TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.
What do you offer couples, and what areas do you serve?
I am a flower preservation artist. I accept bouquets and floral arrangements from across the country and am based in New Franklin, Ohio. Couples can deliver their bouquet in person at their design consultation or mail the bouquet to Mrs. Dougherty Designs for preservation.
HOW IT ALL STARTED.
How did your business begin, and what experience do you bring to the wedding industry?
My journey to becoming a flower preservation artist began in 2024. I began to work with epoxy resin to make a counter top for my kitchen. We had bought my husband’s childhood home, and I wanted more counter space in order to host our big family. I had to stop teaching to stay home with our son when he was born prematurely. The greatest gift I have been given in my life is our two boys. They are my whole world. When I realized that the kindness I showed to my mother-in-law changed my life forever, I got the blessing of continuing to stay home with them. I preserved the hydrangea bush behind our home that was given to her by her class after my father-in-law passed. She gets a lasting memory of him in her new home, and I then preserved my first wedding. I made 2 arches, a cube for the flower girl, and a wine stopper with some greenery. I mailed it to Austin, TX and my friend cried as she opened the box. Now over 280 custom orders later I still get the privilege of preserving special event flowers. From funerals, weddings, or special requests for gifts.
WHAT SETS YOU APART.
What makes your approach different, and what type of couple is the best fit for you?
I make sure that everyone who trusts me to preserve their bouquet feels and understands the passion I have for my work. Couples come in to my studio a few days following their wedding to sit and design their preservation in a relaxed and welcoming environment. We share stories, design keepsakes, and create memories for them to share with their loved ones.
THE CLIENT EXPERIENCE.
What can couples expect when they work with you, from their first inquiry through completion?
Flower preservation should be booked at least 3 months prior to the wedding date as limited reservations are available. A $100 deposit is taken to reserve preservation and is applied to the final invoice. My current catalog and pricing are on my website so their is always transparency. The design consultation and bouquet delivery is scheduled within 2 weeks of the wedding date and occurs 2-3 days after the ceremony. Then the flowers are processed and created into resin keepsakes in a 4-5 month turn around.
THE DETAILS TO KNOW.
What services, products or packages do you offer, and what should couples know about pricing, availability and how far ahead to book?
(Can you combine this with the last question)
A COMMON MISTAKE TO AVOID.
What is one mistake or misconception couples should avoid when choosing a professional in your category?
Flower preservation needs to be booked a few months ahead of time. Reservations fill quickly and bouquets only last a few days after the wedding due to their conditioning and styling before brides receive them from their florist. If you are planning a bouquet toss, make a through Bouquet to replace your actual bouquet. Artificial flowers can also be set in resin so no matter your plan for your big day preservation is possible.
BEFORE YOU SAY YES.
What questions should couples ask before hiring a wedding professional in your category?
Always ask a flower preservation artist how they plan on reviewing your bouquet and the process they use to design your preservation with you. The couple gets to see the preservation for years to come not the artist.
A LITTLE LOCAL ADVICE.
What is your best advice for couples planning a wedding in Northeast Ohio?
Ask for help. Attend a Today’s Bride Show for advice and inspiration. Remember that you are not alone and the most important people on your wedding day are you.
A MOMENT TO REMEMBER.
Can you share a favorite wedding or client story that shows what working with you is really like?
My favorite part of my business is no matter the reason someone is bringing me flowers to preserve, I get to bring joy to the situation. Couples who come to my studio get to be immersed in the design process and leave feeling charished.
