One year ago today, ELD relaunched. Prettier, better, more functional. Lots of people didn’t even know about ELD a year ago. But there it was- and there I was. Excited. Nervous. Stressed. I was still doing ELD on the side, and I was gunning for the relaunch to be what allowed me to go full time…. specifically, Every Last Vendor- which is why it’s birthday means so much to me!

Photo by ELV photographer Caroline & Evan Photography

I’m not going to sugar coat it for you. Every Last Vendor is indeed what allowed me to go full time. It’s what pays my bills, buys my food, and keeps my diabetic husband alive. Yep. I went there- because it’s the truth. I don’t speak anything but the truth here on ELD. I thought being a full time blogger was going to be easy. It’s not. It’s really hard. I tell people that my job is really just sales- blogging is just a fancy word for: I-spend-all-day-writing-emails-and-doing-sales-and-really-just-blog-late-at-night. :) But no matter what, I still love it. As hard and uncertain as it may be, I’m still doing what sets my heart on fire and makes me happier than I’ve ever been.

This past year has definitely been a journey. Lots of ups and downs, goals reached, and tears cried. Tons of tweeting and Facebooking and emailing. I’ve made great new friends, yet lost some old ones. I’ve learned invaluable things about people, support, and business. I’ve tried new things, figured out what I really love doing, and started lots of new projects (and this doesn’t include the several new ones that I dream up every month). I spoke at events, go days without leaving my house, and yes… paid self employment taxes (UGH). It’s funny- when I first went full time, I thought that I would have posts done weeks in advance and spend all day blogging and looking at gorgeous photos. HA. I don’t know how it is for other full time bloggers, but that is definitely not what it’s like for me. I literally spent MONTHS just trying to achieve that “blogger nirvana”. It was November 2011 when I finally came to the conclusion that how I did things was what worked for me and it was okay. There was no right or wrong way for me to run my business. Maybe one day when I’m not in a 700 square foot house and half of my office is taken over by craft supplies overflowing out of my closet, I’ll do a “day in the life” thing. Actually, maybe not- it would be pretty boring. Because the truth is, I really spend most of my day reading and sending emails. And I do not have posts done weeks in advance. There I said it. I feel like I’m going to get put in blogger jail or something… oh, that doesn’t exist? Well that’s great. ;)

Oh, and here’s another thing. Lots of people are surprised to find out that I’m the only one behind ELD. The emails that say “Dear ELD Team” make me chuckle. ;) Thank you all for thinking that there are more people behind the scenes, but nope, sorry to disappoint you… it’s just me running the show. I am SO thankful to have some of my friends as contributors every now and then, but for now, it’s still just me. I really do like it that way too. I LOVE meeting new wedding professionals and seeing their businesses grow. Seriously- it makes me cry (sometimes) when I hear about ELV pros booking brides, making connections with other ELV pros, and becoming great friends. And I don’t cry often. I’ve discovered what I love to do and I don’t ever want to stop doing it. One day, when I can afford to have employees, I will most likely still be doing everything that I’m doing now. And NO, I will not be starting a baby/home blog down the road. Weddings are ENOUGH for me. ;)

Photo by ELV photographer, Ashley Daniell Photography

And ultimately, all of this- everything I do every day- is for brides and vendors. I want brides to KNOW about weddings and what they’re planning. I want them to find amazing vendors. I want them to feel like they know their vendors and be confident that they are going to be awesome. As for vendors, I want them to have great brides. I want their lives to be a little easier because their brides are having their questions answered HERE. I want to help grow businesses and make connections. I. Just. Want. To. Help. :)

Finally, I want to say THANK YOU. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. Thank you to the amazing brides who read ELD. To the vendors who read ELD. And most of all, to the awesome wedding pros who have trusted in me to help market their business. I would not be here without ANY of you, and I humbly recognize that and will never forget it!

So, that’s kind of the last year in a nutshell. Sorry for rambling… I just like you all to know what’s going on with me every now and then, and I felt like today’s “birthday celebration” was a good time to do that. And now back to Every Last Vendor’s birthday… I have 2 fun little announcements to help celebrate! Cue the confetti!!

Announcement #1: Coming to a computer screen near you this Spring…. The ELD Detail Catalog! I am compiling pages of gorgeous details, made up exclusively of images from Every Last Vendor pros, with the aim to inspire brides to have awesome wedding details! I’m VERY excited about this… it’s something I’ve been wanting to do for over a year now! And I’m super excited that it’s an awesome extra opportunity for all of the amazing pros in Every Last Vendor to be showcased!! (Wedding pros, if you want to be a part of the Detail Catalog, see the next announcement!)

