Christin & James | Tampa Elopement

It was a Thursday afternoon and I got a text from Phil of The Portos. He was going above and beyond photographer duties to help out a sweet couple of his. Christin and James had planned to have a small ceremony with 8 people in a hot air balloon that Saturday but due to a forecasted storm the hot air balloon flight was cancelled. Phil had Christin call me and within 20 minutes I had calmed a frantic bride into a little bit of relief. We met that night and planned everything out from the flowers to the picnic lunch they would have. The next day I spent hours scrambling for everything we needed to make their newly designed elopement happen. 

I made a few floral arrangements and a bouquet and neatly packaged their picnic lunches for their loved ones. I packed up my truck and headed to the park they chose. I walked the quaint little park in Lithia and picked the perfect spot for them to exchange vows to each other. Remembering the only things Christin wanted during our initial conversation "I just want to get married in the woods...and I like blue." Done and done. I knew we would get along just fine. I picked a spot with a beautiful oak tree canopy and backdrop and set the scene. 

Kristin from The Dashing Ginger met me there and helped me style the area. We set a ceremony space with the perfect wooden chairs from Wish Vintage. I tied loose, organic arrangements with ribbons to the chairs lining the aisle. I made two arrangements with roses, thistle and foraged greenery and placed them in mercury glass vases on wooden crates to mark the spot they would say "I do!" We placed farm tables from Set Rentals for guests to have a picnic and toast the newlyweds. I lined the middle of the table with eclectic bottles and single stem florals. Each loved one had a boxed picnic lunch and it was the perfect way to casually celebrate. 

This was one of the most challenging tasks I have pulled off as a designer. I had 24 hours to make this happen. It was worth every bit of hustle to see how relieved they were when they knew I was going to pull it off. It was a way for them to celebrate with their closest loved ones without it being too over the top or expensive. Every couple deserves that celebration and it was an honor to make that happen for Christin and James. 

Photogrophy: The Portos Planning, design, styling and florals: Amber Veatch Designs Production stylist: Kristin Berry, The Dashing Ginger Chair rental: Wish Vintage Rentals Table, chargers, napkin, serving set: Set Event Rentals

Back to the Table Tampa II

Saltblock Catering and I hosted our second Back to the Table pop-up dinner party last month. If you aren't familiar with our concept you can visit here for our last dinner recap. 

For this dinner we decided to give a nod to Cinco de Mayo since we were in the month of May. Chef Rocco created an amazing Mexican-inspired menu with paired tequila cocktails and my design was full of color and Mexican influence as well.

We started with a signature cocktail, a chili pineapple margarita and passed hors d'Oeuvres of ceviche, margarita oysters, pato taco and papa tacos. 

Guests were brought upstairs to CL Space were they sat at one long farm table and shared a meal. I planted colorful plants in terra cotta pots and arranged them on different crates for some rustic texture and height. I mixed in succulents and cacti and guests got to take them home at the end of the evening. 

Chef Rocco announced each course and it's tequila pairing. The first course a corn bisque with the most delicious cornbread and pork belly pieces in it. The second course a chili rubbed grouper with smoked octopus was the crowd favorite for sure. The third course brisket in a chili-scallion sauce was full of flavor. The dessert, a scratch made banana churro served with dulce de leche sauce and Mexican hot chocolate was amazing! 

Our next BTTT will be on Friday, July 22nd in South Tampa. We would absolutely love to see you there! 

Thank you to all the amazing sponsors who made this event possible:

Catering: SaltBlock Catering Photography: Migrant Collective Weddings Design, Styling, florals: Amber Veatch Designs Venue: CL Space Farm tables and driftwood chargers: Set Event Rentals Chairs and wooden boxes: Wish Vintage Rentals Paper Goods: Blush Design Studio

A Fun and Glamorous Dinner Party on NYE | Jacksonville and Tampa Event Designer & Stylist

Last year I had the honor of planning an annual dinner party for a MLB player and his family. I loved the concept. This couple hosts a fun dinner for their closest friends every for the last five years. This year the majority of their friends had kiddos to think about while planning the party. As a mom to two I was up for the challenge! I had free reign on the design but was told they wanted something a little bit out of the normal New Year's Eve party design that you might expect.

I wanted a fun color palette since we were celebrating the new year and it would be a kid-friendly event. I wanted sparkly accents because that is such a NYE staple to every party. 

