Kelly Piccioni is a fourth-generation horticulturalist from Berks. Although her family roots are in Christmas tree farming, she branched off into the floral business and teaching.
How long have you been in the floral business and what do you enjoy most about it? I’ve been a florist for 20 years. I enjoy it because flowers have such power and symbolism and really pull an event together. My focus is on weddings and other events, not every day floral arrangements. I enjoy weddings the most. It’s an honor to be part of one of the most important days of someone’s life. It fuels my soul when clients trust me to help make this day special and memorable. Regardless of the event, I customize everything for the client so the arrangements match their vision and their needs.
You also teach, right? Yes. I’ve been teaching horticulture at Berks Career and Technology Center for 11 years, and I truly love it. I’m also their Future Farmers of America advisor. I’m an advocate for agricultural careers and communities, and I find many people have a narrow view of farming and agriculture careers; these careers are more than just crops and livestock.
What suggestions do you have for someone who wants to work with you or other vendors for floral arrangements? Before booking, really look at your florist’s portfolio and see if their strengths and styles match your vision, then book early even though you won’t plan details until about a year ahead. I am booking fall weddings two years out because of the demand. When you plan, choose a color palette and a design instead of specific flowers; since the pandemic and supply chain issues, it’s difficult to guarantee specific flowers will be available. Also, choose a florist who will work well with your photographer and make sure the flowers display well in photos. Finally, trust your florist to do their job and give you what you want.
What new and exciting things are on the horizon for your business? I renovated my shed, which was my studio, into a micro event space named Wrennie Ruth's. Micro events are 75 people or less. I’m also a certified wedding planner, so I would like to use Wrennie Ruth's to focus on micro weddings and handle all of the event details for my clients. Then they can focus on the fun details while I handle the nitty gritty, from set up to clean up and everything in between. I’m also doing more custom home and porch decor for clients’ home events.
Your work definitely keeps you busy. When you get some downtime, how do you relax and have fun? I enjoy spending time with my family, particularly outdoors, but as long as we’re together, it doesn’t really matter what we’re doing.
Learn More.
Are you planning a micro wedding? Wrennie Ruth's is an outdoor/indoor event space at Stoney Lane Farm outside Reading. For more information, visit wrennieruths.com.
More than farming. Future Farmers of America is a group of farmers, chemists, veterinarians, teachers, leaders and others dedicated to educating youth about agricultural careers. Learn more at ffa.org.
