With over a decade of experience in the floral design industry, we bring a wealth of expertise, strong industry connections, and a true passion for the craft. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, or special occasion, we are committed to bringing your vision to life.
Values
Community-minded, sustainability-focused, heart-led.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, prioritizing kindness, collaboration, and fair practices for all. We continually strive to minimize our environmental impact by supporting local artisans and embracing sustainable practices such as sourcing locally grown flowers, repurposing materials, composting, and using foam-free mechanics.
Design Ethos
Thoughtfully-curated, inspired by nature.
Our designs are grounded in a deep appreciation for seasonality and the natural movement of materials, enabling us to create purposeful pieces that capture a distinct sense of place and time. By curating a short list of flower varieties tailored to each project, we craft arrangements that exude a refined, clean, and understated elegance. We prioritize locally and ethically farmed and foraged materials whenever possible, seeking out rare and heritage varieties, unexpected color palettes, and unconventional elements like berries, brambles, and architectural branches.
Recent Features
Meet the leadership team
Kelsey Ter Meer
Design Director & Owner
Kelsey is characteristically Californian in her mellow demeanor and love of Mexican food, and characteristically a New Yorker in her work ethic and the pace of her walking. She is fortunate to call both places home and draw inspiration from both landscapes.
After earning her degree in environmental science, Kelsey explored various farming roles, from vegetable farming in rural Connecticut to walnut farming in Greece, and managing outdoor educational programs in Queens. In 2016, after honing her skills with established florists in NYC, she relocated to the Hudson Valley and founded Heart & Soil. This venture beautifully merges her passions for creativity, art, farming, and environmentalism.
Her free time is a whirlwind of joy and chaos filled by two spirited children, an outgoing husband, and a playful pup.
Gabrielle Parr
Operations Director
Growing up in a family of builders & farmers, Gabrielle developed a keen eye for structural design, spatial awareness, and a love of plants from a young age. Before venturing into the world of floral design, Gabrielle spent 15 years in the construction industry. Her experience in construction instilled a deep appreciation for clear communication, problem solving, and functional design skills that make her an invaluable member of the Heart & Soil team. An entertainer at heart, her quick- witted humor builds instant rapport with clients, making the wedding planning process enjoyable and stress-free. Gabrielle's talents do not stop at logistics — in recent years, she's been moonlighting as a ceramicist. She just might make you a custom piece for your wedding!
Amanda Perretta
Lead Designer
Born and raised in New York, Amanda brings a deep understanding of the local landscape and a vast network to the Heart & Soil team. Her background as a professional stylist has given her a strong grasp of shape, movement, and color theory, enabling her to craft arrangements that seamlessly blend with their surroundings, true to H&S’s vision. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and astute eye for elegance, Amanda is often found carefully arranging tablescapes, ensuring every flower is perfectly positioned, candles are aligned, and items are spaced just right. When she’s not working with florals, you might catch Amanda behind the drums in her band.
*Homepage video credit: Joshua Brown Photography
*Photo credits: Gabby Riggieri, Freda Banks, Limetta Studio Chellise Michael Elena Wolfe