Photo Credit: Urban Poppy

What inspired you to start your business?
Although I grew up in NYC, our backyard was full of flowers. As a little girl and with each new season, my mom would walk around with me and would name the little shoots and buds that eagerly pushed up out of the soil. Many of these flowers would be cut for enjoyment indoors and to give as nosegays to our teachers: snowdrops and crocuses, violets and daffodils, wild roses and peonies, and scores of others.

I’ve always had little arrangements when I was little or from wildflowers picked alongside a country road during my college days in Ohio. Although most of my work was in baking, coffee shop tables would be graced with a little arrangement.

As it goes with many folks introduced to the wedding business, my first bridal flowers were for a close friend’s wedding. She and her guests sincerely loved them. After I sold my cafe and decided to hang up my flour-covered apron, I had a long conversation with my parents whilst figuring out my next venture. What have I always loved since I was a child I asked. My father said that was easy: flowers. Although I found myself traveling and living abroad the next few years as a guide and teacher, I held on to that idea.

Several years later, returning to the States with my own wedding to plan, I designed the flowers; I was my second client. Our wedding was recently featured in the Knot Georgia magazine and January of 2011 marked the official beginning of Urban Poppy.

Photo Credit: Urban Poppy

Photo Credit: Urban Poppy

What options for customization do you offer?
Every bride is unique, therefore, so is every arrangement and bouquet. I explain to brides that I am a wedding floral designer, not a florist. This difference, I believe, allows me to place my full attention on each bride and design around her individual style. So I guess it would be fitting to say that all of Urban Poppy’s flowers are custom.

If you could give one tip to couples who are planning a wedding, what would it be?
A general tip would be try not to change your style and color palette every month. In other words, once you have chosen your look, whether it be modern, romantic or vintage (just a few examples) and the color palette, make sure they are a reflection of you and try to stick with them. There are so many gorgeous ideas and photos out there; like regular candy, too much eye candy can make you feel a little overwhelmed as well. This allows your vendors the time they need to truly capture your look and create a cohesive vision.

Another strong word of advice for any out of town destination bride is to invest in a reputable wedding planner, whether it be year of, month of or day of. They only seem like an unnecessary expense until the bride is running around in her Vera Wang sweating in 100 degree heat trying to arrange chairs and guests and figure out where the band is and are they really in the right historic square? Excellent planners are worth their weight in gold. This day was meant for you, the bride, to enjoy, not to have a nervous breakdown.

Photo Credit: Urban Poppy

What is something that most people don’t know about your biz/you?
My background is in graphic design. As a designer, I’m not just thinking of whether the flowers are the right colors; I’m thinking of the dress, the cake, the bride’s personality, the color of the table linens and the season. Designing is creative problem solving. I love creating unique and wonderful florals for my brides. I could create the most beautiful arrangement, but if it’s not what my bride was imagining and wanting, I’ve failed as a designer.

What is your one must-have item/product/tool to have on-hand when you’re working?
My clippers and some good tunes.

If you had to choose one word (or phrase) to describe yourself/your business what would it be?
Beauty (not, myself; I’m cute that’s about it, lol). I love being able to create beautiful work in a gorgeous environment. Sometimes the arrangements really shock me when they are finished with how lovely they are. I give all the credit to the flowers

5 Things that make you happy?
Aside from flowers, of course …
A good book in a sunny spot with my cat.
The sunrise and watching baby squirrels wake up and play in the tree outside my sunroom while I’m drinking a yummy cup of coffee.
Traveling and living abroad with my gypsy husband.
Playing soccer with the boys and stealing the ball from under their noses.
The smell of the sea and the distant sound of a ship coming to port. It is the sound of a promised adventure.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A reminder to brides to enjoy their whole wedding weekend. Many of us women really do have a hard time delegating and relinquishing control. Especially if you are a DIY bride, plan well and delegate tasks early to folks you trust. Work with vendors you trust and like and that really take the time to help you and explain things.

Photo Credit: Urban Poppy

Photo Credit: Urban Poppy

Photo Credit: Urban Poppy

Photo Credit: Urban Poppy

Photo Credit: Urban Poppy

Photo Credit: Urban Poppy

Photo Credit: Urban Poppy

Photo Credit: Urban Poppy

Photo Credit: Jennifer Davis Photography

Recently we got in touch with Sarah Pease, The Proposal Planner from Brilliant Event Planning, who is an expert at helping to plan the perfect proposal. When it comes to planning this once in a lifetime moment, Sarah says the most important factor is personalization. Read more from Sarah below…

Photo Credit: Ziatko Batistich

What inspired you to start your business?
The idea of planning dream marriage proposals came to me when I heard that a friend-of-a-friend proposed to with a ring at the bottom of a fried chicken bucket. His heart was in the right place because he was trying to incorporate her favorite food, but it dawned on me that there had to be a better way. From there, I started designing elaborate engagements and became known as The Proposal Planner.

