Tracy Shelton

FOUNDER + Designer

I am really glad you are here!  I love what I do and put my heart and soul into it. So, it means so much that you would take the time to let me tell you a little bit about myself. I grew up in middle Tennessee on a true ‘working’ farm.  My parents were not hobbyist farmers but relied on the land to make a living to raise their family.  They were known for growing some of the best vegetables (especially tomatoes and cantaloupes) you could find in the area. My Mother had a green thumb that carried over to the flower garden.  My Dad would often joke by saying “You can’t eat flowers!”  However, in his later years even he realized that flowers nourish our souls!  I can truly say that it was the experience of growing up on a farm that gave me a love, a humble respect and appreciation for nature and God’s beautiful creation! When I find myself feeling a bit burned out with cut floral design I always get outside to recharge by ‘piddling’ in my flower garden, taking a walk or bike ride and simply observing creation. There is nothing like it to restore our souls!  When I am not doing wedding work you can usually find me immersed into whatever project my family is involved in and it will almost always involve a paint brush! We love transformation and the result of making something better!  I love and adore my family and they mean the world to me!  We work together, laugh and play and simply do life together and it is a gift!  

The Blooming of Vine + Petals

I once heard an aptitude test administrator say that, “whatever people come to you about or ask your advice on reveals a competence to do a certain work”.So, I can honestly say that is exactly how my business began.My floral design skills began in the garden with container and small landscape bed design.First as a homeowner and then for a few businesses and organizations.As a result of that, I found myself taking cuttings from my garden making small arrangements and sharing with friends and neighbors.I became associated with beautiful flowers and soon I had friends who were approaching me about helping out with family weddings.Eventually I found this happening more and more and finally a close friend said, “Tracy, I think you need to do this!”So, I took the necessary steps and Vine + Petals was official.I love working with brides and their families from our local area (Niceville, Destin, 30A) as well as all over the US and especially Nashville to make their wedding day a wonderful memorable experience.I use as much native plant material as I can from what I grow as well as from friends and neighbors to achieve a unique and beautiful garden-fresh look.I continue to grow and evolve as a designer and love how design mimics life itself with constant change!As for the business name, I love the wildness of vines and their ability to climb, cling and creep along walls, rocks, trees, fences!I think they add a unique, unpredictable beauty to landscapes, and I try to use them whenever possible.Also, as a follower of Christ I love the beautiful symbolism of the vine and the branches in John 15.As for petals, well that is a given.