In the world of luxury weddings, flowers are more than decor they are storytellers, mood-setters, and memory makers. And behind many of the most breathtaking floral installations in Toronto is a woman whose journey to design was as surprising as it is inspiring. Maya Tsur, the founder and creative force behind Maya Tsur Floral Design, creates more than just arrangements. She creates emotion. Her work carries a signature elegance that is both grounded and ethereal a balance only someone deeply connected to their craft could achieve.
I had the privilege of sitting down with Maya to explore the story behind her art. From her roots in philosophy to her passion for petals, Maya shared the evolution of her work, the challenges behind the beauty, and her hopes for what’s still to come. This is her story.
A Journey from Books to Blooms
Raised in Israel, Maya Tsur began her professional life with a very different path in mind. With a background in Jewish philosophy and a vision of becoming a professor, Maya was once surrounded by books, libraries, and academic research. But after relocating to North America and settling in Canada, life gently nudged her toward something more hands-on and creatively fulfilling.
While completing a one-year event management program at Seneca College, she enrolled in a required floral design course.
"I took two classes and I knew," she shared, "this is what I want to do."
What began as curiosity quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Maya spent six years as the head designer at a prominent Toronto floral company before finding the confidence to open her own studio. Those early years were her masterclass in volume, speed, and style.
A Signature Style: Elegant, Intentional, and Modern
Maya’s work blends the timeless sophistication of classic florals with the whimsy and freshness of modern design. Her aesthetic is rooted in storytelling every bouquet and arrangement serves a purpose, an emotion, a memory.
"I always ask to see the dress," she said. "It helps me understand the bride’s personality. I want the flowers to reflect her."
She rejects the idea of standardized floral packages. Instead, Maya builds completely customized designs that reflect the venue, the couple, and their story. Texture, shape, and subtle contrasts are her tools of transformation.
The Creative Process: From Vision to Reality
Maya collaborates closely with planners and couples, often connecting on Instagram first. Her approach is intuitive and personal. She asks to see inspiration photos, the bridal gown, and often builds mood boards to align on vision.
"If a bride shows me a bouquet she loves, I know her design style immediately."
Every wedding day begins early, often before sunrise. She meticulously handles setup, manages last-minute changes, and returns late into the night for teardown. Her process is as logistical as it is artistic.
Challenges Behind the Beauty
Beneath every dreamy wedding is a sea of planning, sourcing, and occasional chaos. Maya recalls shipments delayed by storms, imported flowers arriving damaged, and long days on her feet. But her approach is calm and composed.
"I’ll never call a bride and stress her out. She trusts me to fix it."
When problems arise, she improvises with intention. Her adaptability ensures each design remains elevated, even under pressure.
Advice for Engaged Couples
Maya shares this with sincerity: "Choose a florist whose work you love, but more importantly, someone you communicate easily with."
She also stresses budgeting wisely:
"Put your budget toward the ceremony. That’s where the most impactful photos are captured. You can always move those florals to the reception."
With an eye for both design and efficiency, Maya frequently offers creative solutions alternating between floral and candlelit tables, scaling centerpieces, or advising on table styles to optimize decor budgets.
"You wouldn’t shop for a house without a budget. Flowers are no different."
Weddings that Stay with Her
Some projects live in her heart long after the petals fade. A recent wedding at Graydon Hall originally planned for a garden setting was moved indoors due to weather, but the transformation was nothing short of enchanting.
"The smell, the colour, the intimacy it was magic."
These moments of trust and creative freedom are what fuel her passion.
Photo Courtesy of Purple Tree Photography
Trends, Inspiration & A Look Ahead
When it comes to trends, Maya is selective.
"Pampas grass? No thank you," she laughed. "It sheds. It smells. I don’t understand it!"
Instead, she gravitates toward colour-rich weddings, especially vibrant palettes with hot pinks, burgundy, and peach.
"I love texture. I mix small blooms with large ones. It adds movement. It keeps it from feeling flat."
Her dream project? A grand floral ceiling installation.
"Massive, breathtaking floral clouds. It’s like walking into a dream."
Styled Shoots & Signature Palettes
During our recent styled shoot together, Maya curated three breathtaking palettes: white and green for timeless romance, soft peach with blush tones, and a bold combination of burgundy and hot pink.
"I love adding just a pop of something unexpected. It keeps it fun."
Each piece felt like a painting, layered with depth, shape, and elegance.
Maya Tsur Floral Design isn’t just a floral studio. It’s a space where vision and feeling intersect. Maya designs with heart. She listens deeply. She cares.
Her work doesn’t simply decorate a space it tells a story.
If you’re planning a wedding and looking for someone who values beauty, emotion, and connection as much as you do, Maya is that person.
She’s not just a florist. She’s a creator of moments. An artist of joy. A designer of unforgettable beginnings.
Interested in seeing Maya’s work in action? For inquiries or to follow Maya’s floral adventures, visit her website and follow her on Instagram @mayatsurfloraldesign.
