July 26, 2011
Chelsea's Foremost Florist Speaks About Same-Sex Weddings
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 4 MIN.
NEW YORK, NY - Starbright Floral Design is located in the heart of New York City's historic flower district and Tom Sebenius is Starbright Floral Design's Creative Director. Tom has been a part of the Starbright team for most of the modern history of the company and he has made countless brides happy and has created some truly magical Starbright moments.
And now, at last, in the state of New York, Tom has started to think about his own marriage ceremony - and the floral arrangements.
Here's his commentary on this historic moment for New York's LGBT community:
I know exactly what I want my wedding flowers to look like. Considering that I have met with and executed the flowers for at least a hundred brides during my career as a floral designer, I've definitely had the opportunity to formulate my own ideas about my big day.
It was only until a couple of weeks ago that the fantasy was granted the chance to become a reality. The New York State Assembly voted to extend the right to marry to same-sex couples, thus allowing the dreams of countless loving couples to finally come true.
No, I haven't recently become engaged. I will still have to be content with making other people's boutonni�res and centerpieces. However, now my pool of potential brides and grooms will include a lot more grooms and grooms and brides and brides! Talk about a reason to celebrate!
Many times I am asked what the differences are between a same-sex wedding and the standard wedding we have been accustomed to. Truthfully, there isn't a difference. Of course, if two men are getting married, it is likely I will not need to make a bridal bouquet.
Other than that, the differences are hard to find. The emotions, politics, logistics, and ultimately the flowers are practically the same. Color schemes are agonized over, seating charts are adjusted and the merits of orchids and roses are debated by couples no matter their gender or sexual orientation.
It's important as a wedding vendor to keep compassion and equanimity in mind when dealing with gay and lesbian couples. This new marriage equality should inspire equal treatment and consideration across the board. Most couples will be looking forward to meeting and speaking with a vendor who is as excited about the big day as the couple themselves.
Florists would be wise to be inspired by the joy and new sense of validation and empowerment that their same-sex couples will exhibit while planning their wedding ceremony and reception. What a beautiful gift our care and enthusiasm will be for these formally disenfranchised pairs.
Of course I am totally biased on this subject. Growing up, I would have never thought that gay marriage would be a reality. That certainly never stopped me from contemplating what color peonies I would match with purple Dutch hydrangea for my centerpieces. I've also been blessed with a loving boyfriend who I know wouldn't judge me for wanting to hold a bridal bouquet if we were to ever get married one day. (Do you know how many bridal bouquets I've made???!!! I get to have one of my own!!!)
I'm lucky that I'll never have to risk meeting with a vendor who would try to talk me out of what I want and what I've dreamed about for my wedding day. I hope and pray that the same will be true for all the other gay and lesbian couples who wish to celebrate their union with their friends and families. Best wishes, Mazel Tov and congratulations to us all.
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This scribe is brought to you by Tom Sebenius. Tom is Starbright Floral Design's Creative Director and has been a part of the Starbright team for most of the modern history of the company. Tom has made countless brides happy and has created some truly magical Starbright moments.
Tom is a published contributor to floral industry publications and one of the most reviewed floral stylists on major online review sites.
Starbright consistently earns five-star reviews on the likes of Citysearch, thanks to Tom's insistence on quality and attention to detail. Tom is a proud member of the Starbright team and a true artist.
Everyone at Starbright is thrilled that they will be able to witness Tom's ceremony - and they cannot wait to see what his creativity brings out on that special day.
Starbright Floral Design is located in the heart of New York City's historic flower district in a second floor loft at 150 West 28th Street. Their services include local, national and worldwide flower delivery as well as consultation and execution of social and corporate events.
To learn more, please visit www.starflor.com
You may also go directly online for ordering gifts at www.starbrightnyc.com or to the Event Gallery to see thousands of photographs from their recent work.
You may also call at 1.800.520.8999.
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
