an {almost} YEAR in review

(poster in tribute to my 2011 wedding season)

I know what you are thinking, it's August Allie, but it feels like my season is coming  to an end and without any sort of a break a new one is beginning!  

You may have noticed I really broke my promise of blog Tuesdays.  This is because I was working on 26(?!) summer & fall wedding projects.  Please forgive me dear friends. What a year, can I say that again, what an AMAZING year this has been for this little business of mine I started to keep my mind working and make a little extra money when my sweet, smart, beautiful, (slightly silly) Audrey came into this world.  

2008-2009
Brought more business than I thought possible, 24 weddings.  That season I had just 2 brides who came to me for their save the dates as well as invitations.  In the first 16 months I was "in business" I thought I was living the dream! Doing something creative I loved and working with brides I loved even more.

2010
With just 15 wedding projects, 2010 was a year of growth in business and in our family. I stopped advertising, in preparation in welcoming my hilarious, lovely, independent little Lini (otherwise known as the clown). After she joined us and I realized I could juggle my business as well as two little chicks I spent more time than I would like to mention investing in side projects, getting my name out there with shows, MoH and building relationships in the KC wedding vendor world.

Then a little month called November 2011 hit and... BOOM! I have not slowed down since! As it stands, I have completed 37 weddings completed, not to mention the 17 (yes, I said 17) freelance projects I have worked on, including 7 websites designed and MoH.  In a word, or more of a phrase, I'm tired.  

Until next Tuesday, or possible 5 Tuesdays from now, good night America.

(proudly hanging in my office, ready for new brides to glance at it)

announce this BIZ!

Let me just start with saying, what a fantastic life I am able to lead.  Sure I stay up to late, over commit myself, even making myself sick at times, but doesn't that sound like the average person's life (if I am wrong correct me and I will go see a doctor).  But I do all this while working from home where I get to spend each day with my little girls, in my business casual (yoga pants and t.shirts), doing something I really love!  Now, I am sure some people may look at my work and think it isn't art, but it is creating with freedom and I just love it!

As well as creating invitations I love, I have done logos/branding and small projects for small businesses here in Kansas City.  This past January I was approached by 2 wedding professionals to help to brand their new business, "Mr. & Mrs. : Kansas City's Interactive Wedding Planning Headquarters".  Since promoting and opening their store last month, I have created several pieces for them, but this last project was by far my favorite so I just had to share!

As I mentioned, they are a brand new business and had just decided who they were going to do print advertising with, when those mags said their ad's were due pronto.  They came to me a few days before the add was due with a couple of general idea's sketched out, and said "Allie can you do this..."  my answer... ALWAYS YES!  Here is the end result...

This add, of course, would have never happened with out the girls vision, and the fabulous photography from
Christine May of Click Photography!

Look for this add coming soon to KC Weddings and the half page version coming to EA Bride.

If you are a small business owner who needs a little design work done contact me anytime!

www.announcethisdesign.com