What options for customization do you offer?
Each proposal is unique to the couple, so the possibilities for customization are endless! I tailor every proposal to reflect their unique love story so each one is different and the only limits are as far as the imagination can take you.

If you could give one tip to couples who are planning a proposal, what would it be?
Document it! This is one of the most memorable moments and you should get caught up in the emotion, which many times means that you won’t remember the details – what you said, what she said, how it all happened. Having photos or video of your engagement allows you to re-live it, and share with friends and family! If you can’t afford to hire someone, ask a friend to help with his or her camera or iphone.

What is something that most people don’t know about your biz/you?
I don’t think most people know that I am recently engaged myself – my fiance surprised me with a very romantic trip to Jamaica, and proposed over a picnic on the beach of a private island. It was absolutely perfect for us as a couple!

What is your one must-have item/product/tool to have on-hand when you’re working?
A schedule for the entire event, including the contact numbers of everyone involved. It’s the best way to make sure everything goes smoothly!

If you had to choose one word to describe yourself/your business what would it be?
Brilliant!

5 Things that make you happy?
Travelling the world
Giant slices of pizza
Salsa dancing
Green Bay Packers (where I was born & raised
My Brilliant clients!

Photo Credit: Sofia Negron

Photo Credit: Blue Daisy

Photo Credit: Pap the Question

Jump over to Brilliant Event Planning to learn more about Sarah’s proposal and wedding planning services!

Photo Credit: Lou Gonzalez

What inspired you to start your business?
While working for other florists I quickly realized that until I owned my own company I couldn’t thoroughly unleash all my creative capabilities. I decided then to get my business/marketing degree so that I could rock out in the business end and the design world as well. The inspiration to open the store came from my parents instilling in me that It’s important to find a job and career that I love to do every day, they didn’t want me to be waiting for the weekend to come on Monday (which out of my first round of college I saw a lot of my friends doing). So my husband and I decide to open the store the first year we were married, so that I would have my happy place to work every day and be able to tell my kids I am getting to do everything I love every day and encourage them to do the same. And we are now due to have a baby boy this January, I am sure he will bring much more inspiration in to my life and my business each and every day as well.

Photo Credit: Lou Gonzalez

What options for customization do you offer?
Everything is customized here. We don’t like to create the same thing twice so we will take inspiration and tweak to accommodate each client’s needs.

If you could give one tip to couples who are planning a wedding, what would it be?
Enjoy it!!! Let your imagination take over, you don’t have to do everything that’s been done before, start a new tradition.

What is something that most people don’t know about your biz/you?
I still get nervous even after 16 years in the industry before delivering each and every event. I take dealing with someone’s once in a life time affair very seriously.

What is your one must-have item/product/tool to have on-hand when you’re working?
Red landscape snips and my floral knife. I am lost without either of them……and my iphone so I can keep track of emails coming in.

Photo Credit: Yuka Photo Art

If you had to choose one word to describe yourself/your business what would it be?
Fun or Inspire. If it’s not fun we need to change it up. Our phrase “ Sure it’s great to be inspired but it’s much more fun to be inspirational.”

5 Things that make you happy?
Flowers
Color
Anything design
My super supportive husband
My rocking staff

Photo Credit: Tammy Swales

Photo Credit: Yuka Photo Art

Photo Credit: Tammy Swales

Photo Credit: Erich Camping Photography

Photo Credit: Heather McKay

Photo Credit: Yuka Photo Art

Photo Credit: Tammy Swales

Photo Credit: Tammy Swales

Photo Credit: Images Unveiled Photography

Photo Credit: MyPersonalArtist.com

From the time she was young until today, Michelle has always relished in the charm of using custom stationery and loves to be able to create that feeling for others with personalized wedding invitations. From the design process to the day your guests receive their invitations in the mail, Michelle is dedicated to making your wedding stationery a personal experience.

Photo Credit: MyPersonalArtist.com

At My Personal Artist you may choose to incorporate hand painted watercolor artwork, letterpress or raised ink thermography in your design. Whether your event is formal or casual, you can be sure that your stationery will be a perfect fit!

Michelle is always happy to get input from brides-to-be about what they’re looking for in wedding invitations. Comment below and tell Michelle what design you would LOVE to have created by My Personal Artist! If you could have any artwork, theme, design print created for your custom invitations and stationery what would it be?

