Innovative Instruction, Innovative Designs

To continue our tour de world renown designers, Emily and I flew to Pensacola Florida on March 7, for a three day conference. The AIFD Southern Conference featured some of the most well respected and talented designers in the industry, including Ralph Null AIFD, Suzie Kostick AIFD, Cory Lonsert AIFD, Rene van Rems AIFD, Bert Ford AIFD, and Matt Wood AIFD. We had a great time attending workshops but most importantly we will cherish the new friendship that we established.

One of the designers we were fortunate to meet was Rene' van Rems, AIFD, PFCI. Rene' is a Dutch born designer who has been based in California for the last twenty years. He has instructed floral design at design shows, workshops, and seminars throughout the world, and fortunately for all of us he shared his European flair with us too!

Our workshop with Rene' was centered around Euro-Style hand-tied bouquets. He shared new insight into color, the use of texture, and designing for weddings using fabulous materials such as; lilacs, sweet peas, and other unique blooms. And, besides introducing new product and the latest wedding style trends, Rene kept us on our toes with his quick wit and refreshing sense of humor. His humor, combined with his European perspective and snappy clothing style, made him a unique and fun instructor.

The trip was truly an investment not only personally but artistically as well. We can hardly wait for National Symposium in Chicago this July where we will connect with great friends while filling our cups full with inspiration.

Check out his website for even more floral design inspiration. http://www.renevanrems.com/