Today on Open Conversations we have the beautiful bubbly Kelly from Blush Flowers to shine a bit of light into our lives. Kelly has been a constant driving force in the floral word, ever dynamic and always pushing the industry to the next level. She possesses that elusive mix of innovation and creativity paired with business acumen. Thanks Kelly for your honesty and kindness which is evident throughout this conversation series.

OPEN CONVERSATIONS: Meet photographer Oli Sansom of Briars Atlas. We first met Oli six years ago when he was out in New Zealand at a glorious South Island workshop. Since then Oli and the work of Briars Atlas have been featured regularly upon the pages of Together Journal including taking the cover spot for issue 17. Oli is one of the most fun and contagiously positive people we know. We look forward to his words gracing our inbox just as much as his photography (do your self a favour and visit his website – it will make you smile). Oli we thank you immensely for always sharing your ‘recklessly optimistic’ outlook on life, regardless of the situation but of course, even more so right now.

Today we talk to Swami Yogamani who is a wedding celebrant and loyal friend of Together Journal. So many people know Swami in this industry, and so many of the couples we have featured in the magazine and online have been married by her. Swami has a deep spiritual connection and she explains how she is accepting recent events and our new way of life. As we start day one of our lockdown here in New Zealand Swami’s words and feelings about how we can lean into this period and accept it with an open heart are welcomed.

Continuing on with our Open Conversations series we speak to Murray Crane of Crane Brothers about how he is coping in the face of adversity. There is a common theme throughout these conversations of resilience and survival. Our wedding community is tough and adapting quickly to what is happening. Although we don’t have a clear path of what is to happen over the coming months, we do feel a strong sense of community and hope for the future. Speaking with Murray has helped to cement these feelings.