2017: A Year in Review

Y’all….what an AMAZING year it has been! I’m so incredibly blessed that I’ve been given the opportunity to do what I love and oh-so-thankful for the couples that entrusted me to design their wedding invitations and day-of stationery this year. If I got to work with you this year, it was an absolute pleasure! Your support means the world to me and makes my heart happier than you’ll ever know. Over the last twelve months, I’ve celebrated the big and small wins, overcame challenges, embraced vulnerability, and made many new connections on this journey. This year was pretty special in so many ways and while I’m sad to see it go, I cannot wait to see what exciting adventures are ahead. Not to mention, I’m already working with some pretty awesome couples and friendors, so if that’s an indication of how the impending year is going to be, then I’m in for one incredible year. Today I’m reflecting on 2017 and sharing just a few Lace and Belle milestones that touched my heart over the past year.

Collaboration

Twenty seventeen was definitely a year of collaborating, making this by far one of my favorite highlights certainly worth mentioning. I connected with Jacquelyn back in 2015 when I called upon her expertise and creativity for a styled shoot. At the beginning of the year (almost two years later) we reconnected and it’s been a creative wedding paper party ever since. It’s safe to say EVJ Wedding Co. couples have some serious style and I couldn’t be more excited to work alongside the planning masterminds that make wedding planning stress-free and fun!

In July I collaborated on a dreamy nature-inspired shoot and even made some new industry friends who are equally as sweet as they are talented in their respective services. Stay tuned for an overflow of images coming your way early this year!

I’m so grateful for my friendship with Kiamarie of KSS Photography. She continues to push my creativity and even when I doubt myself, Kiamarie’s infectious positivity is a constant reminder that the world is your oyster if your willing to put yourself out there. Kiamarie not only captured more amazing family photos and pretty new headshots, but also asked me to design some custom stationery pieces for a “Snow in Love” styled shoot to close out the year. The end result? A swoon-worthy shoot that took me out out of my comfort zone with hand lettering, deckled edging, and even a pointed pen calligraphy love note. The entire shoot was pure magic with a snow fall and all. (Head on over to my Instagram for more sneak peeks and for the creatives that helped bring Kiamarie’s vision to life.)

I also connected with another local wedding photographer (Hi, Jaye!) and after having lunch with her, it felt like we were old friends. So, when it came time to have some product shots done, I called upon Jaye Kogut Photography to capture some of my recent designs for some marketing purposes. (Thank you darling for making my site look so way more cohesive!)

In the Media

The new year couldn’t have started off better with a meet the maker feature on Red Oak Weddings, where I had the opportunity to share more about the heart behind Lace and Belle. P.S. If you’re engaged and haven’t heard about ROW, bookmark it now! It’s full of the prettiest wedding inspiration!

Shortly after, Contemporary Weddings Magazine featured not one but TWO of my 2016 couples in their Spring/Summer 2017 print edition! Stephanie and Anthony’s rustic wedding at Perona Farms was filled to the brim with rustic details, while Amy and Eric’s wedding at Nanina’s In The Park incorporated a patriotic undertone reminiscent of the bride’s favorite holiday and the groom’s former military title of Army Captain. Victoria and Michael’s custom save the dates were also included on the “Our Favorite Things” page.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get better, Jenna and Scott’s chic New Jersey wedding at Batello (image left) captured by Tina Elizabeth Photography was featured on The Black Tie Bride. And it comes as no surprise because the entire day was curated to perfection by EVJ Wedding Co. Think sophisticated elegance full of details that are sure to stand the test of time.

Lots of confetti was thrown in January and February to recognize winning the 2017 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award AND for receiving an invitation from Grey Likes Weddings to join the Grey Collective! To this day I’m still blushing with excitement!

Growth

For the last couple of years, I wanted to participate in a craft show during the Christmas season, but always made an excuse to not go for it. Questions like “Will it be worth it?”, “Will people be interested in my products?”, and “Are my designs good enough?” were a constant hindering to my growth. After being connected with Kim of Marketspace Vendor Events, I finally felt comfortable enough to just go for it and I’m so happy I did. Vending during the crafts and drafts events at River Horse Brewery and Beach Haus Brewery couldn’t have been successful without the help of Kim and Kevin’s detail-oriented efforts.

“Growth is uncomfortable because you’ve never been here before. You’ve never been this version of you. So give yourself a little grace and breath through it.” – Kristin Lohr

Expanding my services to offer hand lettered designs was by far one of the best decisions. There’s something so rewarding about hand lettered mirror seating charts like Gillian and Robert’s (image right captured by Kate Neal Photography). Next year I’ll be expanding my services to mirror rentals to make the seating chart process more streamlined and seamless for my couples.

In 2018, I’ll be focusing on being more intentional in both my business and personal endeavors, while continuing to let go of self doubt. I’m SO excited for what the new year holds for Lace and Belle and to join creative forces with my friendor network. After all, the best is yet to come! Is there something you’re looking forward to most in 2018? Tell me by leaving a comment!