Our Story
Short version: At Cedar Rae Floral, we are passionate about creating beautiful floral arrangements that bring joy and beauty to your special occasion. After 15 years of managing local natural resources, I transitioned into floral design in 2024, launching my business and pursuing my Professional Floral Designer certification. Passionate about sustainability, I prioritize locally sourced flowers while continuing to grow in the craft, and when not arranging flowers, I enjoy teaching yoga and spending time with my husband and golden retriever, Luna.
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Long version: After 15 years of managing and advocating for local natural resources, I made a bold decision to follow my true passion—floral design. In February 2024, I left my position in local government to fully dedicate myself to this new venture. By March 2024, my floral business was born, and I’ve been honing my skills ever since at Koehler & Dramm’s Institute of Floristry. I’m on track to earn my Professional Floral Designer certification in early 2025.
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Having set up my own studio and gained hands-on experience by assisting another florist with events and weddings, I’m now thrilled to be booking my own events. Transitioning into the world of wedding and event floristry has been one of the best decisions of my life, and I couldn’t be happier to call this my second career.
I’m deeply committed to sustainability, which includes a strong dedication to both environmental stewardship and the responsible sourcing of flowers. I use as many locally sourced stems as possible to minimize the ecological footprint of my designs, while also staying true to my lifelong passion for protecting our natural resources.
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Floral design is a craft I am always learning and growing in. I’m committed to continuing my education in this field to refine my techniques and stay inspired by the ever-evolving art of floristry.
In addition to floristry, I’ve been teaching yoga in and around Apple Valley since 2019 and have a love for gardening. When I’m not arranging flowers or teaching yoga, you can usually find me at a brewery with my husband and our golden retriever, Luna. (She occasionally models some of my wedding creations—though she’s not always thrilled about it!)
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Cheers,
Jessica
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Our Business Name
As a nature lover and Certified Arborist, I always knew that my business name would reflect my deep connection to the botanical world. The inspiration for Cedar Rae Floral comes from my roots—both literal and personal. My very first job was at Cedar Street Garden Center in downtown Monticello, Minnesota, where I worked alongside my mom, Christine.
Together, we nurtured the greenhouse, helped customers select houseplants, and managed the seasonal displays. It was during these formative years in high school and college that I truly developed my passion for plants and flowers.​Although my mom tragically passed away from cancer at 48, I continue to feel her presence in every flower I arrange, every backyard bird I watch, and even the bunny statues I come across.
Her love for gardening lives on in me, and it’s through this new adventure that I hope to share more beauty with the world. The name Cedar Rae Floral is a tribute to that cherished time spent with her and to our shared middle names, which carry forward the legacy of love, growth, and nature.