We recently connected with Charles Berger and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Charles , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
Arcane Arrangements stands apart from the traditional floral industry by embracing the beauty of darkness and the allure of the macabre. While most florists focus on bright, cheerful arrangements, our designs are rooted in the rich, moody aesthetics of the Victorian era and Gothic culture. We craft each design with a deep appreciation for the dramatic, the mysterious, and the romantic, blending dark-hued flowers with unique, unexpected elements that evoke a sense of timeless elegance and subtle melancholy.
Our floral arrangements tell stories—stories of passion, mystery, and the beauty found in shadows. We cater to those who seek something beyond the ordinary, offering bespoke designs that resonate with the soul and speak to the heart of Gothic and Victorian sensibilities. Whether it’s for a wedding, an event, or simply to adorn your home with a touch of the darkly beautiful, Midnight Garden transforms the traditional concept of floral art into something deeply personal and evocative.
Here, flowers are not just pretty—they are powerful, emotive, and enduring symbols of the beauty that lies within the dark.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Charles Berger, and after sixteen years of tattooing, my hands just can’t keep up anymore. After working in the body modification industry for over twenty years, I needed to find a medium to focus my skills, one that I could pursue as a career, and that wouldn’t take such a toll as quickly on my body.
Luckily, I grew up helping my Mother with her flower business, Carol Gutterman Design, in downtown Norfolk, VA. That said, flowers have always been there, waiting. Some of my best memories from childhood are helping Mom with the chaos of a wedding, and the reward of a job well done .
Now my children are helping me arrange flowers for my clients, film behind the scenes, and help with deco. I hope they will look back on our time creating these spaces and experiences together with a smile.
Founded at the end of 2022, Arcane Arrangements is a unique floral design company where we tend to stray from the ordinary.. Our style is aesthetically leaning more towards the darker side of the craft, while maintaining a certain level of class and sophistication. Our clients and guests seem to fall in love with them every time. We have an incredible and talented team of designers, photographers, Dj’s, caterers, and a Day-of-Coordinator with a work ethic that can’t be taught, plus a wonderful support system of family, friends, vendors, and of course our lovely clients. 🖤
Any fun sales or marketing stories?
Our second wedding was in Occoquan Virginia, and was a guest list of 250 people. We were in control of Day-of-coordination, florals, and were liaisons between the venue coordinator, the caterers, and the dessert vendor. The flowers were supposed to come in a few days before the wedding, but didn’t get in until 4 o’clock on the morning of. My team met me at my studio at 6am, and we got to work as fast as we could. It was about a two hour drive north, so we finished everything on site. We barely pulled it off, but without the help of my head floral designer Alyx, my daughter and helper/bts photographer/videographer Aurora, my good friend Larry, and my Day-of- Coordinator Jen, we would have never pulled it off. The night ended up going off without a hitch, but I quickly learned that I am not cut out for a day-of-coordination, and that I should just stick to flowers! Thanks goodness for Jen!! 😊
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe working in the style we do is helping our business stand apart from others in the floral industry. There are designers working in darker styles, however, I feel we got in at the right time, and have built a pretty large following and loyal clientele.
It was definitely a risk, and as a niche market, however, I believe that being genuine, being true to yourself and your style, and treating your clients with respect goes along way.
Contact Info:
- Website: http.//www.arcanearrangementsrva.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcanearrangementsrva?igsh=YmduYWxvYml4NThu&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/hRgTucyXuNvBNiSM/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-berger-08710762?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArcaneArrangements
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arcanearrangements?_t=8pQliFwpZOQ&_r=1
Image Credits
Photo of me (@charlesbergerarranges) by: Emmanuel Pezoa of dBArcade (@emmanuelpz)
Photos of Clara (@ladysevit) modeling dress and bouquet by: Jenny Wolf Photography
(@wolfjanpim)
Dress from @lexsofxarytown, Headdress by @missgdesigns
Photos of arrangements by me (@charlesbergerarranges) / (@arcanearrangementsrva)