Locals First - Summer Blooming
"Nature creates the most wonderful palette from which to choose. I am inspired daily by the textures and colors presented to me here on Maui. This, in turn, aids in the creation of original designs, specific to the client’s needs. To this day I am passionate about my work and always look forward to creating and fulfilling someone’s vision.”
— Teresa Sena, Creative Director + Floral Designer
Teresa, located in Maui, Hawaii, embodies a multi-faceted identity as a floral artisan, mother, globetrotter, avid hiker, and lover of fine cuisine and wines. During quiet moments, you’ll find her working in her olive grove or enjoying a mountain sunset. Infused with the essence of her island haven, Teresa crafts floral compositions and bouquets that reflect the organic beauty and abundance of nature around her through her local business Teresa Sena Designs. Having called Maui home for over four decades, Teresa resides on the cool slopes of Haleakala, where she orchestrates her creative endeavors from her Upcountry studio, collaborating alongside her team of skilled florists and friends. With a remarkable portfolio spanning weddings, prestigious hotels, corporate events, and special occasions, Teresa’s expertise is a testament to her enduring commitment to her craft.
Having studied hula and the Hawaiian culture, Teresa embraces the respect of the land and use of the island flora. Seasonal selections are her forté, along with the knowledge of floral seasons from around the globe. Teresa is able to offer each client limitless possibilities, with personal attention to their aesthetic. "I understand how challenging a destination event can be. My years of experience have helped me to communicate from a distance, and at the same time put the client at ease."
Teresa has provided brilliant designs for WOW events for over 25 years. When inquired about ways to “support local”, she passionately highlighted the emergence of the flower farming market in Upcountry Maui. She emphasized the remarkable efforts of women farmers who are diligently cultivating the full-petal flowers that grace the wedding industry and supporting local farmers is something we can definitely get on board with!
Kama ‘ia ke aloha a pa’a I loko.
Bind love that it may remain fast within.
From the expert herself, here are her best tips for your event florals:
During summertime sea level weddings, tropical flowers shine as they naturally flourish in that environment. When “tropical” comes to mind, some couples may worry about their wedding resembling a luau. However, a softer, tropical ambiance can be created by incorporating lush, full petal floral elements such as ginger, anthurium, orchids, and locally grown upcountry florals such as lisianthus and dahlia when they’re in season.
Additionally, upcountry farms are now growing a wide range of items such as snapdragons, phlox, celosia, amaranth, marigolds, scabiosa, lilies and minimal garden roses which combine beautifully with the local tropicals.
Check out a few of our favorite events with Teresa’s amazing team!
Nalani & Keanu
Elizabeth & Stephen
Photography by Dmitri & Sandra