MIRRORof
PARADISE
Liturgical Floral Design
LEARN from the step-by-step instructional guide to sustainable floral design throughout the liturgical calendar; and professional techniques that will not damage valuable icons and architectural elements. Becoming more intentional in our offerings and how we take responsibility as stewards of God's Creation.
EXPLORE foundational design principles like liturgical colors, and the symbolism of various flowers; while visually feasting on the beauty of floral design in sacred spaces.
DISCOVER the importance of Beauty within the Orthodox faith while gaining a deeper insight into how floral imagery is woven into Orthodox hymnography, worship, and theology; drawing us into the presence of God by creating a "mirror of paradise," as described by Saint Ephrem the Syrian.
UNDERSTAND that from Paradise to the Most Holy Theotokos, flowers form a thread of continuity through Orthodox worship- a living witness to Divine Beauty.
EMBRACE the importance of establishing a floral design team for your parish, creating an established expectation, realistic budget, and overall cohesiveness for each feast day. Additionally, a floral design team will foster deeper connections within the church, creating viable ways for all members to come together and participate in this communal act of worship.
~Saint John of Kronstadt
Flowers are the remnant of paradise on earth
DONATE TODAY!
sCAN qr CODE OR CLICK ON LINK
Your gift will help BRING THIS BOOK TO LIFE!
An Instructional Coffee Table Artbook featuring floral design
in the Orthodox Church
Let's play with flowers together! Experience a hands-on immersive workshop where your floral team will learn the essentials of sustainable liturgical floral design while creating a beautiful custom design for your church.
In person workshops for an individual or group (multiple parishes may combine efforts)
start at $1,200 (flowers, original design, and flower recipe are included)
**Price is waived for groups or parishes donating over $1,000
**Travel expenses are not included
**Proceeds will benefit Mirror of Paradise Project
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Speaking engagements are $500
**plus travel expenses
Saint Macrina Scholarship
MIRROR OF PARADISE FOUNDATION
The Saint Macrina Scholarship will be established as part of the Mirror of Paradise Foundation. Hannah has pledged to use royalties from the sales of the book Mirror of Paradise to establish the Saint Macrina Scholarship. This annual scholarship will benefit Orthodox women pursuing leadership and the liturgical arts within the Orthodox Church through studies at Saint Vladimir's Theological Seminary, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, and the Liturgical Arts Academy. Orthodox Christians in good standing who are attending other graduate programs in Theology or related fields will also be considered.
The primary goal of the scholarship is to encourage and empower women to become spiritual leaders in their communities, within the traditional parameters. Recipients will be encouraged to serve as beacons of light to other Orthodox women~ supporting, mentoring, and helping them find their voice and place within the Faith. These leaders will play a vital role in affirming the presence and viability of women in the life of the Church and in offering strength and guidance to those experiencing hardship, attrition, or abuse within their communities. Becoming a mantle of spiritual strength to those around them, and thus building a stronger support system within the Orthodox community.
My name is Hannah Hunt. I am an Orthodox Christian, a mother of three grown children, and a grandmother of two angels. I live in Blowing Rock, North Carolina with my husband of 36 years. I am an active member in my church; where I serve as chapter president for Antiochian Women and leader of our parish Floral Ministry Team. I have also served as chapter president for Ladies of Philoptochos, choir member, GOYA advisor, Sunday School teacher, teen bible study teacher, Orthodoxy 101 teacher, Vacation Church School director, Chairperson of a Building Decorating Committee, and Chairperson of a Building Committee.
As a professional floral designer, it is my great joy to share my knowledge and skill with others. I have developed many achievable and sustainable techniques which enhance our holy Icons. My wedding design business, Golden Thistle Design gave me the experience needed to write a book that does not currently exist: a practical guide to ecclesiastical design that respects diverse jurisdictions and cultural expressions of our Church. I consider this work to be a vocational offering to the Church which will help guide many generations of faithful. My prayer is to utilize a portion of the royalties to establish a scholarship for Orthodox women.
Golden Thistle Design's work has been published in over a dozen magazines including Southern Bride Magazine; featured on the cover of two magazines; published in several major online magazines and blogs such as Carats N Cake and Style Me Pretty; and published in the international wedding blog Amber & Muse. We were also featured in North Carolina's Our State Magazine.
My Story
meet the author
view our designs here
as featured in
Alexis El Massih is the wife of Father John El Massih, mother of three, and a professional wedding photographer. For over a decade, she has captured weddings across the U.S. and internationally, preserving visual storytelling through artful, organic, and timeless imagery. She is also a two-time published cookbook photographer. Above all, her work is inspired by her Orthodox Faith, the living traditions of the Church and its transcendent beauty.
Erin Proudlock is a designer, mother of two, Sunday School teacher, and is very active with her local chapter of Antiochian Women. Erin has served on her Parish Council and has been a board member for both Antiochian Women and Ladies of Philoptochos. With over a decade of experience in floral design, Erin became the owner of Golden Thistle Design www.goldenthistledesign.com in 2025. Erin's love of church flowers began by decorating the Kouvouklion as a teenager. Since then, her love for liturgical floral design has blossomed, developing hand in hand with her work in wedding floral design. Deeply rooted in the beauty and rhythms of the Orthodox Church, Erin's designs reflect a deep reverence for the sacred and a heartfelt devotion to her art.
Alexis El Massih
Erin Proudlock
meet the photographer
with designs from
