There were audible gasps as the long-necked, wide-eyed creature entered the banquet room atop a mobile table. Broad smiles that quickly turned to laughter, broke out in waves as the creature passed each participant and realization set in. This was fantasy come to life. Vibrant colors, a sweet fragrance and a towering presence captured the essence of the man being honored, a retiring chief of police. Like the giraffe represented in the floral creation by Jeff’s Flowers, of Course, and recounted in the chief’s own words, the retiring chief — and giraffes — sleep little, are generally docile and can be forceful when necessary.
The giraffe centerpiece is one example of the excellence embodied in creations by Jeff’s Flowers, of Course, founded by Jeff Kremp in 1993. Kremp is not simply a florist, but an artist. Born into a floriated family in 1953 outside Philadelphia, Kremp was tying perfect bows by age six. After marrying his wife Page, he convinced her to join his business even though her interest at the time lay in another, less artistic, field. Page has since embraced her creativity and loves the work Jeff’s Flowers provides for banquets, weddings, funerals and simple arrangements ordered by forgetful husbands on short notice for wedding anniversaries.
Kremp joined the Marine Corps after the Vietnam Era draft ended and served six years. Kremp made the transition from Marine to floral artist in style. He goes about his day creating arrangements that include live fish, lush and green centerpieces and, of course, the giraffe.
Jeff’s Flowers employs four designers and three customer service representatives. For events such as the Riverside RemarkaBall, Kremp will hire independent contractors and occasionally enlists friends and family to assist with the large number of centerpieces needed. Held this year in March at the Newport News Marriott at City Center, the fourth annual RemarkaBall honored Riverside Foundation’s Provider and Citizen of the Year. Kremp’s team worked long hours to provide the freshest and most creative centerpieces to reflect the RemarkaBall’s passion for honoring its 10,000 providers.
Kremp’s passion is equal to that of his customers and is apparent in every bouquet, centerpiece and animal showpiece that leaves the shop. Every arrangement is hand-delivered with care. Local in-season flowers and greenery are the first choice of Jeff’s Flowers, with suppliers providing additional needed foliage. Kremp’s creations must pass rigorous quality control tests, and the pride in his work is evident as he smiles broadly when talking about his love of flowers and the importance of providing a product that reflects quality, care and love.
The Kremps also participate in various charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity. Civic service is not just a byword for the Kremps, but also an opportunity to interact and give back to the community they love.
Whether it’s a hand-delivered poodle made of roses, or simply a bouquet of in-season tulips, Jeff’s Flowers can make it all come to life! Kremp excels at applying his vision and artistic talent when providing the perfect representation of love for that special person at home or that event that causes gasps of flower fantasies.
TO THE POINT:
Jeff’s Flowers, of Course
Contact: Jeff Kremp
Address: 300 Ed Wright Ln., Newport News, VA 23606
Phone: 757-827-5333
Email: WeCare@JeffsFlowers.com
Website: JeffsFlowers.com
