Typically, the Fourth of July is a time of celebration. A time when we all head to the store to stock up on burgers and hot dogs, charcoal and sparklers, and everything in between. It’s a time when we call our families and loved ones, coordinate on who’s bringing what, and double-check that Grandma is making her famous apple pie.
As we continue to navigate reopening measures, we’re entering a new world that will be different from how we’ve lived previously.
Forging a New Set of Traditions
Just as we’re experiencing a different kind of summer, this, too, will be a different kind of Independence Day. While we could choose to focus on what we’ll be missing this year, instead, we plan on embracing a new kind of Fourth of July where we forge a new set of traditions.
While the backyard barbecue will be a little smaller with just our immediate family members, technology can keep us connected to our usual guests.
Additionally, so many of our team members noted how they planned to thank those essential workers that worked – and continue to work – tirelessly throughout this pandemic. Your local grocery store clerk, delivery driver, doctor, nurse, schoolteacher – all of them deserve our gratitude. We join our team in thanking our #localheroes.
We asked some of our team members how they’ll be enjoying this year’s different July Fourth and were delighted to hear how families were at the center of most plans. Shawn from the Digital Marketing team at Harry and David, said he’ll be spending the holiday at the beach with friends, while practicing social distancing, and reflecting on how grateful they are to have each other through these unprecedented times.
Katie, a senior graphic designer for Cheryl’s Cookies, instead opted to head into nature for Independence Day. She’s excited to spend her social distanced getaway hiking, kayaking, and exploring the great outdoors with her husband. Share Your Story
Embrace the Differences
While relaxing this weekend, we hope you take a moment to read our friend, advisor, and Board Member, Adam Hanft’s new column that explores interesting activities and things that have kept him busy during quarantine.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Len Elmore for speaking to our team this week. Len is our longest standing Board Member and an expert on matters of race relations. We were deeply moved by his words and continue to be inspired working alongside him.
Like so many milestones this year, the Fourth of July will certainly be different than in prior years. We urge everyone to make it memorable and to embrace those differences so that we treasure this quality time with our loved ones and friends. While we might miss crowds and parades, ultimately, the only thing that truly matters through it all are our friends and family.
Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth, Jim and Chris
An Interview with Senior Blog Writer & Floral Expert Jerry Rosalia
At 88-years-young, our Blog Writer & Floral Expert, Jerry Rosalia, is the kind of guy who looks at the glass half-full. During this time of social distancing, Jerry has been finding ways to stay safely connected with family and friends (including fellow seniors), as well as finding valuable ways to spend his time. With Jerry’s positive outlook on life, we decided to ask him for helpful tips that may be useful to fellow seniors, or family and friends of seniors who are looking to reach out.
What’s the best way to spend your time while quarantined?
Get your gloves, mask, walking shoes, and weather permitting, and take a walk! The sun and its vitamin D is anti-viral. And if none of it works, we all need the exercise!
How are you staying connected with family and friends?
My family meets twice a week on Zoom (which is very much like FaceTime). We “meet” with the entire family with everyone from Long Island, New York, to my great grandchildren whose daddy is a Marine in California. It was the first time the group got together when we weren’t eating.
Is there anything you wish friends and family were doing that they are not?
We seniors have friends who are ill, live alone, etc. So, make their day and give them a call. You will hear a smile in their voices. In a day or so, you may even get a call back.
If there’s anything this situation has taught us, it’s that the littlest things can have the strongest impact. For Katerina, what may seem like just flowers is a constant reminder of the kindness that surrounds her. To Katerina’s dear friend, thank you for choosing us to brighten up her day.
“This little app has brought some wonderful connections that I’m so very thankful for and in the midst of all that’s going on to be thought of by a dear friend means the world to me. This beautiful spring bouquet that was delivered to my doorstep has brightened my day, my week, my month, and reminded me of the kindness of others. Some might just see flowers but it truly is more than that, a kind gesture that I won’t forget. ?”
We are incredibly grateful for medical professionals like Carmie, who risk their lives and the lives of their family in order to protect the rest of us. Thank you to ER Nurse, Carmie, for sharing her story and for her invaluable support and heroism during this time.
