The Journey of a Floral Maestro
As she prepares for Fantasia 3 at Waddesdon Manor, floral creative superstar Amie Bone reflects on a career that began by chance in 1999.
A Feast for the Senses at Fantasia 2
Visiting the result of Fantasia 2 last year was an eye-popping experience. It was a floral extravaganza, with colour bursting from every corner, not to mention being bombarded with gorgeous scents. For some, this would be heaven as they imagine it. “You think Fantasia 2 was big,” Amie Bone, the woman behind the floral masterclass, says, “that has nothing on 3…”
Amie Bone’s Colorful Journey
Amie, like many of her creations, is a colourful person to chat to. Absolutely has found some time in her schedule preparing for Fantasia 3 at Waddesdon Manor and running her hugely successful business to look back at a career that has blossomed and bloomed ever since she worked on a market stall in Oxford in 1999.
An Unforeseen Love Affair with Floristry
“It was just a job,” she says on flowers back then. “I was 18 and a party animal! I never expected to meet [her now husband] Jason and fall in love with him or flowers. I love the joy that flowers bring – whether a happy or sad occasion flowers always make you smile.”
The Accidental Birth of Amie Bone Flowers
Even launching her own business happened in a roundabout way. “Amie Bone Flowers was born due to an inspection from Watford borough council at the garden centre we were running,” she explains. “We were informed we had to pay business rates on a shed within the grounds and knew the space had to earn money to pay for this – hence we decided to sell bunches of flowers in buckets to cover the rates every month. Slowly the business grew and I taught myself how to make bouquets, and then funeral tributes. We weren’t your typical florist as we saw it as a way to simply cover the cost of the business rates at that time.”
From Shop Space to Floral Space
Slowly, however, Amie’s reputation spread and a shop space soon followed. “I felt stagnated in a shop environment,” she admits. “I wanted more and no is never an option, therefore I looked at adapting. Renewing our wedding vows in 2014 made me realise we could create amazing events with florals and styling. If I could make myself feel this way I wanted to give this feeling to my couples – so my thought process changed and we’ve been growing ever since.”
Amie Bone’s Flourishing Floral Empire
Born from a simple love of flowers, today the Amie Bone business masters the management of local and international exclusive private parties, ultra-luxe weddings and high end corporate and brand events. With an unparalleled reputation for exceeding her client’s expectations, Amie is globally renowned for her passion and dedication to a career that spans over 20 years. As a creative visionary, her skill lies first and foremost in listening to her client’s hopes and desires, their individual stories and transforming them into spectacular celebrations that feel entirely and uniquely about them. “I am in the business of bringing dreams to life,” she adds, “delivering exceptional levels of creativity and translating what exists in your head and your heart into the most memorable and meaningful moment of your life.”
Fantasia 3: A Masterclass Event
Those dreams extend to inspiring the next Amie Bone. Fantasia 3, running from 19-21 March at The Dairy, Waddesdon Manor, is an incredible three-day floral design masterclass. Course attendees will work side by side with Amie and her lead creative team to design and produce large scale floral installations throughout her masterclass with a strong focus on harnessing creativity, set design and event production. You will gain invaluable teaching time with Amie and a carefully selected line-up of the most talented contacts in her address book, the very people she calls upon to help deliver the high-end international wedding design she is known and respected for globally. Your finished work will then be showcased to a 200 VIP guest list, invited to dine within the floral installations. Last year’s guests included those from Sotheby’s, Claridge’s, Vanity Fair, Bafta, Country Life and Vogue as well as the top wedding planners and suppliers working in the UK and internationally.
Amie Bone’s Career Philosophy
“Fantasia has been the pinnacle of my career with so much love and creativity poured into each aspect of the events,” Amie smiles. “I think the most important thing to pass onto others is that there is no fear in taking a chance – a lot of people that come to our courses are scared to take the leap into luxury design as they have no previous experience – we all have to start somewhere.
The Allure of The Dairy at Waddesdon Manor
“I love The Dairy as a venue,” she adds, “it’s in such a picturesque location with the glorious lake in the background, surrounded by trees and rolling fields. The venue itself is a hidden gem – the beautiful water garden and the stunning halls with the bare beams and high ceilings.”
A Florist’s Life Beyond the Blooms
When she’s not busy creating memorable occasions, home is Watford, on the outskirts of Bricket Wood. “I love where we are located with easy access to London and the North. I love the greenery, and the woodland walks, which are at the bottom of our road. I don’t get as much time to enjoy it as I’d like, but I love visiting Prime steakhouse in Chalfont, The Grove is a favourite place to visit in the summer, and Battlers Green farm shop is another favourite spot.”
Anticipation Builds for Fantasia 3
All of that, though, is having to take a back seat as preparations for Fantasia 3 ramp up – and if the images on these pages are not enough to entice you to get involved, Amie’s endless enthusiasm for it should seal the deal. “The team have been working tirelessly behind the scenes for the last year,” she beams. “It’s going to be epic!”
The three-day masterclass and gala dinner is priced at £4,950 and tickets can be purchased at amiebonefantasia.com
