FLORAL STYLIST | Justin Reis Designs

Justin Reis Designs is a floral and event design studio located in Brooklyn, NY, and Litchfield County, CT. The team is renowned for infusing a touch of freshness, humour, sophistication, and luxury into all their projects. Justin Reis Designs works across brand, creative, and private client spaces, with a shared focus on clients who possess an intriguing perspective or idea and seek the perfect partner to bring their vision to life. Flowers are Justin Reis Designs' specialty, but the team also enjoys working on broader event design elements, from napkin selection to large scenic installations.

What would you like couples to know about Justin Reis Designs?

First and foremost, we like to have a lot of fun. I’m someone who gets bored easily so I’m a big believer in having a wide range of references and inspirations for every event. Diana Vreeland once said that too much good taste can be boring. That really rings true to me. As a studio, we love excellence, and we love beautiful things, but we love to mess it up a little bit and celebrate the idiosyncrasies that make something unique. 

Where are your studios located?

We have a studio in Brooklyn and a studio in Litchfield County in Connecticut.

Do you travel for weddings?

Yes! We travel domestically and internationally for weddings and events.

What is your dream work destination?

I love working in a garden, or any natural setting, especially one we’re allowed to forage in. Bonus points if there are chickens wandering around.

How would you describe your style?

Abundant, joyful, full of life. It’s really important to us that no two arrangements, tables, or parties that we work on ever feel the same. 

Tell us about your favourite design or installation!

Always the toughest question! This fall we did an Indian wedding and the Baraat procession had this incredible vintage, English convertible in a gorgeous cream color. We draped it in a garland made with orchids, spanish moss, flowering passion flower vine, and nerine among others. There was something so striking seeing it against the backdrop of Williamsburg. It was very simple but very impactful. 

What are your favourite flowers to work with?

Whatever’s in season! It keeps us inspired and on our toes from a design standpoint. I especially love all of the weirdos that come out in the spring—allium, fritillaria…such fun shapes! 

Where do you source your flowers?

I source the majority of my flowers from 28th Street in NYC. I’m excited to get back to growing some of my own. I was able to get some gardens planted at my new house this past fall and I’m excited to see everything start blooming this year. 

Tell us about a career highlight!

I fear it will be impossible to top meeting Martha and getting to design for her and cut flowers directly from her garden, but doing the flowers and design for this year’s Met Gala afterparty at The Carlyle with Cartier was pretty major! 

What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?

I really love when we can work with couples to explore more design details beyond just flowers. Sometimes that means produce and other organic materials, sometimes it means the entire tablescape, and sometimes it means the entire wedding design, including bride and groom air dancers like we did for Molly & Pat. Those larger creative partnerships always unlock some really fun details! 

What inspires you?

It’s a wild assortment! Everything from surrealist paintings to Deeda Blair to the landscapes of Miranda Brooks to Italian Renaissance sculpture. I tend to find a person or a style or time period with a strong vision or perspective and fall down the rabbit hole and obsess over that thing for a period of time. 

Who is your dream client?

Anyone who wants to do something a little different, and a little against the grain, whatever that might mean for them. 

What is your advice to couples getting married?

Focus on what the two of you love, and what the two of you are drawn to. Be honest with your feedback to partners. We love clear and honest feedback—it brings out our best work. 

Justin Reis Designs

Website: justinreisdesigns.com

Instagram: @justin_reis