“I try to do my part as an ER nurse, so please do your part.”
“I received these beautiful flowers last night from my favorite pharmacist, @potluck_pierce. So I did the natural thing to do, put on makeup, wear my favorite @wearfigs scrubs, and took some photos with them. I’m all smiles but I remember how work has been lately with COVID-19.”
“My last picture is taken when there was downtime at work. We do not have enough PPEs, I reuse my one surgical mask for my entire 12-hr shift. Sometimes I even use the same one for 2 shifts in a row. I’m always so scared of bringing that virus home due to my elderly father who I live with. My sister sprays me with alcohol before I take off my scrubs in the garage to get inside the house and quickly shower. These are some of the ways I protect him. I try to do my part as an ER nurse, so please do your part.”
Now, more than ever, is the time to connect with your loved ones. Although Marilyn was unable to celebrate her mom — who lives across the country — in person on her birthday, she made sure her mom knew she was thinking about her during these challenging times.
“It’ll be midnight in NYC in a few minutes meaning my ?❤️Moms ❤️Birthday ? these are the surprise Orchids made sure they arrived Beginning of the week. It’s been tough having her in NYC while I’m on other side of the country during these extra challenging/nightmare times ?She is everything! God continue to bless her! ?❤️Until we can be together we are together in my heart ❤️ Love you mucho Ma! La Virgen la acompañe?❤️…”
How did you get into the flower business and what do you love best about being a florist?
I’ve only been in the floral business for about 6 years. My in-laws own Achara Florist, and needed someone to work in the gift part of the store. Once I started working with some of the amazing designers, I began to design a little bit myself. I found that I love creating beautiful flower arrangements…and the rest is history!
What are your favorite flowers?
Gosh, I love them all! There are too many to count. But if I had to name a few, they would have to be peonies, hydrangeas and stock. Peonies smell extremely and are just so beautiful. They take center stage in whatever you put them in. Hydrangeas are nice, big gorgeous flowers that I love to use in wedding work. They make bridal bouquets nice and full, and they go with other flowers so well. Stock is another one of my favorites because it comes in all different colors, and has a wonderful fragrance and big, thick blooms that are stunning in everything.
Can you tell us a little bit about Stafford, VA? What is your favorite thing about living there?
The stone that was used for many of the government buildings in Washington, D.C., including the U.S. Capitol and the White House, came from Government Island located here in Stafford, VA. That is one of the things many people do know about our town. The people here come from all over, so we have a very diverse population. We are far enough from our nation’s capital to still be a little country and a little city at the same time. And that’s what I love about living here. It’s the best of both worlds!
What has been the most rewarding experience during your florist tenure?
Knowing that I had a part in making someone’s day.
What is the weirdest thing you have seen or experienced during your floral career?
I had someone ask me to make a flower arrangement to resemble the movie poster for “Warcraft.” It was a strange request, but I did it! I made a sword out of bamboo and sprayed it silver, then put red roses on one side with blue delphinium on the other. It turned out perfect! They were very pleased.
What is your favorite floral occasion?
I love weddings. Being able to bring beauty to that most special of days for a couple so in love is just the best feeling. But I also love funeral work. I feel very honored when someone asks me to do the flowers for their loved one’s service. Being able to bring life to memories through someone’s favorite color, flower or smell is a great feeling.
What inspired you to design your Local Exclusive arrangements?
I was inspired by the beauty of flowers. To be able to create so many different arrangements using flowers that come from all over the world is truly a blessing.
What is your favorite Local Exclusive design that you’ve made and why?
It would be Sensational Spring Beauty™. It has everything: white lilies, pink and yellow snapdragons, yellow and lavender roses, pink Gerberas. It’s breathtaking!
What do you love most about your local community?
The people! We have good-hearted, caring people here in Stafford. You are always met with a smile everywhere you go.
What are some “Fun Facts” that your customers don’t know about you?
