As a floral preservation artist, my job is to press your blooms in a way that feels meaningful, beautiful, and lasting. Every petal I press, trim, or color correct is part of a story, your story, and I treat that responsibility with so much care. Part of what I do is to meter expectations and align with your vision. That means listening closely, asking the right questions, and being transparent about what's artistically and botanically possible. The goal is to provide you with a floral preservation piece that absolutely blows your mind!
But sometimes, even with the best communication and intentions, expectations and results do not align exactly how a client imagined.
Recently, I collaborated with a bride who has been so supportive and encouraging about Vancuterie. She has followed my social media since day one. She has watched my stories and was genuinely excited about her piece. When I sent her the first proof, her response was less than enthusiastic, disappointed is more fitting. She was expecting more vibrancy, color, and a distinctive look to her flowers, even though what I created was a true match to the original bouquet she provided.
And here is the thing, she was not wrong to feel the way she did. What she had envisioned in her mind did not line up with the natural state of her bouquet. The colors she had at her wedding were more muted and subtle than what she had seen with more saturated pieces online. What made this experience a success was her willingness to give thoughtful feedback, and our ability to work together to bring her vision and her real-life flowers into harmony.
This experience taught me something important and I want to share that with every bride, client, or flower lover who chooses preservation:
Each piece is as unique as the bouquet you send me. No two floral arrangements age, dry, or press the same way. Color shifts are natural, and while I do use techniques like color correction and reconstruction, I never alter the flowers beyond their original spirit.
Instagram is curated. Social media highlights a wide variety of work, and many of the pieces you see have different floral varieties, more vivid color palettes, or benefited from ideal preservation conditions. While your piece can be just as stunning, it may look different due to the nature of your flowers.
Communication is everything. I welcome your vision. If you are drawn to a certain style or color treatment you have seen on my page, please share that with me in advance. I cannot promise I’ll replicate it exactly and will always do my best to align your expectations with what your flowers can beautifully become.
This recent experience, while emotional at times, reminded me how deeply personal this art form is. I am so grateful to the client for her honesty and suggestions. The final piece was gorgeous and heartfelt, and it would not have come together the same way without her trust.
If you are considering floral preservation, my promise is this: I will treat your flowers with the respect and artistry they deserve, and I’ll always be here to guide you gently through the process.