I chose to have the party at Bella Sera in Riverside so the kids could play freely outside in the beautiful courtyard but the parents could still watch the bowl game and keep an eye on them if needed. I set up a kid's play area with coloring, a city rug to push toy cars on, bubbles, rocket launchers and bouncy balls. Catering by Liz did a wonderful job with the food and bar and as always their staff was wonderful and attentive. 

AlleyCakes made the most delicious desserts of macroons, rice krispy treats, champagne cakepops, and a variety of dessert shooters. As a favor I packaged chocolate kisses and labeled them as "midnight kisses". 

I had Catering by Liz create a bar cart setup of fresh fruit, juices and champagne and added rock candy to add some fizz and sweetness to the champagne. 

Photography: Alex & Cammy Photography

Design, Styling and Florals: Amber Veatch Designs

Gold Chiavari Chairs, Tables and AV Equipment: Mugwump Productions

Linens: Kate Ryan Linens

Venue and Catering: Bella Sera at Catering by Liz

Desserts: AlleyCakes Dessert Co.

Paper Goods: Citrus Press Co.

Gold Chargers, Goblets, Bar Cart, Gold S&P Shakers: Set Event Rentals

Back to the Table Tampa- Recap

If you remember me talking about Back to the Table in my last post you can probably remember how excited I was to put this all together (with the help of some other Tampa business super stars). I am happy to report that it turned out better than I could have ever imagined. Not because the table looked great or the food was ridiculously tasty (I mean guys, it was life changing). Within minutes guests were meeting new people, mingling, laughing, shaking hands, sharing a meal together and seeing that unfold was beautiful and actually had me a little emotional. We wanted to create an event for our amazing community that fostered just that, friendship, laughter and a great memory. 

The chairs by Wish Vintage Rentals were a perfect touch to our elegant, rustic, spring-inspired design. 

The Set Event Rentals farm table all in one grouping allowed for an intimate dinner that encouraged conversation. The wood looked incredible against the exposed brick of the future space of Foundation Coffee Co. Add in Set driftwood chargers, gold flatware, goblets and gold salt & pepper shakers and they all worked together to create a beautiful tablescape. The powder blue linens from Kate Ryan Linens were the perfect subtle touch of color with the bright florals.

Guests started in Foundation Coffee's courtyard, an awesome space behind their shop. Our signature drink, a gin cucumber mint mojito was the perfect refreshing drink for an outdoor cocktail hour. Saltblock Catering Co. passed charcuterie and cheese, swordfish belly sashimi and my personal fav, the deviled crab stuffed lollipop. The atmosphere was made complete with hung bistro lights above and amazing music by the talented Colt Clark. Before dinner a roll away door was opened up for the room reveal. 

Chef Rocco Taliani explained each dish to the guests and it was so fun to hear what inspired his creations. He started with a smoked carrot ravioli, followed by his amazing curry poached cobia and ended with a perfect hangar steak. Dessert was my personal fav, strawberry shortcake but not just any shortcake (see torch above)! 

Our amazing hosts and sponsor Foundation Coffee Co. treated us to coffee with dessert and guests loved it! I am personally a big fan of their present coffee spot in Riverview and can not wait for this new coffee shop to open in Tampa Heights this Summer. Their location is beautiful and we are so thankful that they allowed us to use it before they redesigned the space.

We would absolutely love to have you at our next dinner party which will be on May 12th in Ybor City. Tickets are available here. If you can't make it this time we have so many exciting locations in the works too so keep an eye out for future Back to the Table events.

If you would like to see the video of this dinner by the amazing Evan of Caroline & Evan Photography head over to my Facebook page. 

Thank you again to the amazing team that made this happen:

Photo and Video: Caroline & Evan Photography

Location and Coffee: Foundation Coffee Co.

Co-Founder and Catering: Saltblock Catering Co.

Co-Founder, Design, Florals, Styling: Amber Veatch Designs

Farm table, driftwood chargers, goblets, gold flatware, salt & pepper shakers: Set Event Rentals, Tampa

Elodie Chairs and Stools: Wish Vintage Rentals

Linens: Kate Ryan Linens

Back to the Table Tampa, a pop-up dinner party experience

A few years ago in our neighborhood my husband and I decided to host a driveway happy hour. We knew our neighbors and waved in passing but we didn't ever take the time out of our busy live's to really have intentional conversations. At driveway happy hour we shared drinks, light snacks and meaningful conversation while our kids played together in the front yard. Now our neighbors are great friends. What if we did this all the time in our every day busy lives? What if we truly took the time to share stories and got to know one another? 

