That magic moment: Frank Kennedy proposed to Roxanne Wilson on Dec. 27.
Flowers always are big parts of weddings, but this year, a wedding will be a big part of the Philadelphia International Flower Show.
A Mayfair couple — a school teacher and a Philadelphia police officer — will say their “I dos” on “Wedding Wednesday,” March 5, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, right in the middle of the Flower Show’s annual run, March 1 to 9.
Romantic? Flowery? Yeah, it’s all that.
And more. The two, who live on the 3100 block of Englewood Street, not only get the Flower Show nuptials, they will be treated to a reception for 75, a honeymoon in Ireland and other goodies, courtesy of the show, Philadelphia Wedding magazine and Tourism Ireland.
The show and the magazine conducted a “Greatest Groom” contest earlier this year, encouraging brides-to-be, parents, siblings and friends to nominate some Prince Charmings.
From 100 “Greatest Groom” nominations, Officer Frank Kennedy was chosen, the show announced last week on Valentine’s Day. According to contest spokeswoman Jill Asher, Kennedy’s intended, Roxanne Wilson, nominated him without his knowledge.
So, yes, he was surprised when she called him at work on Jan. 15 to announce the news.
“Get outta here!” Kennedy, 32, said.
Winning a wedding contest that included a honeymoon in Ireland struck the 39th District cop as maybe a little too good to be true.
“The cop in me started asking questions,” he said.
Wilson, 35, said the two met years ago.
“I went to college with Frankie’s sister, Barbara,” she said.
They got reacquainted about five years ago in the Northeast right outside their house on the 3100 block of Englewood Street, and on Dec. 27, they got engaged during a family vacation.
Back from vacation, Wilson, who teaches second grade at Ziegler Elementary on Saul Street, went online to look for free honeymoon trips. The “Greatest Groom Contest” caught her eye, especially since it involved a trip to Ireland, a place she knew Kennedy wanted to visit.
Wilson said she wrote an essay about Frank as part of her contest entry.
“He treats me like a princess every day of my life. He is truly the greatest groom, and I am honored to be his wife,” she wrote.
Wilson said the cops at the 39th and the staff and kids at Ziegler have been great to them and very supportive.
After learning Kennedy was named greatest groom in January, Roxanne picked out a dress at Unveiled in Center City and will have hair and makeup done at Salon Norman-Dee on Grant Avenue. Photos will be done by Pictures by Todd, Bryn Mawr, and their wedding night will be at Loew’s Hotel.
Papertree Studio supplied the invitations for 75 guests for the wedding and a reception in a private room at the convention center.
You might notice that it was Kennedy who won the “Greatest Groom Contest,” but it was Wilson who won most of the goodies.
Kennedy said he noticed that, too.
“Yes,” Wilson said, “but he’s getting Ireland.” ••
Flower Show ready to bloom
2014 theme: Articulture: Where art meets horticulture
When: March 1–9; tickets on sale now.
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch streets
Information: www.theflowershow.com
