It’s so hard to believe we’re only hours away from the start of 2019! It feels just like yesterday I was writing my year in review for 2017 and now, here I am reminiscing over all the highs and lows from this incredible year. Twenty eighteen has been without a doubt one for the books. I can’t say thank you enough to the couples who trusted me to design their wedding invitations, day-of stationery, and hand lettered signage. It’s always an honor to be a part of the most magical day a couple will ever plan. Y’all were so much fun to work with. Not only am I so glad I was able to meet each and every one of you, but you will all hold a special place in my heart.
Just like in 2017, twenty eighteen has brought seasons of growth, change, and many lessons learned. Continue reading below for some Lace and Belle milestones that made a lasting impression in 2018.
Collaboration
Twenty eighteen brought many collaboration opportunities throughout the year. Joining creative forces with my friends over at EVJ Wedding Co. is always the icing on the cake. They’re professional, passionate, and truly help make wedding planning a breeze. If you’re in the market for a wedding planner or day-of coordinator (or what I like to call wedding planning fairy godmothers), look no further than Jacquelyn and her team. You won’t be disappointed! (P.S. You can see a peek of EVJ’s planning expertise here, here, here, and here.)
In January I showcased my wedding stationery and hand lettering services at the Hoboken Bride Wedding Fair, where I met so many brides and connected with some of the best talents in the industry. Just a couple weeks later, I collaborated with Jaye Kogut Photography and Magnolia West Events for an Ultimate Engagement Session giveaway, along with Spinners Entertainment, Owls & Lions, Castle Couture, Encore Catering, and The Pin Up Girl. One lucky couple was lucky enough to win a free engagement session, custom save the dates from yours truly, an engagement highlight film, bouquets, hair and makeup, and even a picnic overlooking the Hudson.
If you know me, then you already know how obsessed I am with all things Disney. So when Jess Palatucci Photography began planning a princess-inspired styled shoot series, I just knew I had to be a part of it. I designed custom invitation suites for both the “Kiss the Girl” and “Be Our Guest” inspiration shoots, which took place at the Historic Strawberry Mansion in April.
The creativity continued in May for an elegant, yet rustic styled shoot at Pioneer Farm (image left) brought to life by some pretty talented ladies. I absolutely loved everything about this inspiration that still has my heart skipping a few extra beats. If you’re style is rustic romance, boho beauty, or classic elegance, then you don’t want to miss out on seeing the oh-so-dreamy images from NKB Photo here. In May I was also personally invited to showcase my wedding stationery during the Chauncey Hotel Wedding Expo and in July, Jaye Kogut Photography and Magnolia West Events asked me to join forces for a styled shoot at the Nassau Inn as part of their Princeton styled series. (You can see all the modern inspiration that’s rooted in tradition here and here.) In October, hubby and I got in front of the camera for a southern-inspired lifestyle session with Jill Lynn Photography complete with the most gorgeous Bloomers N’ Things bouquet! And of course the year wouldn’t be whole without participating in a Crafts and Drafts holiday market with Marketspace Vendor Events. Closing out the year was a collaboration with my favorite (and newly engaged) friend, Kiamarie of KSS Photography for her Autumn on the Farm Darling Workshop. Stay tuned for all the details and pretty images in just a couple of months!
In the Media
Pop the champagne and cue the confetti!!! This year Lace and Belle has celebrated winning the 2018 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award, as well as being featured in both print magazines and on reputable wedding blogs across the web!
- Contemporary Weddings Magazine, Spring/Summer 2018 print edition – Gillian + Raymond at South Gate, Kara + Brian in Aruba, and save the date on the ‘Our Favorite Things’ spread
- Contemporary Weddings Magazine, Fall/Winter 2018 print edition – Stephanie + Jason at The Estate at Florentine Gardens, Dina + AJ at Park Chateau, and Wedding Stationery 101
ONLINE
- Red Oak Weddings – Chic + Minimalist Wedding Inspiration at Booth Park
- Boho Weddings – Heidi + Theresa’s Palm Springs Wedding
- CWeddingsMag.com – Courtney + John’s Ivory + Blush Wedding at The Hamilton Manor
- Red Oak Weddings – Rustic Elegant Wedding Inspiration at Pioneer Farm
- Honeysuckle Brides – Colorful Brunch Styled Shoot
- CWeddingsMag.com – Dina + AJ’s Timeless Spring Wedding at the Park Chateau
Growth
This year I started working with a new production facility to offer fun wedding gifts, such as bridal tanks, t-shirts, totes, and more with NO minimums. Yayy! I also decided to shift my focus back into the Lace and Belle experience. While I already have a streamlined process in place, couples can still sometimes find the wedding invitation process to be overwhelming, so I designed and launched the Lace and Belle experience guide. Moving forward in 2019, all contracted couples will receive this guide filled to the brim with etiquette, tips, verbiage ideas, and even a wedding stationery timeline, among much more for an even more seamless experience.
“You can’t simultaneously do it all and do it well. But you can choose to cultivate what matters right where you are.” – Lara Casey
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of my 2018 couples, their families, and my friendors. Your support—whether that means hiring me, sharing my posts, or simply just showing my social media posts some love—means more than you’ll ever know and you continue to give me the opportunity to do what I love most. Twenty eighteen, you were pretty amazing…even with some personal struggles and set-backs. In 2019, I’ll continue to focus on the Lace and Belle experience, saying yes to only the projects that speak to my heart, self-care, slowing down and unplugging to enjoy being in the present, setting new goals and breaking them down with Powersheets, and letting go of comparison, anxiety, overscheduling, and fear of the future.
I’m SO excited for what the new year holds for Lace and Belle and to collaborate with my friendor network. What are you looking forward to most in 2019? Share your goals in the comments!