Announcement #2: Every Last Vendor Birthday Deals! I can’t celebrate without doing something extra special, so I’m giving new ELV pros a gift! Wedding pros, to find out about the deals, go here. The deals will only be available until March 23rd at 11:59pm EST, so hurry up and get to “celebrating” with me! :)

I suppose both of these could be seen as “gifts” for you all, right? ;) I really can’t even put into words how excited about the Detail Catalog I am! I hope you all will love it and get SO much inspiration from it! I know I would have LOVED for something like it when I was planning! And for the ELV Birthday Deals, well, I hope some of you awesome vendors will love my “gift” to you! :) I love all of you- thank you so much for your support this past year! :)

I’ve been saying that 2010 is the year that I found myself, 2011 is the year I found my voice, and in 2012 I will be heard. I think I realized all of this when someone that I hadn’t seen for about 3 years saw me and told me that I had changed. Of course the first thing that I thought was, well yes, I have gained weight and don’t quite look the same. But he said that I had a glow, a sense of confidence and a poise that I didn’t have 3 years ago. And it really made me think about how far I’ve come, and realize that yes, I have changed, and it’s all thanks to Every Last Detail and all of you!

2011 was amazing to me in all kinds of ways. Mostly, it changed me. I officially became an entrepreneur. ELD relaunched as a prettier, bigger, and better website. I took a huge leap and quit my (awesome) day job and went full-time with Every Last Detail. Traffic grew beautifully. I made great new friends and met some awesome people, both of which would have never been possible without the wedding world. I connected brides with wedding vendors. I did several photo shoots. I shared the work of amazing photographers and inspired brides with awesome details. I became an aunt. I don’t know where I would be today without the wedding industry and Every Last Detail. I can’t even imagine myself without either. In 2011, I grew and changed, and most of all… I found my voice.

Photo by Jason Mize Photography

Now I want to throw a few facts into the mix, since I’m getting more personal in this post than I usually do. In the past few days, I’ve realized something. Every Last Detail IS me. It’s just me running the show here at ELD, and some people might not know that. I say it all the time to myself, while I’m answering emails or drowning in posts to write, ideas to create, things to design. But many blogs have a large team of people, and the truth of the matter is that I don’t. I have one contributor and might be adding another for the new year, but that’s it. I don’t have employees, and I’m the only one who receives and answers emails. You might notice that I rarely say “we” in my posts. If I do, it’s most likely meaning my dog and/or husband and I. ;) It’s because Every Last Detail is ME- the very essence of me, and I intend for it to stay that way.

[SUPER PERSONAL] Often times I catch myself comparing myself to others -bigger, more popular, “blog giants”. But I have to remind myself that that’s what they are- giants- and I don’t necessarily want to be a giant. Sure, I would love the notoriety of being a giant. But I don’t want to lose sight of my mission, which is to inspire and educate brides. I don’t want to sacrifice that mission just for some big numbers. I have to remind myself of this often, because sometimes I get caught up in with others are doing and wonder if I should be doing the same thing.

In the past few days of looking back on 2011 and planning for 2012, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m never going to be like the giants because ELD is ME, and only me. I am indeed a small business, and I intend to stay that way. Sure, I might hire a few people in the future to help out and have some contributors here and there, but I will always be the voice for Every Last Detail. I’m the one handling advertising, post series, shoots, projects, services- everything Every Last Detail. For me, my business is about being personal- having an investment and a relationship with those who invest in me. I say this because I myself always expect that, and when I don’t receive it, I’m sorely disappointed. Which is why I want to stay small- to continue to form relationships with both brides and wedding pros. I realize that I may not become a millionaire doing this, but it’s more important to me that I stay true to myself and my mission to help brides and wedding pros.

My husband and I in DC this December… photo by Stephanie Ascari Photography

Another fact: Every Last Detail is my family’s sole income. My husband is in chiropractor school, and yep, that means he doesn’t have a job. So we live in a not-so-nice 700 square foot house, never go on dates, don’t have cable, and eat a little too much unhealthy (yet cheap) food. (That last one hasn’t been too nice to our bodies in the past year, which is why we’re doing the cliche New Year’s resolution to get back in shape!) But it’s part of life, right? Everyone has to struggle, and yes, most of our fights are about money. Sure, I could go get a “real job” and have guaranteed money every single week, but after being my own boss for almost a year, I don’t think I can ever go back to that. So I bust my butt, annoy ask wedding pros to sign up for ELV, and hope that my wonderful readers (you) will continue to tell people about ELD! I’m telling you all this because I want you to know that I am in no way perfect. Blogging can seem like it’s a cushy job and all rainbows and butterflies, and yes it is indeed amazing, but I’m in no way living a life of high style over here. And don’t feel bad if you’re in the same position… like I said, it’s part of life, right?! ;)

So now that you know my innermost challenges and tribulations, let’s move on, shall we?

