Elara Nightshade
Founder & Dark Floral Alchemist
"I've never believed flowers had to be bright and cheerful to be beautiful. There's something raw and honest about darker blooms - they don't apologize for who they are."
Our Story
2018 - The Beginning
Started out in my basement apartment, honestly. Got tired of clients asking me to make everything "pop" with sunflowers and daisies. Don't get me wrong - those have their place - but I kept thinking about all the deep burgundies, midnight purples, and those almost-black dahlias nobody seemed to want.
2019 - Finding Our Tribe
Did my first gothic wedding that year - bride wore a black dress and wanted deep reds and purples throughout. Something clicked. Turned out there were tons of folks in Vancouver wanting arrangements that felt more... authentic to them. Not everyone wants pastel and Pinterest-perfect, y'know?
2021 - Commercial Drive Opens
Finally snagged a storefront on Commercial. The space used to be an old bookshop, still has the original dark wood shelving we use for displaying preserved pieces. Neighborhood fit us perfectly - eclectic, artsy, and not afraid of being different.
2023 - Midnight Garden Launch
Our subscription service took off way faster than expected. People wanted those moody, seasonal arrangements delivered regularly. Started incorporating more foraged elements - moss, dried branches, even fungi when they're in season. Nature's already got the dark aesthetic down.
2025 - Today
We've got a small but passionate team now. Everyone here genuinely loves working with these darker palettes and unconventional materials. We're doing everything from weddings to film work to memorial pieces that actually reflect how grief feels - not just pretty and pink.
What We're Really About
Look, we're not trying to be edgy for the sake of it. We just believe beauty comes in all shades, including the darker ones. Whether you're planning a Victorian-inspired wedding, want something memorable for a special event, or just prefer your home florals with a bit more depth and drama - we get it.
Every arrangement we create tells a story. Sometimes it's romantic, sometimes it's melancholic, sometimes it's fierce. But it's always genuine, and it's always crafted with serious attention to detail. We source from local growers when possible and aren't afraid to mix fresh blooms with preserved elements, dried textures, or whatever feels right for the piece.