When it comes to wedding florals, the word “lush” usually conjures up visions of overflowing roses, peonies, and hydrangeas - but in the heart of the desert, there's a quiet revolution happening. And at the center of it is Christina Blodgett, the founder and creative force behind Urban Desert Flora, a Phoenix-based floral studio that is completely reimagining what lush means in a landscape defined by succulents, cacti, and heat-hardy blooms.
Christina’s floral philosophy is rooted in sustainability - but her approach goes far beyond simply choosing local blooms. Her designs are an homage to the land itself. Think: hand-tied bouquets brimming with native wildflowers, ceremony arches draped in sun-bleached branches and desert greenery, and tablescapes that feel freshly foraged yet thoughtfully curated. Her work makes you see the desert differently - maybe even fall in love with it.
What truly sets Christina apart is not just her aesthetic (though it’s undeniably stunning), but her values. She’s a proud member of the Slow Flowers Movement, a national collective of florists committed to using American-grown flowers and eco-conscious practices. Urban Desert Flora prioritizes Arizona flower farmers, uses only foam-free mechanics, and thoughtfully selects compostable and reusable materials - all with the goal of making beauty sustainable.
That same commitment to sustainability and local agriculture inspired Christina to co-found The Arizona Flower Collective, a blooming organization built to support Arizona’s local flower growers through education, networking, and wholesale opportunities. As the Phoenix Wholesale Market Lead, Christina plays a pivotal role in revitalizing Arizona's floral industry - helping florists like herself gain better access to quality, locally grown stems. When she first began Urban Desert Flora, she often traveled more than 150 miles to source fresh flowers. Just four years later, thanks in large part to the work of AZFC, local florists now have more direct access to seasonal blooms grown right in their own backyard.
The Arizona Flower Collective is more than a resource ... it’s a foundation for the Slow Flowers Movement in Arizona, and a reflection of Christina’s deep-rooted passion for her craft. Her leadership within the organization is becoming an enduring part of her legacy, a testament to her grit, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of local flowers to transform not only designs but entire communities.
But sustainability isn’t the only pillar of her practice. Through years of experience, Christina has learned that creating a floral plan that works within a couple’s budget, aligns with their values, and fulfills their creative vision is not only possible - it’s essential. Urban Desert Flora understands the painstaking process that goes into curating a professional or personal event. The team knows how important it is to balance aesthetics and price to capture the atmosphere clients truly desire. Their transparent process and pricing, paired with a desert-inspired portfolio and a deep connection to the local community, make it easy to communicate their value and allow clients to focus on other aspects of their event with confidence.
Urban Desert Flora’s services include full-scale weddings, engagement parties, and elopements, with a focus on using local flowers and personalized designs. Every detail is thoughtfully considered to align with the client’s vision, resulting in stunning floral arrangements that bring their dream wedding to life. Today, Christina and her team work with couples across Arizona, creating unforgettable wedding floral experiences. From intimate elopements among towering saguaros to large-scale receptions in Scottsdale, her work evokes a kind of poetic desert magic - organic, emotional, and enduring. Christina brings both an artist’s eye and a planner’s precision, crafting experiences where every bloom tells part of the story and each piece feels like a modern love letter to the desert - wild, warm, and completely unforgettable.
To inquire about availability, request a quote, or simply connect, visit urbandesertflora.com and fill out the short contact form. Whether you’re exploring early ideas or have a clear vision in mind, Urban Desert Flora is ready to help bring your wedding to life - beautifully, sustainably ... and with heart.
Why We Love Urban Desert Flora
✓ Sustainability-forward and foam-free
✓ Focus on locally grown, seasonal blooms
✓ Co-founder of The Arizona Flower Collective, supporting local flower farmers
✓ Designs that embrace the raw beauty of the desert
✓ Transparent pricing and a collaborative process
✓ Offers florals for weddings, elopements, and engagement parties
