Joy. Inspiration. Tranquillity. Just a few of the emotions that bloom from the artistry of florist extraordinaire Alan Retief. With an eye for elegance and a heart rooted in storytelling, his creations go far beyond pretty petals … they’re floral expressions of feeling, memory, and magic.
Stepping into Caar’i Flora is a bit like wandering through a secret garden. Fresh, nature-filled fragrances linger in the air, and colours bloom in every corner. It is here that florist extraordinaire Alan Retief brings his floral creations to life. And even after more than three decades in the industry, (36 to be exact but taking “breathers” of a few months round about every five years to “recharge” the artistic battery), he still feels a flutter of excitement each time he works with flowers.
Growing up in a family of florists and event planners, Alan was surrounded by the fragrance of fresh flowers and the joy of creating magical moments. Interesting enough, he did not follow in the family’s footsteps – at first.
“Some people find their calling in numbers, others in creativity. For me, it was both. After earning my B-Com Accounting degree and completing my honours, I entered the corporate world. Within just three years and eight months, I realized my heart longed for something different. Something more beautiful. More personal. More fulfilling. That’s when I embraced my true calling … flowers and event design.”
And the rest is history. Alan took the leap and started his own business, gradually refining his signature style and floral expertise. He’s stayed ahead of the curve, embracing trends while remaining rooted in timeless beauty. From creating unique and breathtaking weddings to growing what is now the booming, blooming flowerhouse that is Caar’i Flora, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. It’s no surprise this floral haven is a definitive must we’re adding to our little black book.
With many memorable career highlights under his belt … being asked to design the florals for the presidential inauguration of both Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki remains utterly unforgettable.
“It was a huge honour! I’ve also had the privilege of planning and designing the weddings of several celebs, bringing their unique love stories to life with a burst of floral fabulousness.”
When the conversation turns to weddings, Alan smiles. These moments, he admits, have always held a special place in his heart – when his floral designs become part of a love story told through petals, colour, and fragrance.
There’s something truly enchanting about transforming a vision into reality—curating dreamy floral arrangements, designing breathtaking venues, and ensuring that every little detail adds to the couple’s love story.
For Alan, flowers are much than just décor – they’re storytellers, rich with meaning and memory. And in his experience, he’s learned that while trends may inspire, authenticity is what truly makes a wedding unforgettable.
“Yes, staying up to date is important. But blindly following them is one of the biggest mistakes couples can make.”
Rather than recreating the wedding of the moment, Alan advises couples to incorporate timeless classics – whether in elegant crisp whites or soft pastels – while blending in some of their personal favourites like a flower that reminds them of their first date.
“The aim is for your wedding to be a true reflection of who you are as a couple – not just a copy of someone else’s moment.”
Sure, weddings might be Alan’s specialty, but he’s all about bringing floral happiness to any occasion—whether it’s a big bash, a cosy dinner with friends, a feel-good pick-me-up, or even a cheeky bouquet to win someone over. If there’s an excuse to turn up the floral fun, you bet your bouquet … Alan’s in! Oh, and speaking of perfect excuses – hello, Mother’s Day.
“Flowers do the talking – and sometimes even a little happy dance. They have this effortless way of lifting a space, brightening moods, and adding instant charm. Whether it’s a rough Monday, a celebration, or just a ‘thinking of you’ moment, flowers can turn a ‘meh’ day into a full-on ‘yay’. No words needed.”
And for Alan it’s not just about pretty arrangements or perfect petals—it’s about creating emotion, capturing moments, and sharing a little bit of magic through nature’s most beautiful storytellers. Because at the end of the day, for him, flowers aren’t just what he does—they’re who he is.
Get to know the florist
How would you describe your floral style? A blend of classic elegance and modern creativity, with a love for whites, pastels, and unique textures.
Flower that best describes you? A garden rose. Timeless, elegant and full of character.
Your ultimate dream floral creation? A breathtaking floral tunnel – lush, fragrant and completely immersive.
Would love to create a floral design for … A royal wedding, of course! I’d create a stunning, cascading floral design with lush pastels, crisp whites, and elegant greenery to reflect regal sophistication.
Fave flower to work with? Peonies – they’re lush, romantic, and add instant luxury.
Least fave? Lillies – their strong scent can be overpowering, and the pollen stains.
A flower trend that must go? Overly artificial-looking florals – natural beauty always shines brighter.
Alan and his team has seen wedding trends bloom, evolve, and come full circle. From timeless tips to fresh-forward florals, Alan shares his expert insights on how to make your wedding flowers meaningful, on-trend, and truly memorable. Read more about it here.
Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Image: FRANCOIS PISTORIUS.
Details: Visit caariflora.co.za or follow @caari_flora on Insta and @TheCaar’iFloraGroup on Facebook.
