In 1992, Brian received his B.S., cum laude, from Hampden Sydney College in Virginia followed by a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia Tech in 1997. In 2005, while working as a Veterinarian in Orlando, Florida, Brian met the love of his life, Mary-Margaret, in Ft. Lauderdale. Because of Brian’s passion for all things orchid, he and Mary-Margaret formed Blu Llama Orchids, Inc. Brian and Mary-Margaret were married on April Fool’s Day in 2006 and reside in Ft. Lauderdale with their five cats and their ever expanding orchid collection.

Brian started growing and hybridizing orchids in his backyard, but this has recently expanded to 4000 square feet of greenhouse space. He will grow anything green, but focuses on his hybridizing projects, which include the development of multi-floral white and pink Pahiopedilums, warmth-tolerant red Oncidiinae, and a standard pink Cattleya with an all-white lip. Encouraged by his wife and inspired by his orchids, Brian continues to pursue and perfect his orchid culture and photographic skills. Brian’s photography has won awards online, in the 2007 Miami International Orchid Show, and at the 2008 World Orchid Conference. Brian is currently a student judge with the American Orchid Society.

Brian's talk focuses on the pink cattleyas loddigesii and harrisoniana. It promises to be an interesting one and we hope to see you all there! And remember: this is the last meeting at our Lions Club location. In September we move to our new location. Complete details and directions will be provided both on the web site and in the newsletter.