Step into the Italian floral studio of NeroFiore Dallemiemani with me.
We walk into the studio and my entire being is flooded with the creative energy that is swirling within the space, but it’s not something that’s been carefully curated to “look” creative- it simply just is.
I invite you to step inside with me…
You can tell that the vases sitting under the window, with the evening sunlight casting beautiful shadows on the wall behind them, were not placed there intentionally for this very moment of when we arrive, but it’s so breathtaking and picturesque it’s hard to believe they weren't. But they are sitting there in that exact spot, at the same moment as the sun shines in at just the right angle, and I can barely keep it together as I am witnessing the artistic space of these Italian florists that seems to just say- this is what unlocked raw artistry and passion for what you do looks like. It’s not something that is organized and systemized- it’s something that is felt and discovered in every little piece of glass, fabric, wire, and petal that comes together to create the masterpieces that NeroFiore Dallemiemani puts together.
If you were to see Barbra Beccarelli’s work before meeting her you might expect to find someone unapproachable. You could only assume a designer with this eye and this talent may hold herself apart from the rest of us. Nothing could be further from the truth. She was incredibly welcoming, allowing us to explore and capture the little nooks and cranny’s of her studio without a watchful eye, which gave my creativity room to breathe and the ability to truly see her space for what it is- the birthplace of masterpieces that go on to bring life to weddings, events, and luxury spaces.
Barbara, her husband and business partner, and her assistant that day all worked with a quiet humbleness about them, true professionals who allowed us a glimpse into their process, taking time away from their work so we could be part of it.
There was not 1 flower, out of hundreds, that did not pass through their fingers. Petals were being molded into more open shapes, leaves were being removed for installment, stamen were being plucked so their powder wouldn’t transfer onto light petals or clothes at the event. There was a bigger purpose to every move, and it was all done meticulously and with care.
We found out during our time at NeroFiore Dallemiemani that their work has appeared on many magazine covers. I later found out that is just the tip of the iceberg. Their work has also been featured in Vogue Italy and displayed at some of the most iconic and stunning locations in Italy, truly too many to name but you can see for yourself here- Nerofiore Instagram
Scroll through the feed and you’ll never look at florals the same way again.
They are highlighted for their ability to not just put together a bouquet- they create experiences with florals (and fruit, and vegetables, and other natural materials that you are so surprised to see arranged as Art, but it works so beautifully.) To say they are florists may not be enough. They are building environments. They are seeing a space and transforming it while still letting the beauty of where they are installing at still shine. I doubt it’s a skill that can be taught, but a natural vision that’s been built upon and enhanced through experience over the years.
I had the honor of this experience because of Unico Stay. They curate experiences, itineraries, and retreats for those traveling to Italy and wanting to experience something unique and off the beaten path. Through them you can book a day to take a class with Barbara.
One of the last things we did together was watch Barbara build a bouquet, which I don’t think is the right word. It was as if we were watching a sculpture take shape before our eyes. We all stood in silence as we watched each stem being placed, not because we felt as though we had to be quiet, but because it was honestly just a moment you wanted to be completely present in. It was almost meditative to watch, and something you weren’t able to look away from. When she was done I asked her if it would be ok to place the piece on the table behind her, the first table I walked in and saw with the vases and the perfect light.
Capturing this piece that was so thoughtfully made in the same light that caught my eye when I first walked in was such a full circle moment. I was creating Art of her Art while also being aware that there were just so much that I wasn’t in control of (like the perfect light and shadows) and all these factors were coming together to create that exact moment, this exact photograph, and that felt so special.
The afternoon had unfolded with no plan. I didn’t know what we were walking into, I didn’t even know what photographs I was going to walk away with. There was no direction, no expectation. This experience could have gone so many different ways. It could have been a highly controlled shoot, something staged as real life, but no room for the beautiful mess of creation- but it wasn’t. Had it been, I know I wouldn’t be sitting here writing about it. The images wouldn’t have felt the same. What would I say? I walked into a room where everything was put away properly, a bouquet was on the table, and the Artist behind it all was in clothes she would never work in, in her space that looks nothing like it should, and we took the pictures and told the story we thought you wanted to hear. Instead, I was able to capture the true reality of what it looks like, what it takes, what it feels like, and how inspiring it is to be in someone’s space of genius exactly as it is in reality, and see the exquisite Art that comes from it. And for that I am beyond grateful.
100% of the stories shared on this site so far have been about myself and my journey as an Artist (or just all around creative individual.). I knew as soon as I started photographing this space that I was going to disrupt that. I was very aware in that moment how deeply impacted I was being by what I was witnessing and I knew I had to share that with others. Within seconds of being there I had this overwhelming connection and thought- I want to be in more spaces like this, I want to see ( and I want other people to see) the real version of how other Artists create, not just the curated version we see online, but where the real magic lives. It was this deep pull that just felt right.
The experiences I had in Italy thanks to working with Gessica at Unico Stay delivered just that, and because of her I have so many more talented people full of deep passion that I get to share with you here. I can’t wait for you to experience the side of Italy and it’s people that I did.
Just a reminder- yes, I use a lot of dashes. I used them before Chat GPT. haha AI did not and will never write my blogs for me.
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