From Stem to Story: Melissa Higgins on Designing with Meaning
When it comes to florals that tell a story, Melissa Higgins of Blooms by Mela brings artistry, heart, and coastal charm to every arrangement. Known for her eye-catching color palettes and thoughtful designs, Melissa is passionate about creating florals that reflect her couples’ unique personalities and the laid-back elegance of Galveston Island.
We caught up with Melissa to learn more about how she got started and what inspires her most when bringing love stories to life through flowers.
How did Blooms by Mela get started? What inspired you to begin your floral journey?
I started Blooms by Mela during Covid. My best friend in Chicago started a wedding floral design company a few years prior and I would often help her. I was teaching when the pandemic started and needed a passion project. What started as a simple garden grew into my full time business.
What types of floral services do you offer for weddings and events?
We offer fully customized floral designs. We work with our clients to build their dream day. This includes seamless delivery, installation and breakdown. Our goal is to make the floral aspect of your wedding easy and beautiful!
How does working on Galveston Island influence your floral design?
We love working in Galveston, it is definitely underrated when it comes to wedding venues. I love creating organic designs that perfectly compliment the island’s beauty.
Do you have a favorite flower or color palette to work with?
I really love working with color and textured designs. Textures move the eye and adds an elevated touch. Even in an all white palette, texture will add a contrast and interest, especially in photos.
Can you describe what a "perfect day" looks like for you when you're preparing florals for a wedding?
A perfect wedding prep day starts with mutual trust. When a client brings a vision and then allows us to lead the way with design, the result is always more thoughtful, more cohesive—and more impactful. That trust makes all the difference in what we’re able to create.
What inspires you creatively outside of flowers - art, nature, fashion, travel?
Nature has always drawn me in. When I began designing professionally, I started noticing blooms and greenery in a whole new way. Even the smallest flower can offer so much interest, texture, and beauty.
What trends are you seeing in wedding florals right now?
Right now, we are seeing a lot of color! Gone are the days of only wanted blush and white and we are here for it… but we’ll still do a traditional palette if that is your vibe.
What's your creative process like when designing a bouquet or floral installation from scratch?
Every design begins with a spark of inspiration from our client, that could be a photo, a color palette, a mood, or an overall vision. From there, we define the direction: narrowing down colors, selecting the design style (garden-inspired, modern, whimsical, and more), and determining the scale. For our larger installations, we often create a digital mock-up to serve as a guide. That visual becomes the foundation of our planning, helping us build our flower order with intention. Our clients have access to the mock ups too! But once the blooms are in our hands, that’s when the magic happens—we let the flowers lead the way.
How do you balance artistry with the logistical side of weddings and events?
I think that having a clear and concise picture of the couples wants and needs help me prioritize where artistry can really shine. Of course for every wedding day there are a lot of moving parts that need to happen but making sure all details have a special touch help bring art through the details
What's one detail in your work that you think people don't always notice, but means a lot to you?
The small touches such as a colored taper, and extra votive or a few special florals added in. The extra details are part of a bigger picture but adds layers and textures that complete the look.
How do you want your couples to feel when they first see their flowers on the big day?
I want them to feel like it was better than their vision!
What rituals or routines help you get in the creative flow before a wedding?
I always provide my full service clients with a mood board that has inspo, color palette and floral choices. That helps front load my creative juices. Once all the flowers are in the studio, I start on one piece and perfect it. After that is complete, I am in the design mode!
If your floral style were a playlist, what songs would be on it?
Something definitely from Taylor Swift
What role does color play in your design process?
Color has a heavy role in designing. As a designer I have been studying color theory to help me with my color pairings. It is amazing how small color additions can bring a whole design to life.
What's the biggest compliment a couple could give you after working together?
I really love receiving some sort of message after the event, whether that’s a text, DM, email. I have the biggest smile reading that they loved their florals! A review and referrals are nice too.
How far in advance should couples book you?
Ideally 8-10 months before their day. We usually open our books one calendar year prior. We always love last minute projects if we have availability!
Whether you’re dreaming of soft, romantic blooms or bold, unexpected color palettes, Melissa’s floral designs are sure to leave a lasting impression. Her passion for storytelling through flowers makes her a standout in the Galveston wedding community.
