Cecilia Fox - Together Journal

It has been a wonderful journey reimagining Cecilia Fox in the best and most authentic way and while I bring with me a wealth of experience and knowledge I’m humbled and inspired to be a part of the New Zealand floristry landscape.

Tell us about yourself and how Cecilia Fox started.

I’m Melanie Stapleton. I’ve been a florist for over 25 years, I started Cecilia Fox (Cecilia Fox is a combination of my two grandmothers’ names!) in Melbourne in 2007 as a way to express my unique style, a place to feel myself and to create work that defies traditional understandings of floristry. Cecilia Fox grew into one of the most influential florists in Australia and we thrived on collaboration and community. Returning to my homeland Aotearoa after 20 years abroad, I feel an immense sense of pride and peace, personally, but also for Cecilia Fox. It has been a wonderful journey reimagining Cecilia Fox in the best and most authentic way and while I bring with me a wealth of experience and knowledge I’m humbled and inspired to be a part of the New Zealand floristy landscape.

What is your brand’s point of difference?

As a practice, we are committed to design and business practices that support a healthy future – for people, their businesses and the planet. We work with local growers, gardeners, and foragers whenever possible, and guide our clients towards what’s in season rather than what’s on trend. We don’t use floral foam, avoid plastics and all our carefully sourced materials are composted at the end of their lives.

What inspires your work?

Our work is inspired and propelled by a desire to share our unique botanical view. We believe that connecting people to our natural world through floral design not only strengthens our communities and our well-being but increases our motivation to protect our environment. Our ethos was born from a deep respect for the past, present, and future of the natural world and this informs every element of our approach.

Advice to couples planning their weddings?

My advice to people planning any momentous occasion is to find vendors with integrity and heart. Choose the style and spirit of a brand and forge a relationship of trust, communication and connection.

What are you loving at the moment?

I fall in love with a different flower every season maybe every day! today I’m loving the sweet fragrance of Daphne sitting on my desk. This spring-summer season I’m excited about petite maids bouquets, lots of colour, and thoughtful, heartfelt celebrations

Any plans for the future you would like to share?

So many quiet plans that I’m working on over here… I’ve chosen to only take on a few special weddings in 2023 to focus on my workshops, sustainability mentoring and speaking. So, look out for some beautiful collaborations and workshops.