Eddie Zaratsian of Tic-Tock Couture Florals and I have been friends and colleagues for many years collaborating and debating design in his gorgeous design studio.  His vast experience and worldly viewpoint brings an incredible perspective to the design world.  Furthermore, his sense of humor and overtly confident nature is always an enjoyable mix with mine.  Eddie and his team worked their magic and transformed flowers into works of art for The Tumbagas, which was our toughest episode.  It was the first episode of the season and lets just say – we still had a few kinks to work-out.  With the Tumbagas episode airing this Sunday, I wanted to share my recent conversation with Eddie so that you will watch this week’s episode and fall in love him just as much as I do!

DV: What was your most memorable experience of working on the first episode ever taped of I Do Over?

Eddie: I would have to say YOU! You inspire me in so many ways, always pushing my creative buttons and then setting me free to create. You’re such a positive force and that always brings out the best in me.  I also love the energy when a new production of a TV show is being created for the first time. I was super excited for you because you’re such a good friend and I just knew from previous experiences with you what a great collaboration that was going to unfold!

Diann Valentine and Eddie Zaratsian at Engage 11!

DV: Reality TV has created so many opportunities for great artists like yourself – but I’m a firm believer that every opportunity is not a good opportunity.  Why did you accept the call from I Do Over?

Eddie: First of all I love the concept of the show! This angle on weddings has never been created for TV in the wedding industry. When you initially called to share the news that you would be hosting this new show, I was so excited for you! You are magical and I was committed to supporting you in any possible way and I was honored to be working on an episode with you. My personal experience with Reality TV has been very positive, so I went into this feeling good. WEtv is so supportive of the wedding industry and I really appreciate that and wanted to show my support for them as well.

DV: I am known to push my vendors hard to dig deeper for another level of creative expression and we experienced that during our episode.  Needless to say, the florals for the Tumbaga’s episode far exceeded my expectations.  What was your favorite floral element of that episode?

Eddie: You know I am just like you, pushing the envelope as a designer is what I do. The bridal bouquet was my favorite floral element of the Tumbagas episode. The bouquet consisted of Cymbidium Orchids that we deconstructed and then composed one big orchid bouquet with the orchid petals all thrown around with mini pearls grouped in the center. We used thousands of roses, leaves, and different groupings of flowers in yellow and silver in various heights. It was a fresh and different color combination with loads of surprising elements. I loved the original artistic point of view that we conveyed.

A sneak peek of our bride's bouquet was all that I envisioned and more!

DV: We saw some pretty devastating disasters on I Do Over.  What tips do you have for brides that can help them avoid their own floral disasters?

Eddie: Find a floral designer with passion and experience. Trust your vendors. Listen to their suggestions and guidance and most importantly, try not to micro-manage them. Flowers are nature’s gift to us; let them be in their natural state.

DV: My natural design aesthetic has always been influenced by Tom Ford because I love how he infuses sensuality in everything that he creates.  Who is your design muse?

Eddie: I love Tom Ford, and I also love Dolce and Gabbana.  Their designs are feminine and masculine concurrently. They’re experts at combining hard and soft elements that take you by surprise. I love that in a design. Dolce and Gabbana is all about bringing details together in the best possible way and I strive to infuse a similar intent with my designs as well.

Eddie Zaratsian at work!

DV:  If you could design a signature floral piece for any 5 women – dead or alive – who would they be and why?

This one is challenging to answer, so I’m going to do my best.

1. I dream of designing for Jackie Kennedy because I think she would have brought out the sophisticated and elegant designs in me.
2. Elizabeth Taylor because I would have looked to her exquisite jewelry collection as inspiration.
3. Lady Gaga for a personal event; I’m certain she would require that I comprehend and interpret flowers on a distinctively creative level.
4. Oprah – she exudes grandeur with everything she does.
5. I think the biggest design challenge of all would be to create an arrangement for Madonna.  One that she would fall in love with that contained hydrangeas! I’m up for the challenge!

DV:  What’s next for Tic-Tock Couture Floral? Well the real question should be what is next for Eddie Zaratsian, (?????)

Eddie: My new floral boutique in Restoration Hardware on Beverly Boulevard has introduced a new type of consumer business that’s been wonderful. It’s such a joy to have that spontaneous interaction and create something beautiful and impulsive for people that will enjoy in their homes or give it to someone special.

Also, I’ve been working on a lot of movie premieres lately and my book will be released in early 2012, so I have so many new and expanding ventures to be excited about!

Eddie Zaratsian's Coral Motif Inspiration Board

For more information on Tic-Tock Couture Floral or to have a glimpse at some of their amazing creations, click here!

And of course, don’t forget to tune into the Tumbagas episode of I Do Over on Sunday, December 4^th at 10pm on WEtv to see all of the magnificent pieces that Eddie and his team brought to life!

So do tell – what do you look for most in a floral designer?  Please join the Diann Valentine family and share it with us all!

Keep spreading the love,