Okay, let's just start by saying that Ashley's was AMAZING and completely surpassed my expectations.
The story: It was my last day visiting a family member in Delray Beach and I needed to go to Orlando and was running a good hour late already, but I needed flowers - quickly. I wanted an arrangement, though I would have settled for an interesting bouquet. The first florist I stopped into had nearly nothing but vases, I was confused. He was working on some lovely arrangements in the back, but we had a 15 minute conversation about how it would take 20 minutes to do his best and how he was an artist. Having worked in the art world for 12 years, I completely respect the concept, I am from NY and live in Boston, and I am not a patient person by nature. I left, but also found that many of the florists had nothing and made stuff according to what you liked - which takes time. Grrr.
By the time I got to Ashley's, I had realized that this was not going to be a quick fix. I happened by it accidentally. I went in and was truly skeptical. There were vases everywhere, and very few flowers. (Or so I thought.) I looked around, selected a short narrow vase, and pointed to some crazy green puffs and some orange puffs à la Lorax, and then some tall standing blue and white flowers (stalk-like - sorry, I don't really know the names of flowers). And then I thought that some white lilies would be good for the person I was giving it to, who is my step-grandmother. But I wanted it to be cool and modern and not old-lady-like. Ashley (or I think it was Ashley - an attractive blond woman) told me she thought she could do something with that. I also asked if she could put leaves around the stems, so they didn't show. She knew just what I was talking about. (I am a snob, as in Boston we have Winston's flowers, who make really amazing arrangements).
Well, I decided to go get a polish change in the interim, and when I got back. Wow. I was truly blown away. I really wish I had a photo of what she did, because it was FANTASTIC. It really exceeded all expectations. It was tasteful, modern, whimsical, and attractive. Best of all, it really made a statement. My step-grandmother was SO PLEASED. I had asked for "whimsical" but "elegant," and I got exactly that.
By the way, you can see that I rarely actually sit down to write reviews, but this place was absolutely worth it. I will most definitely use Ashley's again, though probably calling in from the northeast.
Update: they have moved, but I found them! 2016 got another amazing bouquet and just loved it!!! Still stellar work. I am calling for Mother's Day...for my step-grandmother. She has been thrilled with the bouquets. Me, too, as they have been modern and chic, but also elegant. read more