![2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-0475 Ariella Chezar arranging flowers at floral workshop](https://flowermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-0475.jpg)
Ariella Chezar says one of her greatest joys is sharing her passion for floral arranging with students.
The bloom’s varied colors, textures, and forms will guide those of us gathered here as we learn how to construct arrangements with grace, movement, and fluidity from two of the floral world’s beloved designers, Ariella Chezar and Nicolette Owen. Through demonstrations, discussions, hands-on guidance, and practice, we’ll soak up their wisdom and techniques for creating lavish, large-scale arrangements; floral installations; bouquets; and centerpieces.
![2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-0335 peach, gold, and red flower centerpiece at floral workshop](https://flowermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-0335.jpg)
A footed compote lifts the flowers so they can bend and drape along their natural lines. The pinks and peaches of the tulips and ranunculus are only made richer by the contrasting darkness of the hellebores.
“If you are using nature as a guide, then you want to picture how flowers bloom in the field.”
–Ariella Chezar
![2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-0111 designer arranging flowers in floral workshop](https://flowermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-0111.jpg)
Serbio Uzcategui gives movement and height to an arrangement by adding dogwood branches.
![2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-0005 Floral workshop student working on large flower arrangement.](https://flowermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-0005.jpg)
The first day of the floral workshop focused on large-scale arrangements and showstopping centerpieces.
The flowering branches, ranunculus, hellebores, specialty tulips, hyacinths, fritillaria, anemones, and sweet peas are all sourced locally, while roses from Rose Story Farm in California and ranunculus from 3 Porch Farm in Georgia round out the mix. “Spring tones are so connected, from dusty violet and mauve to warm golds, peachy apricots, and lime yellows,” Ariella tells our group. “There are so many directions to explore. And with no client dictating our design, we have the freedom to create palettes that really push the usual boundaries.”
![2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-1545 Large centerpiece arrangement of forsythia and other yellow flowers](https://flowermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-1545.jpg)
The freedom to design with no client in mind meant yellow—not always a popular color choice—was allowed to take center stage at the workshop’s closing dinner party.
![2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-1241 Designer in yellow skirt carrying huge bunch of forsythia](https://flowermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-1241.jpg)
Towering forsythia branches added drama to the high-ceilinged space.
![2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-1620 Nicolette Owen working on arrangement at floral workshop](https://flowermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-1620.jpg)
Nicolette attends to the tablescape’s details that include Bespoke’s paper goods and The Ark’s place settings.
![2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-1458 towering cake designed by sugar flower maker Mamie Brougitte](https://flowermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-1458.jpg)
The stunning cake by sugar flower designer Mamie Brougitte Cakes ensured the evening ended on a sweet note.
![2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-1835 Floral workshop students gathered at tables](https://flowermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-Ariella-Nicolette-Hudson-1835.jpg)
Students bask in the golden evening light and enjoy good food and conversation, surrounded by floral creations of their own making.
Following the centerpiece exercise, we take our newfound knowledge and move on to bouquets and other arrangements over the next two days. And it all culminates with the closing event on the last day—a farewell dinner complete with elaborate floral displays and table settings. “Ariella has an incredible ability to envision an event in its entirety, from the linens and candles to the centerpieces and floral installations,” says Nicolette.
The cavernous space fills with soaring forsythia branches complemented by touches of gold and robin’s-egg blue. Our own centerpiece creations fill the tables, paired with tiny bud vases of daffodils. Above, twinkling fairy lights illuminate the tall windows and soaring ceilings. The overall effect can only be described as pure magic. And as the sun sets golden over the Hudson River just outside, we enjoy cocktails, dinner, and the deep connection that comes from a shared passion for the transformative power of flowers.
To receive information on future floral workshops visit ariellaflowers.com and nicolettecamille.com.