Most beautiful rainbow graces the White House today, December 13, 2022 in celebration of the signing of Respect for Marriage Act.
Thousands gathered for the signing. Watching on tv, the shining smiling faces with phones up and memorializing this banner day that protects interracial marriage, same sex marriage requiring all states to recognize these marriages as legal, giving all the protections to these unions that now, all marriages provide.
Joe and Kamala, our president and vp, today at the signing.
Biden is widely quoted today saying,
“Marriage is a simple proposition. Who do you love? And will you be loyal to that person you love?”
Until about two months ago, my husband and I had a florist shop. Very old fashioned Mom and Pop style. One of us did it all from taking orders, doing the design work, making the deliveries. Eleven years in, there is a stack 18” tall or more of drawings we made that helped us in the wedding work “day of” production. Every order was customized for the couples and little drawings with notes of ribbon color, important flower types to include, delivery times and names for all the boutonniere or corsages. Very personalized.
Weddings are so funny to work. Some people want the florist to be very involved, some really treat you in a very distant manner. People are all so different and weddings are a very special time for those marrying and the families too. Several weddings, on delivery, the entire family seemed to embrace us, even inviting us to stay. On the opposite end, doors opened, fingers point to a drop place, a cool “thanks, lovely” and so long.
LGBTQ weddings have been particularly interesting and a touch sad because we have felt the stress of the brides or grooms in the different aspects of the flower planning. The stress to say who they are, what they want, (two boutonniere or two bridal bouquets for example) and can even be hesitant to share delivery addresses. It is tough to really talk design when some information is withheld. Odd stuff is withheld talking casually about family members making a pedestal and getting those details can be awkward as people are leery of sharing personal information. All wedding planning can be stressful, but this is a layer that seems so artificial. A real burden for all.
My hope is the Respect for Marriage Act gives couples the national support necessary to allow all those feelings of being judged, that fear of rejection and worse begin to wash away. Wash it away from the planning, the wedding, wash it away from the world.
In the seeming endless flow of terrible news this is one of the proudest days for this country. As bright as this day shines, it will shine brighter every day. The country does work, and democracy works too. We are moving in the right direction. Good one, Joe.
The logo from our flower shop, which is now closed.
In celebration of love and joy, tap on the links below and get ready to cha-cha, …“Our Day Will Come” in several versions.
Fontella Bass here.
Amy Winehouse here.
Ruby and the Romantics here.
Thank you. More kindness my way. 🙏 Working with with flowers was an enormous pleasure and truly sweet memories of many of the clients. A small box of thank you notes from some traditional folks and over 10,000 photos of beautiful work and a few wonderful friends we keep in touch with. A few children we watch grow up on social media. Lots of good stuff.✌️
Thank you for all of the beautiful flowers you put into the hearts , lives and memories of people in this world.