Photo Credit: MyPersonalArtist.com

Tomorrow we have an exciting giveaway from My Personal Artist. Check back then for the details and to enter for a chance to win!!

Photo Credit: MyPersonalArtist.com

Photo Credit: MyPersonalArtist.com

Photo Credit: MyPersonalArtist.com

Partnered Post with MyPersonalArtist.com

Photo Credit: CatherineNicole.com

Photo Credit: CatherineNicole.com

What inspired you to start your business?
Before this business there was fashion school. And before fashion school there were two necklaces. These necklaces were out-of-my budget at the time when I purchased them and served no purpose to me, other than making me feel original and inspired by the stones. I suppose that was the first step on the road to Catherine Nicole.

What options for customization do you offer?
If we can make it, we will. We love our brides, and are honored to make such important jewelry for them. So, we definitely want them to have their jewelry in the length, color, and style that they envisioned for their day.

If you could give one tip to couples who are planning a wedding, what would it be?
Don’t go cheap on the photographer and never underestimate the power of mothers. You may think your wedding is about you, but they think it’s also about them, and they can be very sensitive about their role in it.

What is something that most people don’t know about your biz/you?
About me: I don’t care about labels. I don’t know if that’s rare or common for a fashion designer, but I really just admire good quality work and innovative design.
About my biz: I’ve learned every aspect of my business, including production, graphic design, web-design, accounting, photography, etc.. I don’t work on it all, but I think it’s important to know. I also care about my customer and customer service more than ANY other aspect of my business. I can’t stand bad (or even mediocre) customer service.

What is your one must-have item/product/tool to have on-hand when you’re working?
Music and an inspiring work space. If you aren’t in a comfortable, happy workplace, it’s just another day in the office. On days when I’m designing, I dress funky to help put me in a creative mood. I learned this from a photographer who showed up at a shoot in this crazy, clashing outfit. I thought it was a hilarious idea, and it totally works. When you dress like you don’t care what anyone else thinks, your mind is more apt to think outside the box.

If you had to choose one word (or phrase) to describe yourself/your business what would it be?
Conscientious.

5 Things that make you happy?
Nice people
Patios
Really creative and innovative ideas
Anything moroccan
My pup, Luke

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Our newest project, which we’re very proud of is our Chicks Against Child Brides program. Sales from CatherineNicole.com give impoverished girls access to micro loans to start their own businesses. $5 from every purchase supports our joint efforts with BRAC to prevent young girls from becoming child brides.

Photo Credit: CatherineNicole.com

Photo Credit: CatherineNicole.com

Photo Credit: CatherineNicole.com

Photo Credit: CatherineNicole.com

Tomorrow we have a special treat … Catherine is offering a giveaway for WedLoft readers! Check back here tomorrow to enter for your chance to win!

Photo Credit: Ashley West Leonard

What inspired you to start your business?
I had already been working as a makeup artist in NYC for years at the time. I’d done everything from design for theatre and film to runway shows. It was when I did my first wedding in 2007 that a giant lightbulb went off in my head. I got such a rush from being part of the getting-ready process of someone’s most special day. I realized that forming such close, personal connections was the thing that had been missing from my makeup business, so I shifted gears toward the bridal industry. Now, I get to work with brides to make one aspect of their wedding day the best it can possibly be!

What options for customization do you offer?
During the trial process, I work with the bride to achieve her perfect, ideal wedding-day makeup design. I take into account many things – current trends, her personal preferences, skin type, bone structure, product longevity, etc…and together we create the makeup design. Therefore, each client gets a completely original, fully customized makeup design by me!

If you could give one tip to couples who are planning a wedding, what would it be?
Book ahead! If your wedding is a Saturday during peak season, it isn’t out of the question to book me 8-10 months in advance. Better safe than sorry, and this way you’ll get to work with vendors you really want to work with. If your wedding is on a weekday or not during peak season, you can play things a bit more loosely.

What is something that most people don’t know about your biz/you?
I trained most of my life as a singer and am a total musical theatre superfan!

What is your one must-have item/product/tool to have on-hand when you’re working?
My brush belt – it holds my whole arsenal of makeup brushes. Without the proper tools, it’s tough to be a great artist! You won’t see me without it while I’m working.

If you had to choose one word (or phrase) to describe yourself/your business what would it be?
Committed to the Art of Pretty.

