A chat with Brooklyn-based florist, Molly Ford
On her signature style and her current movie watch list
This is part of a series in which I have a chat with filmmakers and florists of various kinds. It should go without saying that I love movies and flowers, thus making me curious about their favorite movies, their watch list, and their relationship to flowers.

I come across a lot of amazing and inspiring florists when scrolling through Instagram, so I'm really excited to be introducing the first florist in this series! I came across Molly Ford's work early last year and instantly knew her arrangements were perfectly up my alley. I adore the playful but organic shapes she makes with her vibrant arrangements. It's a pleasure to scroll through her Instagram to see her flower arrangements at shops, dinner parties, and her travels to New York City's Flower District. ✿ Continue reading to see what movie inspires Molly’s floral work and her signature style.
*Note: The interview took place in March of 2024*

Hi Molly! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?
My name is Molly Ford! I am a florist based out of Brooklyn, NY. I am a bit obsessed with flowers and gardens. When I was about 5, I told my parents I wanted to be a flower girl when I grew up. I imagined a life where I was picking wildflowers from a field. Now I get to play with flowers for a living. I love creating sprawling flowing arrangements and playing with colors and textures. Although running a small floral business is a little more complicated than picking wildflowers, I can't believe I get to live out my dream.
What drew you to floristry?
I have always found peace in nature. I spent a lot of time in the woods when I was a child, getting lost and exploring. Floristry is such an interesting art medium. It's mostly female business owners, which was also inspiring to me. About 8 years ago, I asked a floral company several times to be their intern. They eventually said yes, which turned into a part-time job for four years. I learned all the basics from that job. I also learned how hard this career can be. From all the heavy lifting, early morning market runs, late-night event strikes, and working through the weekends. That experience is the basis for everything I do now.
What would you say about your style, and do you think you have a signature style?
I would describe my aesthetic as inviting, luminous, and playful. I love designing with colors and textures in mind, sometimes you can focus more heavily on one or the other but my favorite work is when both are at play. I don't always have a result in mind, aside from a general shape. I simply flow with the flowers and colors to create the sculptural arrangements. I do love a dramatic moment as well. I tend to produce arrangements that feel like an overgrown garden. A lot of clients have described my work as whimsical and sculptural.
What is your process of creating such floral arrangements? e.g. shape, texture, color, smell?
This usually depends on the client and if they have any design direction. We confirm colors, textures, and sizes before I head to the market. Then I pull flowers that grab my attention. I love the New York market, we have so many options. I am truly spoiled in that regard. I build everything in my studio. There's lots of space so I get to spread out and evaluate my work from all sides. It always gets pretty messy. I seem to always have a coffee in hand while creating.


“I simply flow with the flowers and colors to create the sculptural arrangements. I do love a dramatic moment as well. I tend to produce arrangements that feel like an overgrown garden.”
— on Molly’s signature style

Do you believe flowers can play a significant role in movies? If yes/no, why?
Absolutely! Flowers create moments. They are dramatic and can alter the mood. It might be an overlooked detail to many but I make it a point to pay close attention to what flower arrangements are in the background. It's one of the ways I learn and research! It shows me that the set designer pays attention to details! It is one of my career dreams to provide flowers for a movie set.
Have you drawn inspiration from films for your flower arrangements?
When I watch a movie that moves me aesthetically, I find myself thinking about the colors, landscape, and movement when creating arrangements. I recently had a bride ask for her 2024 wedding design to be based on the opening scene of The Parent Trap. I was immediately obsessed with her and her design inspiration.
Is there a film where the flowers grabbed your attention?
I recently watched The Favourite. This movie was stunning! The Queen's room with all the layered tapestries covering the walls layered with paintings for even more drama. Of course, the over-the-top floral design throughout the whole movie. It captured my attention immediately. I love maximalist design and I love it when a film goes all out with its set.
Favorite flower?
That's always a hard question for me! I love so many, which is probably cliché. However, I do fall in love with something new each season. I am currently drawn to anything with a bulb: tulips, checkered lilies, snowdrops, daffodils, and alliums. It's beginning to feel like spring and I am eager for the bulbs to bloom.
“I recently had a bride ask for her 2024 wedding design to be based on the opening scene of The Parent Trap. I was immediately obsessed with her and her design inspiration.”
— on drawing inspiration from films
Is cinema important to you?
Of course! I love nothing more than a good movie. Preferably curled up at home on the couch with a blanket and my Pomeranian. One of life's simplest but most enjoyable pleasures.
What is your favorite movie theater in NYC/Brooklyn?
I find myself wanting to go to Nitehawk in Williamsburg. Being able to get proper food and drinks while watching a movie is so fun!
Which 3 movies are on your to-watch list right now?
I am still mad that my husband went to see Iron Claw without me! The Idea of You, love Anne Hathway so have been looking forward to this. I've been obsessed with Jane Birkin for a bit and want to watch more of the films she's in. Leave All Fair is top of the list!
The last film you saw?
The Machinist with Christian Bale. What a wild ride!
What movie would you recommend I watch?
This is not going to be a crowd favorite but my favorite movie is P.S. I Love You. I cry and laugh every time, which says a lot because I have probably seen it 20 times! I think it captures love, desire, grief, and friendship in such a touching way. I always recommend that movie!




What are you working on right now?
We have a really fun wedding in San Francisco this summer that we are preparing for! It'll be a lovely time creating in a new city with blooms local to the North West. I am also prepping our backyard garden for Spring planting! I am dreaming about garden parties with pansies in our cocktails and garden roses filling the center of a dinner table.
Films mentioned in order:
The Parent Trap (1998) Dir. Nancy Meyers
The Favourite (2019) by Yorgos Lanthimos
Iron Claw (2023) Dir. Sean Durkin
The Idea of You (2024) Dir. Michael Showalter
Leave All Fair (1985) Dir. John Reid
The Machinist (2004) Dir. Brad Anderson
P.S. I Love You (2007) Dir. Richard LaGravenese