Seminole County FFA’s Floral Design class completed one of their learning standards in a creative and unique way and was able to share the experience with other clubs throughout the school. The unit covered wedding flowers and in order to get the best learning experience, the class planned a mock wedding to be held at the school.
The wedding standard in floral design class calls for students to complete a bridal consultation, describe events related to the wedding that require floral designs, list the basic flower arrangements and body flowers that would typically be used, create a reference manual listing different styles, and finally to design and create wedding floral pieces. Students worked individually to plan a wedding using whatever style and flowers they wanted and then presented their wedding to their classmates. The class then voted on their favorite wedding and began planning for the winning wedding. Chloi Miller’s plan was chosen by her peers to model the wedding after.
In order to gain the full experience, the students invited Principal Shane Purdy and his wife and Assistant Superintendent, Felicia Purdy to serve as the bride and groom. Floral design created a proposal listing the details of the event, the standards that would be covered and the other groups and organizations that would be asked to participate. After some convincing, Mr. Purdy approved and students began working on further details.
Working with Student Teacher Ms. Victoria Fleet, the students delegated jobs amongst each other to plan the event. The number of flowers and supplies needed was determined and ordered through a local wholesaler. Prior to the wedding the students created every flower arrangement and decoration that was used including an arbor and backdrop, centerpieces, boutonnieres, bouquets and cake decorations. Students were also responsible for recruiting the wedding party! Dr. Barry Croom, UGA professor of Agricultural Education was also in attendance to visit with Ms. Fleet and had a great time seeing the students exhibit their hard work.
The floral design class would like to say a special thank you to everyone who participated. It was a great event and the students gained valuable experience and knowledge of a vital part of the floral industry. Special thanks to the following:
The bridal party: Mrs. Felicia Purdy, Mrs. Jennifer Hodges, Mrs. Crystal Milner, Dr. Sandy Hunter, and Mrs. Kelly Earnest
The groom and groomsmen: Mr. Shane Purdy, Mr. Truette Johnson, Mr. Royce Robinson, Mr. Jim Palmer, and Mr. Dusty Smith
Photography: Madison O’Hearn, yearbook editor
Videography: Mr. Todd Beldon and Dylan Chase, Digital Technology class
Flower Dudes and Ringbearer: Kade Smith, Owen Cross, Annabeth Hinton
Sound: Ethan Ausley
Officiant: Bro. David Williams, FCA
Programs: Mrs. Michelle Hornsby, Business Technology and FBLA
Florists: Savannah Alderman, Zada Espinoza, Madison Hunter, Chloi Miller, Maggie Myrick, Yazmin Sanchez-Garcia, Harmani Smith, Ashlyn Thompson, Mary Ann Doyle, Annabeth Hinton, Veronica McConnell, Allison Robinson, Kennedy Williams, Kathryn Baxter, Savanna Holmes, and BethAnn Smith