Photo by Jessica Lorren Photography

2012 is already shaping up to be a busy year. In 2012, my goal is for Every Last Detail to not only be a blog, but also a resource website. I’m planning for site updates, new features to be added, and even some services to help brides! I’m going to embrace the “stylist” in me and do more inspiration shoots for you all… I’m even traveling to Vegas to do one in February! I’ll be speaking at a wedding pro workshop in January, followed by attending a conference. In February I’m traveling a lot… NYC, DC, and Vegas, all in the span of 2 weeks. I don’t know what I was thinking with all that traveling! And in all honesty, I’ve only gotten as far as March in my planning for 2012… mostly because I have SO much going on in the first 2 months of the year already! Who knows what the rest of the year will bring?! I still have so much more to come for Every Last Detail, and I am so incredibly excited for that. (I’m also incredibly excited for 2 years from now when my husband will be done with school and have a job! Let the countdown begin!)

Okay and now, 2 hours later, I’m pretty personal-posted out, so it’s time for me to wrap up, clean the house, and start figuring out what I’m wearing for New Year’s Eve tonight! I would love if you commented though… with either what you loved about ELD this year, or what you would like to see in the future! :) Thank you for being amazing- I love you all! 2011, you were great, but 2012 will be even better! Happy 2012!!

What made you start blogging?

I started blogging while I was in the middle of planning my wedding. I guess I figured since I was already immersed in all things weddings, I might as well make a blog out of it! No, no, I’m only partly serious. I honestly fell in love with the wedding world while I was planning my own. I loved searching through all the incredible inspiration on my favorite blogs, interacting with other brides-to-be and past brides, and connecting with other writers.

   Do you have any advice for brides who are planning their weddings?

        I’m a big proponent of the budget. And, like you suggested in one of your recent Thursday Tips post, I agree that it should be the first thing brides and grooms-to-be do when it comes to wedding planning. I was never the kind of girl to dream about my wedding but I still found that I had so many expectations about my wedding day. I had to find the perfect dress that made me cry tears of joy when I put it on (which, by the way, I did NOT), I had to look and feel my most beautiful, I had to, I had to, I had to… So, I think understanding what your limits are up front and developing realistic expectations is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

   Now that you’re married, what are your plans for your future in the wedding world?

        Continue blogging, of course! I love writing–it’s one of my passions in life–and something I hope to do full-time some day. But I also really love the wedding industry which is something I realized while planning my wedding. So I’ve decided to pursue my own wedding planning and marriage preparation business (launching in January 2012). I have a Masters degree in Marriage & Family Therapy and I really love working with dating and engaged couples. I think it’s so important to prepare yourself for marriage–educate yourself on those hot button issues, communicate with one another regarding your expectations for the future, and learn what strengths you have as a couple. In addition to helping couples plan their weddings, I also hope to help them prepare for a long and happy life together!

What do you like to do for fun?

Oh man, if I had all the money in the world, I’m pretty sure I’d use it to travel. My husband and I love traveling and experiencing new places and cultures. But we’re also quite the homebodies too. Some of our favorite nights are curling up on the couch in our sweatpants and watching a movie. I also love reading, playing with my cute little kitten (he was a wedding present from my husband), decorating our home, and, uh, organizing? Do I really do that for fun? I think it’s more for sanity. :)

What is your favorite wedding detail?

Don’t make me choose a favorite! That’s no fair! My favorite detail is the one that conveys something meaningful and unique to the couple. Is that cheating? No, really, that is truly my favorite. Whether it’s favors from the groom’s favorite donut shop, a beautiful heirloom from the bride’s great-grandmother, or tables numbers named after the bride and groom’s special memories–those are the elements that make a wedding beautiful. I think you’d agree with me, wouldn’t you, Lauren? :)

Of course I agree with that! I only talk about it several times a week! ;) Oh and Kristine has a fabulous blog, In Love, Engaged… she has an awesome marriage tips series on there too! :) You can learn a little more about Kristine here on the About page also! Please give Kristine a big warm (and official!) welcome everyone! :)

I went back through all of my Thursday Tips posts and picked out the best, more informative ones. So brides, now it’s time to get all caught up- there’s TONS of great info!

So You Want to do a Boudoir Shoot? Heart Love Weddings offers ten glamorous and girly ways to help you prepare for yours!

Label lovers rejoice: BRIDEfinds found Vivienne Westwood bridal on Net-A-Porter, so you can channel Carrie Bradshaw in one of her gorgeous, dramatic gowns.

If you love Vera Wang, but you don’t have thousands to spare on a designer dress, The Broke-Ass Bride has rounded up a fabulous assortment of Vera-esque gowns, and they’re all under $800!

Have a fabulous Sunday night! See you all back here tomorrow! :)

Want your guests to have fun at your wedding reception? The couple from this orchard wedding here on Every Last Detail sure did… they had hayrides, corn hole, and even beer pong for their guests!

