As a floral preservation artist, I’m always looking for new ways to connect with my community, showcase my work, and inspire couples with the beauty of what’s possible after the wedding day.
Vendor Besties started advertising earlier this year about their Juicy! styled wedding shoot. Lots of citrus, lots of intrigue, I really wanted to be a part of this event. I haven’t seen floral preservation used before in a styled wedding shoot and thought to myself, “why not?” And why did I reach out to Vendor Besties?
Vendor Besties is a group of industry professionals that have combined their entrepreneurial fire, artistic flair, and chaos! This group resonates with me in so many ways! I have had the opportunity to work with two of the founding members and the experiences have been top notch, steeped in professionalism, a little whimsy, and strong desire to bring out your very best! I love how Vendor Besties is pushing industry professionals to up their game and stretch their talents. Asking for a seat at the table during this styled wedding shoot is a stretch goal for me. Please check out their website at www.vendorbesties.com. They are here for it all!
I reached out to the producer of the shoot and asked, “Hey—can we be a part of this?” That one message has turned into an incredible opportunity to collaborate with other wedding pros, capture gorgeous content, and see our preservation art featured alongside a dream team of vendors.
Styled Shoots Are More Than Just Pretty Photos
Yes, the photos are stunning (and believe me, we’ll be sharing them soon!), but the value of a styled shoot goes far beyond aesthetics.
Styled shoots allow us to:
Showcase our work in a wedding context: Couples often don’t know what floral preservation looks like. Seeing our pieces styled next to the bouquet, the gown, or on a beautiful tablescape paints a full picture.
Educate couples on what’s possible: A styled shoot is a chance to plant a seed. Future brides may not have considered preservation—until they see a resin block or pressed frame on their Pinterest feed.
Build SEO-friendly content: These shoots often get featured in blogs or magazines. When our work is credited and linked, it drives traffic back to our website.
Connect with our local wedding community: These are our people. The photographers, planners, florists, and venue owners are all collaborators who help spread the word about what we do.
The Power of Connection: Don’t Wait to Be Invited
Here’s the thing, this would not have happened if I hadn’t reached out. I didn’t wait for an invite or for someone to think of me—I asked. And thanks to Vendor Besties for saying “yes, you too are welcome”! They have been developing and creating excellent content on how to grow your business. One avenue is through networking! I took their advice!
Sometimes all it takes is a message to a planner or photographer whose work you admire. Don’t be afraid to say, “I’d love to contribute to your next styled shoot. Here’s what I can offer.”
Tips for Getting Involved in Styled Shoots as a Floral Preservation Artist
If you’re a floral preservation artist looking to break into styled shoots, here are a few tips from my own experience:
- Make the first move. Reach out to planners, photographers, or florists you’d love to work with.
- Have a strong portfolio ready. Even a few clean, well-styled shots of your work can go a long way.
- Be flexible and collaborative. Styled shoots are creative playgrounds—come with ideas but be ready to adapt.
- Think seasonally and thematically. If it’s a spring shoot with pastel florals, think about showcasing preservation pieces that fit the vibe.
- Credit and tag everyone. Community over competition always. When we lift each other up, everyone wins.
- Being part of this styled shoot reminds me why I love what I do: preserving fleeting beauty in a way that lasts forever. And when we share that work in new, intentional ways, it helps couples see that their bouquet can live on well beyond the wedding day.
Have you ever been part of a styled shoot? Thinking of joining one? Let’s talk about it in the comments—or reach out if you’re planning something magical. We’d love to be a part of it.