A florist in Hazlemere has collected her award after being named wedding florist of the year for the south of England. 

Zoe Smith, who owns Studio 39 in Park Lane, won wedding florist of the year in the South England Prestige Awards in November 2023.

She collected her shiny award on Monday, April 29.

Zoe said: "I was very emotional to find out I had won this award as I really do take great pride in the quality of my work and LOVE to look after my customers with the highest standards of customer service so getting recognition only three years into having my own floristry business felt amazing. 

"I believe everyone is unique and this is why I call myself a “bespoke florist” because all flowers should be adapted to the individual no matter what the occasion. 

"Weddings are a perfect occasion for such personal touches and its a real honour to be able to help couples intertwine these through their wedding day blooms.

"I feel so proud of winning The Best Wedding Florist in the South of England prestige award – It just goes to show you don’t need to be on the high street to be recognised , if you love what you do and work hard it does pay off!"

Zoe started her business out of a shed in her back garden which has since turned into a studio space.

"I’m not on the high street but still have the same set up as a florist who is- offering flowers for all occasions!"

The Corporate Livewire Prestige Awards recognise small and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months.

All shortlisted companies put forward in the prestige awards are asked to support their nomination with evidence of their work, positive feedback from their clients, information on previous accreditation and recognition as well as highlighting the most outstanding parts of their businesses.

The judging panel base their decisions upon areas such as service excellence, quality of the product/ service provided, innovative practices, value, ethical or sustainable methods of working, as well as consistency in performance.

The winners selected are those who can best demonstrate their strengths in these areas.

The judging panel described Zoe as someone who's "commitment to quality extends beyond the flowers to encompass exceptional customer service that ensures clients receive customised bunches and bouquets to reflect their personality. 

The judges were particularly impressed by the collaborative approach adopted by Zoe at Studio 39 for her wedding collections, which translates into customised floral tributes that truly enhance the special day.

Judges said: "Zoe’s bespoke packages begin with an intimate consultation, where she invites brides and grooms over to share their vision over coffee and cake. 

"In this cosy setting, Zoe takes the time to understand the nuances of their love story, their preferences and the ambience they wish to evoke on their special day and finds a way to adapt these details into the perfect flowers.

"Zoe is also committed to sustainability, using biodegradable materials and eco-friendly practices in her creations."

Visit www.studio39florist.co.uk to find out more.

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