Historic East Riddlesden Hall is a popular venue for weddings.

And on each occasion, the floral displays complement the beautiful setting.

Elegant yet striking, the expertly-arranged wedding flowers gel perfectly with the splendid interior.

The florist behind the transformation of the 17th century merchant’s house feels privileged to work in such an atmospheric property.

“I feel very lucky to be able to work in such wonderful surroundings, with such a sense of heritage,” says Lynne Hodgkinson. “Couples choose to get married in East Riddlesden Hall because it is so special, and we work hard to get the flowers just right.”

Lynne, who specialises in wedding flowers, works regularly at the National Trust-owned property in Keighley, and another National Trust gem – 18th century Nostell Priory near Wakefield. She also masterminds the floral spectacle at a number of key wedding venues across the county, including Holdsworth House in Halifax, Swinton Park near Masham and Bagden Hall in Huddersfield.

Lynne had wanted to be a florist for as long as she can remember, and believes her interest was sparked during an art class. “One of the teachers brought flowers into the classroom for us to paint and I was really taken with them. I remember looking at how they were arranged and thinking how I would really like to work with flowers.”

She adds: “There was a florist’s shop near where I lived – my dad used to take me there to buy flowers for my mum. And we always had flowers at home.”

But after leaving school she took a different road. “My parents said I should go into a ‘safe’ career so I went into an office. I knew straight away that it wasn’t for me.”

So, aged 18, she went to work in a florist’s shop, and six years later she opened her first shop. Lynne sold the business when she gave birth to her son Jack, now four, and embarked on a freelance career.

She has not looked back and now employs four staff. “Karen Brooks is my right-hand florist, and the other team members work part-time,” says Lynne.

Their creations follow the seasons. “We will soon be into our sweet pea season, which is very popular, along with peonies and stocks.”

Orchids and lily of the valley are a favourite with couples. “And roses – they are timeless, and there is a vast range of colours, with lovely names like Memory Lane.

“Brides like colours to match their bridesmaids’ dresses. We look at the type of fabric first and then the colour, and design around that.

“At present I’m working on a wedding at East Riddlesden Hall, where the couple want lots of mauves, lilacs, pinks and purples.”

“We have done some quite elaborate displays with a real ‘wow’ factor. Wedding guests stand and stare open-mouthed.”

Lynne, whose company is called Stems Design, and her team have arranged at large weddings with huge budgets of more than £10,000.

“It is very challenging and we do feel nervous beforehand, but in a good way. No matter what the budget, couples have very specific tastes, from understated to more eye-catching, and we design to fit them.

“There is a lot of behind-the-scenes preparation – we have between two and four consultations over a period of up to a year. We want every wedding, whatever the size, to be really special.”

Because flowers are perishable, the arrangements have to be made as close to the ceremony as possible. “You can’t do it too early – there have been a few occasions when we have worked through the night,” says Lynne, whose many awards include coming third in the national Florist of the Year contest. “There is such a lot of work in it, but it is great fun too.”

Last year, she styled the flowers at 78 weddings across Yorkshire, many in historic buildings. Throughout summer, she styles weddings at East Riddlesden Hall virtually every week.

“We have quite a few rules to follow in historic buildings and have to be careful where we place arrangements. We work closely with staff at each property.”

Lynne adores her job. “I love it. I wouldn’t want to do anything else, and working in magnificent properties is the icing on the cake,” she says.

For more about Stems Design, ring (01484) 537026, e-mail Lynne@eastriddlesdenhall.co.uk or lhodgkinson@btinternet.com, or visit stemsdesign.co.uk or eastriddlesdenhall.co.uk. With thanks to Charlotte Storey and Satvinder Mann, whose flowers we photographed just hours before they married at East Riddlesden Hall.