From the oustanding planning by Mike Sinanovic AIFD from Executive Floral, to the fine flowers and event hosting by the team at Mayesh Wholesale Florist, to the witty and enlightening commentary provided by Alex Jackson AIFD of Phoenix Flowers, to the the three feature show-stopping designers – Rick Krause AIFD , Julie Reed AIFD and Kenneth Snauwaert AIFD – the presentations left the audience on their feet and pleading for encores!

Here’s just a small sampling of the centerpiece and wedding bouquet decor masterfully created and presented by this outstanding design team:

Phil with Rick Krause and Mike Sinanovic

Ken Snauwaert with Contemporary Centerpiece

Calla 'Purse' Bouquet by Ken Snauwaert

Contemporary Orb Bouquet By Julie Reed

Parasol Bouquet by Kenneth Snauwaert

Rattan Loops Bouquet by Julie Reed

Rick Krause with Vegas Showgirls Centerpiece

Balance Centerpiece with Manzanita and Orchid Plants by Julie Reed

Contemporary White Muff Bouquet by Julie Reed

Calla bouquet with Wire Structure by Rick Krause

Pink Cymbidium Orb Bouquet by Ken Snauwaert

Finale Gown and Bouquet model flanked by Rick Krause and Mike Sinanovic

Finale Bride with Bouquet by Julie Reed, Collar by Rick Krause and Headpiece by Ken Snauwaert

In the next post, we’ll feature some of the winners from the professional and student design competitions held the previous evening.

It was so terrific to see former students from our school like Mike and Rick – and to meet new friends.  Their Vegas was definitely showing – masterfully!

Post from: Phil Rulloda's Blog

AIFD Las Vegas Show Rocks The House

Tonja’s design talents and wedding flowers specialty shop were also recently featured in the Grand Rapids Press.

An AIFD accredited designer and owner of Designing Dreams in Grand Rapids, she studied Advanced Floral Design with Phil here in California.

She’ll be representing the Michigan Floral Association in the Society of American Florists’ national Sylvia Cup Competition in September in Phoenix.

Good luck Tonja, and way to go!

Post from: Phil Rulloda's Blog

Tonja VanderVeen Wins Top Michigan Floral Design Award

Phil’s, “YES I CAN” Award goes to his former student, Rachel Rosales of Costa Mesa Florist, who along with partner TK Irwin, won CBS’s The Amazing Race Million Dollar prize in January!

We are proud of Rachel for not giving up when the pressure was on.  The prize money is fabulous  – but think of all the life experiences she won as truly priceless.

You can read about some of Rachel’s flower challenges during the Amazing Race on Avante Gardens’ blog here and here.

We wish Rachel continued success as she contiunes her “Amazing Race” through life.

Rachel  “Yes You Can!”

Post from: Phil Rulloda's Blog

Amazing Race Florist Winner

Judy Chance
Jasmine Creek Florist
La Jolla, CA

Post from: Phil Rulloda's Blog

AIFD 2008 Inductees

Marlene Adams
Atlantic City, NJ

Debra Barrett
Honolulu, HI

Margaret Brabson
Alamagordo, NM

Mary Gardener
Atlantic City, NJ

Carol Inskeep
Culpepper, VA

Angela Pamler
Fort Collins, CO

Gaylyn Wattman
Tulsa, OK

Herliana Wiharsa
Jakarta, Indonesia

All these fine floral artists said “Yes I can” and Did!  We’ll be there to celebrate with you in Palm Desert.

Post from: Phil Rulloda's Blog

Eight Alumni Pass AIFD’s 2006 Accreditation Test