Tilley Photography

Rachel Bond is one of the Mississippi Gulf Coast's top florists and designer. Pine Hills Floral Designs is located at her family's nursery Pine Hills Nursery in Pass Christian, MS. Growing up around plants and landscape, it was only natural, that Rachel would gravitate and head toward floral design. Many of Rachel's wedding bouquets, flowers, designs and weddings have been featured in Premier Bride of Mississippi. We are proud to feature Rachel as this week's Vendor of the Week.

How long have you been in business: 5 years

How did you get started? I grew up working in the family garden center. I decided to study Horticulture at Mississippi State University. At MSU, Horticulture is divided into ornamentals (plants) and floral management (cut flowers). I chose to study the latter.

What do you like most about what you do? I love being able to use my creativity and ideas to help a bride make her wedding visions a reality. I also love working with my family and bringing my dogs to work.

Tell us about you and your company: (what you do; special services, products, exclusives, etc.) We do custom floral designs for weddings, corporate events and parties. We are one of the few businesses in the state who offer a "plant rental service".

Pink Posh Photography

If you could give a bride one tip/one bit of advice, what would that be? Do not take things too seriously. This is such a fleeting moment in your life, enjoy it. You will always want to look back at it as one of the best days ever, not a stressful one.

Any funny stories to share (no names please)? One of our dogs jumped in a delivery truck and rode all the way to their next stop before he realized and brought her back!

Favorite Flower? I do not have a favorite flower, but if I had to choose I would say a tulip because it is simple and beautiful all by itself. It is also an unruly flower that bends and grows constantly after being cut. This drives me crazy as a designer, but I have an appreciation for a bossy flower that does what it wants.

Favorite Season? My favorite season is Fall because of the rich textures and colors. I love working with foliages, pods, grasses, berries and other unique plant materials, and Fall has the biggest selection.

Tilley Photography

Pine Hills Floral Designs is located at 7434 Cuevas Road in Pass Christian, MS 39571. Call Rachel for an appointment for your wedding: 228-669-7900. For more information, visit their website: pinehillsfloral.com