One of the main reasons why I run an event business is because bringing people together truly brings me joy. My favorite part of events are the part where everyone gathers around the table and shares a meal and conversation. I contacted my favorite catering company SaltBlock Catering Co. about the idea of having pop-up dinner parties around unique places in Tampa and they were so excited to offer this together. They had also been working on this concept already. I am so excited to join with them to design and style unique places throughout the Tampa area so you can learn about and experience these venues, meet local business owners that we partner with but more importantly share a meal with friends, loved ones and neighbors. I am excited about building community right around the dinner table. Welcome back to the table, Tampa. 

There will be live music, craft drinks, a four course meal paired with the best wine and you will make so many new friends in a beautifully styled setting. The are two seatings available with only 32 seats at each to keep the dinner intimate. This time we partnered with Foundation Coffee Co. to use their future coffee shop location in Tampa Heights. It has the most beautiful exposed brick and an inviting courtyard. Trust me, there coffee is AMAZING (you can check out their Riverview location at 10022 Carr Road). Other sponsors include Caroline & Evan Photography Wish Vintage Rentals, Kate Ryan Linens and Set Event Rentals. 

You can go here to purchase tickets.  We can't wait to get back to the table with you! 

Rising Tide Society Tampa Holiday Party

When I moved to Tampa in August I had a hefty goal of really putting myself out there and making new friends. In Jacksonville I had a hand full of wedding professionals that I considered to be close friends and I didn't ever know how I was going to replace that (you can't). See I am naturally very introverted and this big goal of mine was enough to make my heart skip beats with anxiety. Just in time with my move Kelly Hancock of Kelly Hancock Events started Rising Tide Society Tampa. Yay!

The Rising Tide Society is a national group created to get creative entrepreneurs together. It's not a networking group but a group that cultivates encouragement, support, friendship and community over competition in the crazy journey that is owning a creative business. Most days we are in our home offices alone with little interaction (other than pets and little ones). Knowing that we aren't alone in this journey and we have support makes you want to keep going and reminds you why you started this journey in the first place.

Thinking back to the first ever meeting of our sweet Tampa group actually makes me cry happy tears. I was the new kid in town, about three people had "heard of my from instagram" but you know what, that didn't matter. The group was full of so many incredibly talented creatives that I looked up to. They asked me to sit with them, they asked me questions that allowed them to truly get to know me and most of all they genuinely cared. Now I have great friendships with these people. From simply leaving sweet comments on my Instagram to tell me how much they love my work to asking me out for lunch, collaborating on projects or referring potential business to me. These people are my tribe and it makes the move here that much more worth while and justified. 

That being said, I wanted to host our holiday party as a thank you to this group. So after just being in Tampa for a few weeks I reached out to some incredibly talented event professionals and without even knowing me they jumped at the idea of working together. To all of you, thank you, that meant the world to me and I am still so thankful! I wanted to thank this group by creating a fun event to celebrate or successes from the year. My design was a spin on Christmas with deep merlot and blush with sparkly gold and silver accents. The party was held at CL Space, the exposed brick and industrial vibe it gives is one of my favorite event spaces hands down. Andrea Layne Floral Design  created the most beautiful garland of my dreams along with other arrangements and beautiful candles that she arranged around the space. Kate Ryan Linens provided the stunning sequin linens and they completely stole the show! The chairs were provided by Wish Vintage Rentals and they were the perfect touch to the industrial chic design. The food and drink was provided by Elite Events Tampa and it was delicious! The desserts by Hands On Sweets were just amazing and we could not get enough. The open air photo booth by Photogenica was so much fun and the backdrop was the perfect sparkly addition to the room. Set Event Rentals provided the tables, chargers, and bar. DJ Jacob and Courtney Towe drove all the way from Jacksonville to provide lighting and music and they will never know how much that meant to me and everyone else. Jacob put up with my needy request of lots of Taylor Swift and boy band music and while I am sure he eye rolled when I wasn't looking he is always so accomodating and professionsal. Last but certainly not least Evan of Caroline & Evan provided these lovely images and I am so thankful!

So to all of my Rising Tide Tampa friendors thank you for all you do and I hope you had just as much fun as I did at the party! 

