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March 27, 2026
March 27, 2026
Ariel Dearie: Asymmetry Is the New Symmetry. Dutch Old Master Still Lifes Instead of Wedding Décor
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Arina Sonauthor
It's hard to say what the world has more of: plants or florists. Clearly, not everyone is destined to become famous in their field. But there are unique people worth knowing about — for inspiration, experience, and developing taste. Today I want to tell you about Ariel Dearie, a world-renowned florist and true artist.
When you look at Ariel's work, your imagination immediately conjures various associations: places, people, events, flavors, and scents. I was reminded of one of the rarest plants — Cosmos atrosanguineus (Chocolate Cosmos). This flower, which no longer exists in the wild, hails from Mexico and is known for the alluring chocolate aroma of its dark petals.
Associations
What does Chocolate Cosmos have in common with Ariel's work? Nothing. Only my personal associations. Let me try to explain.
First, the color scheme of Ariel's official website reminded me of a chocolate shop somewhere in Belgium or Switzerland.
Second, when viewing Ariel's work, what strikes you is the weightlessness, tenderness, and flowing forms of the compositions. The bouquets are so light, so airy — they seem to envelop you with their flavor and then melt like chocolate.
Third, the flowers and colors Ariel uses remind me of the warm brown-red palette and the petals of Cosmos.
Her compositions feature many different flowers and fruiting plants, but she shows a preference for anemones, ranunculus, and poppies.
From Restaurant Manager to Florist
Ariel's path into the profession somewhat resembles that of another famous wedding decorator — Preston Bailey.
In the 2000s, Ariel worked as a restaurant manager and dreamed of someday opening her own café. As a hobby, she created arrangements for her employer and occasionally decorated events for friends.
Eventually, her love of flowers won out — in 2011, the Ariel Dearie Flowers project was born. And before long, companies with big names began taking interest in her work.
Collaborations with Brands
Ariel Dearie Flowers specializes in creating exquisite floral compositions and installations for events, films, photo shoots, and private homes.
Most of Ariel's bouquets are created in New York, where her shop is located. But the geography doesn't end there, as orders now come in from around the world.
She "paints" her "pictures in flowers" for Dior, Prada, Loewe, Miu Miu, and Bulgari.
She's been invited to collaborate with Annie Leibovitz, Sofia Coppola, Steven Meisel, and Marc Jacobs. Recent clients include the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Frick Collection.
Harper's Bazaar named Ariel one of the best wedding florists in the world. Her work has been published in Vogue, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart, Veranda, and Kinfolk, and is also featured in the book Phaidon's Blooms.
What's her secret? Perhaps it's that Ariel isn't just a florist — she's a true painter. An Old Master painter, at that.
Still Lifes That Live Forever
The bouquets are so beautiful you could look at them forever. Apparently, this is what guided Ariel when she opened an online shop selling posters of her compositions for home and office décor. The prints are made on very high-quality paper, and some editions are limited (each copy is numbered).
Wedding Design
All of Ariel's works are completely different in their choice of flowers, overall palette, form, and plant combinations. But each one reflects her signature style and taste.
Asymmetry and deliberate "chaos" create a sense of naturalness and lightness, as if the bouquet was just gathered in a garden.
I'll say it again: for me, looking at Ariel Dearie's work is like eating chocolate bonbons. You never know what filling you'll get, but you can't stop — you want to try them all and take genuine pleasure in doing so.
Her Own Wedding
As an in-demand professional, Ariel has decorated countless weddings with flowers. Her own ceremony made the pages of Vogue.
Every detail of the design showcases her distinctive creative signature.
Ariel's own look was visually quite modest, yet elegant, light, and refined. A weightless, flowing off-shoulder dress by New York designer Jenny Yoo was complemented by a delicate tiara of freshwater pearls woven into a rose gold band, and a floating veil with a train.
The bridal bouquet was composed of Distant Drums roses, scabiosa, orchids, Russian olive, and clematis. It's worth noting that the bouquet's size differs from the miniature ones we're used to seeing. However, this "grandeur" only added airiness and grace to the bride's entire look.
And of course, Ariel's signature symbolism was present — the boutonnieres of the groom and his groomsmen featured the Blushing Bride protea.
Images for this article are taken from open sources and the official Ariel Dearie website.
author
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Arina Sonauthor