Designer Spotlight: Lush, Romantic Designs and A Deep Love of Garden Roses with English Designer Steph Turpin

Meet Steph Turpin, founder of Fairy Nuff Flowers, who is known for her soft, romantic approach to floristry. There is a quiet softness to her work, an effortless sensation that makes her designs feel both natural and deeply considered. Her work is incredibly popular on Instagram and instantly recognizable as uniquely her own.

Having worked with Alexandra Farms garden roses since the early days of her career, Steph brings a thoughtful, intuitive perspective to their use in her design work.

In this interview, you'll discover more about her journey into floristry, her creative process, the role Alexandra Farms garden roses play in her designs, and the inspirations and values that continue to guide her work today.

How did your career in floristry begin?

I've loved flowers since I was tiny! My grandma used to have the most beautiful garden, filled with hydrangea, sweet peas, and of course, beautiful garden roses! I worked for BBC Sport, but when they moved the whole department to Salford in the North of England, I knew it was time to follow my flowery dreams! After completing a career course at Jane Packer in London, Fairy Nuff Flowers was born on July 1, 2005. It's hard to believe we'll be celebrating our 21st anniversary later this year!

How would you describe your design style? What makes it distinctly yours?

I would describe my style as soft and romantic. I love using big, blousy blooms, paired with delicate sweet peas, delphinium, and ranunculus, along with fragrant herbs and lots of seasonal goodness! My designs are very flower-heavy, and I adore using different textures, and anything scented is high on my floral love list!

Your work feels very natural and organic. What does your design process usually look like?

I start fresh with every wedding and event, so each is a brand-new, pretty project! The colors, the venue, the season, and even the timings all feed into my initial thoughts. Things tend to coalesce around one or two key flowers that my couples love, which makes a good starting point for bouquets, arrangements, and the whole feeling of the florals.

Are there any values or ethos that guide your work as a designer?

No two weddings are the same. Even at the same venue. Even if the colors are the same, each wedding or event is unique, and it's important to me to approach them with an open mind so my couples get the very best flowers possible. I put all my love and care into every event I am lucky enough to work on.

How long have you been working with Alexandra Farms garden roses?

I've been working with garden roses from Alexandra Farms since I opened my flower shop in 2005. Since closing my shop and focusing on weddings and events, we use a lot more Alexandra Farms garden roses, which makes me very happy!

What are your go-to Alexandra Farms varieties?

I know that I am going to sound like a complete fan girl, but I love every Alexandra Farms garden rose! Juliet, White O'Hara and Pink O'Hara will always hold a special place in my heart. The shape and color of Juliet, and the incredible scent of White and Pink O'Hara make me the happiest! Romantic Antike and Phoebe also need to get a mention, as does Princess Fairy Kiss Pink Spr!

How do you like to use garden roses in your designs?

Garden roses really epitomize what I love about flowers: the beautiful, ruffly, ridiculously romantic, blousy blooms! They add so much volume, texture and scent to designs. I often use them as a starting point, designing arrangements around them. They are the ultimate wow factor.

How do you work with the way garden roses open and evolve?

Conditioning and getting your ordering schedule right are key. Make sure your garden roses arrive in plenty of time to get a good drink before conditioning, and to open ready for the big day is key. I always collect my garden roses before any of the other, softer-stemmed flowers so that they can bloom perfectly. If you haven't used the garden rose before, it's important to know how long it takes to open and reach its peak!

Are there any Alexandra Farms varieties you'd love to work with but haven't yet?

I haven't used Princess Holly's Hope and would love to. It is definitely on my 2026 list! I am a little obsessed with peach, so it looks perfect! Miyabi Brown and Tsumugi are also on my 2026 garden roses-to-use list!

Where do you usually find inspiration for your work?

I think inspiration comes from many places. Brides always bring plenty of ideas and enthusiasm. A particular venue might suggest something through its history or color scheme, or it might just be a combination of colors you spot while out and about that can send your mind racing! I'm lucky to live near one of London's Royal Parks, so I often find inspiration while out for a walk and in nature. The deer have yet to make an appearance in a wedding, but I am working on it!

What's next for you? Any exciting projects or plans ahead?

As well as lots more weddings, and working with some amazing floral brands (thanks to my Instagram!), I definitely want to run more workshops and share my experience and love of flowers with fellow floral fanciers!

If you had to describe your work in three words, what would they be?

Romantic, ruffly and pretty.

What is one garden rose you could never get tired of using?

I think it would be White O'Hara. Sometimes she's the best blush color, and sometimes the palest peach. Always the best scent that takes me right back to being three years old, picking roses in my grandma's garden!

Steph makes one thing very clear: in her hands, flowers are not just handled; they are felt and handled with so much care, becoming part of something larger. Through them, each design story carries its own quirks, rhythm and special moments.