Saturday’s Queen Tea at the Tyler Rose Garden unfolded under cloudy skies that held off the rain long enough for attendees to meet Rose Queen Avery Craft Armstrong, Princess Mary-Michael Dial, and the court of Ladies-in-Waiting and out-of-town Duchesses in their Coronation costumes.
“Such a blessing from God with this weather and just the community, the attendance, the fellowship,” said Liz Ballard, executive director of the Texas Rose Festival. “It has just been amazing for our city.”
The Queen’s Tea is a cherished tradition of the Texas Rose Festival, offering the community an opportunity to meet the Queen and her court. With the festival’s theme, “A Tapestry of Tales,” on full display at the tea, attendees were given a chance to see the elaborate and ornate gowns up close and personal —something Ballard heard from many attendees.
“They’ve complimented the workmanship of the dresses,” she said. “The hours that go into them, the many hands that they go through before the final touches — they take months. Everything is done off of a flat design that Jacob Climer does… it’s so impressive.”
Attendees snapped photos and collected autographs from the young ladies of the Court. According to Ballard, this year’s theme resonated with many visitors, with each member representing a favorite story from the community.
“As you look around today, the little girls, they’ve got these sweet little books and they’re getting them signed,” Ballard said. “It’s almost like a Disney experience but the Tyler, Texas version.”
An experience for all to enjoy
For newcomers, like Jamie Strand of Bullard, the Queen’s Tea offered a unique and memorable experience.
“It’s really cool, especially since we just moved here two years ago,” Strand said. “And it’s especially fun having a daughter who just thinks everyone is a princess.”
Strand said her 4-year-old daughter Remy enjoyed meeting the Court. “The girls were so nice… and everyone has been so kind,” she said. “I loved everything.”
Martha Plata, who has been enjoying the festival since she was young, said “everything has been wonderful” and praised the dress worn by the Princess.
“I really love the color and the design,” Plata said. “The style is very beautiful.
Plata said she and her daughters took photos with the Queen Armstrong and Princess Dial, while her youngest even collected autographs.
“It’s so nice to see the whole community come together,” Plata added. “I grew up around this neighborhood and seeing everyone come together here, it’s awesome.”
The floral spotlight
While the gowns of the Court dazzled with their intricate designs and shimmering details, the floral arrangement at the museum sparked conversations by many. Created by Dylan Dunn of Everything Florals by Dylan, the backdrop combined lush blooms and thoughtful design, providing a striking complement to the festival’s theme.
“Hearing their reactions and having them come up to me and say how amazing it is… there’s no word to describe the feeling that I have,” he said.
(Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)
A bed of roses adds color and fragrance to the Queen’s Tea at the Tyler Rose Garden on Saturday. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)
A floral backdrop created by Everything Floral by Dylan provided a vibrant photo setting during the Queen’s Tea at the Tyler Rose Garden. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)
Designed by Everything Floral by Dylan, the custom floral installation at the Queen’s Tea tied into this year’s festival theme, “A Tapestry of Tales.” (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)
Dunn was approached by the festival’s committee back in March to create a floral display for this year’s Texas Rose Festival, inspired by the ‘Tapestry of Tales’ theme.
“It means the world to have been asked to do this,” Dunn said. “I’ve been wanting this for a while… and to actually have this moment is so fulfilling.”
Dunn said the floral trees were the highlight of the display, impressing visitors with their size and detail, and kept every blossom thriving thanks to a hidden water system.
(Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)
“When I was first drawing it, I was like ‘how am I going to build these trees?’” Dunn said. “But I made it work and… everyone loves them.”
Dunn credited his friends and family for their tireless support in bringing the display to life, noting that they had traveled from Dallas, Arlington, North Carolina, and even Australia to help make the project a reality.
“I hope people see the set and this display, and I hope they recognize that it’s from Everything Floral,” Dunn said. “I just want people in Tyler to know what I can bring to the table, what I have to offer.”
For Dunn, the experience was as much about community and collaboration as it was about flowers. “It couldn’t have been possible without one God giving me this opportunity,” he said. “And I’m just so blessed to have it.”
Rose Festival Art Gallery
Also at the Tyler Rose Museum is the Texas Rose Festival Art Gallery, presented through the Palette of Roses Art League in conjunction with the festival. The annual art show showcases art and sells the artwork from East Texas artists at the museum. Visitors can also explore the Rose City Art Gallery and Gifts and the Tyler Rose Museum, both part of the festival experience.