Hey Y’all! My name is Sara Elise Stephens. I am the Lead Floral Designer and Film Photographer behind Unorthodox Floral and Film. I am originally from Auburn, Alabama where I grew up in a blended family of five siblings. Since my time in Auburn, I have lived in Birmingham, Alabama, Dania Beach, Florida, and now Atlanta, Georgia.

My family consists of my husband since 2020, Patrick, as well as our two dogs. We have Sulley, a nine-year-old Goldendoodle, and Sherman, a two-year-old Standard Poodle. We affectionately refer to them as the “beige boys”, and it is very likely that they will be included in any and all Zoom meetings we have before your event.

Floral design has always been close to my heart but my family’s move to Atlanta, Georgia in 2021 really allowed me to spread my wings and open Unorthodox Floral and Film. What began as a creative outlet to allow myself to design florals while utilizing my love for my 1984 Canon AE-1 film camera, quickly became a mechanism for me to create beauty for those around me.

I quickly decided that Unorthodox would set itself apart from other floral designers in a few ways:

• Firstly and most importantly, I wanted Unorthodox to be a safe place for people from all walks of life. I strive to create an environment that is welcoming to all, especially members of the LGBTQIA+ community. You are seen and you are always welcome here.
  

• Secondly, I wanted Unorthodox to be a specialty experience. Because I personally understand how stressful an event can be, I do not overextend. When you book with us, you are our priority. Not just for the day of your event, but also for the month of your event.
  
  I want all of my attention to detail to be laser-focused on you and your needs. To me, the best way to do this is to take extremely limited availability and that concept has proven itself over and over again in the beauty that we are able to curate.
  

• Lastly, I wanted Unorthodox to be as sustainable as possible. The worst part about event design is the waste that is associated with it. It is my biggest hope that through clear planning and expectations, we can throw away the least amount of flowers as possible.
  
  I do this through a program that is included in the cost of booking which allows the event throwers to have control over all their flowers in vessels. This means that if it is in a vase, it is yours to disperse as you see fit. I have had clients who choose to hand out vases as guests leave, and I have also had clients who choose to coordinate with a local nursing home to drop off the flowers the following day.

At the end of the day, Floral Design and Film Photography are what make my heart happy. Unorthodox Floral and Film has allowed me the outlet I so needed and because of that outlet, I am able to curate magic for those who wish to be a part of it. For that, I am eternally grateful.