Meet Sara Stephens

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Stephens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Balance is incredibly important for me and Unorthodox Floral and Film. I strive to make my love for creating not overwritten by my need for business. Because of this, I do not book more than one event in any given month. This balance allows me to really focus on each specific event and give it all of my attention and creative energy. This also allows me creative freedom to choose which projects feed my soul and not just my calendar.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Unorthodox Floral and Film is more than just a fun name. I was really drawn to the word unorthodox because I see so much in the events industry. So much waste, so much bitterness, so much competition. I really wanted to ensure that Unorthodox was a place where wedding couples could come and get all of their information straight forward, as well as have a space to showcase so much of the beautiful work that my team is capable of producing. I am most proud of our creative freedom and inclusivity modeling. Every event is different. You won’t find us ever reproducing someone elses work. Every event is done based on color pallets, seasonality, and so many more factors where the client has full trust in our vision. This allows for more sustainable practices as well as beautiful work. I also am incredibly proud of our work with the LGBTQIA+ community. We have established Unorthodox as a brand that is always welcoming to everyone, and I am very proud of that work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever people come from out of town, I love to take them into the city. I enjoy starting the day off at Ponce City Market to grab a coffee and look through all of the shops. My particular favorite is Glad and Young Studio where you can buy locally made leatherwork that is out of this world. I also love spending an afternoon at the High Museum of Art. The exhibits there are always beautiful and no matter how many times I go, I always find something that catches my eye. Finally, I enjoy an evening at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony is always a hit and you can find a concert almost every week from October-June. Additionally, a day spent at the ballpark is a good day indeed so it is always fun to grab standing room tickets to the Braves. This means spending a few hours before the game in the Battery, then hanging out in the ChopHouse to cheer on our home team. Finally, if someone desires some peace and quiet, Amicalola Falls State Park is just a hop skip and a jump from Atlanta. This park is the unofficial start of the Appalachian Trail and is buzzing from February-May with hikers.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Catherine Wayman of C. Wayman Design was the first person to allow me to freelance for them. Because of what I learned with Catherine, I was incredibly confident with my ability to handle large-scale events on my own. She also referred me my first wedding outside of friends and family. Additionally, my husband, Patrick is the absolute backbone behind Unorthodox Floral and Film. He keeps us organized and is always up to help with my wild and crazy ideas.

Website: unorthodoxfloralandfilm.com

Instagram: @unorthodoxfloralandfilm

Facebook: @unorthodoxfloralandfilm

Image Credits
Ellen Wagner Photography Haint Blue Collective Adrienne Hames Photography Kelsey Justice Photography Lauren Bailey Photography