Here's a wonderful story from Lyn Grice, a Park Seed customer who is apparently really good with growing things. Last year, her family was growing and to celebrate, she grew sunflowers. LOTS of sunflowers. Here--I'll let Lyn tell the story herself. She sent this delightful email and pictures to Karen Park Jennings.
Hi, Karen!
I don't know if you will remember me or not, but my son was getting married last Sept, and I was growing sunflowers for their wedding. I ordered almost every one of the sunflowers you sell.
Believe me, at one point I almost chopped all of them down. When I thought they would all be bloomed out and they couldn't use them, I started freaking out. I felt I was going to let them down. Boy, was I ever glad I didn't, because the very next day, the flower lady came and said she was going to be able to use them in almost every arrangement needed.
So I thought you just might like to see what beautiful flowers came from the seeds I got from you. Even more was the joy I got from growing them. I can’t wait to do it again this year.... Grow them that is. Oh, do you need any seeds? I think I have enough seeds for 500 people. hahaha Just kiddin’!
Thank you so much,
Lyn Grice
In the picture above right, you see the happy couple: Amber and Jesse Hausmann. Note the lovely sunflowers in Amber's bouquet. 
Quite a nifty gift to the Bride from the new Mother-in-law, don't you think? I'm sure their relationship will blossom as a result.
All of Amber's bridesmaids also got a share of Lyn's sunflower bounty. Here you can see the lovely bride with her best buds Melissa, Amanda, Sabrina, Amy, and Kari.
So on behalf of all of us at Park Seed Company, congratulations to the bride and groom, and a huge "thank you!" to Lyn for sharing her heart-warming and creative sunflower story. That's how Park Seed memories are made!
If you have a memory of your own to share, email me at ckuhl@parkseed.com or send items to the Special Projects Department, 1 Parkton Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29647-0001.
I confess, I wouldn't have thought to use sunflowers at a wedding, but clearly, it's a bright idea!
Those flowers are abosolutely beautiful! What a wonderful love story, and a great idea for my upcoming wedding!
Posted by: Jennifer | March 30, 2007 at 01:18 PM
I am a friend of Lyn's and she showed me additional photographs of the wedding party. I was stunned at the beauty, brightness and variety of colors in her sunflowers. I had no idea such beauty and richness could be attained from the humble sunflower! Every bridesmaid wore a different colored dress, each matching a separate colored sunflower. The results were amazing! Lyn really put her heart and imagination into this project.
Posted by: Jeanne Wolff | April 19, 2007 at 09:53 PM
I also benefited from Lyn's sunflowers. I am her cousin and she had so many that she transplanted a whole garden of them at my house so that I could enjoy them all summer.
Posted by: Teri Martin | April 20, 2007 at 10:11 AM
thanks for sharing those story. such a wonderful bouquet of sunflowers, i like the way they arranged it, it looked more organized.. keep posting...
-ashliana-
Posted by: sunflower bouquet | March 05, 2009 at 09:08 PM
Hi, Ashliana!
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the encouragement. I am amazed at how many people search the Internet for info about Sunflowers and weddings. Must be a popular theme! Keey your sunny side up,
CFK
Posted by: Claire | March 06, 2009 at 08:28 AM
I'm looking for this kind of wedding theme,because we both love sunflower,we would like to choose sunflower in our wedding.
-Ava
Posted by: Philippine flower delivery | June 10, 2009 at 02:45 AM
Hello, Ava!
Sunflowers are very popular for weddings. Be sure to plan ahead and time your planting so that the flowers are at their peak for your event.
Cheers!
Posted by: Claire | June 10, 2009 at 08:35 AM
My son is getting married next year June 12th 2010.
We have a large garden and I would like to plant sun flowers, as my future daughter in law has chosen this as their wedding flowers. We live in N.C and May is rather warm about 85 degrees and in the low 90's in June. When should I plant to have the flowers at there peak for the wedding
Posted by: teryle | July 10, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Hi, Teryle!
Sounds like are going to be a great Mom-in-Law with your plan to provide sunflowers for the wedding. I checked with one of Park Seed Company's top horticulturists, and got lots of great info. Please email me at ckuhl@parkseed.com so that I can send you all the details!
The short answer is to check the "days to maturity" information for your specific sunflowers, and count backwards to see when to start them. Different varieties have different cycles, so you will probably start different seeds at different times. Our expert says that the June 12th target is a bit early, but if you start the seeds indoors and have a growing space with lots of strong sun, you should be able to pull it off.
As always, your very best bet for gardening information is your local County Extension Service. They are most familiar with your specific climate and conditions, and they gladly give great advice at no charge!
Oh yes, one great point from our hort--be mindful of which sunflower varieties produce pollen! You might end up with lots of yellow "dust" all over the wedding guests!
Please do email me so I can send more info! And next June, we'll be looking for lots of great pictures of your son's wedding to share here!
Thanks so much for stopping by,
CFK
Posted by: Claire | July 13, 2009 at 09:21 AM
I believe that sunflower is a gorgeous flower for weddings.
~Ashley~
Posted by: flower delivery Philippine | November 05, 2009 at 10:59 PM