Amber Veatch Designs Editorial Photo Styling

Editorial Photo Styling by Amber Veatch Designs

Photo taken by Laura Foote of me styling an editorial that was published on The Perfect Palette

If you've been around here a while you know that I produce a lot of photo shoots. Styling for me is an art form that completely fires me up. I have had several people ask me how I do them, why I do them, what my process is and how they can work with me. First of all I am honored, thank you for your interest. I hope this gives you some insight on this service.

Who is photo styling is for?

Editorial photo styling can be for a product or a brand. One of my favorite jobs was producing  a photo shoot for the popsicle brand Backyard Pops. Ashlee  came to me with her marketing goals, explained her brand and I took it from there. I created two different looks to showcase how amazing it is to have Backyard Pops at your wedding or event. I designed a wedding cocktail party showcasing Backyard Pops passed with cocktails or as a midnight snack. I gave wardrobe suggestions and handled finding a wedding dress (from my friends at Ivory & Beau), I styled the props to communicate this and gave creative direction on site during the photo shoot with Couture Studios. Because she now has quality photos to communicate that in her marketing she is more likely to book events and weddings which was her goal.

I loved working with Erin Whitman of Erin Whitman Photo Arte to style her branding photo session with Esther Louise Photography. Erin rebranded and wanted photos that encompassed her romantic, whimsicial and botanical brand. I sourced a lot of romantic candle light, a lot of greenery and florals from Shea Hopely Flowers which were very important in communicating her brand. I styled the props and florals for Erin and stayed on site to readjust things and offer creative direction. I am also able to give prelimary wardrobe suggestions and arrange hair and makeup.

Photo Styling can be for your lifestyle photo session such as your family or engagement photos. I can help scout a location, arrange or suggest photographers and hair and make up artists. I also give prelimenary wardrobe suggestions that coordiante well and represnt your personal style or suggest professional fashion stylist for more in depth help. I can create custom signage and props if needed and style them on location. I will be available during the sessioin to give creative direction along side the photographer. 

I loved styling for Couture Studios' mini sessions. Lucky for me my kids got to be in the photos too! 

Editorial Photo Styling can help you get published and gain exposure. I am fortunate to have been published in multiple differenet media outlets such as wedding and event blogs, magazines, television shows and social media. My process for this is either taking my inspiration or taking direct requests from these publications and creating inspiration that they can publish. I love collaborating with other professionals to make these photo shoots successful. 

Jennifer Blaire Photography featured on Grey Likes Weddings

My Process

Once I have inspiration for the photo shoot I start by creating a color palette. These colors are my reference point to all the other details that need to be chosen. I then create an inspiration board. This board is never something I replicate but base my ideas off of. It communicates the feel I want to recreate. After I have designed the inpspiration board and it is approved I get to work on booking vendors, find the perfect location and source details and props. Usually this means a lot of shopping happens or I just walk out to my garage and pull from my own collection in order to find the perfect details . On shoot day I pack up my car and am amazed how much more I can fit in there than the last time. I set up the props, flowers, signs and decor keeping in mind the inspiration board I created. Keep in mind this is 80% of my job, the schlepping. On location during the shoot I work with the photographer to suggest certain shots, poses or angles. Most of the time I don't have to suggest too many things because the photographers I work with are so amazing and they nail it. If this is an editorial session I can work with the photographer post production to narrow down the top photos. I can suggest what publication would be a good fit to submit it to and guide the photographer in doing so.

I love how creative I can be in this role. I enjoy helping people tell a certain story through styling. If you are interested in hiring me for photo styling I would love to hear more about it! Contact me to get on my schedule! 

A Fun Galentine's Day

It happens all the time, I am minding my own business shopping when BAM! inspiration strikes me, all the ideas flood my creative little brain and I must create something. This time I found the CUTEST cherry red, jumbo, heart shaped balloons with gold string and tangerine fringe. Done! 

I contacted a group of fun, talented professionals and a Galentine's day inspiration shoot was born. I wanted a fresh little spin on the typical Valentine's Day colors so I chose to tie in the tangerine that was on the balloon fringe I saw. I wanted it to be bright, fresh, elegant and most of all fun! I ended up creating a color palette of cherry red, blush, raspberry, tangerine and gold accents. I chose to display everything on white trays to give a fresh, clean look to the sweets.

The girls started by sipping on Sparkling Grapefruit and Orange Sangria. The delicious recipe was created by my friend Nichole Crews of Casa de Crews . You cam find the recipe below.

