Scholarship Class: European Style Design

Well, I have the privilege to be in Teleflora's Education Center this week for a class on European Style Design. The DC/MD/VA Unit of Teleflora selects a member each year to go on scholarship to one of the classes they offer. I was the 2008 recipient and have had the pleasure of picking any class they offered this year with an all expenses paid trip to Education Center.

I chose the European Style Design course taught by Dutch floral artist, Els Hazenberg. An Aalsmeer, Netherlands native who comes with a host of credentials; one of which has been the producer of all florals in the Rose Parade for many years up until two years ago.

Today was our introduction to the class. We were able to watch her designing as she taught us the many levels and principles of floral design. I will post pictures after tomorrow's class so that you can see some more of her work, and hopefully, a few of us in the class room as we try to elevate our design skills.

It is a fantastic and humbling experience to have the opportunity to learn from veterans in our industry. Els artistic talent and knowledge left me yearning for more. I was surprised when our class ended today. The time just flew by. I spent most of the evening talking with other florists who are here and exchanging info about our industry. Priceless......wouldn't change a thing!

Bye for now~

Wedding Arch

Recently one of our brides had us decorate an arch that was provided by the hotel (Fair Lakes Hyatt ). It isn't always common for the venue to have the arch, so often we will rent our own arch for them to use.

Fair Lakes Hyatt was prompt and courteous in getting it set-up in time for us to decorate. And, as you can see from the picture, the end result was beautiful. And, it always helps to have a beautiful day!

The Bliss Collection's New Website

All things new and re-done...

One of the most cherished opportunities I enjoy is time well-spent with other vendors in the Wedding/Event business. As of January this year, I joined the Bliss Collection. This group provides some of the best vendors in the Northern Virginia area: photographers, videographers, bakers, event planners; the list goes on.

During this short time, we have been able to hire a website designer to re-design our website. You can check it out here: http://www.theblisscollection.com/. Andrew, the owner of Eiffelfish.com, did a superb job and really captured what we were looking for in a crisp, fresh look that represented a first-class group of people/companies. I would highly recommend him.

Take some time to check out our new website and see all the wonderful vendors that are available for your (or someone else you know) wedding. Obviously, some of us do all types of events, but in this group we focus on weddings in particular. I'm proud to work with these vendors time and time again. There is a sense of peace when you know that you will be working with others you trust and rely on.

God's Creations

The past few days while on my daily walk, I've been noticing the beauty that surrounds me on the wooded path. In the early morning the sunlight that shines through the trees onto the path provides fresh viewpoints and a joy about living.

I am amazed at the flowers, plants, and trees that I work with at the shop surround me in the natural habitat. Fresh upright amaranthus, Queen Anne's lace, black-eyed susans, sword fern, bark shed from the trees, all remind me of the plethora of choices God has made available for us, as florists, to use for delight. I get the pleasure of working with them and to use my God-given talents to arrange them artfully. I love my job!

Any florist will tell you it's not all roses and glory, the shop floor is filled daily with cut stems on the floor. The workroom is not glamorous, but the end product is where the beauty lies and we get to pass that on to you!

The 3/50 Project

I came across a wonderful grassroots campaign today. The 3/50 Project is a campaign to get consumers back to choosing the businesses that started this great nation: the brick and mortar shops. I'm happy to say that Bergeron's is one of them!

The Wall Street Journal featured an article on June 30th about what The 3/50 Project is doing http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124631541083270621.html . If you want to learn more about The 3/50 Project, please click on this link: http://www.the350project.net/home.html

Bergerons is independently owned and has been since it's original owner, James Bergeron started this florist shop in 1971. Thanks for choosing us time and time again!