Athol, MA Florists

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Coco Shop Designer Taylor Simmons Wore Floral Oscar de la Renta for Her Outdoor Ceremony Overlooking the Ocean - Vogue

Ultimately, Taylor explains, “we chose the safe bet of [having a wedding at] home.”The bride’s parents live in Marion, Massachusetts, a small town close to Cape Cod. The couple didn’t initially consider it because there isn’t anywhere for guests to stay. “My other great, great grandfather’s home is just a mile from my parents’ with a grass terrace, a long rhododendron-lined walk, and a backyard that borders the ocean,” Taylor says. “We decided on a late morning ceremony there followed by an hour of cocktails and a three-course lunch. I loved that this plan allowed most guests to drive from and return back to their homes that day—it felt safer and like a smaller ask.”The couple worked with Elizabeth Allen of Elizabeth Allen Events to plan it all. “She’s amazing!” Taylor says. “She helped us navigate the virus and replanning with incredible grace.”Taylor didn’t have any preconceived notion as to what kind of silhouette or design she wanted for her wedding dress. “I went to all of the traditional appointments when we thought the wedding was going to be in Antigua, but didn’t find anything quite right,” she remembers. “I love vintage and the idea of taking something old and making it new again, so was planning on wearing my grandmother’s champagne-colored, satin gown when I came across this Oscar de la Renta gown online in July. It was perfect—ultra-conservative and traditional in silhouette, but unexpected in an upbeat black.” She paired the dress with her mother’s diamond and ruby earrings and a pair of nude Jimmy Choo heels. Jameson had a navy mohair suit made by New & Lingwood for the day and complemented it with a white dress shirt and blue Hermès tie.Taylor never wanted a wedding party—even for their Antigua wedding that never was. “I just wanted my younger brother next to me,” she says. “We’re just 15 months apart and that relationship means so much to me.” Jameson has one brother too, so it worked out well. Both brothers wore navy suits, white shirts, and coordinating Hermès ties like Jameson.The ceremony started at 11:30 a.m. and was short and sweet—a traditional Episcopalian service held outside. There were rows of spaced out wooden chairs that were simply framed by topiary orbs.“My parents, brother, and I entered from the back and waited out of sight in a nook of the property’s rhododendron vista as guests were seated to a string quartet,” Taylor says. “My brother then escorted my mother down the rhododendron vista and, minutes later, my father and I held hands as he walked me down the aisle. I carried lilies because my mother carried lilies when she married my father.” The officiant was one of the bride’s father’s oldest, closest friends and the beloved headmaster of the boarding school she attended. “He was the first wedding decision we made and the one part of the ever-changing planning process that didn’t change for which I am grateful,” Taylor notes. “He gave the ceremony even more gravity and grandeur.”After the service, the newlyweds walked to a series of cocktail tables by the water and then back toward the house for photographs. Taylor quickly realized that one benefit of having under 50 guests is that photos go quickly, and it’s easy to include every guest.Cocktails included Champagne, white wine, and a late summer spritz. The cocktail napkins were white linen and had the bride’s mother’s initials, “STMS,” embroidered on them in white. “It was a sophisticated detail that made it feel even more like we were inviting everyone into our home,” Taylor says. Jameson’s father, who was unable to fly to the wedding from California, grows grapes and makes wine in Mendocino County, California. He provided wine with personalized labels commemorating the original November date. “I love that Jameson had a little bit of home with him in Massachusetts that day... https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/taylor-simmons-jameson-mcfadden-cape-cod-wedding

Valley Florist in E. Templeton receives $10K in startup money - Worcester Business Journal

Valley Florist and Greenhouse in East Templeton has received a $10,000 small business loan from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corp., the Fitchburg organization announced Friday.Brendan Loughman, owner of the company, received the loan, with funds earmarked for startup costs and inventory.Loughman has an advanced certification in floral design, as well as years of experience as a floral designer, according to a NCMDC press release. NCMDC, the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, is a microloan lender which can provide loans to small businesses up to $150,000.Loughman was referred to NCMDC by the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center at Clark University in Worcester. https://www.wbjournal.com/article/valley-florist-in-e-templeton-receives-10k-in-startup-money

