Impressed would be an understatement! For the last several days, I have had the honor of being a volunteer freelance designer for the First Lady's Luncheon - an event that hosts the First Lady, Congressional spouses and family members and a few other privileged guests.
Kelly Shore of Petals by the Shore and Mary Kate Kinnane of The Local Bouquet
The event is hosted by the Congressional Club and, this year, they partnered with Kelly Shore of Petals by the Shore, Mary Kate Kinnane of The Local Bouquet, and Kasey Cronquist, CEO & Ambassador of the California Cut Flower Association and Administrator of Certified American Grown.
The event showcased the beauty and variety of flowers produced here on American farms. Even I was impressed by the diversity of blooms from Juliette Roses to King and Queen Protea, from Marigolds to Zinnias and even Poppies. The flowers were fresh and stunning!
Look at those Alaskan Peonies!
Perhaps just as incredible as the flowers was the organization and generosity by which Kelly and Mary Kate led the designers and support crew of 30 unique individual florists, American growers and enthusiasts alike.
The theme was Arizona Sunset, the choice of flower color chosen to represent the sky.
There was not one tense moment or break in harmony - which is almost unheard of considering it was an event with almost 200 tables and 50 designs! Everything was perfectly timed and anticipated.
Can't take me anywhere.
Designers flew in from Oregon, South Carolina, Connecticut and Alaska just to name a few. Designers from the DMV had a strong presence throughout but there was also representation from other major cities. I especially loved getting to know Christi Lopez CFD and Carrie Wilcox, both EMC designers. Amy McManus is aways a barrel of laughs (and not at all competitive, wink, wink).
New tips and techniques were learned (hello rolling flower wall!) and many other industry stories were shared - really making the whole event a bonding experience.
Amy McManus of Crimson and Clover
Personally, I did not know what to expect, but I do know that if Kelly ever asks me to be a part of her team again I am all in!
Thank you to these amazing farms for generously donating all of the flowers!
Thank you also to our other sponsors!