Today was supposed to be Bailey King’s wedding day. Since becoming engaged to Eric Griffin in January of 2019, Bailey, an occupational therapist in Vestavia Hills, spent the next 14 months planning their wedding for Saturday, March 21, in her hometown of Mobile, with a ceremony at Springhill Avenue United Methodist Church and a reception at the Ezell House.
As of last Sunday, the wedding was still a go. But by Monday, the coronavirus pandemic had changed everything when the White House advised Americans to avoid groups of more than 10 and encouraged people to stay at home. Terribly disappointed, but knowing they were doing the right thing, Bailey and Eric decided to postpone their big day.
“It’s been a whirlwind of a couple of weeks,” says Bailey’s mother, Jeannie King.
That day, the wedding planner, Leslie Gilbert with Jenna Laine Weddings, called every venue and vendor and rescheduled everything for a new date, July 18.
But there was nothing they could do about the flowers, which had already arrived at Belle Bouquet Florist and Gifts in Saraland. Jeannie decided that, instead of keeping the flowers, she wanted to donate them “to someone who could enjoy them.”
Toni Steiner, the consultant at Belle Bouquet who worked with the bride, contacted Knollwood Pointe, an assisted living and memory care facility in Mobile, where she knows several residents. They were excited to receive the flowers, which they wanted to use to help celebrate a resident’s birthday.
A gorgeous assortment of white and blush roses and white hydrangeas with eucalyptus greenery was delivered to Knollwood Pointe on Thursday. No one was happier than the birthday girl, who asked Toni for the bride’s address so she could be sure to send a thank-you note.
“It was such a gracious delivery to our community,” said Jennifer Mares, a spokesperson for Knollwood Pointe. “It was definitely such a happy surprise for the residents, and it helped lift their spirits.”
At Belle Bouquet alone, 13 upcoming weddings have been postponed – four this week, four next week and five in April and May – because of the pandemic, said Toni. Her parents, Edna and Bill Adcox, started the florist shop 50 years ago. Toni, her sister and their mother all work in the family business.
“We’re doing the best we can,” she says. “Business is down, but we’ve weathered some storms over the years and always managed to bounce back.”
The bride’s father, Tommy King, owns another small business in Mobile, Print King. “We’re feeling the effects just like everyone,” Jeannie says. “We did a lot of work for schools and events, and now nothing is happening.”
Knowing the flowers were put to good use – the staff has placed floral arrangements throughout the community, and even in some residents’ rooms – has helped the bride’s family feel less sad about the situation.
“It’s kind of sunk in now,” says Jeannie. “We’re hoping and praying it’ll all be gone by July.”