I love all things mythical. It doesn’t matter if the book is about vampires, fairies, dragons, werewolves etc. I love them all. I’m always reading something about that world. Now, do I believe they’re all real? Maybe I do. Maybe I don’t!
What makes you smile?
My family! I am truly blessed to have the most amazing husband and the best five boys a mother could ever ask for. They make me laugh until I cry. They drive me nuts. And they love me endlessly.
In order to learn about the creative minds behind our handcrafted arrangements, we interviewed Ann Marie Pierce from Baldwin, NY who is featured in our Local Artisan Collection. From the daily life as a florist to some of the inspiration behind her arrangements, Ann Marie talks about her favorite holidays, arrangements, her family & more!
How did you get into the flower business and what do you love best about being a florist? I always loved to be around flowers, so after realizing my initial career path in corporate America was not going to be my future, I began sweeping and cleaning flowers in a local florist on the weekends, and hence my new career evolved. Being a florist gives me the opportunity to make the flowers speak for my customers.
What are your favorite flowers? I love the look and feel of a bunch of white daisies, but being around such an array of gorgeous flowers every day makes it hard to say “that’s the one!”
Can you tell us a little bit about Baldwin, NY? What is your favorite thing about living there? I moved to Baldwin 25 years ago, and living in the same town as my business motivates me to take an active role in this community. We are a diverse group of hard-working families that take pride in their neighborhood.
What has been the most rewarding experience during your florist tenure? Having a long-lasting relationship with my customers from one generation to another has been a very rewarding part of my tenure. Having people trust you with the most important event in their lives, making their dreams become their fond memories.
What is the weirdest thing you have seen or experienced during your floral career? I designed a Halloween wedding, complete with life sized witches and goblins. The dais was a coffin and cob webs and dust were on every table and crevice of the venue. Deep red roses were flanked with bones and spiders. The bride and groom were thrilled with the results!
What is your favorite floral occasion? This is a tough question because each holiday has its own energy. As designers we get to change gears dramatically, using different colors, flowers, plants and containers to accomplish them.
What inspired you to design your local exclusive arrangements? I design my Local Exclusive products based on my customers’ reactions. There are certain designs I showcase in my shop and watch the responses. My customers love the decorative boxes, seasoned urns and natural materials we use in some of our pieces leaning on the farm-to-table “feel.”
What is your favorite Local Exclusive design that you’ve made and why? The Sunburst Bouquet. The deep colors, melded together by soft tones, brings this floral to life. Whether being delivered to a business or a residence, this arrangement fits anywhere.
What do you love most about your local community? Baldwin has many Civic and Religious Associations that reach out to people in need. I am happy to be a part of these organizations. It opens your mind to the needs of others. It’s nice to see so many people come together to help the less fortunate.
What are some “Fun Facts” that your customers don’t know about you? I am shy…though most people don’t perceive me as such! I am petrified of scary movies and my favorite color is black.
In order to learn about the creative minds behind our handcrafted arrangements, we interviewed Sarah Annunziato who is featured in our Local Artisan Collection. From the daily life as a florist to some of the inspiration behind her arrangements, Sarah talks about her favorite holidays, arrangements, her family & more!
How did you get into the flower business and what do you love best about being a florist?
When I was in my sophomore year of high school a bunch of my friends and I got an after school job at a local florist near our high school. I started out by sweeping the floors and learning to answer the phones and process the flowers that came in. I stayed at that same local shop quickly picking up being able to talk with and help customers and learned to design simple floral arrangements, which after sticking with it for a while developing into lead designer and store manager. My friends all went off to college on different career paths as I stayed behind in my home town and continued to work at that same shop part time while I attended a local college for graphic design and digital photography, when half way through the semester I realized how bored I was during the classes and how I couldn’t wait to get back to the flower shop because it was my happy place. Which eventually lead to me leaving school and working full time and taking over the day to day management of the flower shop. I stayed there for years until I moved to New Jersey and quickly found a new flower shop and made new friends and made connections with new customers and gained more insight to different design styles from my co-workers there. I worked at three flower shops in New Jersey over 8 years and then decided to move to Florida, again quickly finding a local flower shop to make my “home” in successfully. I felt so passionate about talking to customers and hearing their stories and laughing with them or crying with them. I fell in love with my career at an early age and here 17 years later, I’m back home in New York, and I still love to learn new design techniques and learn new things every day. There’s a saying “It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together” and I couldn’t be happier doing what I do every day.
