Last Sunday was a day we’ll never forget! Thanks to the kindness of so many people, MaryBeth got her Rose Parade! As most of you probably already know from reading our blog, MaryBeth has terminal cancer. The one item on her bucket list has always been to go to the Rose Parade. When doctors told the Brutsman family that she only had a few short months, they knew that they had to find a way to bring the Rose Parade to her. And of course, that’s where we came in! Debby, MaryBeth’s daughter-in-law called us up about two weeks ago and asked if we would mind sharing some of our contacts for florists since we work with them often in the wedding industry. A blog post, lots of emails, tons of social media posts and a even a TV interview later,Debby’s little project was well on it’s way! Countless industry friends, brides and even total strangers jumped at the chance to give of themselves and help this beautiful moment come to fruition. Even though the whole event was in honor of MaryBeth, I think everyone involved gained so much from being a part of it! To see the kindness, compassion and sacrifice that so many others put forth truly filled our hearts to the brim. It was a day we’ll never forget and we’re so glad that we were able to help make MaryBeth’s dream come true!
There are many more photos to come! These highlights are available to view and download by clicking HERE. We’ll be updating this gallery with more soon. AND don’t forget to click “love” under your favorite images along the way!
Channel 5 & channel 15 news were kind enough to share the story with their viewers during their Sunday night news cast. The next day the story even made it to the national news and was featured on MSN! It was so amazing! My favorite story was on CBS5, the station who had interviewed Debby & I earlier in the week to help gather donations.
As the floral team was preparing the display, Debby was telling MaryBeth’s story. She did such an amazing job representing the family in all this and introducing the world to MaryBeth and her Rose Parade.
I’ve never seen so many flowers in one place before! It was unreal.
A couple of in action shots from our wonderful florist team! Katie from Lux Wedding Florists and Michelle from Crazy Daisies headed up the effort and turned all of the donated flowers into a beautiful masterpiece!
Family, friends and neighbors gathered to be a part of the presentation. Love this shot of Debby and Kirtus saying a few words to the crowd before the big reveal! As you can see, spirits were high. It was truly a time of celebration for everyone!
MaryBeth was stunned as she came out of the house to see this …
She was crowned queen of her very own Rose Parade!
As she was taking it all in she said, “Wow, talk about a bucket list. I had the bucket list brought right to me.”
The Rose Parade even sent along a few special gifts to commemorate the occasion!
Love this shot of Ken standing on the sidelines watching his wife being showered with love :-)
Next the floral team and the grand kids helped out as MaryBeth designed her very own mini parade float :-)
The Phoenix Fire Department made a special delivery and brought along their firetruck for the parade!
MaryBeth & Ken posing with the whole floral team.
And here’s a shot of everyone who joined in the event.
What parade would be complete without a special escort for the queen in a fancy red mustang? Debby’s little guy Cole did an excellent job of testing out the backseat before his grandparents stepped in :-) Too cute!
They even had a fire engine escort! Love how the neighborhood kids ran behind as they circled the block :-)
All in honor of this beautiful lady! You’re an inspiration to all of us MaryBeth! Thank you for letting us celebrate with you and join in on your special day! You’re the queen of all our hearts :-)
There are SO many people to thank for making this day possible! First and foremost, MaryBeth’s family – Debby, Kirtus, Ken, Marjorie and all the grandkids. You’re love for MaryBeth is an inspiration! The list below is full of individuals who were inspired by that love and your desire to give MaryBeth this beautiful gift. Without you, none of this would have happened. You’re amazing!
Floral Design & Event Planning:
- Katie Easley (Lux Wedding Florist)
- Michelle Hadly (Crazy Daisies)
- Eileen Watters (Arizona Family Florists/1-800-Flowers Phoenix)
- Amy Bacon (Celebrations by Amy Bacon)
- Regina Osgood (Meant2Be Events)
Wholesale Florists that Contributed Flowers:
Brides/Couples/Planners who Donated Wedding Flowers:
- Ashley Yates & Joel Rosas
- Lani Nahm
- Sarah Ulrickson & Jon Flinn
- Sara Morgan
- Ashley Routt
- Laurie & Bill, Sandy Walker (In Awe Weddings & Events)
- Katie Goodwin & Tyson Tomeo
- Terra Rothpletz & Habib Karaki
Flower Donations:
- Sarah Connelly
- Shauna Catania
- Rebeka Gatton
- Kali Gardner Bowles
- Patsy Bodhipaksha
Flower Delivery:
- Lauren & Jerry Owen
- Oscar & Yurina Cortes
Day of Event Help:
- Diane Smiley
- Ronda & Ian Cross
Gifts provided by:
- Tournament of Roses (Heather Sharpe & President Scott Jenkins)
- Tim Estes (President, Fiesta Parade Floats)
Mustang for the Rose Queen:
- Pat & Jay Barnes
Firetruck Escort & Flowers:
- Phoenix Fire Department- Engine 54 (Captain Laurie Miller)
CBS5 News Reporter (Pre-Event Story):
- Karla Navarrette
Flower Donations from Phoenix Art Museum “Arts & Flowers Event”:
- Leesha Alston (Coordinator)
- Elizabeth Charbonneau
- Christie Cothrun
- Kate Secrest
- Patti Klawans
- Anna Starkey
- Jen Colvin
Donations:
- Amy, Rob and Ben Holmes
- Gene Ludwig
- Amanda Thompson
- Jaime Huff
- David Provost
- Michael & Noelle Shelton
- Julianne Carter
- Sharon Crist
- Alejandro Rangel
- Laurie Deeg
And to the many, MANY friends who shared MaryBeth story, on social media and with their brides, (those that we knew about and those that we didn’t) – THANK YOU!
- Robin Reece & Renee Hute-Kaminski (The R2 Studio)
- Aaron & Marisa Hoskins (Aaron Hoskins Photography)
- Justine Miller (Justine Miller Photograhy)
- Krista Puruhito (Puruhito Photography)
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MaryBeth’s Rose Parade!
April 15, 2013
Apr 15
