Forever Flowers

Hello Brides of Long Island, and thanks for checking out my vendor page!

My name is Judy Calamis, and I'm the founder and floral artist behind Forever Flowers. I create bouquets, centerpieces, wreaths, and other floral arrangements for your wedding day from extremely realistic, high-quality silk flowers. In fact, the question I hear the most is: "Those flowers AREN'T real?" And trust me, that's the best compliment I could ever receive!

I'm so excited to work with brides and grooms all across Long Island, and continue doing something I love. I thrive on working closely with couples, hearing their input, seeing their ideas and customizing each and every design to perfection. I'm so passionate about weddings - not only for my love of flowers, but also in sharing this very special and once-in-a-lifetime occasion with YOU!

I got into the wedding industry simply because it brings me so much joy to work with brides. While I’ve been a floral artist for many years, I was inspired to start Forever Flowers during the COVID-19 pandemic - my very first clients were my son Craig and my daughter-in-law Suzy!

When it comes to flowers, not everyone knows what they want. So I enjoy both aspects of the wedding floral design process: whether it's making beautiful creations from scratch to surprise you, or building the floral arrangements straight from the inspirations that are floating around in your brain. I'm super flexible and I love what I do, so being creative while working closely with you is my favorite aspect of being a florist. I'm also a bit of a perfectionist, so I will continue working on your arrangements until you are thrilled by what you see.

I love every wedding I’ve ever been a part of, but two specific moments stand out in my mind. And yes - the first involves my son and daughter-in-law!

During their reception at Fox Hollow, their DJ introduced me and said “look at all of these beautiful arrangements on the tables, and the gorgeous flowers. Craig and Susie want to acknowledge all of your work and your labor of love.” Of course, this had me hysterically crying! I was really very touched.

My second favorite memory is of a couple that got married around Christmas. They of course wanted seasonal flowers like poinsettias, but also roses and a few others. Holiday themed arrangements are so inspirational and fun to create! The results were really beautiful, and some of my best work.

By now you know I specialize in silk florals for your wedding day, but I can create arrangements, wreaths and centerpieces for all occasions.

One aspect of silks that I pride myself on is repurposing your wedding flowers into gifts and new arrangements, so that they can live on in your home for years to come!

More than 30 years ago, I was a part-time freelance florist while also working for a Long Island flower shop. Back then I’d set up in my kitchen, couples would come over to my house, and we’d sit and have tea or coffee and talk about everything. I really got to know my couples during the process (I still do!) and our relationships grew to the point where we started to feel like family.

Eventually I moved to Florida, where I worked with my friend who owned a bridal boutique. I displayed a few of my pieces there, and did some bridal shows and weddings, but ultimately kept my floral arranging as more of a hobby.

After I moved back to my home state of New York a few years ago, I was privileged with the task of providing the bouquets and florals for my son and daughter-in-law's wedding. I worked closely with my daughter-in-law Suzy, who handpicked each of the flowers we used. She said to me, "I'm not sure what you're going to do, but I'd love that 'pop' of blue." Once I was done making her bouquet, she said "Wow, I could have never imagined that it would come out looking as beautiful as this!" Creating these arrangements really sparked my passion for flowers again, and I owe it to Craig and Suzy that Forever Flowers exists.

I chose the name “Forever Flowers” because with all the money, time and energy that brides spend on their flowers, it’s unfair to watch them wilt, shrivel, and die. Thanks to the high-quality silk florals I use, and my ability to repurpose and redesign your florals into new arrangements, your wedding day flowers will last...well, forever!

Like I mentioned, my most frequently asked question is -
Q: These flowers aren’t real?!?
A: Nope! I use the highest quality silk flowers to create your bouquets, centerpieces, boutineers, wreaths, or any other floral accents you envision for your wedding.

Q: Are silk flowers more affordable than real flowers?
A: Generally, yes. However it may not be that drastic of a difference, and costs vary depending on the species of the flower. Again - I only use the highest quality silks to create your arrangements, so our flowers aren’t “cheap.” The way I prefer to look at it is - it’s not just about one being more money or less money than the other. It’s about the VALUE of what you’re getting for your money. Instead of paying so much for something you’ll eventually have to throw away, you get to keep what you pay for, for the rest of your life.

Q: What are the benefits of using silk flowers instead of real flowers?
A: Aside from getting to keep your beautiful wedding flowers for a lifetime, another huge benefit is that your floral choices aren’t dictated by the season. If you want real tulips for your October wedding, you will more than likely be paying a huge premium for them. With silks, the flowers you want are always in season (in any color you can imagine)! And while real flowers are obviously gorgeous, many people can have allergic reactions to them. You won't have to worry about that with silks!

Q: You’re located in Queens, but I’m in Long Island. Would I have to drive to Queens to meet with you?
A: When you schedule a consultation with me, we will meet in a location that’s convenient for YOU. I travel throughout Long Island, and can meet you at a place that’s close to your home or office, at a time or day that works best for you.

Aside from floral arranging, I love live music and going to concerts, working out, bowling, cooking (I am Italian, after all!) and spending time with my family. The pandemic not only gave me the opportunity to rediscover my passion for flowers, but it also allowed me to take up painting. It’s a new-hobby that I’m really enjoying.

I’m also a huge animal lover. I think horses are so majestic and beautiful, and the unconditional love that you get from a dog is priceless! My heart hurts seeing so many animals without homes, that have to endure abuse and abandonment. If I could, I would adopt them all! I've always said that if I ever win the lotto, I would open the biggest animal rescue that I possibly could.