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Royal flowers get commentary from PFCI
Written by Society of American Florists   
May 3, 2011 - Floral industry royals enthusiasts watching the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton last Friday morning followed along to live commentary delivered by members of Professional Floral Communicators – International (PFCI).

From the first glimpse of the bridal bouquet to the official kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, early-rising PFCI members commented about the wedding decor and it's likely impact on bridal fashion on this side of the pond. Here is a sample of PFCI comments posted on the Society of American Florists’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SocietyofAmericanFlorists:

Marie Ackerman, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, Teleflora, Inc., Oklahoma City:
"The trees lining the aisle are English field maples, symbolic of humility and reserve, and also Hornbeam, another local tree — which is symbolic of resilience. So great to have the meanings of the items so well thought out! Looks like the bases of the trees have a planter effect filled with among other things lily of the valley! The flowers the small attendants are carrying and wearing are very streamlined, especially the floral wreaths the little gals are wearing. More like a line of flowers with foliage bases. Their bouquets are very petite, made with small flowers more like a tussie-mussie."

Janet Black, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, Designs Florist and Interiors, Bethel, Maine:
"Lily of the Valley was the flower of choice in a simple cascading bouquet. Loved the oak trees that flanked the church and is part of Kate's family coat of arms."

Vince Butera, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, Butera The Florist, York, Pa.:
"The wedding was beautiful with the understated elegance of the well-placed floral pieces. I was most captivated by the formality and reverence of the ceremony — stunning!"

Wilton Hardy, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, JWH Design And Consultant, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.:
"The bouquets on each side of the altar and in the niches outside the front of the cathedral were large and abundant — all white predominately oak leaf hydrangea and many natural fillers and fern fronds. The size of the church dwarfed what flowers were used and the 20-foot Maples gave a more intimate setting for the wedding. The large arrangements in the church were open and airy, the mass designs were perfect for the setting. The personal flowers were understated and made a simple statement. It was interesting that the first adult bridesmaid did not carry a bouquet, but had a lovely crescent of lily of the valley at the back of her hair. The bride’s bouquet carried a piece of myrtle that was cut from the myrtle that was grown from the myrtle in Queen Victoria's bouquet. It had the charm of the countryside, and that is what the bride wanted to achieve."

Sharon McGukin, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, Carrollton,  Ga:
"Simply elegant! Kate is beautifully feminine in her traditional lace gown and delicate bouquet of flowers. Her small tiara speaks volumes of her desire for individuality. Lovely as she gracefully approaches the altar, she is truly a princess! The altar is beautifully decorated, but certainly not overdone. A perfect backdrop for such a handsome couple. Befits the 'do not be haughty' lines of the reading. While Princess Di's wedding was filled with fairytale details, Princess Kate's ceremony reflected her self-confident sophistication and grace."

Jason  McCollum, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, Laurinburg, N.C:
"Kate's bouquet may be inspired by Grace Kelly's bouquet."

Darla Pawlak, AIFD, PFCI, Studio "D", Essexville,  Mich.:
"The ceremony flowers that grace the Abbey are very understated and organic with a quite natural feel. All white flowers and simple foliage fill the church vases. 20-ft trees that line the aisle add to the natural feel of the ceremony."

Kathi Thomas, AIFD, PFCI, TMF, Kathi Thomas Floral Design, Austin, Texas:
"The altar designs feature white dendrobium orchids, green show all hydrangeas and "jade" foliage in a more natural version of a traditional Victorian fan. I am so happy to see simple, sustainable elegance for this wedding."

Robbin Yelverton, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, Blumz by...JRDesigns, Ferndale, Mich.:
"A lovely understated teardrop bouquet"

PFCI is the floral industry’s speakers bureau. PFCI members present educational programs on local, regional and national stages teaching floral professionals how to be more successful. They also generate consumer enthusiasm for flowers by speaking to civic, social and professional groups. There are 116 PFCI members in 34 states, Canada and Singapore. Consider a PFCI member to lead your next event. The PFCI Membership Directory is searchable by name, city and state, company and fields of expertise at www.safnow.org/pfci.