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Flora & Story in the Netherlands by Nadia Duran and Samar Shawareb

When two friends invite you into the heart of flowers... This masterclass is about sharing expertise and passion, and the unmatched beauty of this country with flower lovers from every corner of the globe.

By: REGINE MOTMANS | 11-03-2026 | 3 min read
Voices of the Industry Floral Events Floral Education
3-day Experience by Nadia Duran and Samar Shawareb in the Netherlands

Some floral experiences are a class. Others feel like a door opening. This one is the second. 

This spring, two friends of mine, Nadia Duran and Samar Shawareb from Arabia Weddings, are bringing something special to the Netherlands: Flora & Story, a 3-day immersive floral masterclass journey in Amsterdam from April 27 to April 29, 2026.

A Masterclass by Nadia and Samar – A Full Experience

Education is never too much. I know how many 'masterclasses' are out there, and I love them all. What I love about this concept is that it is not built as a classroom-only moment. It is built as a full experience, thoughtfully curated, with flowers at the center, and the Netherlands with its tulip fields as the living backdrop. And King's Day on a canalboat. What more can you wish for? 

 

Floral Experience With Nadia Duran and Samar Shawareb Arabia Weddings in the Netherlands

 

Flora & Story Is Designed For Everyone

Flora & Story is designed for wedding planners, event creatives, aspiring stylists, and also for people who simply love flowers and want to understand them better. No prior floral experience is required, just curiosity and an open mind.

Samar Shawareb

"Flora & Story is the culmination of a shared dream to fuse global perspectives and create a learning experience that transcends borders. We are opening the doors to the world’s floral capital, providing both the artistic confidence and the business acumen necessary for event planners and all flower lovers, regardless of where they are in their journey."

 

 

Nadia Duran adds,

"The Netherlands, the heart of the floral world, is a place incredibly close to my own journey - I even have a rose named after me, which symbolizes the deep passion I bring to this industry. This masterclass is about sharing that expertise, that great experience, and the unmatched beauty of this country with flower lovers from every corner of the globe. It’s time to bloom together."

Hands on Workshop and Experience in the Netherlands

What You Can Expect During the 3 Days With Nadia and Samar

From what Nadia and Samar are sharing, this journey blends hands-on learning with once-in-a-lifetime Dutch moments. You can expect hands-on floral masterclasses guided by Nadia and Samar, working with seasonal florals and materials included.

You will also get closer to the Dutch flower world through behind-the-scenes visits, including greenhouses and iconic flower landscapes, with that unforgettable tulip-field feeling that the Netherlands can give.

One of the most Dutch highlights is a front-row King’s Day experience from a private canal boat in Amsterdam, a true cultural moment, and an incredible memory if you have never experienced it.

And I love that participants are being taken care of from the start, with details like airport pick-ups and a welcome pack or keepsake, so you can stay present in the experience.

 

Nadia Duran at Voorn Spray Roses
Nadia Duran

 

Samar Shawareb at Table Design Exhibition
Samar Shawareb at Table Design Exhibition

 

This Masterclass Feels Like a Bucketlist Thing

I love when education is not only about technique, but also about context, atmosphere, and connection. The Netherlands is where flowers are not just sold, they are lived. And Nadia and Samar are the kind of women who understand that beauty becomes stronger when you give it meaning and structure.

If you’re in the wedding world, the event world, or you simply want to deepen your floral language, this is one of those moments that can re-ignite your creativity and expand your network internationally in a very natural way.

I’m genuinely excited for them. And I can’t wait to see what each participant creates, and what stories will come out of those three days in Amsterdam.

Join Flora & Story

FAQ

What is Flora & Story and who is the teacher?

Flora And Story, a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind floral masterclass, officially announces its global launch. This exclusive 3-day immersive experience in the heart of the Netherlands is the vision of a powerful new partnership between internationally acclaimed wedding designer and planner Nadia Duran and leading global wedding planning platform, Arabia Weddings, led by Samar Shawareb.

Who is Nadia Duran?

Nadia Duran is a Sydney-based international event planner, designer, and producer, best known for luxury weddings, event styling, and floral work. She’s also the namesake of the ‘Nadia Duran’ spray rose.

Who is Samar Shawareb?

Samar Shawareb is the founder and CEO of Arabia Weddings, a wedding planning platform based in Jordan and focused on the Middle East and North Africa. She also has a background in event management and has been active in the regional wedding and events industry for many years.

Regine Motmans profile picture
Regine Motmans

"I'm a mom of three boys named Dennis, Jarne, and Xander. I'm married to Dominic, and my flower studio Floregineel is my place to get creative now and then. My main focus is on Thursd.com and myThursd as their Floral Connector. I love to travel to floral events, connect, create opportunities, and win-wins. And in the process write about the events, promote them in advance, and cover them. I'm good at Socials, I'm a trendsetter, and always looking into the future. 

Flowers make everything more beautiful, but also music. I love to sing and dance. In fact, I love life, I love the sun, I love my family and friends, I enjoy the big but also the little things."

 

 

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