Mom Muse | Rachel Omundson

Born a creative soul, Rachel Omundson has loved designing and styling things since she was a child. She recalls keeping a sketchbook filled with Crayola marker fashion drawings, and as she puts it, “Patterns, color and texture make me tick.” Now, Rachel channels her creativity and talent into floral design, alongside her sister Anna Gilmore. The designing duo own Three Branches Floral Design based in Dallas, Texas, which they founded in 2014.

Above photo: Rachel and Anna making their vision come to life in the studio.

Rachel shared with us that she didn’t initially plan to focus on floral design, but she is “so happy this is where (she’s) arrived.” Rachel and Anna travel all over the map to help create the perfect dream setting for destination weddings and events. As she told us in her own words, “We truly translate design trends with flowers, and nature provides the most amazing materials.” Yes, it does and the results are stunning… we are in awe of her work!

Rachel and Anna pose with their fantastic arrangements. Photo Credit: Scout Guide

Gorgeous blooms set a celebratory mood.

Even with juggling her high-profile demanding business, Rachel always manages to put family first. She and her husband Matt have three kids that keep them running in circles – Patrick (13), Charlotte (11) and Spencer (7) — so keeping it all together is no easy feat. And yet, Rachel does it all with style and finesse and a warm smile. It of course helps having her sister as a partner and Matt cheering her on – yes, her family is a tight-knit and supportive group.

Patrick, Charlotte and Spencer having fun on a photo shoot.

The family at one of their favorite vacation spots in Southern California.

The family on a ski vacay.

MSL: Describe your style in five words or less.
Jeans, ponytail and a cuff.

MSL: What do you like best about your job? What’s the biggest challenge?
I absolutely love the process of meeting with clients and dreaming up the design of an event! Pairing a bride’s dress with blooms, procuring the perfect vessels, and sketching concepts that can’t be explained with words. None of that feels like work to me — it’s challenging in a dreamy way. The tough part is the housekeeping of owning a business. Business plans? Taxes? Website updates? No, thank you.

MSL: What has been the biggest moment of your career so far?
Hands down — my first destination wedding in Ojai, CA. It also happened to be a massive event. It was early in my career, so I teamed up with a very seasoned floral designer out of LA, Mark’s Garden. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe and learn floral production on a grand scale. The greatest lesson I learned from the event was that humble teamwork is what makes a successful event in my industry.

At her first destination wedding in beautiful Ojai, California.

Rachel looking stunning in cobalt with Matt.

More examples of the design team’s stunning work.

MSL: What’s the one item in your closet you can’t live without, that makes you feel both chic and comfortable?
I have to say my Helmet Lang leather leggings, because I can put on a baggy sweater and boots with them, and still look and feel polished. The rest of my closet is more comfortable than chic!

MSL: Whose style do you most admire and draw inspiration from?
I have a MASSIVE style crush on Olivia Palermo. She’s definitely chic. Aerin Lauder feels relatable — I adore her relaxed sense of style. She’s got a touch of ’70s flair and I love that.

Rachel and Anna’s sister Molly Russell, Rachel, Stacy Reynolds and Anna.

The three sisters at the 2015 Scout Guide launch party. Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch.

Rachel and Anna hard at work.

MSL: Do you have any tips on how you streamline one’s morning routine?
Streamlining? Anyone who knows me will spew their coffee if I attempt to give tips in this area. Seriously though, I review the next day’s work and home life schedule every night before bed. The true key to my survival is waking up early to caffeinate myself!

MSL: Developing a unique style comes at an early age for some children. Do you let your children choose what they’re going to wear? How do you talk about getting dressed with them?
Without fail, kids will take the outfit you select and tweak it. And they will end up looking slightly homeless. I roll with that. Honestly, my kids generally don’t want to think about an outfit and they are thrilled if I help them out.

MSL: Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to hear.
I’ve always lived in big cities, but I think living on a farm with a horse would be the perfect life.

MSL: What’s your best style advice for other moms out there?
Be confidently YOU! Dress like you, not someone else you admire. Isn’t that what we tell our kids?

And, we close out this story with a few more gorgeous shots of Rachel and her sister’s work. #dreamwedding