Meet Lana Starr: The Heart Behind Dream Flowers
Award-Winning Bay Area Wedding Florist | 350+ Weddings Designed | 20+ Years of Floral Artistry
For over two decades, I’ve had the profound privilege of being part of the most beautiful days in people’s lives. Every wedding I design isn’t just about flowers—it’s about love stories, family traditions, cultural celebrations, and dreams coming to life.
I’m Lana Starr, founder and lead designer of Dream Flowers, and creating wedding florals is more than my career—it’s my calling.
From the moment a bride shares her vision with me, I’m transported into her world. I see the colors she’s dreamed of since childhood, the textures that speak to her soul, the blooms that will frame the moment she says “I do.” My job is to take that vision and transform it into something even more breathtaking than she imagined.
With 350+ Bay Area weddings designed across The Club at Ruby Hill, Palm Event Center, Casa Real, Asian Art Museum, Four Seasons San Francisco, and the region’s most stunning venues, I’ve learned that no two celebrations are alike—and that’s the beauty of what we do.
THE DREAM FLOWERS STORY
Where It All Began
My journey into floral design began over 20 years ago, not in a classroom, but in the gardens of my childhood. I was mesmerized by the way flowers could transform a space, evoke emotion, and tell stories without words. That fascination grew into a passion, and eventually, into Dream Flowers.
In 2012, I founded Dream Flowers in Alameda, California, with a simple but powerful vision: to create floral designs that don’t just decorate weddings—they elevate them. I wanted every bride to feel seen, heard, and celebrated through flowers that authentically reflected who she is.
As our reputation grew and our client base expanded throughout the Bay Area, we needed a larger studio to bring our visions to life. In 2016, we relocated to San Leandro, where our studio remains today—a creative space filled with light, inspiration, and the fresh blooms that make dreams come true.
Over the years, Dream Flowers has grown from a small studio into one of the Bay Area’s most trusted wedding florists, but our heart remains the same: personalized service, artistic excellence, and an unwavering commitment to making your day unforgettable.
Our Growth & Recognition
Since our founding, Dream Flowers has had the honor of designing:
600+ Bridal Bouquets — From intimate elopements to grand celebrations
350+ Full-Service Weddings — Complete ceremony, reception, and bridal party florals
150+ Five-Star Reviews — Award-winning service trusted by Bay Area brides
20+ Premier Venue Partnerships — Preferred vendor at Ruby Hill, Westin St Francis, Cinnanon Country Club, Silver Creek Valley Country Club, and more
Yelp Best of Award Winner
Read Our 150+ Five-Star ReviewsHow We Approach Every Wedding
At Dream Flowers, we believe that flowers are more than decoration—they’re the emotional heartbeat of your celebration. Our approach is rooted in three core principles:
Listen First
Before we design a single arrangement, we take time to truly understand you. Your vision, your story, your venue, your style. We ask questions, we listen deeply, and we immerse ourselves in your world.
Because the best floral designs don’t come from a template—they come from understanding what makes your love story unique.
Design with Intention
Every bloom, every color, every texture is chosen with purpose. We don’t believe in “filler” flowers or generic arrangements. Each element of your wedding florals is carefully selected to reflect your aesthetic, complement your venue, and create a cohesive visual narrative.
Whether you’re dreaming of romantic garden roses, modern minimalist elegance, or bold, dramatic installations, we translate your inspiration into a polished, breathtaking design.
Deliver Perfection
On your wedding day, everything must be flawless. We deliver, set up, and style every floral element with meticulous attention to detail. We arrive early, we coordinate with your venue and vendors, and we ensure that when you walk in, every flower is exactly where it should be—looking absolutely stunning.
You’ll never have to worry about your florals. That’s our promise.
MEET OUR TALENTED TEAM
While I personally design and oversee every wedding, I’m fortunate to work alongside a passionate team of floral artists who help bring our visions to life. Each member brings unique skills, creativity, and dedication to making your wedding day perfect.
Irina | Senior Floral Designer, 7 Years
My right hand is a meticulous floral designer. Irina’s 7 years of experience and exceptional technical skills ensure that every arrangement is executed flawlessly.
Kim | Senior Floral Designer, 4 Years
Gifted designer with artistry and expertise that shine through in every wedding. Kim’s ability to translate vision into reality is remarkable.
Grace | Floral Designer, 2 Years
Creative and talented, Grace brings a fresh perspective and beautiful design sense to every project.
Sydney | Floral Designer, 1 Year
Natural talent with a passion for creating beauty. Sydney’s dedication and love for music make her an integral part of our studio.
Sophia | Junior Floral Designer & Assistant, 1 Year
Enthusiastic and detail-oriented, Sophia brings careful execution and fresh creativity to every petite design we make.
Trang | Junior Floral Designer & Assistant, 1 Year
Combines creativity with meticulous care, approaching every task with dedication and commitment to excellence.
Samara | Assistant, 1 Year
Keeps our studio running smoothly with organizational skills, reliability, and positive energy.
We also have a number of our favorite freelancers who come in to help us with big projects and events.
Together, we’re united by one mission: making your wedding florals absolutely unforgettable.
CREDENTIALS & RECOGNITION
Lana Starr’s Professional Background
Great floral design requires more than talent—it demands continuous learning, exploration, and evolution. I’ve dedicated myself to studying floral artistry both locally and abroad, traveling to study under master florists in Europe and across the United States.
From learning European garden-style techniques to mastering modern minimalist design to understanding the cultural significance of florals in weddings around the world, every experience has deepened my craft and expanded my creative vision.
I believe the best designers never stop learning, never stop experimenting, and never stop pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with flowers.
Press and Demos
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing my passion beyond just weddings. My floral design articles have been published in industry-leading magazines like International Floral Art, Florist Review, and Fusion Flowers, reaching floral artists worldwide. I’ve taught design demonstrations for the Organization of Floral Art Designers (OFAD) and local community groups.
American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) Education
Advanced training through AIFD, the premier professional organization for floral designers worldwide. AIFD education focuses on artistic innovation, design excellence, and pushing creative boundaries.
Lana Starr had a stage presentation ‘Winter Fantasia’ for the AIFD in 2018, Las Vegas
California Certified Floral Designer (CCFD)
Professional certification demonstrating mastery of floral design techniques, mechanics, color theory, and industry standards. California’s rigorous certification ensures clients receive expert-level design and craftsmanship.
Continuous Professional Development
Ongoing education through workshops, industry conferences, international study, and entrepreneurial training. Staying current with design trends, sustainability practices, and client experience innovation.
Beyond the Flowers
When I’m not designing weddings, you’ll find me in my garden, planting and nurturing my own blooms. Growing flowers brings me as much joy as arranging them—there’s something magical about watching a seed transform into something beautiful.
I’m endlessly curious and always learning. Right now, I’m immersed in audiobooks and podcasts about business, leadership, and health—constantly seeking ways to grow both personally and professionally. I’ve even learned how to weld (yes, really!)—because exploring new skills keeps me creative and inspired.
I love wandering Bay Area farmers’ markets for seasonal inspiration, traveling to discover emerging floral trends, and studying cultural wedding traditions from around the world. These experiences inform every design I create and help me bring authentic, meaningful florals to each couple’s celebration.
Most importantly, I cherish time with my family—they’re my foundation and my biggest supporters.
My greatest joy? Seeing a bride’s face light up when she sees her flowers for the first time. After 350+ weddings, that moment never gets old.