A Moment of Grace in the Nation’s Capital at the First Lady’s Luncheon

By Corrine Heck

Each spring, Washington, D.C.—a city known for its high-stakes politics and fast-paced decision-making—slows down, if only for a moment, to honor something softer yet deeply powerful: tradition, unity, and service. The First Lady’s Luncheon offers that pause. It’s an elegant and meaningful celebration that transcends fashion and floral beauty, giving us a window into American diplomacy, legacy, and compassion.

Hundreds of florists from across the United States apply for the opportunity to participate in this monumental event—an elite design experience that receives overwhelming interest each year. The selection process is highly competitive, and it’s a tremendous honor to be chosen for this volunteer opportunity. This year, 27 floral designers were selected, including seven talented AIFD members—making up 25% of the design team.

Renee Tucci, AIFD, served as the Design Chair, leading the creative vision for the event. I don’t often get the chance to pick up my florist tools, but when I was accepted to be part of this exceptional group, I couldn’t pass it up. It had been a while since I’d been immersed in flowers, but the moment I started designing again, I felt that old spark reignite. The passion that inspired me to create Details was alive and well—and being surrounded by such a dedicated and inspiring team of designers only deepened that appreciation for the floral industry and the artistry it represents.

Honoring a Century-Old Tradition

The First Lady’s Luncheon has a legacy spanning over a century. What began as a social gathering for the spouses of Congress members has grown into a nationally celebrated event that honors the sitting First Lady and supports the causes that uplift communities across the nation.

What struck me most was the spirit of bipartisanship and unity. Despite the political backdrop of D.C., the luncheon creates a space where people come together to celebrate service, womanhood, and the enduring power of community. It was a privilege to contribute to something with such a meaningful legacy.

I was also incredibly moved by the mission of the Congressional Club, the organization behind the luncheon. Chartered by an Act of Congress and composed primarily of spouses of elected and appointed officials, the Club channels its history into impactful philanthropy. Under the leadership of Chairwoman Jane Mrvan of Indiana, this year’s event supported The National Park Trust and The Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center.

Celebrating Certified American Grown

Representing Certified American Grown (CAG) at the luncheon was one of the most meaningful parts of this journey. I’ve long been a passionate supporter of CAG and its mission to champion U.S. flower and foliage farmers.

CAG played a central role in orchestrating the floral installations. Working alongside talented designers from across the country, we translated “From Sand to Steel” into living, breathing art using farm-fresh, American-grown products from partner farms nationwide.

It was deeply moving to see the final designs come together and to learn the economic and environmental impact behind each stem. Our work highlighted beauty, sustainability, pride, and purpose.

This Year’s Theme: From Sand to Steel

The luncheon’s theme, “From Sand to Steel,” was a beautiful metaphor for resilience and transformation. Inspired by Chairwoman Mrvan’s home state of Indiana, the theme brought together the region’s iconic sand dunes and its legacy of steel production. The juxtaposition of softness and strength resonated deeply with me, and it was incredible to watch that duality reflected in the floral designs.

A Moment to Remember

When The White House released a video recap of the luncheon, I was incredibly moved. Seeing our work—our labor of love—reflected in that footage reminded me why we do what we do. Flowers are more than decoration. They’re storytelling. They’re diplomacy. They’re connection in bloom.

Gratitude & Grace

The First Lady’s Luncheon is a testament to what happens when tradition, collaboration, and creativity come together. I’m so grateful to have been part of this historic moment. To the floral sponsors, the fellow designers, the Congressional Club, and Certified American Grown—thank you for making this dream a reality.

Designing impactful florals starts with the right tools—schedule an intro call today to see how Details helps florists turn inspiration into implementation.

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