Gifts from the Heart Florist

Welcome!  I'm Martha from Gifts from the Heart Florist. I've had a passion for flowers since I was a child. I loved planting them and watching them grow; clipping and wrapping them up for my Mom and Grandma.  Now, after being in the floral industry for nearly 30 years, I cannot imagine a life without flowers.  I especially love working with and getting to know our brides and grooms.

Everyone is always welcome and we are open to working in a variety of styles from the understated to the outrageous, including budget friendly options for the cost conscious couple.

One of my oldest memories was of a neighbor, Mr. Shore.  I loved going by his house everyday with my mom, there were flowers everywhere.  I don't think he even had any grass.  Being the frilly little girl I was, It's no suprise that I grew to love wedding flowers and weddings.  I love the creative process of exploring unique styles, specific varietals, colors and textures that make our designs so eye catching. 

Recently I was able to help a couple who had waited more than twenty years to have their dream wedding.  Their daughter was maid of honor and their 10 year old son served as an usher.  I was lucky to be among their loved ones, gathered to celebrate them and the beautiful family they'd built together.   

This past year I also had the blessing of getting to know a young couple who were planning a spring wedding.  I met with them in October of 2023, then again in the spring of 2024.  Between visits, they welcomed a beautiful baby boy, who was a big surprise, as their doctors had said for years it was not possible.  The little guy was there in his baby tuxedo on their wedding day.  

I'm lucky to be inspired by so many beautiful relationships in my work.

I specialize in wedding flower design, from wild flower bridal bouqueuts to tall elegant centerpieces filled with hydrangeas, garden roses and orchids. I have come across some very creative couples who continue to push the bounds of my imagination, and I always welcome the challenge.

I grew up in a family that had their own business, going back to my grandparents and then my mother and father. It was a way of life for me.  I really loved the flower business after my first design job in Brooklyn, NY.  Floral design is something that has many facets, and takes years to learn.

When my children were a bit older, I decided to start my own shop on Long Island. 

To share a funny anecdote, when attempting to come up with a name for my business, my husband suggested Martha's Bloomers. My pastor suggested S & M Florist (to honor my mom's name and mine). 

Neither of those seemed to meet the mark, so I opted for a touch of sincerity, and named the business Gifts from the Heart!

Over the years I have built a reliable team of people who assist in the staging and execution of our wedding and event work. 

The first question from a wedding couple is almost always "do you have my date open?"

Booking early is best, though we do everything that we can to work with couples at whatever stage they come to us.

The second is "how much do you charge?".  Followed by "can you send me a list of your packages?". 

I've never liked package quotes as they only show you a list of prices.  While I'm sure on some level this might be easier for the shop to quote from or for the customer to digest, I think it's an impersonal process that doesn't engage your creativity, or ours. Do they get your vision? Will they work with you on last moment adjustments? Are they willing to arrange timed deliveries at different locations? What quality of design and flower quality do they offer? 

Our approach is to customise each wedding to the couples wants and needs, not everyone needs 10 centerpieces, 6 bouquets and 5 boutonnieres.

I love to take short drives on the Island to clear my head, maybe do some thrifting.  The last few years I have been collecting vintage costume jewelry, hoping to start an Etsy shop this fall.  I love looking at the pieces, it's like playing in mom's jewelry box.  I also enjoy spending time with my sisters and their grandchildren.  Nothing like a one year old with a happy smile covered in ice cream.  

We accept only one wedding per day, so you have our full attention.  Truly, our ultimate goal is to make your day beautiful and stress free.

Consultations are possible via video/phone call or in person.