Take a look around the stunning property of Acqualina Resort, and you’ll be struck by its flower power that begins with eye-catching floral arrangements in the lobby. Or maybe you’ll catch a glance of bespoke bouquets on their way to the wedding party, or a romantic gesture for a special occasion.
One of Acqualina’s preferred vendors, Pedro Cruz, floral designer and visionary owner of roots & roots, has made floral fantasies come true at Acqualina Resort since 2007. The longtime florist, who arrived in Miami from Puerto Rico in 1996, prides himself on creating unforgettable moments for clients through vibrant colors and celebrations of nature. He regularly crafts flower arrangements for Acqualina’s public areas such as the lobby, guest rooms and on-property restaurants. “In all aspects, Acqualina is an immense, beautiful canvas to bring an idea to life and create an unforgettable memory,” Cruz says, adding that the hotel’s oceanfront setting serves as a muse for his designs. “The hotel and its gardens are perfect canvases for me. Both are designed in such a way that the development of an idea flows easily, thus achieving a connection, or as I would say, a story that runs from the hotel to the “aqua/ocean” or vice versa.”
The Miami-based florist is also a preferred vendor for weddings, photo shoots, and other pop-up needs at the resort. The first step for the floral mastermind: Listen carefully to the client’s desires and then express their wishes through flowers, plants and natural elements. “Through this process, clients and employees alike partake in a rewarding and uplifting experience, filled with life, color and style,” Cruz says.
He also adds his special floral touch to proposals, wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions, dinners, and even the honeymoon suite or a room for a romantic getaway. When it comes to creating the perfect dreamy backdrop at Miami wedding venues, Cruz relies on understanding the couple’s taste and preferences. “Creating an atmosphere in this case is a romantic effort, and it is essential to set the space with colors and flowers with which that couple identifies. We create memories that are part of that getaway and most importantly that will forever be a part of the story of this couple,” he says, adding that he’s also had the honor of being part of couples’ extended celebrations. “We’ve had the opportunity to decorate a table for those same couples, when they return to celebrate their wedding anniversary a year later”.
Cruz stays on tops of current wedding trends and reveals that couples are leaning towards adventurous florals. “We have a new generation that’s open to being more creative while planning,” he says. “They love to mix and match. Lately, most brides have opted for white, ivory, blush and green colors, but also, some brides have chosen more bright and bold colors or accents.”
When asked about the most dramatic floral display that he’s created for Acqualina, Pedro points to a medium-sized arrangement that he made for the lobby gallery back in 2008. “We did a photo shoot, and we decided to alter the floral arrangement, and the result was “wow.” The key for me was to keep in mind the Acqualina concept/brand and a clear understanding of what they were looking for,” he recalls. “The combination between the vase, the colors and the flowers were taken to their maximum expression, making this arrangement one of the most dramatic for me.”