Richard LaMontagne | Obituary | Salem News - The Salem News

VA, and Mark LaMontagne of Exeter, NH, and he was preceded in death by his brothers, Frederick and Donald LaMontagne. Richard was a graduate of Essex Agricultural School in Danvers Massachusetts where he excelled in botany. After graduation he opened up Flowers by Dick, a florist shop on North St. in Salem, Mass. There he thrived for many years before moving to Florida. In Florida, Richard ran a number of businesses including an orange grove, three more florist shops, a furniture store and a number of real estate ventures. Beyond his success, the most important thing to Richard, affectionately known as Dick to the many who loved him, was his family. He was a devoted husband to Mary and the dedicated father of eight children. He always encouraged all his children to realize that they could accomplish anything they wanted in life. Dick was someone who led by example whether it was his work ethic, his generosity to others or his deep faith in God. To know Dick was to love him. Dick loved spending time with his family and was always up for a good time. His infectious smile and Dad jokes were always a great addition to any gathering. He loved touring the country with his family in his motorhome and he enjoyed taking cruises with them to the islands. Dick was the kind of person who could talk to anybody and have a good time, always making everybody feel better. He could pick up a conversation with a friend he had not seen in twenty years just as if it were yesterday. He loved Florida but he also cherished his roots in New England. He never missed the opportunity to travel north where he loved the changing leaves, the spring blooms and the smell of the ocean air in Rockport. Later in life, as a true labor of love, Dick sacrificed much to take care of his cherished wife Mary, who had suffered a stroke. Many called him a saint on earth but to him, it was simply love. Dick will be sorely missed by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers and many other friends and relatives who so deeply loved him. But everybody who ever knew him will also smile when they think of him, just glad to have been loved by such a kind and wonderful man. Dick can now be found in heaven rejoicing with Mary, his parents, his brothers and a multitude of relatives and friends who so sincerely loved him. The family will receive friends Friday, February 12, 2021 from 4 to 8 pm at Gary Panoch Funeral Home in Boca Raton, Fla. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturda... https://obituaries.salemnews.com/obituary/richard-lamontagne-1081606303

Florists wilt under COVID-19's impact, losing Easter and Mother's Day would be devastating - yoursun.com

Linda Stevens, a fourth-generation florist and owner of Stevens the Florist South in Englewood.Her great-grandfather, Charles Stevens, first opened a florist shop in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and the family had wholesale greenhouses as the business flowered. But COVID-19 and new state rules have forced closure of her Englewood shop at 3455 S. Access Road. She delivers or takes orders off the web or from regulars that include Keith Rowley of Rowley Insurance in Englewood. On Wednesday he had purchased flower arrangements for his staff, all isolating at home to show support.“Just trying to help others and keep our town strong,” Rowley said.Pushed on what may happen to her shop, Stevens choked back tears.“We’re taking every precaution,” she adds of keeping everyone safe through COVID-19’s run.But not just florists are suffering through COVID-19, of course. For the public’s safety, retail, bar and restaurant owners deemed non-essential are being told to close their shops or limit their services to take-out or delivery. The American economy is being devastated, losing billions in sales and value in March alone.Aside from the loss of life and millions of laid-off workers, COVID-19’s impact on business is unprecedented.But even as U.S. flower sales wilt as supermarkets and web services elbow into the trade, independent florists still account for $7 billion in annual sales. There are more than 32,000 related businesses employing 75,000 or so workers.It’s estimated that Americans alone will purchase 110 million roses in a normal year, three-quarters of them by men. Wholesale fresh-cut flowers and plants account for billions more in revenue.And while hurricanes and other natural events damage florists, COVID-19 is especially hurtful, as it closes off weeks of sales and the places to which flowers, arrangements and things related to the business go.At the 1-800-Flowers in Port Charlotte shop, for instance, March 2019 sales blossomed. Should COVID-19 keep its pace and the country remain tucked away in isolation, however, this season could be devastating, said Vanessa Carusone, the shop’s manager and a North Port city commissioner.“Probably looking at one-third of last year,” she said of 2020’s predicted sales for March and April, should trends continue. “The odds are stacked against us.”Easter and Mother’s Day, she added “are our bread and butter.”COVID-19 has also changed delivery rules... https://www.yoursun.com/northport/news/florists-wilt-under-covid-19s-impact-losing-easter-and-mothers-day-would-be-devastating/article_2e88771e-75de-11ea-a009-0b875913d327.html