Hello, it’s Melissa, just feeling thankful here in my Flower Haven!
Flower Haven sprouted in the fall of 2016 out of the joy I found in growing and arranging my own flowers. “Living local” is important to me, and I love to incorporate locally-grown seasonal blooms into my designs!
Why “Flower Haven”? My given middle name is Haven, which was my grandmother’s maiden name. I also love how the name celebrates the rejuvenation, peace, and joy that I have found in growing and working with flowers! Creating floral designs for weddings brings me special joy, and I am truly thankful to God that I am able to do something I love!
I’m a native of the New River Valley in Virginia, and my roots here go back to the early 1800s when my father’s ancestors first settled in Montgomery County. I went to Auburn High School (Class of ’85), and have many wonderful memories of growing up in the small town of Riner, VA. After going away to college and then marrying my husband in 1991, I spent many years as a military wife and homeschooling mom. I am so thankful for my six children, two sons-in-law, and two precious grandchildren.
Life changed for our whole family in February of 2020, when my dear husband, Tim, passed away. He had been fighting kidney disease and other health issues for some time. One of the last family gatherings he was able to enjoy was our oldest daughter’s wedding. He was not well, but by God’s grace, he walked her down the aisle and even danced the father-daughter dance. These are precious memories for me and for my children. Several months after this he passed away, and is now with the Lord.
Since then I have been even more grateful for this joy-filled business of wedding flowers! Because I enjoy every part of each bride’s floral “journey”, it is therapeutic for my heart. It is a gift to have the chance to be a part of so many happy occasions!
I am grateful for God’s grace and faithfulness through life’s journey and for his many good gifts along the way—faith, family, friends, and flowers!