Decorelle

Vera, tell us about yourself. What was your first contact with floral design, and when did you realize you wanted to dedicate yourself to luxury weddings?

My journey into the world of weddings began in an unexpected way — with wedding cakes. That was my first entry into this highly emotional and symbolic universe. However, more than ten years ago, when I was introduced to the world of flowers, I immediately realized I had found my true place.

Flowers became my language. Everything I do is guided by love and passion, and that naturally reflects in the final result. I’ve always felt deeply drawn to abundance and to the visual power of large-scale floral installations, and that is what led me into the world of luxury weddings — where thousands of stems come together to create truly unforgettable experiences for couples and their guests.

How does your personal identity (culture, country of origin, values) influence Decorelle’s style?

I am originally from Russia, a country where flowers have a very deep cultural meaning and are part of everyday life. Flowers are given on dates, visits, birthdays — they are a natural expression of respect, affection, and emotion. This intense relationship with flowers deeply shaped my values and aesthetic sensitivity.

When I moved to Portugal about 12 years ago, I encountered a different approach to flowers and design. That shift was incredibly enriching. I had the opportunity to merge two cultures, two distinct perspectives, and create something new. Decorelle is born precisely from that meeting — between intensity and lightness, abundance and sophistication, emotion and balance.

What made you choose Portugal as your base? What did you find here that you didn’t find elsewhere?

Portugal is the country I now call home. It transformed me deeply and in a very positive way. I feel that I am now a natural fusion of two cultures, and that is reflected in my work.

I have always seen Portugal as the ideal base for Decorelle — because of its light, architecture, diversity of settings, and aesthetic sensitivity. As we have grown, international projects have become more frequent, but Portugal remains our starting point and the place where we bring back everything we learn abroad.

How would you define the “Decorelle signature”? What are the essential elements that set it apart?

Our signature is timeless, with a contemporary touch. I’m often told that people recognize our work as soon as they enter a space — even without knowing we created it. For me, that is one of the greatest compliments possible.

Decorelle’s style is bold and abundant, yet always balanced. We work with scale, visual impact, and richness of materials, without ever losing elegance, harmony, and sophistication. We create environments that impress, but also embrace. Our goal is not just to decorate a space, but to give it a soul.

What have been the biggest logistical challenges you’ve faced (flower transport, international teams, climate changes), and how did you overcome them?

All of them: international flower transport, multicultural teams, extreme weather changes. However, the greatest challenges are almost always time and weather conditions — wind, extreme heat, unexpected rain.

We work under any conditions, and that is only possible thanks to an absolutely extraordinary team. Nothing we do would be possible without the people who walk alongside me every day, with dedication, professionalism, and a strong sense of responsibility.

We know you have a large and very well-coordinated team. What is your secret to keeping everything running perfectly?

I don’t believe in individual perfection — I deeply believe in teamwork. We take care of one another, share the same values, and have a common goal: to deliver an impeccable, human, and excellent service.

That unity is directly reflected in the results and in the five-star service we offer our clients.

Is there a specific project in Portugal that was particularly memorable and that you can share with us?

One of the most remarkable projects was a large event held last summer, where I brought together a team of 55 people to create something truly magical. It was a huge logistical and creative challenge, but also a clear demonstration of the strength, maturity, and capability of our team.

Is there a piece of feedback from a couple or supplier that marked you the most — something that made you feel “this is worth it” or “this defines what I do”?

When a couple or partner tells us that we exceeded all expectations and made their day even more special than they had imagined. Those moments remind us that, despite all the stress, fatigue, and challenges, we are doing exactly what we were meant to do. I wouldn’t trade this path for any other.

Is there a flower, color, or scent that you feel is Decorelle’s emotional signature? What story is connected to it?

Everyone knows how much I love the color purple. I genuinely believe it is the most beautiful color in the world. It is part of Decorelle’s identity and of my own identity. People often say they’ve never met anyone who loves a color so intensely — and it’s true.

You recently created a wonderful design in Rome. How did you feel seeing the final result?

I felt deeply proud of my team. They created an absolutely beautiful project, with great sensitivity and precision. Seeing that result is always the greatest reward.

For you, what is the importance of flowers in a wedding and in a couple’s romantic life overall?

As I mentioned, in my country of origin flowers are part of everyday life and human relationships. They represent care, attention, presence. For me, flowers carry a very deep emotional meaning — they are silent gestures of love, respect, and memory.

Vera, if you could go back to the beginning of Decorelle, what would you change and what would you keep exactly the same? Why?

I truly believe that everyone has their own path. I wouldn’t change anything, because every step — even the most difficult ones — brought me to where I am today. I am genuinely happy with Decorelle’s journey. Perhaps I would only “erase” the pandemic period… if that were possible.

If you could choose a dream destination or location yet to be realized for Decorelle, what would it be and why?

Every international project teaches us something new. I don’t have a specific destination in mind. My wish is simply to continue having opportunities to work internationally, learn, evolve, and bring that knowledge back to Portugal.

Are there any future plans you can share with us?

My goal has always been simple: to give my best every day. If today wasn’t perfect, we try again tomorrow. I don’t make long-term plans, especially given the current global context. I prefer to remain open to the future and see what it has in store for us.