by Bailee Ross
For many brides, selecting their wedding florals is one of the most meaningful—and often non-negotiable—investments in the entire celebration. These blooms set the tone, shape the palette, quietly mark a moment in time, and often reflect the bride’s personal story or the people she holds closest. And yet, once the vows are said and the music fades, most miss out on holding on to their beloved blooms.
For Maisen (Conley) Tellez, the significance of her florals was woven into a larger story. Inspired by Southern Bride’s Styled Challenge event at the Memphis Botanical Gardens, she began rethinking her original plan to elope as the date approached—realizing the importance of gathering with loved ones and embracing the traditions that make a wedding day feel whole. Flowers became a central part of that experience, especially as a tribute to her mother, who adores calla lilies and orchids and has them placed throughout her home.
With guidance from Southern Bride and Memphis floralist, Lauren Kerstell, Maisen’s vision of her wedding day bloomed into a rich, romantic palette of deep purples and lush greens—layered, intentional, and full of life. Each bloom carried meaning: dark purple calla lilies to honor her mom, the globe of blooms known as allium, for unity and wholeness, and orchids representing love, beauty, and strength. So, when every stem holds this much significance, it begs the question—why let it go?
Enter Blossom and Rhyme, industry leaders in the art of floral preservation, where science meets sentiment. From timeless pressed flower artwork to resin ring holders, coasters, and even statement pieces like side tables, their by-hand process transforms fleeting arrangements into lasting works of art that carefully maintain the beauty and integrity of each bloom.
Their thoughtful approach to design is matched by a level of communication that sets them apart. Working closely with Maisen—as they do with each of their brides—the team ensured her bouquet reflected not only how it looked, but how it felt. While preserving florals does require some planning, their step-by-step guidance makes the process seamless for a quick send-off to ensure optimal preservation conditions. (We recommend adding it to your wedding planner or Maid of Honor’s checklist so you can slip into newlywed bliss uninterrupted.)
Once the flowers were received, the team provided updates at every stage—from arrival and drying to layout proofs and color correction. The process itself is meticulous, typically spanning six to eight months, but the results are well worth the wait. Madelyn, one of their lead Floral Artists, made sure each petal was carefully reconstructed, restoring the bouquet’s original cascading composition. Through thoughtful color correction, its vibrancy was true to the palette Maisen remembered so vividly.
There was one more unexpected detail. Originally composed with delicate orchid buds, Maisen was amazed to see that during the preservation process, they had gently bloomed. She took it as a quiet, beautiful sign of the future she and her husband, Felipe, are building together.
Now, her preserved bouquet hangs proudly in her dressing room, while a custom ring holder—featuring elements from Felipe’s boutonniere—rests by her bedside.
“It’s something I look forward to telling my grandchildren about one day,” she shares. “But for now, I just can’t stop looking at it.”
For brides looking to carry their wedding day forward, floral preservation offers something rare—beauty that doesn’t fade, but evolves. And with Blossom and Rhyme, it becomes something you can hold onto forever.
Spotlight Vendor: Blossom and Rhyme
Additional Vendors:
Wedding Day Photographer: Ally Perkins Photography
Venue: Memphis Botanical Garden
Florals: By Lauren Kerstell
Gown: Low’s Bridal
Hair: Bridal Hair by Caitlyn
Makeup: Kasey Acuff Makeup