5 Things that make you happy?
Sushi, kitty cats, showtunes, my friends, traveling.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I really do believe that true beauty comes from the inside, and no woman “needs” makeup. But that being said, when you’re looking your absolute best, you will radiate and glow with a confidence and a joy that is just amazing. I love being able to bring that out for someone on their wedding day. It’s beautiful and exciting! And I feel absolutely honored by each and every client that chooses to spend part of her wedding day with me.

Photo Credit: Sophia Negron

Photo Credit: Daniel Krieger

Photo Credit: Julia Newman

Photo Credit: Julia Newman

Photo Credit: Jen Mageau & Kellan Studios

What inspired you to start your business?
I’ve always been a huge lover of all things paper and design, and after almost ten years of working in advertising as an art director, I felt like I needed a change of pace. Less advertising and more design. I had already been doing freelance design projects here and there, so it wasn’t a huge transition to just make it a full time venture. Although I will admit, it can be scary to make the leap from steady paycheck to the world of not-so-steady paycheck. But more often than not, when you jump, the net appears. That was four years ago and I haven’t looked back!

What options for customization do you offer?
At this point, we are primarily a custom design shop, which means that the options for customization are endless! My clients come to me because they have looked elsewhere and haven’t found exactly what they have envisioned or they like the idea of having something very special created just for them, whether it be a wedding invitation or a birth announcement. It’s a great feeling to be able to provide a product with that kind of service. We’re also working on a ready-to-buy studio line (with smaller degrees of customization) for folks that want the look and feel of miss pickles press but don’t necessarily want to start from the ground up due to time or budget.

If you could give one tip to couples who are planning a wedding, what would it be?
Oh my goodness, there are so many of them, I’m not sure I can pick one:

- There are no hard and fast rules anymore, and your wedding day should be a true reflection of who you are as a couple. If a big country club or hotel wedding isn’t your vibe, then why even look at ballrooms? Some of the loveliest, sweetest weddings I’ve seen have been in a lush backyard, a charming park or an old barn. Don’t want a traditional invitation suite? Do a poster! Hate the idea of a wedding cake? Serve donuts. Whatever makes your heart sing is the right choice, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

- Don’t fall into the trap of making the wedding day more important than the reason for the wedding – yes, planning a wedding will be stressful at times, but it shouldn’t be a constant source of stress. It’s a day when loved ones from all walks of your lives will be gathered in one place, just for you, and that is the most amazing feeling. Don’t waste that precious time sweating something that your guests could care less about or won’t even notice.

- Make a budget and stick to it. Prioritize what is most important and plan your budget accordingly. Not a huge flower person? Source your floral from a less expensive resource and put that cash into something else. Or, if you really want a live band, maybe you can cut your cocktail hour to half an hour. There are always ways to make it work, and if your budget is running over, consider cutting your guest list before you cut the things you really want. With that being said, small details always steal the show. Surprise and delight your guests with unique, unexpected, thoughtful touches.

What is something that most people don’t know about your biz/you?
Although we are based in Atlanta, the majority of our clients are from all over the US (and international, too). This wasn’t an intentional business plan, but I think the wedding blog world has really helped small businesses have presence worldwide, and that’s been so wonderful. We primarily work via email and phone, so there is no issue working with clients no matter where they are. People are always surprised that we don’t have more “face-to-face” meetings – and while we welcome them – it’s not totally necessary. I love having that flexibility to work with brides from all over the world.

What is your one must-have item/product/tool to have on-hand when you’re working?
Can’t live without my mac, my color build/paper swatches and my Boston Terrier snoozin’ in the distance.

If you had to choose one word (or phrase) to describe yourself/your business what would it be?
Fortune favors the bold. It’s my personal mantra in life, love and business, and it’s never led me astray.

5 Things that make you happy?
Iced coffee
Dogs – of any size, shape or kind
Thai food
Airstream travel trailers (my husband – who also makes me happy – and i lived in one for a year while traveling the US!)
Color!

Photo Credit:Lisa Rigby

Photo Credit: Snap! Photography

Photo Credit: Snap! Photography

Photo Credit: The Italy Girls

Photo Credit: Sedona Bride

Visit MissPicklesPress.com to see more of Jen’s designs!

Photo Credit: Peter Tsai Photography

What inspired you to start your business?
I’ve always dreamed of working with food and doing craft everyday. I graduated from Engineering school thinking I would be creating formula for potato chips and candy but it wasn’t the case in Texas. Then, I decided to go to culinary school in Pasadena, CA. After a few internships in Los Angeles, I decided to come back to Austin, TX to work for a major consulting firm. While working for the firm during the day, at nights I experimented with different recipes and developed delicious pastries which eventually became Polkadots. After few years of being a corporate excel monkey by day, baker by night, I decided to ditch my button down suits and high heels to put on my aprons full time to create fun, whimsical cookies, cupcakes, and cakes.

