About us
Our background
Donna Hartley-Redfearn
is the 2022 award winner
'UK Outdoor Wedding Specialist'
The Unconventional Florist, based just outside the captivating city of Durham, north east England was established in 2011. Donna Hartley-Redfearn has over twenty year's wedding industry experience, Donna has designed, created and co-ordinated weddings for clients around the world.
Donna has a passion for the countryside, fine art, is a complete foodie and loves live music. Together she combines her creativity by designing natural innovative floral bouquets and installations specifically for couples looking for something different. Her designs are the creation of an organic aesthetic that celebrates the beauty in nature’s imperfections and uses modern styling to enhance mother nature’s jewels.
Typically Donna's approach is a little unorthodox, offbeat and alternative, her ethos is authentic and prefers old-school common communication- Donna prides herself on offering one-to-one customer service, by getting to know her couples on a personal level and understanding their vision.
While it may seem small, the ripple effects of small things is extraordinary
We've all heard the saying 'Less is more' but this isn't normally the terminology discussed during a conversation about wedding flowers! That's why we are different, our aim is to create a soulful design that enhances your wedding venue or outdoor setting by bringing a special colourful aura infused with passion, style and love.
You don't need to go big to make an impact, sometimes it's all in the detail..
Your wedding budget should not be a restriction, and as a team we are wizards at pushing not only the realms of modern design but the pennies too. However, sadly we are not able to provide miracles, we also have to be realistic! Our approach is to utilise what is seasonally available, re-use ceremony items for your drinks reception or wedding breakfast tables, and your bridal bouquets can be popped into quirky vases or containers to enhance your cake table, bar or even guest tables... we have a wealth of experience let us help you.
Blogs, editorials
Donna, has been featured within so many fabulous media forms, love my dress, whimsical wonderful weddings, rock and roll bride, gay weddings, the BBC, Channel 4 and so many more....
Kind Words
What can I say other than Donna is incredibly patient, creative and enthusiastic and talented!! My husband and I don't know the first thing about flowers, but Donna was able to translate the jumbled ideas in our heads, she got the vision we had somehow! I have no idea how she did it, but Donna managed to capture the whole vibe and blended my random ideas into the incredible design, even during the pandemic when we had to switch seasons three times, Donna simply adapted everything- no fuss, no stress.
From our first email communication, zoom and following venue visits, Donna was reassuring, and helpful, and reached out with the most encouraging and supporting messages. She took the stress off our shoulders and made sure we were taken care of. She went above and beyond for us. She nailed it!! Donna, we can't thank you enough.
Sam and Jack