I am SO excited. You know that business trip I've been talking about, well yep, it's to France. The amazingly talented lady, Elizabeth Messina, invited me several months ago and I've been busy, busy since.
First off, THANK YOU, Elizabeth Messina!
Elizabeth has been such a great supporter and I am very much looking forward to working with her in person (so much has been over the phone and internet... always great to meet face-to-face!).
It will be for A Lovely Workshop and will take place at this amazing chateau:
There is an amazing roster of talent involved and not previously listed, but the uber talented Erin Skipley will be doing make-up! There will be dresses from all over, including a favorite, Lovely Bridal Shop.
So obviously, I'm providing head pieces, but OMG... I'm so nervous, but I'll be modeling as well. Not my first rodeo, but somehow, I'm really nervous about this one... Elizabeth Messina! I might be doing some light styling and hair styling too.
The grounds are lovely and include a cemetery:
I know it sounds very romantic and blissful, but it will be a ton of work. For a solid week, there will be many separate photo shoots each day from morning well into the evening, presentations, and late night business discussions. It is still work!
So for the first week, I'll be at the workshop and Matt's riding over in the plane with me and he'll be doing some major sightseeing around the French countryside and specifically, Normandy. Afterwards, we'll have a few days and are planning to head to the coast and then to Paris. This is not a "vacation", but we are traveling and it will be exhausting, but very memorable and rewarding.
Matt and I will probably split one suitcase for clothes and necessities and I'm bringing one huge piece of luggage for all the head pieces. I cannot wait for you to see all my latest work!
Since I won't be able to fulfill new orders for the next week while I prepare and also while I'm over there, I do apologize for all those interested in custom orders. PLEASE DO get in touch with me through email after I get back at the end of this month. Email is best. I really, really want to work with each and every one of you and I also want to make sure each of you gets the time you deserve, so again, get in touch after I get back when things settle down a bit and we can get the ball rolling!
For all orders placed before April 29th, I will have your lovely pieces shipping before I leave next week. I have a few more photo shoots I've committed to and those pieces are coming as well, promise! I have a few very lovely and patient brides with outstanding custom orders. I am going to try my very hardest to get those finished before I leave as well or very soon after I return... I haven't forgotten you (shortlist including: Tina, ErikaB, AlisonP, arosecra, ckubler, and more!)
So I know, I know there are so many questions! I get several hundred emails and convos every week and at the moment it is really tough for me to handle them, BUT I will be getting a new assistant or two after I get back and for everyone waiting patiently, resend your email/convo after May 27th so we can get everything organized. I will try to answer emails while I'm away, but it will be very busy, so it may take a few days for urgent questions.
Whew! if you have hung in there through this long and dirty post, thank you!
IF you have any great recommendations of must-see places in France, write me a comment. I'd love to hear about accommodations, dining, museums, fabric shops, boutiques, everything!
THANK YOU everyone!!! I know I haven't been the best with my emails this year, but I am utterly grateful for all the individuals interested in working with me!!!! I am amazed each day by all the wonderful people I get to work with and those who want to work with me. I want to work with all of you and I'm going to take the appropriate business steps over the next couple months to make it happen. If you have a wedding in the second half of June through the end of this year, I'd love to work with you!!