Yes, it's interesting, isn't it!
My wife thinks the second one looks artificial too, and she prefers to see more of the bloom as you see in #1.
On the other hand, I prefer #2. I think it has a more open and brighter look to it. It sort of captures a spring feeling, even though it isn't spring.
Both pix were taken in the same location, obviously shooting the same flowers, and the same dual flash lighting setup. The backgrounds are completely natural and untouched in PP. I've only done some sharpening and increased the clarity a tad in LR.
Thanks for looking and your comments.