What are your favorite flowers?
It’s very hard to choose favorites because I truly adore flowers but if I had to choose they would probably be, Hyacinth, Peonies, and Sweet Pea.
Can you tell us a little bit about NY? What is your favorite thing about living there?
I grew up here and I moved around a lot when I was younger, but for me as a single mom, coming back home to NY last year and being close to my family and friends means that when I think of NY I think of love and family. I live on the same street as a lot of my family members and my other neighbors are all so friendly and we all look out for each other. My daughter and I started over fresh here and I know I picked out the best place for her to grow up. Out of all the places I’ve been on the east coast, Long Island, NY is definitely my favorite place to be.
What has been the most rewarding experience during your florist tenure?
Hearing warm appreciative feedback from my customers is the most rewarding experience for sure. The one that sticks out in my mind is when I was working in a flower shop in New Jersey and a woman from Virginia traveled up to plan and attend her younger sisters’ funeral. It was very sad and this woman was one of the pickiest customers I had ever met, but I sat down with her with a box of tissues and surrounded by inspiration books and I think I must have pulled out every flower from the cooler to give her visuals of how the combinations would look. I wasn’t getting frustrated I was so happy to be able to plan such a meaningful memorial with her. In the end (hours later) she walked out and gave me a huge hug and thanked me for helping her and for listening to all the funny stories she told me about her little sister. After we finished designing all the funeral pieces and delivering them, we came back to the shop and I didn’t think I’d here from her again being that was not from New Jersey and was going to be traveling back down to Virginia. The next morning, I went in to work and opened up the shop and saw the voicemail blinking and checked it. I had to listen to it a few times because it meant so much to me that she took time to give me a call and leave me a heartwarming message of how proud she was of how beautiful the memorial service turned out and how she “couldn’t have done it without me”. She said she was ranting and raving about our flower shop and how helpful I was and how passionate and caring and understanding I was to make sure every detail of her arrangements were perfect. Little things like that make it worth it and hearing that you made a difference and brought happiness during such a sad time for a family means a lot.
What is the weirdest thing you have seen or experienced during your floral career?
There has been a few crazy times in my career. A lot of wild times, but the first one that came to my mind was when I was working at a local flower shop and a gentleman had called the shop but had called the wrong phone number. I was talking to him and he thought he was calling for special pickup, I advised him that he was calling a flower shop, and he laughed. We kept talking and he was explaining how his wife had been bugging him to get rid of the old sofa in the basement and she was mad at him for procrastinating so long. Well, I ended up being able to talk him into sending his wife flowers that day to apologize for taking so long, as well as finding the correct phone number for the special pickup! He was a return customer many times over and he’d ask to speak to me to “order a special pickup”. Haha!
What is your favorite floral occasion?
Each holiday is different, but I love the big flower holidays! (Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day) I love the energy in the shop during that time even though it always gets crazy. I love the pressure and the excitement of a packed store and rushing to answer the phone and help customers and design bouquets on the spot in front of a waiting customer. Long nights of staying up all night long to finish the orders for the next day, and being with my coworkers shutting down the retail store and blasting music in the shop and dancing in the back design room while we finished everything we could for the night.
What inspired you to design your local exclusive arrangements?
My inspiration came from my 4 (soon to be 5) year old daughter, Gianna. Since she was about 6 months old I’ve been taking her to work with me when I couldn’t find a babysitter. She went from sitting in her stroller sleeping all day when she was a baby to eventually me bringing a clip on high chair and attaching it to my design table and giving her flowers to play with while I worked, and then eventually teaching her to sweep up behind me as the floor got dirty! (Haha!) So, when I came up with this design, I had her in mind and she was so used to seeing so many types of bouquets and vases and baskets, I thought “what’s different?” and “what would impress her?” and when I thought of it, I knew that would be something playful and cute that she would love… and she does!
