11. Chinese Fan
Concrete Rose Floral
Travis Gabriel
2025 installation - French Drawing Room
The Inspiration
The curio cabinet in the center of the room displays this filigree gilt metal-and-enamel lady’s fan that bears Chinese figures on the paper surface.
The Flowers
Florist’s inspiration: During the the height of its popularity folding fans such as these were not just used to keep cool or as a beautiful accessory. At times they were used to hide conversations but later women used positioning of the fan and its use to relay meanings of attraction, dislike, dating status a desired rendezvous or a desire to talk. The rich deep colors and fanning design of this arrangement we hope will illicit conversation of it's viewers.
Recipe: Delphinium, Roses, Anthirium
THE DESIGNER
Travis Gabriel
Concrete Rose Floral
Travis Gabriel, owner of Concrete Rose Floral, was born and raised in the Washington DC area, descending from a long line of creatives. Always appreciating nature and its beauty, his route to the floral world was a unique one. He landed in florals originally as a delivery driver. This experience forever changed his perspective and appreciation of flowers. Just over a year later he found himself working full time as a floral designer where he has continued his craft. His elegant but modern style has been formed working with top floral designers in the area and even a stint in wholesale floral sales where his knowledge of various florals and greenery was amassed.
As a native to the area Travis takes great pride in providing beautiful florals to the city that has raised and shaped him. As a Black male he takes even more pride in bringing inclusion and representation into the floral world. While Travis has been in the industry for years his company was born from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Its name represents the beauty that grows from adversity as well as a masculine but creative view of floral. He is excited about bringing his vast knowledge and skill to use for various clients and venues in the years to come.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Aimee Custis Photography
Aimee Custis & Katie Lingan
Aimee Custis Photography documents weddings, portraits, and events in a rich, luminous, and emotive style. Their inclusive, client-centric approach to wedding photography is informed heavily by Aimee’s background in hospitality, non-profit event planning, and college summers as a camp counselor. Their wedding work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Washingtonian Weddings.
Aimee (she/they) lives in a rowhouse in Washington DC’s U Street corridor with her husband Greg and golden retriever Whiskey. Aimee is also the web designer behind the Art in Bloom website.
Aimee’s Associate Photographer Katie Lingan is rare cancer survivor with an entrepreneurial spirit. Katie joined the wedding industry in 2012 and has documented hundreds of weddings. Katie believes life is too short not to celebrate happiness.
