Sometimes we just have to take an afternoon to tiptoe through the tulips. Or the sunflowers.

This week we stopped by to introduce ourselves to The Farmer’s Daughter in the North Side. We were greeted by buckets upon buckets of freshly-cut sunflowers. And the only thing sunnier was owner Lauren Phillips’ disposition.

Lauren was born and raised with a passion for growing. Raised on a farm in the Laurel Highlands, she learned an early appreciation and skill for planting and harvesting. While working in marketing in New York City, Lauren popped into a Brooklyn flower shop and offered to help in any way she could. Without experience or training in floral design, the shop’s owner shook her head. But Lauren had two bargaining chips: tenacity and a car. The florist hired her to make deliveries, and after a year as an apprentice Lauren became a full-time florist. From there she became “obsessed.”

Lauren now brings her 8 years of floral experience to Pittsburgh. The Farmer’s Daughter flower shop and boutique opened its doors on Mother’s Day 2015. Since then Lauren has acquired a loyal following, both in person and on social media. Her storefront offers locally made jewelry, eclectic home goods and take-home bouquets.

Lauren has been welcomed into the Pittsburgh wedding and event community. “I average about 3 weddings per weekend,” Lauren says. “I have so many regulars who come in weekly for bouquets. The community has been so amazing.”

About 30% of the flowers she works with are locally grown, either on her own farm or by other local growers. “They grow stunning varieties locally that you couldn’t get shipped in,” Lauren explains. Her favorite flowers change every season. She loves the regal glamour of spring hellebore and peonies, but also the bright “happy” colors of summer and the saturated burgundies of fall.

Lauren describes her design style as “natural, organic, bohemian, and loose.” She likes creating arrangements that look handpicked, but also enjoys the opportunity to create shapely and structured arrangements for weddings and events.

Lauren has 3 pieces of advice for brides seeking a florist’s services.

Do your research to find the right florist.
Find a florist who can honor your vision. “As a bride, get someone you’re comfortable with. Know their style and make sure it fits your aesthetic. Discuss colors, discuss what you want, but at the end of the day you should be able to trust them,” says Lauren.

Think in terms of a color palette, not a single color or flower.
Lauren appreciates it when a client is open to working across a range of similar and complementary colors. “It’s so nice to have ivory, blush, pink and burgundy. Colors make other colors look nice,” Lauren says.

Build a relationship with your florist.
Just because the wedding is over doesn’t mean you won’t need a good florist again. “The saddest thing is when I get attached to a wedding, and then it’s over. I love creating more long-lasting relationships!” Lauren says. She enjoys when her brides become clients for birthdays, baby showers and Valentine’s Day so she can continue the relationship beyond the wedding.

Lauren graciously made us a bouquet of sunflowers she had harvested from her farm just that morning. “Look how happy they are!” she laughed as she bundled them. It’s clear that she takes pride in every stage of her work, from planting the seeds to arranging the blooms.

It’s in her blood; she is the Farmer’s Daughter, after all.