Thanks, Kate Middleton, for making wedding boleros cool — just in time for winter weddings. BRIDEfinds has five cozy, chic styles to shop now.

Too many gorgeous wedding dress choices from Nicole Miller’s 2012 Spring bridal collectionto choose from. Try to pick your favorite at OK, Now What Bride.

You simply must see this heart-pounding love story and romantic vintage UP inspired wedding on Heart Love Weddings! There’s a happy-tear inducing wedding video to boot!

Do you have what it takes to tackle a serious DIY project (or several) for your wedding? Or should you hand it over to a pro? Need help deciding? Check out this guest post from Sugarflower Design over on The Broke-Ass Bride!

And that’s all I’ve got for you tonight! Check out all of the posts and I’ll “see” you back here tomorrow! :)

But on to weddings… be sure to check out all of these great posts that were around the blogs this past week!

This week’s Thursday Tips here on Every Last Detail gives advice on what you should do before going wedding dress shopping. It’s something EVERY bride needs to read! :)

And that’s all I’ve got! Have a great rest of the weekend and I’ll see you back here Monday! :)

Need some inspiration for a modern wedding? This pink and black wedding here on Every Last Detail should do the trick!

Here on Every Last Detail we have another Style Dictionary shoot to inspire you all this week! This style is awesome and a new favorite…Backyard Glam!

Note: A nonwedding-related portion of this post follows!

Via

I don’t normally go outside of the topic of weddings, and if you don’t follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you might not know that I’m actually pretty patriotic (lol it feels like a weird thing to say, but it’s the only way to say it!). And so I couldn’t not post anything today, on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

9/11/01. It’s incredible to think that 10 years ago today the United States was forever changed. Not only were we all 10 years younger, but things were so different. Our methods of communication weren’t as effective as they are today. Think about it- did you text anyone 10 years ago? Did you even have a cell phone? Did you turn to the internet as your main source of news? What really sticks out to me is that now news breaks via social media, not TV. I heard about the death of Bin Laden via Twitter, turned on the news, it was 10 minutes before anything was mentioned. 10 years ago, we didn’t have the luxury of any of the means of communication that we have today. It’s crazy to think about. But it’s also incredible.

10 years ago today. Honestly, I could not tell you what I did yesterday, but 10 years ago today- I remember like it was an hour ago.

10 years ago today, I was in high school, in Spanish class. We hadn’t quite started the day yet, and my teacher had the TV on. I remember looking up at the TV, not really caring about what they were talking about, until I saw a plane fly into a skyscraper. I honestly thought it was a movie, and said, “What movie is this? I’ve never seen it.” Seconds later, I realized that it was the news, and it was live. Holy crap. It was really happening. Live. Needless to say, nothing really got done for the rest of the day, as I’m sure was the case for everyone else in the United States. We all walked around scared, not really having any definitive answers. My older brother, then a senior in high school, had just finished Army National Guard boot camp. He left school early, thinking that he would be called to active duty. He picked me up from school with the bed of his truck filled with every single item that the Army had issued to him that summer. The reality of what had happened hit me like a ton of bricks, and the question of what was going to happen next started to plague my thoughts. He ended up not being deployed, but many were, and it was just the beginning.

Today, 10 years later, we’re still a united country. Although wounded, we’ve healed and are stronger, but we will always have a twinge of pain. We’ve fought a war, lost lives, been through national disasters, terrorism scares, new policies and procedures. Today, I’m incredibly lucky that I’m able to laugh with my brother about that day he loaded up his truck with his gear. Looking back today, I realized that my brother, at 17, was ready and willing to do what it took to fight for our country, just as all others who enlist are. That 17 year old boy is now a Captain in the Army, has been deployed twice, has had several close friends die, has had shrapnel tear through his body and seen it riddle others’, and has received a few service medals. But most importantly, he has fought for our freedom. He’s been through more and seen more than any other 27 year old I know, but it’s all in a day’s work for him.

We have all been affected, whether it’s directly or indirectly, by 9/11, and it has created a bittersweet bond among Americans that I find myself incredibly thankful for. So today, on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I’m remembering the way that it’s affected myself and millions of other Americans. And I will NEVER FORGET what happened 10 years ago today.

If you would like to share where you were 10 years ago today or how 9/11 affected you, please feel free to in the comments. God bless America. :)

Get advice straight from the pros with Pro Insight on Every Last Detail this week! Wedding planner Fallon Carter is sharing advice that we often have to be reminded of - just trust your intuition!

Ever wonder if you *need* a wedding planner? This week’s Thursday Tips here on ELD, 10 Signs You Might Need A Wedding Planner, might help you answer that question!

Enjoy! “See” you back here tomorrow! ;)