Imagine the excitement of bringing one of the most renowned floral schools to your own backyard! Well, this was the thrill of the week in Colombia when a school like Savia Bruta from Spain set foot in Colombia for the first time, creating tons of fun and excitement for many local floral fans, including myself and several designers, coupled with more than a handful of traveling enthusiasts.
Hosting Europe’s Top Floral School in Colombia? Pinch Me!
The presence of Alex Molina in Villa Leyva was strongly felt, and most importantly, he was welcomed with open arms and excitement. It was more than just a workshop because for the attendees, including me, it was a sign that the culture of floral design in Latin America is blooming with strength, connecting globally while being recognized for its authenticity, creativity, and vision.
Having Alex, a founding partner and current CEO of Savia Bruta, as one of the most influential floral schools in Europe, here in our country, marked a historic floral moment for the Colombian market.
Inside One of the Most Beautiful Floral Experiences I’ve Ever Had
As a national floral designer and former student of Alex, it was an emotional reunion filled with a deep sense of gratitude and ever-growing admiration. Having been asked to provide support for this event was not only an immense honor but also an excellent opportunity to actively contribute with true floral collaboration from some of my active industry partners, thus proudly sponsoring with quality flowers, which enhanced the enthusiasm of the overall experience. I worked hand-in-hand with some of the Colombian companies that, like me, believe in high-level education, the power of our flowers, and the value of real connections.
This special gathering was made possible thanks to Laura Rincón, a pioneer in wedding planning in Colombia with over twelve years of experience. Laura not only creates dream weddings in gorgeous Villa de Leyva settings, but also promotes tourism for this magical and authentic town three hours northeast of Bogotá.
A Workshop Hosted in Casa de las Buganvilias
Laura's visionary spirit brought this international experience to life, hosted in the perfect venue: Casa Las Buganvilias, the #1 destination wedding venue in the region. The architecture, nature, and warmth of the setting elevated every moment we shared. Her attention to detail surpassed everyone's expectations and left behind the magnetism of our creativity.
Over several days, floral designers, wedding planners, and flower lovers from Peru, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Venezuela, and various cities within Colombia gathered for a one-of-a-kind experience. Many have been following Alex’s work for years, but hadn’t had the opportunity to learn directly from him, as traveling abroad for such intensive courses isn’t always feasible. This is why having him here was such a treasured opportunity, one deeply appreciated by all.
The course content was as diverse as it was inspiring. We explored Grand Style techniques, large-scale contemporary ceremonial structures, while mixing it up a bit with Korean-style bridal bouquets, known for their modern, balanced compositions. We also experimented with the incorporation of various fruit elements into the design, breaking traditional rules and opening new creative paths.
Innovative and Intriguing Techniques by Alex Molina
One of the most fascinating parts of the course was the introduction to contemporary techniques like the iridescent effect, which transforms certain petals into gorgeous shimmering and reflective surfaces, creating a dazzling fantasy optical illusion. Although not all flowers are suited for this particular technique, due to their lack of smoothness as a first requirement, it’s essential to carefully select the applicable varieties. I tried it for the first time with an anthurium, and the result was incredible, as if it had a light of its own.
We also worked on the marbling technique, a delicate process where designs of paint were floated on water and then carefully transferred to the flower. The final result of the last day's project was a breathtaking installation, like something out of a fairy tale—full of wonder, with flowers that seemed to tell their own stories through color and texture.
Throughout the course, Alex guided us beyond much more than just technique. He shared his insights on the use of colors, massing, surrealist trends, and vegetative transitions, encouraging us to create pieces with visual storytelling, emotional impact, and compositional harmony. He inspired us to explore freely, while still honoring the natural form of each flower, keeping foliage low and transitions clean to shape balanced, memorable scenes.
A Burst of Creative Energy
Above all, it was the energy of the group that made the experience unforgettable. A gathering of passionate women, united by curiosity, a thirst for knowledge, and the joy of creating something new with their own hands. Alex, with his warmth, talent, and generosity, made each participant feel special, inspired, and ready to apply what they had learned in their own journeys.
As a floral designer, as a former student, and as an active participant and witness to this great experience, I can earnestly state that this was much more than a course. I’m deeply thankful to the Colombian companies who supported this journey, to Laura for her visionary leadership, and to Alex for bringing his school and spirit to our Colombian soil.
Villa de Leyva didn’t just look good with flowers everywhere—it turned into this wild, unexpected meeting point where ideas sparked, people connected, and something way bigger than just a workshop started taking shape for all of us in the floral world.
Photos by: @dorisyjulian.photovideo. Special thanks to: Plazoleta Flowers, Elite Flower, United Selections, Könst Alstroemeria, Geoflora Colombia, SB Talee, and Wayuu Flowers.