The gals filled up on sweets, the latest gossip and their brutally honest opinions on the latest episode of The Bachelor, you know, the usual.

For party favors I used brass mailboxes. I  filled them with EOS lip balm and nail polish in different shades of pinks and golds. I also added Pinch Provision emergency kits in a metallic pouches, the perfect addition to anyone's purse for little emergencies. I added in a variety of chocolates and voila, the perfect gift to thank your best gals!

 

Sparkling Grapefruit and Orange Sangria

+ 1 750ml bottle of rosé wine

+ 1 1/2 cups fresh grapefruit juice

+ 3/4 cups tonic water or club soda

+ 1 cup vodka

+ 1/2 cup raw honey

+ orange slices (for garnish)

Photography: Laura Foote Photography Design, Styling, hand lettered signs: Amber Veatch Designs Florals: Laura Helm, Ashton Events Hair and Makeup: Emily Gore, Makeup by Emily Ann Venue: The Regent Cake and macaroons: Chocolate Pi Linens and chairs: Kate Ryan Linens Gold flatware, chargers, goblets, serving platters: Set Event Rentals Sangria Recipe: Nichole Crews, Casa de Crews 

Valentine's Date Night In

Valentine's Day is a special day devoted to showing the one you love just how much you love them. You could spend an hour or two waiting for a table at a restaurant because V day crept up on you and you forgot to make a reservation. Or you could create a romantic dinner for two in the comfort of your own home. 

Here's how you do it. I went to Target because it's my happy place and you can too! I purchased everything on the table there, even the flowers! I opted for a neutral spin on V day with lots of texture. We used a gray hemstitch table linen and khaki colored hemstitch napkins. I love the texture and the wood elements that are on the candle holders, flatware and the chargers. We brought in a deep purple and pink in the flowers, glasses, dessert bowls and paper goods. I love that the paper goods have the geometric elements of the dessert bowls in them too. You can print out these paper goods or the blank ones right at home too. I picked up tulips (at Target), trimmed them and placed them in glass bud vases. Simple but cohesive and elegant.

Included in the paper goods is a sign that you can frame and leave messages for each other daily. Use a dry erase maker to write what you love most about them most on that given day. 

I encourage you to get in the kitchen together and create the delicious meal as a team. The menu consisted of caprese' salad, garlic lemon chicken breast with smashed rosemary garlic potatoes and fennel & apple salad. It.was.delicious! You can find the recipes included in the full blog post on Every Last Detail Blog. Dessert, a brownie berry trifle (also incredibly delicious)  can be found on Casa de Crews. All the dishes are unique so you still feel like you are getting a nice meal from a restaurant but they are also very easy to make together.

Concept and dinner recipe: Every Last Detail Blog Photography: Tara Mc Design, Styling, Hand lettering: Amber Veatch Designs Dessert Recipe: Casa de Crews Printable Paper Goods: Feathered Heart Prints

Friendsgiving | Decor and recipes to gather with friends.

A few weeks ago I had the best time collabrating with some of Tampa's best food and lifestyle bloggers to create a friendsgiving inspiration shoot. On behalf of Set Rentals & Design I supplied our farm table, driftwood chargers, gold flatware and gold salt and pepper shakers but left with some amazing recipes and even better, some new friendships. Our hope was to inspire others to get together with friends and family and enjoy each other over some delicious food. I will say it as pretty amazing to see each person bring a dish and it all came together so beautifully. I hope this inspires you all to invite some friends over and make some memories together.  I will provide links to each blogger who partcipated so you can get to know them and gain an awesome recipe. Trust me you will want to try these dishes and follow along on their blogs! 

First Course:Cheese Plate with Figs and Honey by Casa de Crews 

Cranberry and Goat Cheese Crostini by Casa de Crews

Second Course:Harvest Kale Salad by Supper for a Steal

Entree:Turkey with Dressing by Out of the Weeds

Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta Caesar Salad by An Appealing Plan by Krayl Funch

Spinach Gratin by Casa de Crews

Dessert: No Bake Pumpkin Pie by Happily Audrey

Bundt Cake with a Cream Cheese Drizzle by Melissa Creates

Pear Sangria by The Flair Exchange 

Concept, design, styling: Casa de Crews | Photography: Caroline & Evan Photography | Venue: Creating Loafing | Farm table, gold flatware, driftwood chargers, gold s&p shakers: Set Rentals & Design | Vintage chair rental: The Reserve Vintage Rentals | Florals:  Belle Fleur | Invitations and menu: Tiny Prints | Fringe and bar cart : The Flair Exchange

September Wrap Up

Hi friends! I have decided to start a new series to share what I have been working on for the month. While I prepared this post it actually was so helpful to be able to reflect on the previous month. I was so lucky to be a small or big part of several weddings and one event this month. It is such an honor to play a little part in your special days so thank you!

