like to find weird things when I walk. Rocks, textures, micro-worlds — I find inspiration in the pure state of nature. Shapes, mountains, flowers, sun… many languages to explore.
Sustainability is an increasingly important conversation in floristry. How do you navigate the ephemeral nature of flowers while remaining mindful of waste in your practice?
Flowers are a luxury product, and there’s waste. I think it’s important to be aware of this. I wish I could use flowers through the whole cycle — planting, cutting, extracting oils. Lately, I’ve been preserving flowers, mostly leftovers. It’s a beautiful way to keep the cycle going and explore another language. I mix petals, create new forms, almost new species. It’s ephemeral, but photos can preserve it forever.
When working with clients, how do you translate their personality and preferences into colors and compositions that still carry your creative signature?
I see myself as a bridge between client and myself. It’s important to understand their needs while keeping my creativity and identity. Color is always crucial. It’s a language. I ask about colors they love or dislike, flowers they want or don’t want. Sometimes I provide one neutral option and one bold. The bouquet should connect with the wedding table design and food — everything in harmony. Lately, we're seeing tables styled with a mix of food and flowers, creating sculptural, artsy settings. Events are becoming more artistic — food installations with florals, immersive experiences.
What's one piece of advice you have for couples trying to land on the floral direction for their wedding?
I’d encourage them not to follow trends or conventions unless they truly love them. It’s such an important day. They should express themselves honestly and create something that reflects their essence. That always goes well.
Talent: Carolina Spencer
Videography: Anastasia Kurys
Creative Direction: Daria Latysheva
