Meet Donica Dravillas of Copper Harbor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donica Dravillas.

Hi Donica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Donica Hope Dravillas ~
Floral Art Designer pairing modern, luxury floral and design – alongside a sustainable process. Known for foraging local vegetation and homegrown flowers straight from the garden, combining an elegant and earthy aesthetic with an artisanal approach. Also sourcing from local farms and wholesalers in order to meet special requests – for Gallery, Wedding, Holliday, and Event purpose.
I started growing Sunflowers in my Garden 17 years ago… and a friend of mine asked me if they could use the flowers in their wedding. I said “Sure!” She said Would you make my Bridal bouquet? I said “I would LOVE to!” And that’s kinda how it all started for me…

It’s been Word of mouth ever since which has turned into a calendar of booked summer weddings… and here I am! Event Floral Artist in Michigan’s Northern Most town- Copper Harbor.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It is no secret… Northern people are built hardy. We flow with the seasons and embrace the rugged landscape which we call Home. As a floral artist residing in the great Keweenaw – I am no stranger to the rocky terrain and weather conditions that be! Hauling large floral installations and equipment through the forest, building archways on the windy Shores of Lake Superior, delivering floral installment by boat for ceremony, four wheeling my tool kit out to Keystone Beach with a bucket full of flowers, running into a Bear while installing ceremony florals at High Rock Bay! (To name just a few)

Yeah, it’s wild up here… And I would have it no other way!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am not a Florist. I realize as I say these words, it may seem conflicting.. However- I do not create the same bouquet twice.. I forage in the forest for wild Clematis and branches with beginning buds. I will pedal my bike and deliver flowers to your door step. I design according to your personality and your dwelling… Because if you order from me- I will take the time to notice who you are. I do not have an FTD account or FTD online ordering wire contract. I do not use a template or mass produce… I create from my heart which is known as “Meraki”. I do not utilize floral foam in my creations – as it is toxic and does not belong near our precious waters- Lake Superior. It is difficult for me not to cry sometimes when I deliver flowers because SO MANY really need to recieve flowers and it means SO MUCH to the recipient when they open the door. I secretly want to hide in the bushes and see how beautiful your wedding ceremony is… But I know that would be stalking… so I go home after the floral install and wait patiently for your Photographers’ photos. Brides and Grooms have often visited my garden to pick out flowers they like for their ceremony. I will drive a 100 mile round trip in a February snow storm to meet the flower truck in order to pick up Valentine’s flowers and bring them pretties home to clean and admire each stem. I will fight a deer to save my flower garden.. I will often refer clients to other floral businesses – should I feel other florists better meet the needs of the client. I am not a florist. I am an artist… Loving on flowers..

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Visit my Facebook Page – Raven & Dove Floral Art for Flower Subscriptions, Workshop Opportunities, Event Coordination, Art Gallery Show Commissions, and Holliday Wreath and Floral orders.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: donicahope
• Facebook: Raven & Dove Floral Art