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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 5:13 p.m., Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Kaua'i's Mr. Flowers acquired by Virginia couple

Advertiser Staff

Mr. Flowers Floral Design on Kaua'i has been acquired by the former assistant chief of floral design at the White House and her husband.

The couple, Wendy and Charlie Elsasser together have more than 35 years of floral design experience, They bought the business after relocating to Princeville from Alexandria, Va.

Mr. Flowers, which specializes in high-end floral design for unique occasions, has been operating on Kaua'i for more than 20 years.

Wendy Elsasser's career as a floral designer at the White House began in 1985 and spanned the terms of four U.S. Presidents. She created and oversaw floral design for a wide range of White House special events, including state dinners, picnics on the South Lawn, and intimate luncheons, for guests from Oscar de la Renta to Queen Elizabeth II of England. Her responsibilities also included decorating the White House for Christmas.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of serving several presidential administrations," Elsasser said. "Being just a small part of the history and lore of the White House is something I'll never forget. And I quickly discovered that Democrats and Republicans alike appreciated floral design at the White House. I look forward to using the experience that I gained in Washington to provide distinctive floral arrangements to families and couples."

In addition to decorating the White House, Wendy and Charlie ran a private flower business, Heather and Honey, from their home in Virginia for 20 years. Heather and Honey has provided everything from boutonnieres and bridal bouquets to top-table settings and floral arches for more than 300 weddings, ranging from intimate affairs to 600 person sit-down dinners.

Mr. Flowers specializes in both traditional floral design and tropical creations using local plants such as ginger and bird of paradise.

For more information visit www.kauai-flowers.com.