photos by: STEPHANIE WISEMAN
From the most delightful fresh florals ready and waiting in the shop each day to once-in-a-lifetime celebrations that mirror the softness of romance, Laura Stephens has created a truly magical mix at her first stateside, full-service floral shop. Located in Cornelius, NC, Peony and Gold has captured the attention of discerning clients since opening in early September, offering luxury arrangements and breathtaking event décor along with simple wrapped flowers perfect to treat yourself at the end of a long day!
Laura has fully realized her personal dream to bring the wondrous feeling of walking into a designer floral boutique in London or Paris to the Lake Norman community. While she and her family moved here in 2022 for her husband’s job – initially for only six years – they realized, after only two years, that North Carolina was destined to be their permanent home.
She had initially started Peony and Gold in 2017 in Northumberland, England, UK, and it quickly became an award-winning bespoke wedding florist there, bestowing beautiful florals on more happy couples than she can count!
“I have always loved flowers, and I always had them around the house,” Laura shares. “I am very creative and was a graphic designer before I started Peony and Gold – so this seemed like a perfect way to turn a hobby into a career.”
With a love for luxurious, romantic, natural designs, Laura describes her décor style as “English country garden crossed with Bridgerton!”
A self-defined lover of “all things pretty,” Laura tends to favor muted tones with lots of texture, which she says she doesn’t see as much here in the United States.
“I typically create floral designs in softer, muted colors and I love classic white,” she adds. “I think delicate blooms and soft textures bring a sense of romance to a design that you just can’t achieve with brighter colors.”
In addition to same-day delivery of distinctive arrangements available to Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville and Mooresville, the shop also offers grab-and-go gifts simply to brighten someone’s day. Laura feels blessed with two amazing employees – Jessica and Sheniz – who seem tailor-made for her creative mission.
“Jessica is from Lake Norman and is such a fun personality, just a lovely person to be around. She keeps me organized with little notes so I don’t forget things. Sheniz is also British, so she understands my British references and knows exactly what I mean when I go off on a tangent!”
Meeting with brides-to-be is a large part of Peony and Gold’s business, and Laura feels most prospective clients come to her because of her English garden-inspired style.
“Many brides don’t know a great deal about flowers, and they trust me to create something beautiful,” Laura shares. “A color scheme is my most important reference but that doesn’t mean we have to stick with only one or two colors. Sometimes bringing in subtle changes in tone can make an arrangement really pop.”
Laura is thrilled to be embarking on her first holiday season with the new business in Cornelius, with plenty of creative notions already in mind for Thanksgiving centerpieces in November, and Christmas floral gifts, centerpieces and festive wreaths for clients’ homes in the month of December.
She also shares two outstanding recognitions the business has received – being selected for Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book list of vetted and approved vendors, and an appearance on Junebug Weddings’ list of the top wedding suppliers in the world. “We are delighted to be one of only a few wedding florists listed in the U.S. and the only one in North Carolina,” Laura adds.
Peony and Gold offers nothing less than an impeccable high-end experience when it comes to setting the mood for any occasion, as well as personalized subscription services for your home or office, easily selected on the website. Treat yourself to the unmistakable luxury you deserve – as a blushing bride or as a lover of fresh flowers gracing your everyday surroundings.
Peony and Gold is located at 9606 Bailey Road, Suite D, in Cornelius. 704.237.8780. Store hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Visit peonyandgold.com for floral and wedding photo galleries or to request a private consultation for your wedding, birthday party, baby shower or other momentous gathering. Be sure to follow Peony and Gold on Instagram @peonyandgoldfloraldesigns.