What is your favorite Local Exclusive design that you’ve made and why?
I don’t know if I have a favorite, I like to try new concepts and designs and test them out to see customers’ reactions and then go from there. I love to design wildflower arrangements and fresh and funky looking bouquets that stand out from the grocery store bouquets.
What do you love most about your local community? I love running into people I know everywhere I go in the community. Some are friends others are customers.
What are some “Fun Facts” that your customers don’t know about you?
I love craziness! I love the feeling of being stressed out and problem solving and the rush of busy holidays and my favorite thing to do when I’m designing is playing some good music and dancing while I work!
Valentine’s Day is a special day of love for many people, but when you’re one of the winners from the Empire State Building’s 24th Annual Valentine’s Day Wedding Contest Presented by Kleinfeld, it is that much more special.
Each year, a few lucky couples are invited to say “I do” on the top of the Empire State Building. With its spell-bounding views and larger-than-life ambiance, the iconic landmark is often labeled the World’s Most Romantic Building, making it the quintessential place to exchange Valentine’s Day vows in a memorable way.
Even though a magnificent wedding backdrop undoubtedly sets the scene for an unforgettable evening, it is the soon-to-be bride and groom that make the event truly magical. This year, 11 couples, each with a captivating love story, were chosen to celebrate their wedding on the world-famous 86th floor Observatory. These stories capture a true love that can only be found in fairytale books, so what better way to honor such a special bond than by making their wedding dreams come true! #WOWthatslove
Meet Taryn and Jarred
When Taryn’s college roommate and Jarred’s best friend from high school set these two up on a blind date, they were sure it would be a perfect match – and it was! Even though the soon-to-be newlyweds were convinced to attend the date under false pretenses, they instantly found a connection. Flash forward to a rainy morning in France when Jarred kneeled on a bent – and muddy – knee to propose to Taryn in front of the Palace of Versailles. Since it was one of the biggest surprises of her life, Taryn hopes to return the favor by surprising her fiancé at another monumental location. As New York natives, she is sure a wedding at his favorite view on the planet would mean the world to him!
Meet Alyx and Jonathan
These high school sweethearts, who met at the bus stop junior year, experienced the challenges of a long-distance relationship when Alyx was invited to attend medical school in Grenada. Because she was only able to come home once a semester, they were forced to make the most out of the little time they had together. So, this December, when Alyx returned, Jonathan planned a day of exploring in New York City, which included visiting none-other-than the Empire State Building! When they arrived at the top at about midnight, they asked a security guard to take a photo of them, just as it began to snow. The guard, who was just as surprised as Alyx, captured the moment on camera for the couple to treasure forever.
Meet Brett and Alixandra
When Brett met Alixandra, he was perfectly healthy – or so he thought… On their first date, which happened to be Alixandra’s birthday, Brett’s ankles began to swell to nearly five times its normal size. He would later find that this symptom, along with many others, was a sign of a rare kidney disease called FSGS. Then, in October 2014, Brett was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure. After his first attempt at finding a match was unsuccessful, Alixandra agreed to not only give Brett her hand, but also her kidney. On the morning of the surgery, Brett proposed in their hospital beds. Ten months later, they officially got married and have been healthy ever since! These two will renew their vows on February 14th.
Meet An and Wei
Although their relationship began 10 years ago, these long-distance lovers have spent the last 4 years far apart. Since Wei lives in New York and An lives in Beijing, they are only able to see each other once a year. Two years ago, they spent their precious time visiting the world-renowned Empire State Building. This year, they will be tying the knot in the same location!
Meet Kevin and Patricia
In 1998, Kevin and Patricia, both NYPD sergeants, celebrated their wedding at the Empire State Building. Since then, they have had three kids, retired from the police force, battled breast cancer and witnessed their daughter get married herself! With so much to be grateful for, Kevin and Patricia are thrilled to mark their 20th anniversary, where it all began – the 86th Floor Observatory!
