Petals & Philosophy: The Floral World of Maya Tsur

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.

Photo Courtesy of Maya Tsur

Photo Courtesy of Maya Tsur

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

Photo Courtesy of Purple Tree Photography

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.

The Days Are Long, But the Years Are Short

Today felt like the first true day of spring. The sun was warm, the birds were singing, and I finally rode outside after a long and unpredictable Ontario winter. I headed out around shortly after noon and couldn’t believe how alive the city felt. People were gardening, walking their dogs, and children were playing in the streets. It was the kind of day that reminded me how good it feels to simply be present.

When I ride alone, I always look forward to unplugging. No music, no distractions. Just me, my thoughts, and the quiet rhythm of the ride. It’s often where I do my deepest reflecting. And today, as I peddled through the winding streets of bustling neighbourhoods, I found myself thinking about this journey I’ve been on.

As many of you know, I recently transitioned from being a full-time teacher to pursuing photography full-time. Lately, I’ve been on a meaningful journey to uncover my purpose, to better understand my why and how I can use it to create something lasting and meaningful for others. And on this ride, I found myself doing just that.

As I coasted toward a red light, a black SUV pulled up beside me. Inside was a family, windows down and laughter spilling out. A little girl, maybe twelve, sat in the back seat with her hair dancing in the wind. She caught my eye and smiled. I smiled back. And just like that, I was transported.

I remembered being her. I could almost feel the soft hum of the car, the warmth of my sisters beside me, the quiet comfort of knowing our parents were up front. My mom often says, “It feels like yesterday you girls were that age.” And I know she would give anything to glance into the back seat and see us there again, even just for a moment.

In that fleeting exchange with a stranger, my why came into sharp focus.

This is why I photograph.

I create to help you remember what once was. To bottle up the beauty of ordinary days before they slip through your fingers. To offer more than just photographs, but sensory memories. Ones you can feel in your heart, hold in your hands, and return to again and again.

Too often I hear from clients months after their session saying, “We still haven’t printed anything.” And I get it. Life moves fast. But I want better for you.

I want your memories to live beyond a screen. I want them on your walls, in albums your children will flip through, on coffee tables where stories are shared and laughter returns. Like it used to be, when the photo albums came out and everyone gathered close.

That is why I am now offering heirloom albums and fine art prints to every couple and family I photograph. I have partnered with Dekora Album Co., a Canadian maker of handcrafted, luxurious keepsakes. Their work is extraordinary, rich in quality, made to last, and designed to become part of your family’s legacy.

My promise to you is this:

I will capture the moments you never want to forget, and help you preserve them in ways that feel timeless, tangible, and full of heart.

Because one day, that little girl in the back seat will be grown. And her mother will glance behind her and wonder where the time went.

Let’s make sure she has something beautiful to hold onto, and so do you.

It’s time to hold the memories that matter most.

With love,
As always,

Amanda

Ready to create your heirloom album or print collection?
Contact me here or view options with Dekora.

This year I am grateful for YOU

As I reflect on the passing year, my heart overflows with gratitude. For over seven years, my husband and I have shared a nightly tradition we call "Gratefuls." From the very first day we met, we committed to taking a moment each night before sleep to reflect on the blessings of the day. Even when distance separates us due to his frequent travels, we continue this ritual—whether through FaceTime or a simple text message. Through seasons of joy and times of challenge, this practice has grounded us, a gentle reminder that even on the most difficult days, there are always moments of beauty to be found.

As the year draws to a close, I find myself pausing to reflect on the journey I've walked, especially in a year that has been both testing and transformative. It has been a season of personal trials, filled with tears and sleepless nights, but through it all, I have done my best to weather the storms and dance in the rain. Thanks to my husband, I have learned the art of living in the moment, appreciating the incredible people, places, and beauty that surround me.

And despite the challenges, I find myself rich with gratitude.

I’ve been an artist since the moment I took my first breath, and without the unwavering support and encouragement of all of you, I would not be where I am today—living my wildest dream as a full-time artist. Each inquiry email, every shared photo, and each kind note or love letter serves as a gentle reminder that I am walking the path I was always meant to take.

This year, I am profoundly thankful for the families whose lives I have had the privilege to capture, year after year. Many of these families I first met through photographing their weddings, and over time, we’ve built lasting connections. As they welcomed children into their lives, I was there to document their growth, celebrating with them as they blossomed into families. In many ways, they have become my own.

I am also grateful for the new friendships that have developed through the lens of my camera. Each new connection begins with a simple message—an email, a text, or a call—but once we meet, the rest is history. I often find that my relationship with my clients evolves beyond the professional, as we share in the joy and success of one another's lives.

This year, I have had the privilege of celebrating with so many families as they welcomed new life into the world. There is something profoundly moving about newborn sessions—the raw emotion of new parents adjusting to life with their tiny miracles, the awe and wonder of siblings meeting their new family members. These moments are sacred, and I am grateful to witness them.

I am thankful for the newly engaged couples who have invited me to document this chapter of their love story. From the moment we first speak, I cherish hearing about their paths that led them to one another, and I find immense joy in brainstorming creative ways to incorporate their unique bond into their photo sessions. With every click of the camera, I am filled with a quiet happiness, knowing I am capturing the essence of their love.

Equally, I am grateful for the couples who entrusted me with one of the most monumental days of their lives—their weddings. To me, weddings are like grand finales, the spectacular fireworks at a celebration, or the premier of a much-anticipated film. I often wonder who is more excited—the couple or me! From our first conversation to the final farewell at the end of the night, documenting the emotions and stories that unfold on a wedding day is a privilege I cherish deeply. There have been many times I have been moved to tears behind the camera, not just by the beauty of the day, but by the bond I’ve formed with the couple.

Weddings, too, bring a sense of camaraderie with the incredible vendors who help bring these special days to life. The inside jokes, the laughter, and the high-fives—we celebrate each other as much as we celebrate the couple. The teamwork and unity at these events is something extraordinary, and I am grateful for the chance to collaborate with such talented and passionate people.

Whether this is your first time or your tenth time partnering with me, this year, I am especially thankful for you.

Thank you for trusting me with the most precious gifts in the world: your loved ones, and your memories.