I started the month by finishing up the design book for Tiara & Ike and their June wedding. I loved designing this wedding and I can't wait to see it all come together. 

I got to work on something totally out of the normal for me which is always exciting. I painted a large monogram canvas for a wedding. It was a challenge but I enjoyed it. 

My favorite thing about making chalkboards for weddings is that I almost never remake the same chalkboard and I always have to think outside the box. These were all created for Shea Hopely and she created what she wanted me to make. the first sign will be framed in gold and will serve as the seating chart sign. There will be small potted succelents with the guest's name and table assignment on it, I love that concept! Thye next sign is actually a large oval that will serve as a welcome sign over an existing sign at the resort where Tiffany and Stephen are getting married. Then, I made a cake table chalkboard backdrop, my favorite. This will also be framed in gold and not pictures are the cake flavors with arrows pointing to the cake. It is going to so darling.

So there you have it, September! 

St. Augustine, Florida Wedding Designer

I have spent a lot of time in the last year really fine tuning my wedding design process. I have thought about what questions help my clients best communicate their vision to me so I can make it happen. I have thought about what the best way to present these ideas to my clients so they have a better idea of what I will be creating for them. I have thought about how I will present a specific design guide that outlines these ideas so they can share them wih their vendor team and in doing that will help them understand our vision. It is a top goal of mine to gather ideas from my clients so I truly create meaningful details and an event that represents and celebrates their personalities. It feels great to be able to do that.

Here is my most recent design inspiration I gathered for a wedding I am styling next summer in St. Augustine. I was the first vendor they hired so I was able to help them find a venue that speaks to their unique style and design aesthetic they are trying to achieve. They chose the Villa Blanca room, a gorgeous, classic, white and modern space in the heart of downtown St. Augustine.  They wanted a classic and modern wedding but with lots of fun details. 

top left: via Stephanie W Photography top middle: via Style Me Pretty top right: via Style Me Pretty middle left: via SEED Invites on Etsy middle middle: via PrettyLilPart on Etsy  bottom left: via Style Me Pretty bottom middle: via Cali Rose bottom right: via Southern Weddings

Tampa Wedding and Event Designer

Hi friends! I can't believe I haven't officially officially made an announcement that we moved back to Tampa. My husband and I both grew up in the area and call it home. After much thought we decided to move back for a better job opportunity for him and to be closer to family. It was in the works for over six months but once my husband got the job offer we kicked things in high gear and prepared to sell our home and start packing. We moved down just a few days ago and we are already feeling so incredibly welcomed. I made an announcement on Instagram where  you can find me being the most social these days (@AmberVeatchDesigns). I had the sweetest comments welcoming me and celebrating with me and I have even had the chance to meet with some very talented vendors in the area. While it was sad to leave such strong friendships It truly feels like home and we are so excited for this new adventure. I am still booking events in north Florida but if you are a bride, groom or socialite needing help designing your next event or your an event vendor please reach out to me and let's meet. I am so excited to meet new people and work together!

Photo by La Bella Imagery Co-Designed by Megan Martin Creative and Amber VeatchDesigns Rentals by Set Rentals & Design

Photo by La Bella Imagery Co-Designed by Megan Martin Creative and Amber VeatchDesigns Rentals by Set Rentals & Design

The next exciting news I have to share is that Set Rentals & Design will also be offering rentals and design in the Tampa area! If you aren't familiar with the other business I co-own with Megan Martin go check out our Facebook or Instagram and email us if you would like a brouchure of our inventory. 

Amber Veatch Design's Design Book

Hi friends! I wanted to show you an example of a design book I created for an AVD Design Session client.  Design books are an important part of the wedding planning process because it really helps to keep a cohesive design and I feel that is so important. It is a guide for you to stick to when you are making decisions and it is a great visual tool for your vendor team to reference so everybody knows that overall style, look and even color palette you are trying to acheive. 

