Our Story
At 6th & Foster, our mission is simple: to bring the timeless allure of an old-world European flower market to life through exquisitely crafted floral arrangements that capture elegance, charm, and beauty in every petal. Founded by two master designers, Andrew and Doug, we have joined forces to create a flower shop where artistry, premium blooms, and impeccable service converge to offer an experience unlike any other.
Whether it’s an opulent wedding, a bespoke piece for your home, or an unforgettable event, we’re dedicated to bringing beauty and elegance to every occasion. With each arrangement, we strive to create more than just a display; we craft an experience—capturing memories, marking milestones, and turning fleeting moments into lasting impressions. From a proposal to a wedding, from baby showers to celebrations of life, our work becomes part of life’s journey, elevating each step along the way with the power of flowers.
Wecome to 6th & Foster. Join us on this journey to celebrate the beauty of flowers and the stories they tell in our lives.
A New Intersection
How do you name something truly original—especially when two masters of floral design come together to create a fresh vision? Sometimes, the answer lies in a journey’s beginning, one that’s deeply rooted in history. The name 6th & Foster is a heartfelt tribute to places that hold significant meaning in our lives, and our cherished collective memories of the profound connections that flowers can forge.
As a child, Doug called 6th Avenue home, spending his formative years in a beloved mid-century ranch with his family – and it left an indelible mark. Whenever he dreams of home, it’s that vibrant life and sense of community on 6th Avenue that inspires his vision. For Doug, he wants you to find comfort in every floral creation at 6th & Foster, knowing that each bloom is selected and arranged with the intention of bringing joy, connection, and a touch of home to your life.
For Andrew and his wife, Tonya, that journey began in 1992. Young, ambitious, and ready for something new, they set their sights on Chicago. Andrew’s move from Michigan represented a leap into independence and possibility, a chance to shape his own path. After a long and winding search, they fell in love with Andersonville and found their perfect spot at the corner of Foster & Glenwood. Their story speaks to the reality of new beginnings: that they’re often challenging, sometimes almost elusive, and that success often comes just when you’re ready to let go.
And so, the spirit of that journey lives on at 6th & Foster—the perfect intersection of history and boundless potential, where every arrangement and event is crafted with purpose and every moment holds the promise of something extraordinary.
Andrew
Andrew Parravano’s journey in floral design has been defined by a unique combination of raw talent, profound botanical knowledge, and an extraordinary eye for beauty. As the creative visionary behind Andrew’s Garden for over 14 years, Andrew earned his reputation as a master of floral artistry, capturing the essence of Parisian elegance with every arrangement. Known for his dedication to sustainable floristry and uncompromising quality, he transformed Andrew’s Garden into Chicagoland’s premier destination for fine flowers and inspired design.
In 2024, Andrew embarked on an exciting new path with his private studio, Andrew Parravano Design, focusing his talents on bespoke weddings and events. Starting with a B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design from Michigan State University, Andrew sees every arrangement and every event as an opportunity to create a sophisticated garden where flowers reach & grow, while forming their own boundaries in the space they occupy. He’s passionate about teaching design, building meaningful connections between florists and local flower farms, and elevating the artistry of floristry.
Doug
With a rich background in floral design and a passion for flowers that has been cultivated since childhood, Doug Bates, AIFD, CFD, CEJ, is a seasoned floral professional dedicated to bringing beauty and joy to every occasion. Inspired by the joy of flowers passed down from his beloved grandmothers, Beatrice and Marilyn. As owner and lead designer for more than 20 years of Designs by Vogt’s in Sturgis, Michigan, Doug is known for his kind soul and illustrious talent with floral experience ranging from crafting simple designs to executing elaborate commercial installations.
Doug has received numerous awards that recognize exceptional talent and creativity in the floral industry. This has led to extensive travel across the country, where he has had the pleasure of teaching, mentoring, and inspiring others through engaging floral workshops and hands-on classes. Doug has also designed for the New York Botanical Garden’s Orchid Dinner and the Tournament of Roses Parade.
Beyond floral design, what truly fuels Doug’s passion is connecting with people. He embraces the opportunity to listen to clients’ stories, understand their visions, and exceed their expectations with thoughtfully curated floral gifts. Each arrangement is not just a composition of blooms, but a heartfelt expression tailored to celebrate life’s moments. As he embarks on this exciting new venture, Doug is eager to continue creating unforgettable experiences through flowers, combining artistic vision with personal touch to delight customers and enhance their most cherished celebrations!7
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