Florrie the Figaro – First Flirtation with Photoshoots

Once upon a time there was a little Lapis Grey Figaro. She loved all her bright, colourful sisters and brothers who could often be seen showing off at weddings and other events. Florrie was very happy that they were living their best life, however, she sometimes felt that she was “always the bridesmaid” as her winter colour was not always the first choice for any flamboyant events. She was hoping that, one day, her time would come too. That day was Monday, 23 March 2026. Beep, beep, Florrie was about to get her day in the spotlight alongside a beautiful bride.

Figaro Owners Club received a request from a florist looking for a “vintage” car so the call went out to Figgy members who might want their cars to participate in a photoshoot at Lanelay Hall, Pontyclun, South Wales.

Three owners showed an interest, including myself so I submitted photos of Florrie. One member had been interested but then discovered she wasn’t available on the day after all. I submitted the final photo but the organisers had already decided to use Florrie.

I contacted Becca, the florist to ask questions about the procedure on the day and, strangely, we discovered many connections. Becca works at the Welsh medium primary school that my granddaughter, Alice, had attended and she knew her. She also knows my daughter Laurie, who is involved with the school as she is Treasurer for the Meithrin (nursery). Small world.

We turned up at midday in a recently valeted Florrie looking shiny and new after my husband, Ian, had given her a wash and brush up that morning. On arrival we were met by a complete team of very excited young women involved in the event to promote the planning of a wedding. Girl power came to mind. They were in such a tizzy over the car, asking all sorts of questions.

More coincidences arose when I mentioned that a Figaro was used in the Sarah Jane Adventures – an offshoot from Dr Who. The name of the beautiful “bride” that day was actually Sarah Jane – she and the florist had been besties since nursery. We also discovered that Sarah’s parents are friends of my husband, Ian’s family. Amazing.

On chatting with the wedding planner, Chloe, I discovered that her children attend Alice’s old school and she is the Chair of the Meithrin (nursery) and knows my daughter via committee meetings.

Meanwhile, an anxious Ian “chauffeured” the bride to specific spots around the Hall. He was definitely not up for being in any of the photos or videos. The bridal wear, veil and flowers were fabulous and the “bride” looked absolutely stunning. Florrie looked pretty special too.

Many photos and videos later resulted in the organisers persuading me to set up an Instagram page for Florrie. This was done by my lovely granddaughter, Alice, when she arrived to us from school. Florrie’s profile and bio are all thanks to her – I wouldn’t have a clue.

I believe in fate and it seemed that it definitely played a hand in Florrie becoming a “bride” for the day. Thanks to Becca for being Florrie’s fairy godmother – like Cinderella, she got to go to her ball.

You can follow Florrie on her Instagram page – https://www.instagram.com/florriethefigaro/

Enjoy the wonderful gallery of photos below!