Kim Mayo - Founder, Wedding Planner & Floral Designer
Kim is the creative director behind Poppin’ Petals, bringing together planning expertise, floral design, and a deep appreciation for storytelling through experience.
Her approach blends structure with creativity, ensuring weddings are both beautifully designed and seamlessly executed. She focuses on creating a calm experience behind the scenes so couples can be fully present in every moment of their day.
Kim believes the most meaningful weddings are defined not by scale, but by feeling—the anticipation before a ceremony, the emotional shift of a room reveal, and the quiet in-between moments that stay with you long after the day ends.
The Team
Lauren Theodore – Lead Planner
Lauren Theodore is a trusted partner to the Poppin’ Petals team, bringing over a decade of experience across interior design and wedding planning. With a refined eye for detail and a strong sense of flow, she ensures every celebration is thoughtfully orchestrated from rehearsal through to the final moments of the evening.
Cultural Background & Traditions
Lauren is of Grenadian background and appreciates the vibrancy of cultural expression in celebrations, including the “dancing of the flags and cakes,” a joyful tradition that reflects heritage and community.
Favourite Wedding Moment
Her favourite moment is the couple’s first look, where anticipation and emotion come together in a deeply moving exchange.
Favourite Flower
Calla lily
Favourite Cuisine
Cheesecake and crème brûlée
Liv Pogonysheva – Assistant Planner
Liv brings a refined balance of creativity and organization to the team. With a background in marketing and entrepreneurship, she supports planning with calm precision and strong attention to detail.
Cultural Background & Traditions
Liv is of Russian background and appreciates the tradition of “gorko,” where guests prompt the couple to kiss after a toast.
Favourite Wedding Moment
Her favourite moment is the father–daughter dance, which she finds especially emotional and meaningful.
Favourite Flower
Tulip
Favourite Cuisine
Sushi
Mariam Naimi – Lead Designer
Mariam Naimi is the creative force behind Poppin’ Petals’ design work, bringing over a decade of experience across floral studios and event décor companies throughout the GTA. With a strong foundation in timeless design, she also specializes in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and culturally rich celebrations.
Cultural Background & Traditions
Mariam is of Afghan background and holds a deep connection to a meaningful tradition where a green belt is tied around the bride’s waist at the end of the wedding, symbolizing new beginnings, prosperity, and blessings for her future.
Favourite Wedding Moment
Her favourite moment is the room reveal, when couples see their vision fully come to life for the first time.
Favourite Flower
Freesia
Favourite Cuisine
Strawberry shortcake
Andrea Garnica – Floral Designer
Andrea Garnica is the newest member of the floral team, bringing vibrant energy and experience from floral studios across the GTA. Her work is expressive, thoughtful, and full of life.
Cultural Background & Traditions
Andrea is of Mexican background and values traditions such as “La Vibora de la Mar,” a symbolic wedding dance representing unity and partnership.
Favourite Wedding Moment
She loves the ceremony, especially the emotional atmosphere as everything unfolds.
Favourite Flower
Ranunculus
Favourite Food
Tacos
Nelly - Setup & Design Assistant
Nelly brings a grounding presence to the setup and design team, known for her calm energy and positive spirit. Outside of weddings, she enjoys hiking and baking.
Cultural Background & Traditions
Nelly is of Mexican background and values the tradition of Padrinos and Madrinas, where loved ones support different parts of the wedding.
Favourite Wedding Moment
She is most moved by the groom’s reaction as the bride walks down the aisle.
Favourite Flower
Hydrangeas and peonies
Favourite Food
Tacos