How long have you been in business?
I have been pressing and freeze drying wedding bouquets since 1992…more than 32 years!
What is the process?
Freeze drying or “sublimation” is a process of extracting water without going through the liquid phase.
What locations do you service?
Brides are primarily from CT, NY & NJ for the most part coming from Fairfield and Westchester Counties. All consultations are held in Greenwich by appointment or via remote video chat. Although I work locally, I regularly meet in Greenwich with brides coming from all parts of the tri-state area and even as far as PA and MA.
What to look for when hiring a preservationist?
ALWAYS look for a professional experienced in the process of freeze drying as the most preferred method for preserving your bouquet. A trained preservationist with the proper equipment and design skills is the way to ensure a lasting keepsake. Even presses are processed in the freeze dryer. My goal in every bouquet I preserve is to create a piece of art that the bride will cherish as much as she did on her wedding day whether is it her first or her 25th anniversary.
What is the difference between pressing and freeze drying?
Personal preference – pressed are two dimensional on fabric backgrounds that are framed flat against the glass while freeze dried are three dimensional and mounted in shadowboxes and domed frames. A note regarding pressed pieces which have been very popular recently: presses go through an extensive process similar to the 3 dimensional pieces. By freezing and then freeze drying my presses, I get a better quality dried flower with more vibrant colors vs traditional pressing. After the freeze dry process, some additional color tinting takes place and will vary depending on the type of flower and color. Flowers pressed are arranged and held in place without the use of any glue. Glue over time will show and bleed through a pressed flower as it ages which is why I avoid using it on all of my pressed pieces. It is a very specific technique that I do not stray from as I want them to age in the best condition possible.
How are the flowers treated?
Chemically both pre and post freeze drying. Even flowers in presses are processed in the freeze dryer.
Are there any flowers that don’t preserve well?
Some do better than others depending on the process and condition upon receipt. Recommendations can be made upon request.
When should I place my order?
Anytime but between 4 and 6 months prior to the wedding date is ideal. Some dates do book to capacity months in advance. There is nothing I hate more than turning a bride away because I simply don’t have room in one of the storage freezers but it does happen.
What should I do with my flowers after my wedding?
Keep them cool and hydrated. Special instructions for keeping flowers to last longest will vary and advice is given upon consultation.
How should I get my flowers to you?
Be sure to call to schedule and appointment or email for general inquiries in advance of the wedding. Drop off is by appointment only.
When do I need to pick out my frame?
Sometimes before but most often after you’ve seen your bouquet.
My wedding has already happened. What now?
It’s not too late but be sure to CALL ASAP! Particularly during busy seasons, I am not always able to respond to emails and text messages timely due to the volume of brides trying to get a hold of me. The best way to ensure I will have time and space for your flowers is to call as I do often book to capacity. You only need to choose pressed vs. freeze dried and drop them off along with a $300 deposit. Flowers from a Friday or Saturday wedding are typically dropped on Sundays so don’t wait for Monday to call!
How soon do you need my flowers?
No more than a few days after the wedding. Don’t wait to call!
How long does it take?
That depends on the time of year. How quickly your frame is chosen will factor in as well. It’s a process that requires a good amount of hurry to get the flowers to me and then wait time for them to be preserved and that cannot be rushed. Allow anywhere from a few to several months for completion.
How much does it cost to preserve my bouquet?
It depends on the frame you choose. Pricing will fluctuate depending on the size, finish, style and type of frame or shadowbox. Typical pressed bouquets and 3D pieces in frames with domes run between $370 and $550. Shadowboxes start at $315 with the most popular sizes costing between $400 and $600. A popular shadowbox alternative are 3D modern mini and micro boxes that are smaller keepsake versions of the larger shadowboxes available in limited size, finish and style options that run between $300 and $465. The price covers all freeze drying and color tinting costs so there are no additional preservation fees. A $300 deposit is required to hold your space prior to your wedding and the balance is due when frame choice is made before any materials are ordered. Unless prior arrangements have been made, bouquets not picked up within 30 days will be subject to storage fees at an additional cost.
What forms of payments do you accept?
Cash, check, ApplePay, or Zelle and CT State Sales Tax is collected on all forms of payment.
How do I order?
If you have an upcoming wedding, feel free to call to schedule an appointment or email for general questions. I am also available for consultations via Zoom by appointment.