We All Need a Flower BFF: An Interview with Julia of Bay Field Floral

Our friends are a reflection of the many facets of who we are as individuals. There’s the friend who is a self-proclaimed "down bitch," always ready to answer a text and hop on a flight for a spontaneous adventure. The one who always gives it to you straight—she says the things you don’t want to hear, and you both love her and hate her for it. There’s the friend who has to have the last laugh, but, damn it, she’s funny. And, of course, we all have a floral friend—or wait, you don’t have a floral friend? She’s the one who transforms your Pinterest chaos into flower art that perfectly capture you. I got to work with a florist who is basically that bestie. She’s on a quest to create arrangements that are more than just pretty—they’ll be unforgettable, meaningful, and uniquely yours. Meet Julia Barfield of Bay Field Floral, everyone’s floral BFF.

Photos by @hellenacedenophotography

You made the jump to full-time floral in mid-2024. What were you seeing (or not seeing) in the floral industry that made you say, “Ok, I need to get in on this”?

I jumped into florals full-time because I needed a creative outlet and an intellectual challenge. I was feeling pretty burnt out at work and found myself continually drawn to creative activities, so I started my own business. Being in charge of how I grow, operate, and set the values of my business felt incredibly compelling and inspiring.

In the floral industry, I noticed a lack of something different. I’ve been to and participated in enough weddings to see a certain cookie-cutter approach. I want couples to create an experience for their nearest and dearest that feels uniquely them. Florals are often viewed as an add-on or a nice-to-have, but I see them as fundamental to transforming a wedding into a truly memorable experience. Every decision I make as a floral designer aims to contribute to the couple’s overall vision for celebrating their love.

"Your wedding should reflect who you are at this moment in your life. That’s what makes it unforgettable—not just pretty for the internet but meaningful in real life."

What’s your history with florals? When did your obsession begin, and what prompted you to act on it?

My history with flowers has spanned my whole life. I grew up surrounded by nature, which has been a guiding force in how I spend my time and where I invest my resources. My formal introduction to floral design came in a unique way: right out of college, I worked for an incredibly wealthy woman who had her own garden and dabbled in floral design. I learned so much from her about flowers and design techniques.

From there, florals became something I did on the side—making bouquets for friends, designing for weddings—and I’ve always loved it. I’m inspired by the seasonality, the techniques, and the endless meanings flowers can hold. But what really prompted me to act was seeing so many florists creating the same things over and over. Being in love with nature, I believe we can draw inspiration from so much more—architecture, fashion, a good restaurant—and translate those into floral design. For me, it was this need for creative expression that finally pushed me to take the leap.

You’re entering the field at a time when many florists express frustration with the wedding industry. What has your experience been so far, and how are you approaching it differently?

I can absolutely see why so many florists are burnt out. Although it has been 4 years since, COVID took a toll on the wedding industry, forcing many to either burn out doing the same thing or rethink how they approach their work. For me, I’m learning from those who’ve been in the trenches and redefining what sustainability means in my business—not just in the flowers I choose but also in how I run my business.

One key difference for me is diversifying my offerings. I’m not doing exclusively weddings. I’ve created a service where I’m your flower BFF—helping people incorporate florals into their everyday lives to elevate and kind of romanticize their day-to-day, and know that flowers don't have to just be this once a year thing. It’s a balance that allows me to show up fully for couples on their special days.

"I really wanted someone who was thinking so strategically about the outfit that when I designed the bouquet it felt like an extension of the outfit."

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We’re seeing florals expand beyond flowers to incorporate vegetation, linens, and even fruits and veggies. How do you want couples to think differently about florals?

Florals are such a vital part of the overall wedding design. Starting in 2025 and beyond, I want couples to view their wedding as a holistic experience. Every element—from the order of events to the flow of the space—should feel intentional. Flowers are not just a fun extra; they’re fundamental to the design.

For example, when designing a tablescape, every detail—the napkins, the table setting, the escort card display—communicates something. Florals should play a leading role in that narrative. I encourage couples to think about their flowers as an extension of the overall design and not as an afterthought. When this level of intentionality is present, it creates a wedding experience that is unforgettable and truly unique.

Tell me about your vision for this bridal shoot. Why did you feel so compelled to invest in it?.

This shoot was such a joy to create, and every vendor involved played a crucial role in its success. I wanted to capture a bride who is unapologetically herself, and so open to being different that it stops you in your tracks and you think, "Wow, I know who this person is and I see how they want to operate in this world."

I also wanted to highlight the connection between fashion and florals. To me, a bridal bouquet is an extension of the outfit. I worked closely with Jasmine, the stylist, to ensure that the textures, colors, and flow of the bouquets complemented the outfits perfectly. This intentional approach to design is something I bring to every project. I want couples to see that florals aren’t just pretty extras; they’re integral to the overall look and feel of the day.

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire couples to embrace their individuality. I’m tired of seeing “timeless” weddings that feel generic. Your wedding should reflect who you are at this moment in your life. That’s what makes it unforgettable—not just pretty for the internet but meaningful in real life.

Florist: @bayfieldfloral

Photographer: @hellenacedenophotography

Hair & Makeup Artist: @leecestylz

Stylist: @tbdbyleblanc