Camellia Shoot for Cottage Hill Magazine

Happy June! Today, I am blogging a tidbit about a shoot I planned and styled back in February for Cottage Hill Magazine. I was so thrilled when editor, Katie, emailed me and explained that she is originally from Mobile (no way!) and was hoping to tie in our lovely little dot on the map in the latest publication. Of course, I said YES! I wanted to include some of our coast's most talented vendors and really create a shoot that cut out all the fuss, and focused on a woman's beauty. I didn't want to make this all about the "bride" despite the industry I work in. To me, the best part about my job is meeting so many talented and kind entrepreneurs, and in most cases, they are women. The wedding industry is full of girl bosses, and it's not an easy industry! Just ask Forbes, they put Event Coordinator in the top 10 most stressful jobs in 2015. Yikes. Anyways, I wanted to celebrate women, old and young, near and far. I hoped that with pulling the right vendors, we could have a laid-back day capturing just that. And keeping the "look" timeless and simple.
Ashley Upchurch Photography captured everything perfectly and she was beyond easy to work with! Our model, Paige Reaux (also a kick ass photographer on the Gulf), killed it all day in the freezing cold! I couldn't have done it without these two! Paige is so naturally beautiful, I knew she would be perfect for the gig. She reminds me of Audrey Hepburn. Southern Calligraphy calligraphed beautiful "letters to myself" that complimented our color scheme, with shades of ivory and gold. I loved how they turned out and brought some more "realness" to our shoot. 

Absolutely love how these images turned out! And after a super busy Spring, they really bring me back to focus! See the full feature and editorial in Cottage Hill Magazine (The Captivated Issue) in Barnes and Noble stores! We have a special BTS video from Lifehouse Wedding Films to share soon too!
Ashley Upchurch Photography, Model: Paige Reaux, Calligraphy: Southern Calligraphy, Venue: Bellingrath Gardens, Videography: Cheree Givens, Lifehouse Wedding Films, Hair: Kathy Stringer, Salon Bella, Gown: Sarah Seven via Ivory and White
Planning, Styling and Florals: Victoria Austin Designs

July Review

As always, I cannot believe another month has come to an end and we are already almost five days into August. July was a CRAZY one. It was so great in so many ways and really felt like an intentional and positive month for me.

CONS
Welp, I made my first "major" error. I knew the day would come but I was REALLY starting to feel like I had the ability to put out any smoke before the fire, if that makes sense. I am a firm believer in the idea that there is always a way to fix things. In short, I had to reorder envelopes for a client because I had sealed them and added postage, without their accommodation cards. I still can't even believe I had done that! The order was not of my design or printer, so the lapse in production will definitely be noted. With a few pep talks from my husband, I reordered envelopes and assembled again and reluctantly moved on! The client was, of course, kind and understanding. But dang, that order was a doozy, haha! Since that teeny tiny mistake, I've slowed down a bit and have tried to embrace the process of stationery; step by step and no more jumping ahead or racing the clock. 

PROS
Like June, I spent more time with family and loved ones and less time with those who try to belittle my passions. I get discouraged so easily and being around those that build me up is so important. I am truly blessed with some of the most supportive friends and family, especially my in-laws who live closer than my immediate family.
We moved Bella Bridesmaids from Fairhope, AL to Mobile, AL and have almost finished renovations. Bella is now located at 7 North Conception Street in downtown Mobile! Appointments begin running on August 15th, 2014 and we can't wait for brides to see the new space!
Anne and Garrett got married! I LOVE every sneak peak I have seen and cannot wait to get the photos from their amazing photographers, Troy and Aimee Grover. Anne and Garrett's wedding was refreshingly beautiful and elegant! It appeared to be the perfect balance between an intimate gathering and a fun celebration!
I was featured on Burnett's Boards and Artfully Wed at the end of July, one with Mary's and my styling and florals, and the other with my paper goods!
Andrew and I went to California and saw family and friends and then Atlanta to see two lovely friends wed! What a beautiful month it has been!

I think that I stepped closer to my dreams this month by overcoming tiny failures. It is so easy (for me) to feel like throwing the towel in and giving up when a speed bump emerges. My husband, Andrew, said to me, "do you really want to give up because one order didn't go perfectly?" In that moment, yes, I did. But he is always a voice of reason and snaps me back to reality. He encouraged me to be transparent with the client and to finish strong. I hope to remember this little moment forever, professionally and personally.

Thanks again to Shanna Skidmore for keeping my reviews intentional! I definitely believe these reviews have helped me clear so much clutter this summer. I am thrilled that Fall is around the corner and am so giddy to provide florals with Mary for Ashtin + Cameron on the 23rd, as well as stand by my best friend's side (paper goods in tow) on her wedding day in California on the 30th!

xo,
Tori