Pancakes and Pajamas Kid's Party

Madilyn is turning 7 on Sunday and I wanted to share her fun party from last year. It was such a fun party to plan because the older Madi gets the more opinionated she gets. She planned this entire party with me and I was pretty impressed. She picked her color palette first because she knows that is typically where I start on my design projects. Her favorite type of food is breakfast so we decided on a pancaked and pajamas theme party. 

Design, styling, flowers, handlettering: Amber Veatch Designs

Photography: West House Photography

Venue: Rivertown

Rentals: Set Rentals & Design

When to Hire a Wedding Designer

I wanted to talk about a question I have been getting a lot of lately. During the wedding planning process, when is the best time to hire me?

The best time to bring me on as your wedding designer is actually before any of the planning starts. Some people book their venue first and that works too. However, you can also book me to help you find the right venue for you. That is such a big part of the design of your wedding after all. During your design meeting we cover a lot. First, we start with several questions to determine the style and mood that you want your wedding to be based on you and your fiancé's personalities. I go through every detail of your wedding including

• color palette selection
• paper goods
• ceremony design
• cocktail hour design
• seating chart
• overall reception design
• personal flowers and decorative flower inspiration
• reception tablescape
• dessert table design
• details (signage, installations, backdrops...etc.)
• favor  
• fashion (bride,groom, bridal party).

Once we meet I prepare a design look book for you to use as a guide throughout the planning process. You will take this with you to your vendor meetings to show all of your vendors the look of your wedding and the inspiration I have prepared for you. This will help you to have a cohesive wedding that all works together to create the look and feel that we want to achieve. During your design meeting I also serve as a sounding board for ideas you have or Pinterest pins you are trying to work through. This is why it is a more successful process if you bring me on in the beginning stages of planning instead of in the middle or end. If you have any questions about my design process or are interested in booking a Design Session with me I would love to chat with you! Click on the let's work together link. I am booking sessions in Jacksonville, Tampa and the surrounding areas.

Photo by Alex Michele Photography

Backyard Pops Promo Shoot-Jacksonville Commercial Photo Stylist

Ashlee McCormick owner of Backyard Pops contacted me to design a photo shoot to promote Backyard Pops. Her goal was to showcase having Backyard Pops cater your next event. I was so excited about this project for several reasons.      

 1. I am a huge believer of creating fun, out-of-the-box events that make your guests feel comfortable.

  2. I love Backyard Pops!

3. I love supporting small business owners and this would be a great way to show people just how awesome it is to have Backyard Pops at your wedding or social event (corporate event too)!

I chose a fun color palette for the wedding and kid’s party that made me think of Backyard Pop’s brand. I shopped for all the props and made sure they communicated the look we were trying to achieve. I picked models, made wardrobe suggestions, styled all the props and vignettes, and gave creative direction on set. 

After the kid's party I styled a wedding vignette. I absolutely love the idea of having popsicles at your wedding. You could serve them during cocktail hour and pair them with a signature drink or as a late night snack after dinner. The possibilities are almost endless, really. 

I had the best time working on this. Contact Backyard Pops to cater your next event! If you are interested in working with on commercial styling  for your product or business I would love to talk with you, contact me! 

Photography: Couture Studios

Design, Photo Styling, Creative Direction and Signs: Amber Veatch Designs

Popsicles: Backyard Pops

Wedding Gown: Ivory & Beau

Tassel Garland: The Flair Exchange

Amber Veatch Designs Wedding Design Sessions

I am so excited to share what I have been working on. I have been searching for a way to help brides take their Pinterest boards full of all over the place ideas and create a cohesive design. I have also been trying to find a way to help brides find an affordable option to talk out their vision with a professional and get expert advice so you don't make costly or unforseen mistakes. Introducing Wedding Design Sessions! 

After filling out my design questionnaire we will sit down over coffee, peruse your Pinterest board and talk details. I will get to know who you are as a couple and together all of those ideas swirling around in your head and collecting dust on your Pinterest board.  We will create a cohesive design plan that works best for your budget, venue and personal style. 

You will walk away with a digital design board that will help keep things cohesive in every aspect of your wedding from your stationary to your cake. This a great resource for the rest of your vendor team to reference. I will recommend vendors that I know do the best work and match your aesthetic.  We will go through your wedding from ceremony to send-off and choose the perfect details for you. 

It is great for:

·         The couple who have ideas in a lot of different directions and need help tying it all together. 