What options for customization do you offer?
Anything that you could imagine! Our style is clean, whimsical, and modern. We do custom wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and custom hand iced cookies – corporate logo/funky shaped as well. We bake regular cupcakes everyday and these cupcakes can be customized according to your party theme – anything matching with your party invitation, color/scheme.

What is something that most people don’t know about your biz/you?
I am very petite but I laugh very loud I love being a part of the wedding industry, especially meeting new couples during our scheduled cake consultation and helping them create a vision of their perfect wedding cake.

What is your one must-have/must-do when you’re working?
Be organized and always check twice!

If you had to choose one word to describe yourself/your business what would it be?
Fun!

5 Things that make you happy?
Spending time with my family
A note from our clients telling us how much they love their desserts
Working in an awesome city with amazing wedding vendors
Always creating new cake designs/dessert tables for different couples
Meeting with new clients and making new friends during cake tastings!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Thankful for this opportunity to be featured in Wedloft!

Photo Credit: Polkadots Cupcake Factory

Photo Credit: Polkadots Cupcake Factory

Photo Credit: Polkadots Cupcake Factory

Photo Credit: Polkadots Cupcake Factory

Photo Credit: Polkadots Cupcake Factory

Photo Credit: Polkadots Cupcake Factory

Photo Credit: Polkadots Cupcake Factory

To see more designs visit PolkadotsCupcakeFactory.com.

Photo Credit: Belletristics

What inspired you to start your business?
I first started designing stationery for my own wedding back in 2008. After the wedding was over, I realized I missed doing all the creative work, and decided to start offering my design services to brides looking for an affordable way to personalize their wedding. Over the last three years, Belletristics has grown from a hobby into my full time job, and I’ve loved every minute of it!

What options for customization do you offer?
The colors, information, and sizes can be customized in all our ready made design suites. Belletristics also offers a Mix and Match design option, where you can choose the colors, motifs, fonts, and patterns to create your own unique stationery. Or if you have something different in mind, completely custom designs are also available.

If you could give one tip to couples who are planning a wedding, what would it be?
To remember that they’re also planning a marriage, and that while a wedding is only one day, a marriage will last a lifetime.

What is something that most people don’t know about your biz/you?
Belletristics’ main objective is designing for weddings, but I also love to take on side projects designing for other events- baby showers, graduations, holiday parties, backyard bbq’s- just about anything! It’s so much fun to do something a little different than what I’m used to!

What is your one must-have tool to have on-hand when you’re working?
My computer! Although I like to sketch out rough ideas with pen and paper, I would be lost without my computer (and Illustrator), since that’s how I do all my design work.

If you had to choose one word (or phrase) to describe yourself/your business what would it be?
Do-It-Yourself- this describes both me and my business! In my personal life, I’m the type of person who sees something and thinks “I could make that!” – definitely inherited this trait from my Mom! With Belletristics, my clients are brides with the same do-it-yourself spirit I have.

5 Things that make you happy?
My husband, my family, designing, reading, and cooking.

Photo Credit: Belletristics

Photo Credit: Belletristics

Photo Credit: Belletristics

Photo Credit: Belletristics

Photo Credit: Belletristics

Photo Credit: Belletristics

Photo Credit: The Love Byrd

What inspired you to start your business?
My own wedding work in 2009! I did our invitation suite in my own calligraphy and we grew from there with great blessing.

What options for customization do you offer?
I actually am happy to (and have done so for many brides) fully design a custom font entirely for brides who would like the script to match a certain typeset they like or have put into their invite suite already.

If you could give one tip to couples who are planning a wedding, what would it be?
Let absolutely every thing, all details big and small, glow of yourselves.

What is something that most people don’t know about your biz/you?
I’m just one year in… Fully humbled…

What is your one must-have tool to have on-hand when you’re working?
Impossible without my favorite calligraphy nibs and rich black dark ink. Also the loving encouragement of my sweet husband in the background… He is my stamina when in a crunch.

If you had to choose one word to describe yourself/your business what would it be?
Love

5 Things that make you happy?
Belief & practice in soulmateship
Family & friends
Foodie-ism/being
Outdoor exercise
Our sweet puppies

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Thank you, Michelle!

Photo Credit: The Love Byrd

Photo Credit: The Love Byrd

Photo Credit: The Love Byrd

Photo Credit: The Love Byrd

Photo Credit: The Love Byrd

Photo Credit: The Love Byrd

Find more info about Emily’s custom calligraphy at TheLoveByrd.com