A long-running florist in south Bristol has closed permanently, 16 years after opening.
Fiesta Flowers on Sandy Park Road, Brislington, stocked a wide range of indoor and outdoor plants and provided stunning displays for occasions including weddings, funerals and christenings.
The shop was run by flower arranger John Sartain, who has 35 years of experience, and Derek Kinsley, who took care of the business side of things.
Derek said the decision to close the shop was far from an easy one.
"We were a part of the community for 16 years so this decision is a very sad one, but we had no other option, it's just not financially-viable anymore," said the 48-year-old.
"There's been a downturn in sales in recent years and costs have gone up, including overheads such as rent and the price of flowers.
"Recently we've been doing far less weddings than we used to. We used to do four or five every weekend but over the past year we've been lucky if we did one.
"I think it's because people have less money these days and are therefore choosing to do things themselves, including flowers. It's a shame but we understand it.
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"On top of that there's far more competition with supermarkets selling flowers and of course the rise of online shopping, which just makes things so easy for people."
Derek, from Bleadon, said the thing he and his business partner John will miss the most by far is the interaction with customers.
"We've met so many amazing people who we will miss very much," he added.
"We got to know families really well as we'd often do a christening for them and then a wedding, sometimes even a funeral too.
"To everyone who supported us over the years, we'd like to say a massive thank you. We're going to miss you and it's going to be very strange."
John has moved to Cardiff while Derek said he will take a break before deciding what to do next, but added it will "probably be something entirely different".
