Jim Roberts, owner of Southern Traditions, recently turned 50 — and what a way to celebrate. September became a whirlwind of international floral artistry as Jim traveled to France twice and Italy once, freelancing at three extraordinary weddings.
The journey began three years ago in Washington, D.C., where Jim was part of the team decorating the White House for Christmas. While working alongside other designers, he met two talented individuals whose work he later admired on Instagram. Though their contact was brief, the connection would prove pivotal.
Fast forward to August: Jim took an early birthday trip to Yellowstone. Upon returning, he received a message from one of those designers inviting him to freelance a wedding in Nice, France. He spent 10 days abroad — seven immersed in floral design, and three exploring the sights. The wedding was a floral spectacle, featuring 45,000 roses, 40,000 hydrangeas, and 8,000 anthuriums.
Just days after returning home, Jim was invited to freelance at another wedding — this time in Lake Como, Italy. He flew out again, arriving just in time to hear Andrea Bocelli perform live at the celebration. Jim’s birthday fell during this trip, and his fellow designers surprised him with a heartfelt celebration. “Word spread fast,” Jim said. “I had people wishing me happy birthday in languages I didn’t even understand.”
Before he could catch his breath, Jim was off to southern France for a third wedding. “There were probably 30 to 40 designers,” he recalled. His contribution? A stunning archway over the entrance made with 20,000 roses.
And the adventure isn’t over. This Thanksgiving, Jim will return to Washington to help decorate the White House once again — this time as one of four Captains leading the design team.
