Two of the UK’s most highly sought-after wedding experts have relocated to Cornwall – wedding event florist Simon Nickell and his husband, wedding planner Lester Gethings.
Simon Nickell has been creating floral masterpieces for weddings, photoshoots and high-profile events for 28 years. Cornish by origin and upbringing, he first became interested in flowers whilst working as a National Trust guide at Cotehele, a Tudor house near the River Tamar that is well-known for its magnificent Christmas garland. Inspired, he took up an apprentice position with a Plymouth florist whilst studying for a City & Guilds qualification before moving on to London in the nineties to take up an event floristry job at Harper & Tom’s in Notting Hill.
“It was a wonderful experience that taught me so much,” said Simon. “We worked with a wide variety of clients, including celebrities who lived in the area. I had to think on my feet and learn very quickly. From there I went on to work with Jane Packer, whose company continues to enjoy an international reputation, and then Stephen Wicks and Mark Welford at Bloomsbury Flowers in Covent Garden. I was with them for nearly ten years before launching Euphoric Flowers with a friend in 2005 and eventually going solo with Simon Nickell Design.”
Lester Gethings has a background in sales management – working for blue chip companies including British Telecom and Orange – before deciding on a complete career change and becoming a wedding planner twelve years ago. Since then, he has established an international clientele and a reputation for creativity, style and meticulous attention to detail that has seen him take charge of some widely acclaimed events – including a recent 3-day wedding for a London-based couple at Boconnoc estate near Lostwithiel in Cornwall which was featured in Vogue Japan and for which Simon did the flowers.
“My aim is always to exceed expectations by creating truly personal and distinctive celebrations,” said Lester. “It’s important to be enthusiastic but calm, focusing on what the clients want and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than seeing the couple’s reaction when, on the day, they see how everything looks.”
Now settled in a small village on the edge of Bodmin Moor, both Simon and Lester will continue to work on weddings across the UK. Simon is also planning to open a flower school, much to the excitement of his London clients.
“I love sharing the knowledge I’ve gained to help others achieve floral works of art,” he said. “Whatever the occasion, beautiful displays of flowers can make all the difference.”
For more information, visit http://www.simonnickelldesign.com/ and http://www.lestergethings.com/