Meet Justin and Arika
Justin and Arika’s love story is without a doubt one-of-a-kind! The pair met on a Christian website while they were both studying the Bible. With only an e-mail address to keep them connected the two fell in love over typed word. Through their chats, they found out they had so much in common: both were single parents with two kids living with them, and one child that did not! After two weeks of emailing, they exchanged phone numbers, and after only communicating for six weeks, Justin asked Arika to come to Virginia Beach to marry him. Without ever meeting each other in person, as soon as Arika got off the plane, they said ‘I do’ in front of a Justice of the Peace. Since they were never able to have a traditional wedding ceremony, they are delighted to create a memory – with their 8 children (they had twin girls of their own!) – on their ten-year anniversary.
Meet Savina and Joshua
Savina and Joshua began dating in 2012 when Savina was a senior in high school, and Joshua was a junior. After the two survived a long-distance relationship between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Joshua followed Savina to the Big Apple – the place where Savina always dreamed of living! Throughout their journey, New York has become an escape, a place to create memories, and most importantly, their home. In addition, having the opportunity to get married on top of the Empire State Building seems to be fate. Savina has dreamt of getting married there since she was a little girl; so, what better person to share it with than someone who loves New York City, and the memories they’ve created there, as much as she does?
Meet Yahira and Jose
Yahira and Jose found love on a social media website, but neither of them expected to do so! Some may say destiny brought them together as they both were infatuated with the smiles featured in each other’s profile pictures. For years, Yahira never thought she would get remarried, but on February 12th, 2017, Jose proposed at the very top of the Empire State Building. As a girl, Yahira had always dreamt of visiting this world-famous building, and now, she will experience not only an engagement, but also a wedding at this spot. And, the best part? Yahira and Jose will be sharing this special moment with their five children. It’s a true modern-day fairytale!
Meet Loc and Michelle
The saying, ‘good things come to those who wait,” surely holds true for Loc and Michelle! Although the couple met in 1994, they waited 9 years before getting engaged. They remained engaged for 4 years until they finally got married in 2007. Then, after trying to have a baby for 7 years, the pair finally gave birth to a beautiful boy. Now that they’ve spent 23 years together, they are elated to renew their vows in the city that they both adore!
Meet Maria Yvette and Julian
At first glance, this couple could not be more different: She’s from L.A.; he’s from New York. She was born in the Philippines; he was born in the Dominican Republic. She is a social worker; he is an architectural designer. But, the one thing that brings them together is the Big Apple. After meeting at a friend’s birthday party in Manhattan, the two went on dates every week to explore New York City. As their love grew, they traveled many time to Los Angeles and the Dominican Republic, but always found their way back home to New York. Like the classic tune, they believe that if their love can “make it here, [you] can make it anywhere,” and therefore, they are extremely excited to get married in such a meaningful city.
Meet Laurie and Rich
It’s no wonder that Rich and Laurie are tying the knot at the Empire State Building. The structure has resonated with Laurie since she was a little girl. Because her father’s company resided in the building, as a kid, Laurie mischievously convinced her dad’s assistant to let her borrow the observatory pass to look over her favorite city from her favorite spot. She even remembers gazing at the building’s lights from her childhood bedroom window! So, when Laurie met her Mr. Right during sophomore year of college, and got engaged at 24 years old, she knew she had to include the Empire State Building in her wedding reception. Knowing how important it was for “Laurie’s building” to be featured on her big day, her mom found a venue with a jaw-dropping view of the structure. Now that 20 years have passed, Laurie and Rich have experienced so many milestones and setbacks together. From armed robberies and medical scares, to new babies and the beauty of growing older together, it seems like the two have seen it all. But, two things that have always brought comfort to their lives will be present as they renew their vows this year: the Empire State Building, and each other!
Whether couples have met online, in high school or on a blind date, there is something to be said about sharing a place, symbol or experience that makes your love story come to life! This year, even if your Valentine’s Day plans do not include a wedding on the 86th Floor Observatory, it is the perfect day to share special moments with the ones you love.
