Long story short - THANK YOU!

As I am just starting out, I know I don't know everything about owning a small business. I used to do some freelance work for Renee Werkheiser, the owner of Art & Sol Performing Arts Program here in Phoenix, and she said when you start out, you begin with a certain plan/process in your mind, but you constantly change it over & over until you get something that works. I think that's where I am right now. Constantly changing. And in having a small business, I am realizing it's not so much a business for me, it's become a way of life. I just know that if I need to get groceries, it's by JoAnn Fabrics, and I will shop for ribbon for my brides before picking up groceries. If I'm headed to my sister's house in Chandler, I'll swing by the paper store to pick up my recent order, before getting to her house. It becomes so integrated into your life that you honestly don't even notice it.  

I love it.  

I love everything about it! It is truly what I love to do & not to be cliche, but when you find something you love to do, you never have to work a day in your life, right? Well, I wouldn't lie to you and say it's not work - it is - but working at something you truly believe in & that truly makes you, AND others happy, has got to get some bonus points! :) I want to end this (unusually long) post by saying a HUGE thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this point in my career. The ones who took a chance on me in the beginning stages, the ones who referred me to their friends, and the referrals who referred me to their friends - THANK YOU. I look forward to the future, and the future of Swatchbook Weddings!  

Thank you for being a part of it!

It's Crunch Time!

Well it's finally fall now, which means wedding season for Arizona! I have been super busy with work & my mom was just out here for a week visiting from Illinois. She could not have picked a better week weather-wise, right? It has been beautiful! I've been seeing some great fall inspiration boards out there and it actually makes me miss the Midwest...until it starts snowing there...then I'm all good in the 65 degree winter weather out here :) I have two brides that are getting married next month so it's crunch time with their extra stationery. I met with Jenn last week to talk about the programs, reserved seat signs, place cards & table numbers that she needs and I am so excited! Her and her fiance, Dan, really wanted an elegant, very traditional wedding invitation but they want to have a little more fun with these pieces. Another girl after my own heart - she wants to use polka dot ribbon! They are a really fun couple & it totally fits their personality! Lisa is getting married next month as well, and we are in the final stages of getting her program out the door. They are going to be the same size as her bridal shower invitations and as a contrast to Jenn, she wants them to be more formal :) I will post pictures as soon as these are all done!

P.S. Did you know Swatchbook Weddings now has a Facebook page? Click here & become a fan!

Sealed with a Kiss

This weekend I finished up invitations for Lisa's rehearsal dinner/day-after brunch — they turned out so cute! We wanted to combine both events onto one invitation, so the top half invites them to the dinner, then you flip it around and the bottom half invites them to the brunch. The look & feel was based off of her bridal shower invitations we wrapped up a few weeks ago, tying in the blue and eggplant purple, along with the swirl design she loved. My favorite part is the cute little bride & groom kissing on the outside of the envelopes! :) Thanks again for being SO great to work with Lisa, I've had a blast!! Now onto the programs!

Andrea + Andrew

Okay, this is a girl after my own heart — when we started discussing the look of her invitations, she sent over a swatchbook of her color scheme, her very own inspiration board!! Andrea & Andrew are having a Spring wedding next year at Sassi Restaurant in Scottsdale. What a beautiful setting! And her colors? They are amazing! Black and grey, with pops of pale yellow and baroque pattern. Here is the inspiration board that she sent over, with her actual invitation design dropped in.

I am SO excited about these, we are going over swatches this week & then we'll get started!

Bridesmaid Dress Pick for Fall/Winter

Ann Taylor launched their new collection of weddings & events dresses today & here are the two things I am LOVING!

My favorite pick for a fall/winter bridesmaid dress — the color, the bow, the pockets! $215

These understated pearl & pave earrings add just the right amount of bling, while keeping it elegant & classy. $36

Tie It All Together

Who says the bridesmaids are the only ones who can be a little funky on your wedding day? It's great to have your bridesmaids wear a patterened or brightly colored shoe - but what are your groomsmen going to wear to keep up? I found these ties on etsy this morning and they are just PERFECT! Add a punch of funky fun color and pattern with these handmade neckties from MeandMatilda. Browse her shop to see the different fabric patterns she has available.

You can even get a ring pillow & tie for your little ring bearer so he matches the big guys - SO CUTE!

The Hydrogen House

While this really has nothing to do with weddings, I just thought it was so cool & wanted to share! This morning I went to snap a quick portrait shot of Bryan Beaulieu for his upcoming presentation at the Chamber's green roundtable. Bryan is an environmentally-conscious engineer and has created his masterpiece home called "the hydrogen house." It is completely sustainable and allows him and his family to live entirely off the grid. Not to mention it is GORGEOUS! Here are some photos and a place to read more about this house:

solar panels seamlessly integrated on the roof & covered in ivy

these stairs act as an outdoor hallway, connecting the living quarters to the bedrooms

one of many outdoor rooms kept cool by the ivy overhead

oh did I mention the view?