Meet the Bluegrass Chic Team
Michelle Lewis
Owner and Lead Designer
“Because Southern hospitality isn’t just a catchphrase, it’s a way of life!”
Politeness - I was born and raised in Kentucky (Go Big Blue)! I’m wearing my UK t-shirt proudly as I sit down to tell you more about me. My mother and father raised me to say “yes, ma’am” and “no, sir”, please and thank you!
Good Home Cooking - Mom stayed home to raise my brother and I while my father ran his own company next door to our home. We went to church every Sunday. During the week, family dinner was on the table at 4:30, don’t be late.
Charity and Kindness - Both of my parents were volunteers which gave us the values we have today. Most of my family has worked in the fire service at one time or another, including myself. When I graduated from high school, my first semester of college I took the EMT course and started volunteering for my little hometown and a busier city department as well. A few years later, I went to fire school, where I bridged over to work as a Part Time FF/EMT. As of today we sponsor many different charities and associations to give back to our community.
Charm – I met my husband in Indianapolis in 2006. He was from Florida and myself from Kentucky, we didn’t know how we would make this work. A few years later we were married. I packed my things, quit my jobs and moved down to Florida to be with him and start our family. I am now a mother of two beautiful children, John, 14 and Payton, 12.
Helpfulness - We have worked with many wonderful couples and clients providing floral for weddings and events here in Florida, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Whether you are local or coming in town for a destination wedding, we plan to treat you like family.
Why floral design - I grew up watching Martha Stewart and working in the garden with my mother and grandmother. Our family home was surrounded by beautiful smells and gorgeous blooms; from knockout roses, lily of the valley, zinnias, poppies, sunflowers, peonies and hydrangeas. I love being surrounded by beautiful things and getting to share them in unique ways for someone’s special day.
Take a look around the website. Don't miss our design galleries. Let’s sit down and talk about your event!
Jan McNeely
Part Owner and Administrative
At my age, I can say without hesitation that I have one of the best jobs ever. I can’t imagine another one that would bring me more joy or satisfaction. I love working with flowers because they are soothing to three different senses: sight, smell and the soul.
I’ve been married 50 years this year my husband Tim, a man very supportive in all of my many adventures. I love him with all my heart. I have two children Matt and Michelle (yes Michelle is my daughter) and four grandchildren.
I spent most of my career as a full-time wife and mom and also as a "professional volunteer" in our community. Michelle and I started Bluegrass Chic 9 years ago after a trip to New York for a floral design class. Michelle had been working with a local Central Florida florist for a couple of years before that and had a great teacher in Karin Wilkinson. When Karin closed her business, we took a leap of faith!
I think this is the second best job a person could have (after being a mom that is). I get to work beside my daughter who is a very talented designer, and the brains, and the bookkeeper, and the scheduler, and everything for this business. I love her and cherish the time we are getting to spend together. I look forward to the next adventure.
Her favorites...
Flower: I love the smell of lilacs and roses and hyacinths I love the look of colors and textures together they remind me of quilts.
Item to design: I love the big bouquets with lots of greenery, clusters of flowers that have texture with a little surprise like berries, feathers, succulents or air plants.
Piece of advice for brides and grooms: We know that this is probably one of, if not the most important day of your life. The only advice I have is its your wedding it can be big or small, glam or an intimate wedding, but it should reflect your faith, your love and respect for each other and family. It's important to us that you are excited and happy and feel that you are getting the quality southern hospitality and attention to detail that you deserve. We look forward to working with you on your special day
Meghan Fuerst McAnnally
General Manager
I graduated from Florida State University in the Spring of 2018 with a degree in Hospitality Management (Go Noles)! I’ve been with Bluegrass Chic for about 5 years now. I started as an Admin Assistant and have found my way to managing! My favorite part of my job is being able to interact with our couples and really getting to know them. I recently got married myself so hearing about your dress and how they asked is my favorite!
In my free time, you can find me at the gym or cuddled up on the couch watching anything reality TV with my dog, Peach!
Her Favorites….
Part of the wedding: My favorite moment in the wedding has to be the Mother and Son dance, always has been. I grew up with only one sister so I think the idea of a mom giving away her son gets to me.
Flower: ANYTHING BRIGHT! I absolutely love poppies and daffodils. But if you are thinking tropical flower or foliage, that’s what gets me excited!
Madeline Cox
Sales and Marketing Coordinator
I graduated from the University of Central Florida in the Spring of 2021 with a Bachelor's Degree in Event Management. Fun fact about me is I grew up in gorgeous north Alabama! I started at Bluegrass Chic in 2019 as a Design Assistant, then moved up to Designer. After college I worked at a local event rental company where I learned so much about tents and rentals - I'm always more than happy to help with any tent related questions! I now work as Bluegrass Chic's Sales and Marketing Coordinator! I love meeting with clients, running our fabulous social media accounts, and making dreams come true!
In my free time you can find me scouring Orlando for all the best vintage finds! Estate sales, yard sales, vintage shops, and thrift stores - I love them all!
Favorite part of the Wedding: The Ceremony! I absolutely love a decked out ceremony with all the gorgeous florals - and of course, all the emotions! I love an emotional ceremony - it gets me every time!
Favorite Flower:
Tulips! Specifically White Tulips! I call them "sweet little angel babies" because they're just so perfect!
-
Lora Wardman
Lead Designer
Lora has an extensive background in all things related to weddings; her experience encompasses floral design, wedding planning, catering, venue management, and much more. With her keen eye for detail, she sees every aspect of the occasion and transforms it into something truly beautiful with remarkable ease and grace.
-
Allyson Feuerstein
Lead Designer
Allyson started her creative journey with a strong and diverse background in art, design, and photography. After gaining valuable experience working in marketing at a prominent large e-commerce company, she transitioned to the world of stationery design. Throughout her career, her unwavering attention to the client's unique desires and preferences has proven to be unsurpassed, allowing her to craft stunning and personalized floral arrangements that truly resonate with each individual client.
-
Briana Reid
Processing Coordinator and Lead Designer
Bri has an extensive and rich history in the fields of floral design, business management, sales, and wholesale operations. With a deep passion for her craft, she genuinely enjoys collaborating with new designers and assistants, taking the time to teach them the Bluegrass Way of design and setup. Through her mentorship, she aims to instill the values of creativity and attention to detail that define her approach to floral artistry.
-
Brooke Waller
Assistant Designer
-
Julie Sanchez
Assistant Designer
-
Briza Garcia
Assistant Designer
-
Sarah Carvalho
Assistant Designer
-
Madeline Bortle
Assistant Designer