Petals with Purpose: Meet Michelle of Petal + Shine

Meet Michelle Lopez of Petal + Shine, a floral designer bringing bold blooms and intentional beauty to Galveston’s coastal weddings. Known for her eye-catching arrangements and thoughtful details, Michelle shares her creative process, island favorites, and what inspires her to turn every event into a work of art.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in floral design?

Floristry started out as an outlet for creativity! I was working a demanding job in finance but was always drawn to flowers. My curiosity led me to find what I am really passionate about. It is more than arranging flowers for me. It's a form of expression! I started by creating arrangements for friends and small events and it quickly evolved into a full-fledged passion. Over time, I realized that flowers have the ability to evoke emotion and elevate moments and that realization sparked the beginning of my journey as a floral artist. 

What inspired you to open your floral studio in Galveston?

Galveston and its history is riveting on its own. The coastal charm is there and the architecture and atmosphere around the island is something I have always admired. I wanted to create a space where floral design could meet that same energy. Opening Petal and Shine here allowed me to blend my love of flowers with the inspiration this island gives me every single day! I absolutely love meeting clients in our studio. Our studio is nestled in the middle of downtown in the Model Laundry & Dye Works building. It opened on Rosenberg Avenue, also known as 25th Street in 1913 and was the only steam laundry in Galveston at that time. I am so happy to be a part of this building’s history!

How would you describe the style and aesthetic of Petal and Shine?

I would describe our style as airy, organic, and deeply intentional. Our goal is for each piece to be designed with some form of fluidity. I lean into texture, color, and dimension. Sometimes the imperfections of a design tell the story and I love that. Each design has its own meaning. One time, a client referred to our work as a “Museum of Flowers” after seeing her wedding room reveal and it was the greatest compliment we have ever received. I want everyone to feel that they are hiring us to create their own Museum of Flowers!

What types of floral services do you offer for weddings and events?

We specialize in full-service events, including personals, ceremony installations, reception design, and custom floral art designs. We also offer floral styling for editorial shoots, events, and select intimate gatherings. Everything is created with a bespoke approach. All intentional, all curated art that inspires to ensure your event is filled with vibrancy. Whether flowers are your focal point or accent piece, we are here to bring any vision to life!

Do you have a favorite flower or arrangement style that you love working with?

Ranunculus, sweet peas, dahlias, peonies, garden roses, and anything with movement and softness is at the top of my list. I love flowers that have a lot of personality. My favorite arrangements are those that feel lush, layered, and balanced.

Can you walk us through your process when working with couples to design their wedding florals?

Absolutely. It starts with a conversation! Learning about their story, their vision, and the atmosphere they want to emulate. From there, I curate a custom floral vision board that reflects their aesthetic and the feeling they want their day to portray. Every detail, from color palette to decor selection, is designed with their unique story in mind!

How do you customize floral designs to match a couple’s vision and venue?

No two weddings are the same and the venue always plays a huge role in shaping the design. I take cues from the architecture, natural surroundings, and season to create florals that may belong more appropriately to that space. Then I layer in the couple’s style and vision to make sure every element feels cohesive and personal.

What makes Galveston a unique place for weddings and how do you incorporate the island’s charm into your floral designs?

Galveston is a coastal gem. It’s full of stories, stunning venues, and oceanfront backdrops. I love incorporating elements that compliment its widespread textures and colors. Where there is a beach, there is an abundance of romance. Galveston naturally enhances every wedding design! 

Are there any seasonal flowers or design trends you recommend for Galveston weddings?

Seasonally, I love using ranunculus and sweet peas. Soft pastels, earthy neutrals, and modern coastal tones work beautifully here as well. As for trends, I’m seeing more couples leaning into sculptural floral installations that feel personal rather than trendy, which I love. I am a sucker for color-block designs too! The more eclectic, the better! I feel that I am a pretty vibrant human being, so I try to implicate that in my designs. The more color, the better! 

Have you worked at any particular venues on the island that you love designing for?

The Grand Galvez has my heart. As a bride that got married there and gets to use it as her canvas on the regular, she wins! The Bryan Museum is also a favorite! It is so ornate and has your head turning everywhere! Each venue has its own unique energy and there are several wonderful venues in Galveston. I love designing florals that bring out their character.

What should couples keep in mind when budgeting for their wedding florals?

Floral design is an investment. It’s important to consider your priorities. If flowers are important to you, we recommend allocating a meaningful portion of your budget. Nonetheless, trusting us as your florist and transparency with your budget helps us create something beautiful and impactful, no matter the scale.

Are there any common misconceptions about wedding florals that you’d like to clear up?

A big one is that florals are just “extras.” In truth, they shape the entire mood of a wedding if it’s one of your focal points. Another misconception is that Pinterest-perfect designs can be recreated exactly. We can get as close as possible, but I often say the phrase, “they are cousins, not sisters.” We believe magical moments happen when you allow for creativity and flexibility. 

What advice would you give to couples who don’t know where to start with their floral design?

I would suggest that couples start with picking a color scheme and style that inspires them. Whether that be modern, vintage, elegant, whimsical, etc. Start with how you want your wedding to feel and then we build your floral vision from there. So that your florals feel intentional just as much as anything else on your special day. 

Do you have a favorite wedding or floral arrangement you’ve created that stands out?

Yes! There was a wedding we did recently at The Bryan Museum where we created a floral waterfall on the bar that looked like it had grown organically there. It was wild, vibrant, and completely magical! I’m biased but I think every wedding should have an impactful floral design! Fun for photo-ops and to stare at, let’s be honest!

What do you love most about being a florist and working with couples on their special day?

It’s the trust. Being invited into someone’s most important day and getting to create beauty that reflects their love story is incredibly meaningful. Flowers are fleeting, but the feeling they leave behind lasts a lifetime. That’s the heart of my work! I am still hearing about all my Spring weddings from past clients. I truly do not know how I get so lucky to meet the most kind-hearted people. I have the best clients!

How can couples connect with you and book your services?

Couples can reach out through our website at www.petalandshine.com and inquire through our contact page, or connect with us on Instagram: @petalandshine to see more of our work. We offer consultations by appointment either in-person at our studio or virtually. We love hearing about your vision, so please do not hesitate to say hello!