our story
It all began with this bouquet …
Hi! This is me, Karmen, and my daughter, McDaniel, on her wedding day in May of 2022.
Two days before the wedding McDaniel mentioned that she wanted her bouquet preserved. It was two days before the wedding so our to-do list was long and that request went on the very bottom.
Two days after the wedding, I got COVID. I suddenly remembered McDaniel wanted her bouquet preserved. My husband, Monte, started calling every florist in our town to see if they offered preservation or knew anyone who did.
They all said they did not and more than a few said they’d love to know someone who did because their clients ask for it.
Monte finally found an out-of-state company to preserve McDaniel’s bouquet, but with overnight shipping and the cost of packing it, we spent more than the cost of the bouquet BEFORE even paying for the preservation frame. The company did beautiful work on McDaniel’s bouquet!
Hi! This is me, Karmen, and my daughter, McDaniel, on her wedding day in May of 2022.
Two days before the wedding McDaniel mentioned that she wanted her bouquet preserved. It was two days before the wedding so our to-do list was long and that request went on the very bottom.
Two days after the wedding, I got COVID. I suddenly remembered McDaniel wanted her bouquet preserved. My husband, Monte, started calling every florist in our town to see if they offered preservation or knew anyone who did.
They all said they did not and more than a few said they’d love to know someone who did because their clients ask for it.
Monte finally found an out-of-state company to preserve McDaniel’s bouquet, but with overnight shipping and the cost of packing it, we spent more than the cost of the bouquet BEFORE even paying for the preservation frame. The company did beautiful work on McDaniel’s bouquet!
As I recovered from COVID, I couldn’t stop thinking that floral preservation would be a great business for Columbus, Ohio. I did lots of research, watched hours of YouTube videos, sought out experts and mentors in the field and practiced on every bloom in my yard (and those nearby).
Within a few short months I had my first wedding bouquet and it all snowballed into Story Pressed.
I’ve known Carrie since our kids were babies. Over a catch-up lunch, I shared about the launch of Story Pressed and Carrie said to let her know if she could ever help. Not even a year later, I was overwhelmed with orders and sent a desperate plea to Carrie for HELP! Carrie has brought a creative eye and flair for layout and design to Story Pressed.
We love what we do! Each bloom is so unique and never ceases to amaze us when we pull it out of the press. Plus, we love all the people we get to meet! We display our work in my home studio and are happy to show you what we can do per a consultation before your event.
behind the florals
Meet Karmen, Founder & Designer
Hi! I’m Karmen. I am an emptynester with a writing background who has lots of hobbies. I’m interested in all things creative (except sewing), reading good books, dinosaurs (yep) and finding the funny in most things.
Favorite part of flower preservation
I really enjoy watching the various flowers we press change over time. Blush roses turn the prettiest lavender gray. White roses turn creamy yellow.
Favorite flower to press
Dahlias, zinnias and peonies.
Favorite part of your job
Making floral monograms and getting to meet so many people!
Meet Carrie, Partner & Designer
Hi, I'm Carrie. I'm a mom of three who studied Art in college. I love all things creative — cooking, painting, and like Karmen, not sewing. I also enjoy tennis, reading and traveling.
I love seeing the flower's progression from start to finish. The changes in their color fascinates me. Nature is pretty awesome!
I too like dahlias and peonies. I also like hydrangeas and anemones.
Favorite part of your job
I like gluing the petals back together and seeing their progress in color and size. I also enjoy doing custom designs for clients like for baby showers, weddings... really any of life's celebrations.
Favorite part of flower preservation
Favorite flower to press
testimonials
On May 10th, our family became official with a beautiful courthouse wedding in downtown Columbus, Since it was just the three of us, pictures and flowers were what mattered the most to me to remember our day. I reached out to Karmen on May 13th and within hours I was dropping off my arrangement, my husband's boutonniere and our daughter's corsage. Karmen completely saw my vision and made sure all three of us were included in our beautiful pieces!! We will forever cherish our new artwork and can't recommend Story Pressed enough!! 6/5 stars!!
Kind Words
"We love Story Pressed and are so lucky to have found them!!"
— Andi D.
weddings, gifts, memories, and more.
Discover all of our capabilities.
In addition to preserving your special flowers, we can jazz up your next event from our large stock of already pressed florals. We can add our flowers to place cards, signs, cards and gift tags for your shower, wedding or party. Reach out so we can brainstorm all the ways we can add color to your event.
