As we look forward to Blossoms of the Past: The History & Art of Bridal Bouquets, WHS Executive Director Christopher Sloan recently sat down with floral designer and guest presenter Linda Karen for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the meaning and evolution of bridal bouquets.
Linda, known for her creative expertise and passion for floral storytelling, will lead guests through an engaging historical presentation and hands-on bouquet-making experience at the upcoming May 4th event. Their discussion explored how florals have symbolized love, hope, and tradition across generations—a perfect prelude to this unique celebration of heritage, beauty, and the timeless art of flowers.
Q&A with guest speaker,
Linda Karen
CHRISTOPHER : Linda, what first sparked your love of florals and their history?
LINDA : I GREW UP ON FARMLAND, THE MEADOWS HAD SO MANY PRETTY WILDFLOWERS, HONEYSUCKLE, QUEEN ANNE'S LACE...EVENTUALLY MY LOVE OF HISTORY AND CUSTOMS MERGED WITH MY PASSION FOR BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS.
CHRISTOPHER : You've created arrangements for countless events—what makes wedding florals so special to you?
LINDA : I FEEL IT'S THE EXCITEMENT OF SELF EXPRESSION. EACH EVENT REFLECTS THE PERSONALITY OF THE HOST AND THEIR GUESTS.
Linda Karen
CHRISTOPHER : What’s one little-known fact about bridal bouquets that always surprises people?
LINDA : THAT YOU CAN INFUSE MEANINGS AND HONOR YOUR LOVED ONES IN YOUR WEDDING FLORAL STORY. I ALSO LOVE THAT YOU CAN SET THE COLOR PALLETTE FOR THE EVENT WITH FLOWERS.
CHRISTOPHER : Do you remember the first bouquet you ever made? What was it like?
LINDA : THE FIRST FLORAL I CREATED WAS A FLORAL GARLAND WREATH HEADPIECE INSPIRED BY MEDIEVAL BRIDES. I WORE THIS TO MY SWEET SIXTEEN. I LOVE DAISY CHAINS AND WILD FLOWER BOUQUETS, THE SCENTS REMIND ME OF MY CHILDHOOD.
CHRISTOPHER : Have you ever worked with antique or heirloom elements in a modern arrangement?
LINDA : I DO WORK WITH VINTAGE ELEMENTS WHEN CREATING FLORALS FOR TABLESCAPING. THESE ALSO WORK WELL IN HAND-HELD BOUQUETS AND “TUSSIE MUSSIE” HOLDERS.
CHRISTOPHER : How did your background prepare you to lead an event that blends design, storytelling, and hands-on creativity?
LINDA : I LOVE TELLING THE STORY AND THEN WATCHING THE CREATIVE PIECES COME TOEGTHER. MY INSPIRATIONAL BACKGROUND ENCOMPASSES ART, FASHION, INTERIORS, MUSIC AND WORLD TRAVEL, MERGING MODERN TRENDS WITH HISTORY.
Vintage bridal bouquet advertisement.
Modern day “Tussie Mussie”.
CHRISTOPHER : What kind of experience do you hope guests walk away with on May 4th?
LINDA : THE TAKEAWAY IS THE JOY THAT IS FELT BY THE CREATIVE PERSONALIZATION OF ONE’S OWN FLOWER STORY.
A work table at one of Linda’s events.
Queen Victoria photographed on her wedding day in 1840.
CHRISTOPHER : Is there a particular historical bride or era that inspires your floral work?
LINDA : QUEEN VICTORIA, THE “INFLUENCER” OF THE VICTORIAN ERA.
CHRISTOPHER : You’ve studied floral symbolism—do you ever find yourself assigning meanings to modern-day bouquets?
LINDA : YES, ABSOLUTELY! IT'S A WAY OF LOOKING AT LIFE, BEAUTY AND EXPRESSION.
CHRISTOPHER : Thanks for chatting with me, Linda. Without giving too much away… can you hint at something unexpected we might learn during your presentation?
LINDA : HOW TO PERSONALIZE YOUR OWN STORY THROUGH FLORALS - WHILE HAVING FUN!
Don’t miss Blossoms of the Past: The History & Art of Bridal Bouquets Sunday May 4th / 2pm-4pm at The A.W. Buckbee Events Center. Space is very limited!