MNW February Vendor of the Month: Ollie Marie’s Floral Design
There's something magical about a florist who can transform a bride's vision into a breathtaking reality. This February, we're thrilled to spotlight Ollie Marie's Floral Design, a cornerstone of the Northwest Arkansas wedding industry whose work exemplifies the perfect blend of artistry, dedication, and heartfelt service. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of their craft, Ollie Marie's has become synonymous with exceptional floral design in the region.
Cynthia Eubanks, Owner of Ollie Marie’s Floral Design photographed by Emma Farr Photography
A Blooming Legacy
For Cynthia Eubanks, founder of Ollie Marie's Floral Design, flowers have always been more than just a business – they're a connection to family legacy and passion. Named after her mother Ollie Marie, who filled their home with beautiful gardens and fresh flowers, the business grew from deeply personal roots. "My mother always brought flowers to church on Sundays," Cynthia reminisces. "I would spend Saturdays looking for wildflowers for my mother to bring to Sunday morning services." These early memories of her mother's dedication to bringing beauty into sacred spaces would later influence Cynthia's approach to wedding florals.
What began as informal arrangements for friends and church members blossomed into something extraordinary when Cynthia found herself an empty nester. With her three daughters grown, she took a leap of faith that would transform her life. In her very first year, she designed florals for 28 weddings, discovering a profound love for working with brides and their mothers in the process. "I fell in love with the whole process of meeting brides and their mothers," Cynthia shares. "It was an incredible blessing that turned into something much bigger than I ever imagined."
Photography by Taylor Renee Photography
Growth and Evolution
Now eight years into her journey, Ollie Marie's has become one of the most established floral design studios in the Northwest Arkansas area. Operating from her home studio, Cynthia and her talented team serve clients across NW Arkansas, East Oklahoma, and Central Arkansas, creating exceptional floral experiences for every wedding they touch. Since starting in 2017, Cynthia has witnessed the wedding industry grow and evolve, adapting her craft while maintaining the personal touch that makes her work special.
What sets Ollie Marie's apart is their unwavering commitment to personalized service. "I love to meet my brides in person," Cynthia explains. "We'll spend an hour or more talking about all the details. I make myself available to my brides whenever they need me, providing old-fashioned customer service with a modern touch." This dedication to personal connection ensures that each bride feels heard, understood, and valued throughout the planning process.
Photography by Loren Bullard Photography
The Perfect Blend of Creativity and Trust
The ideal Ollie Marie's bride is someone who radiates positivity and enthusiasm, embracing creativity while trusting in the team's expertise. Whether it's through vibrant color palettes, whimsical flower choices, or meaningful personal touches, each wedding becomes a unique expression of the couple's love story. "When a client trusts us, magic happens," Cynthia notes. "We spend significant time discussing the bride's vision in our initial meeting, and it's wonderful when they have confidence in our ability to bring that vision to life."
With a minimum investment of $4,000, couples receive not just stunning floral designs but a comprehensive experience that includes:
In-depth personal consultations and planning sessions
Custom design proposals that bring their vision to life
Premium, carefully sourced flowers from trusted suppliers
Expert installation and setup
Dedicated day-of service and support
Emergency backup plans and solutions
Photography by Kylee Farmer Photographer
The Secret to Success
When asked about what makes a vendor truly exceptional, Cynthia doesn't hesitate: "It's passion. You can't teach it, and you can't fake it." This passion shows in every aspect of their work, from the meticulous research into flower processing to the extra miles traveled ensuring perfect delivery and setup. "I'm constantly researching ways to extend the life of our flowers and ensure they look perfect throughout the entire wedding day," she explains. "We're always learning, always trying to do better."
Her team's approach to work-life balance sets an industry standard. "Burnout is a normal occurrence for wedding professionals, and knowing your limits is key," Cynthia shares. "We've created a balance that allows our team to give their all to our brides while also nurturing their personal lives and families." This philosophy has helped Ollie Marie's maintain their high standards of quality and service while building a sustainable, thriving business.
Photography by Amanda Lynch Photography
The Joy of Creation
The most rewarding moments come when everything falls perfectly into place. "When everything is set up, and it all comes together – when the bride is thrilled, the planner is happy, and all of us came together to create something special – that's what makes this work so fulfilling," Cynthia beams. Her daughters often tell her, "You love to please people to a fault, and that's why you're so good at what you do."
Photography by Taylor Renee Photography
Words of Wisdom
After years in the industry, Cynthia offers two pieces of golden advice for engaged couples:
First and foremost: "Get a planner. I know we all say it, but it's crucial. Find your venue and planner first, then come talk to me about flowers. Your planner will know how to get you good deals and relieve you of tremendous stress. You and your mom need a professional to take care of things so you can BOTH enjoy the day."
Secondly: "You can't start too early. If you have specific vendors in mind, start planning a year to a year and a half out." This advice comes from years of experience seeing how early planning can make the difference between a stressful and a smooth wedding planning journey.
Photography by Miles Witt Photography
Looking Forward
As Ollie Marie's continues to grow and evolve, Cynthia's passion remains unchanged. "I'm always thinking about my flowers, even when I'm on vacation," she admits with a smile. "My only regret is not starting earlier." With two of her three daughters, Cynthia understands both sides of the wedding experience – as a vendor and as a mother of the bride.
This dedication to craft, combined with their exceptional customer service and stunning designs, makes Ollie Marie's Floral Design a natural choice for our February 2025 Vendor of the Month. Their work not only beautifies weddings but creates lasting memories that couples and their families will cherish forever.
To learn more about Ollie Marie's Floral Design or to begin your floral journey, visit their website at olliemaries.com or contact Cynthia directly at olliemariesff@gmail.com.
