Designer Spotlight: Sophistication Expertly Envisioned by International Floral Design Master

Alina Neacsa’s signature scent and elevated designs turn heads at luxury events, garnering international respect and acclaim.

Alina Neacsa is a high-end floral designer, educator, the official florist of the Romanian Royal Family, a garden rose enthusiast, and much more. Based in Romania, she travels worldwide, designing, teaching, and sharing her passion for flowers.

How did your career begin? How did you expand your work globally?

My career in the wedding and event design industry began more than 20 years ago. I originally trained as an economist, and after working for a year in a bank, I realized that a traditional office job wasn’t for me. The decision to walk away from the expected path was the first step into the creative world, where I truly belong. Throughout these years, I’ve experienced many ups and downs, but I’ve never been bored. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey.

Expanding globally was a dream that slowly became reality. I always felt a strong inner calling to explore more, to push beyond borders, and to challenge myself. I can’t pinpoint a single factor that made it happen, but once I made the conscious decision to pursue international opportunities, doors began to open.

I am deeply grateful to the people who believed in me. One of the first was Matthias Meilland, who offered his support and trust early on. Then came the team from Parfum Flower Company; Arnold Wittkamp, founder and chief futurist at Thursd; Jelle Posthumus, general manager at United Selections; and many others who played a role in shaping my journey.

One person who has played a truly pivotal role in my journey is Joey Azout, the president of Alexandra Farms. Joey is not only a visionary but also a generous and kind-hearted leader who has built something extraordinary with Alexandra Farms. His passion for garden roses is contagious, and his dedication to quality and innovation is truly inspiring.

From the moment we met, I felt his genuine support and belief in my work. He gave me the opportunity to design the company’s booth at the International Floricultural Trade Fair, which became a highlight of my career. Working with Joey is always an honor — he empowers creatives, encourages new ideas, and helps make dreams come true. I’m incredibly grateful for the trust he has placed in me, and I look forward to creating even more beautiful things together.

How does the location of your installation affect your design process?

Every location comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities, and adapting to different environments is a key part of what I do.

While designing outside my home base can be demanding, I genuinely thrive in unfamiliar or high-pressure settings. I love to explore, learn, and push the limits of creativity. I always aim to exceed expectations, regardless of where I am.

Please describe your design aesthetic. What makes your designs distinctly yours?

Discovering garden roses was a turning point in my career. Before that, I would say I was a regular florist. But once I discovered the beauty, texture, and scent of certain varieties, I fell completely in love, and my design style changed forever. These garden roses became the soul of my arrangements. Over time, people began to recognize what I call my “scented signature.” It took eight years of dedication to build a name for myself around this distinctive element.

Aesthetically, I’m drawn to large-scale, luxurious designs that feel romantic, elegant, and timeless. Garden roses are always at the heart of my creations, giving each piece a story, a soul, and a scent.

You offer masterclasses in design. How did you begin, and who should be taking these classes?

My masterclasses are truly unique because they take place during real, high-end events. This setting gives florists a rare opportunity to experience what it’s really like to design for luxury weddings and special occasions in iconic venues like the Burj Al Arab (Dubai), Hotel de Paris & Hermitage (Monaco), Luna Baglioni (Venice), and Athénée Palace (Romania). Attendees get to feel the pressure and see the challenges that come with designing at the highest level, and that hands-on experience is incredibly valuable. I work only with premium flowers, which also sets the standard for what participants learn and create. My masterclasses are ideal for florists at all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals, who are ready to elevate their skills and perhaps take their careers global.

How long have you been working with Alexandra Farms varieties, and what are your go-to varieties?

I remember meeting Joey and Maria Paula, a sales manager at Alexandra Farms, years ago during a private event at Parfum Flower Company in Holland. I had seen Alexandra Farms’ booth at IFTF before, but back then, I didn’t fully understand the magic behind their garden roses. One of the pivotal moments in our collaboration came when Thursd asked to feature me in an interview. For that article, I chose to create a photoshoot using Miyabi. I also mentioned in the interview that visiting Alexandra Farms was a dream of mine. The following year, Teresa Schafer, Alexandra Farms’ marketing director, invited me to tour the farm, and that visit solidified a strong creative connection.

Since then, I’ve designed the Alexandra Farms booth at IFTF for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), and I’m honored to return in 2025 for their 20th anniversary. The pressure is on, but so is the excitement!

My go-to varieties include Miyabi, Yves Piaget, and Princess Fairy Kiss Pink Spr. And of course, I must mention Princess Alina, a stunning new white rose named after me this March. I hope it will be commercially available soon so florists can experience its beauty.

What's next for you? Do you have any exciting opportunities coming up that you're looking forward to pursuing?

I always strive to create more than just floral arrangements. I want to offer unforgettable experiences through beauty, emotion, and storytelling. This September, we’re hosting a new Masterclass in Romania at one of the country’s most stunning architectural landmarks: The Palace of Culture in Iași. We’ll be designing the floral décor for The Grand Ball of Monaco, a truly unique and luxurious event. It will be a one-of-a-kind event!