Photosynthesis is a boutique floral design studio based in Richmond, Virginia known for our refined, organic style. We love working with clients to create florals that tell their story and embody the beauty of their celebration.  We are comprised of a collaborative team of designers that adore working together to create floral magic. Our studio is often full of sounds of music and laughter. It is our belief, that love for what we do and the positive environment in which each arrangement is made, adds a little something special to our creations.    

SUSTAINABILITY

We believe in doing our part to help lighten our ecological footprint.  As a floral studio, our commitment to sustainability comes into play in every phase of our work: from planning, sourcing, design, and installation to breakdown after an event. 

Flower Sourcing-  Flowers are grown all over the world, with a large percentage coming from other countries. To lower our carbon footprint, we strive to source flowers that are in season and locally grown from farms which follow sustainable and fair-trade practices. We invite you to join us in our effort to support our local famers by making their flowers a priority. 

100% Floral Foam Free- We do not use floral form to execute any of our designs. Though still widely used in the industry, it is a single use plastic made from carcinogenic compounds that break down into micro-plastics which pollute our waterways. In lieu of foam, we use components such as chicken wire and water tubes that can be reclaimed and used again.

Breakdown- Our breakdown services help mitigate waste by gathering all of the florals from the event and separating out the reusable items such as water tubes and chicken wire from the plant material. Flowers and greenery are then composted and all reusable items live to see another day. 

Composting + Recycling-  Composting and recycling are a huge part of our practices in the studio.  All of our cuttings are locally composted and we recycle all flower packaging. 

RHEA CALPENO | FOUNDER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Rhea was born in Colorado and raised on the East and West coasts.  Flowers have been calling to her for as long as she can remember.  Some of her sweetest childhood memories are of exploring all the growing things in the fields and forests near her home.  After receiving a BFA in Interior Design from Virginia Commonwealth University, Rhea moved to Manhattan and worked as an interior designer. In 2011 she returned to Richmond and founded Photosynthesis Floral Design.  Her interior design background is particularly helpful when working on weddings and events because she takes the whole environment into consideration, allowing for the overall designs to feel like they naturally belong in the space.  

Her approach to florals can be considered both wild and cultivated.  Fascinated with the ephemeral beauty of flowers, she sees floral design as an impermanent form of sculpture and is particularly inspired by the movement each bloom or green creates.  

As the business has grown, so has Rhea’s recognition that floral design is the ideal medium to express her love for nature, art and design, and to bring joy and happiness to others. 

Beyond event work you can see her botanical installations on her fine art website here.