·         The bride who still wants to be hands on and plan the wedding. 

·         The bride who wants to bounce around ideas and get a professional perspective or a push in the right direction.

We will get this all done from 10-2 and lunch is on me! Sessions are only $495

Contact me today to book your wedding design session. Booking sessions in Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Tampa!

*A limited amount of online sessions are available for you out- of- towners

All photos were taken by Alex Michele Photography, thanks Alex! 

Giveaway!

What you win:

·         An Amber Veatch Designs Design Session

·         A Southern Weddings Planner

·         A Southern Weddings Magazine V7

·         A Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine

·         A Sharpie pen and post it tabs to keep notes in your magazines

·         A Pinch Provisions Bridal emergency kit

·         A ceramic coffee mug with metallic gold MRS. on it

·         A Starbucks gift card

·         Three EOS lip balms

·         An Essie nail polish in “Bachelorette Bash”

Rules

1.       Like AVD on Facebook

2.       Follow AVD on Instagram

3.       Repost the giveaway photo on Instagram and include @AmberVeatchDesigns and #AVDWeddingDesignSesh

4.       Comment on this post with a link to your wedding Pinterest board and a short response about why you would like to win an AVD wedding design session.

5.       Be a bride who will be getting married in Jacksonville, St. Augustine or Tampa, Florida

*You must complete all steps to be considered. Winner will be chosen at 8PM EST on 2/13/15.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

Tin Can Photo Lounge | Jacksonville, Florida Photo Stylist

Hi strangers! Things have been busy around here in the best way. My plan is to catch up on blogging and share the fun projects I have been so lucky to be a part of. First up is a promo styled shoot that I did for Jaime Smith of Couture Studios and now Tin Can Photo Lounge. When Jaime announced her new business venture I was so excited that she would be bringing such an amazing idea to events in the area. I was hooked! You will see why shortly. I styled three different looks to show folks how amazing it would be to have Tin Can at their wedding or social event. It was a lot of work but it was the most fun I've had working with a client. You can read more about the photo lounge here.

First, I styled a children's birthday party. I wanted it to be fresh and lots of fun because that's what Tin Can is all about! Jaime had her photo clients come model for us and oh my word were these kids the cutest!

Next, I styled a fiesta with friends. I used a lot of items from Set Rentals and the group we photographed was so fun! I wanted to incorporate a Southwest style so I planted some cacti and succulents and bright colors with the fringe that we hung. 

Lastly, I designed a wedding tablescape that was laid back but still sophisticated. There really isn't much that Tin Can isn't good for. It would be a blast at any event!

If you have a business that you would love to showcase through a styled shoot I would love to work with you on creating images that best represent your business. Email me, let's chat!

Photography: Couture Studios | Design and Photo Styling: Amber Veatch Designs | Florals: Amber Veatch Designs | Farm table and Rentals: Set Rentals and Design | Cake  | Videographer: Visual Power Cinema

Recent Work-Hand Lettering Projects

I want to share a round up of my recent work. I have had a lot of custom orders for hand lettering. This is not something that I advertise and if I am being totally honest not something I was sure I could pull off but it has become my favorite thing to create. I have always loved writing and as embarassing as it is to admit I think it all started with my favorite show as a child, Ghost Writer. In the show the "ghost" writes clues and has the best penmanship. I think I was convinced that if I kept practicing I could write the clues for the show. Embarassing fact #2: One of the jobs I wanted to do when I grew up was write the specials on business windows. Seriously guys, I am so lucky to be doing what I love. As a kid, I never thought all those silly things I loved to do for fun would bring me to this creative business. I hope you enjoy some of my hand lettering work.

This little sign was for a baby shower. 

This was the dinner menu for a wedding

This seating chart was a lot of fun to make. It was framed and styled by Shea Hopely

This was for a first birthday party in the park.

This was for Jenn & Joe's Nocatee wedding. We created a very fun cocktail hour on the lawn. I can't wait to show more from this wedding!
Photo by Liliop Photography.

I created this custom photobooth backdrop for Mike & Nikki's Casa Monica wedding. It was great to work with Prop's Photobooths

I love this concept that Shea Hopely designed and produced. I hand lettered the "All because two people fell in love" sign that topped wedding photos of the couple's family. They also had a few wedding gowns that the women in the family wore. It was so precious. 

I enjoyed making this sign for a shop in St, Augustine,