America’s flower farmers proudly contributed their blooms to the 107th Congressional Club’s First Lady’s Luncheon.
Photos by Kirsten Smith Photography.
Many of us dream about participating in a tradition that dates back 107 years. On Tuesday, May 14th, DVFlora had the opportunity to do just that. We teamed up with the American Grown Flowers Organization, over 30 floral designers, and 20 growers to assist in providing the floral decor for the First Lady’s Luncheon in Washington, DC.
The majority of the credit goes to lead designers Mary Kate Kinnane of The Local Bouquet and Christi Lopez of Bergeron’s Flowers, as well as the designers, who volunteered their time (and Mother’s Day) to pull off this extraordinary accomplishment. They created 1,200 boutonnieres, 146 table arrangements, 18 VIP room arrangements, six cascading head table designs, and two enormous floral photo walls…all using only certified American Grown Flowers!
One hundred, forty-four table arrangements greeted the guests. The checkered flag table clothes represent the Indy 500 as part of the "Indiana" theme.
This bi-partisan event is held each Spring and brings together associates of members of Congress and/or Cabinet members to help raise money for select charities. This year, proceeds benefited the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research and the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation.
In attendance was the First Lady, Melania Trump, and the Second Lady, Karen Pence, as well as many others. Performers included Lee Greenwood, Nicole C Mullen, and Michael W. Smith.
“This has truly become a wonderful opportunity for our organization to be a part of this bipartisan tradition of honoring our country’s First Lady, while showcasing what our American flower and greens farms can do,” shared Certified American Grown Administrator Kasey Cronquist. “From the flowers sent by our farms, the transportation provided by DVFlora, the vases from Accent Decor, the hardgoods and flower food from Smithers-Oasis, the amazing volunteer design team – everyone came together to make this happen.”
Christi Lopez (left) and Mary Kate Kinnane (right) co-led the team that masterfully designed the floral arrangements and installations for the First Lady’s Luncheon. Photo by Kirsten Smith Photography
To read more about how DVFlora supports the American Grown Flowers Organization and domestic growers across the country, click here.
Participating Flower Growers:
California
Camflor
Dramm & Echter
Eufloria
Gallup and Stribling
Green Valley
Kitayama Brothers
Mellano & Co
Menagerie Farm & Flower
Myriad
Ocean Breeze Farms
Ocean View Flowers
Pajarosa
Pyramid Flowers
Resendiz Brothers
Westland Orchids
Florida
FernTrust
Virginia
Bloomia
Harmony Harvest
Washington
Continental Floral Greens
Holland America Flowers
Participating Floral Designers:
Jessica Allder
Stephanie Auville
Maggie Bailey
Mickey Bailey
Jennifer Baker
Brittany Brady
Laura Cavanaugh
Julie Christina
Jennifer Figge
Pia Geraghty
Quan Gorbachevski
Hosanna Guttierez
Pamela Hale
Jessica Hall
Crystal Hedgpeth
Tonya Jones
Betty Joslyn
Franceska McCaughen
Sue McKenzie Tendall
Jennifer Michel
Courtney Rosenbalm
Tina Rosenbalm
Les Saltzman
Melissa Saltzman
Julia Marie Schmitt
Kelly Shore
Carrie Wilcox
Nancy Zimmerman
Wayne Zimmerman
Feature image provided by Kirsten Smith Photography
