{Studio 404 Weddings} Our One Year Anniversary

I can hardly believe it! June 1st was the first year anniversary of getting keys for our shared studio space. This year was such a whirlwind...and it passed by entirely too fast. As I think back to how it all started and came to be...I'm just incredibly grateful for all of the people in my life...that made this opportunity possible. Sometimes I just don't feel worthy of it. What is it in us that makes us feel like we are not deserving of something special like this? I mean...never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have a studio or storefront. It really is just amazing.

The sad part is that I rarely have time to go there. I've continued to work mostly from home during the school year since it's just difficult to coordinate care for Brookie after a day of teaching (nor do I want to leave her). So most of my editing continues to be late nights in my home office. I do, however, all of my client consultations in the studio. And when I'm there, I love it! It's such a beautiful space. I never could have done this space justice on my own. We planned the decor over Greek food and I don't know how many emails. Amy sketched the interior design and did an amazing job (I wish I had images to share of her design and vision...amazing!). Monica made our vision come to life for the exterior in this design (at the time we thought we were going to call it Long Beach Wedding Boutique)...

It actually turned out a little different that our original design...but pretty darn close. We had some difficulty getting clearance on a new awning from our landlords, which was a total disappointment. We were hoping to have the same awning as Ambiance across the street. We were also wanting to paint the green tiles below the window black...but could not get clearance for that either. Bummer! Although the exterior is not exactly what we were hoping, the interior turned out amazing! Especially considering the peach walls and red floor that we started with. You can see before shots here, here, and here.

This summer I will be in the studio on Monday & Wednesdays and plan to get all my photo work done in those two days. The other five will be dedicated to spending time with my family and enjoying life (except for a few days of shooting weddings & sessions). Looking back on last summer...that was definitely something I did not do.

This will be my work station again this summer.

There were and are so many little decisions that go into sharing this space. I can't believe how well the four of us relate to one another. My only wish is that I had more time with them! I'm continually impressed with the success each of my studio mates have had this past year. Monica has several interns working with her from the studio and just hired a graphic artist to work for her, as well. She is actually working fulltime from the studio now. Erica is famous! She has received several accolades from Brides and The Knot and a million other wedding blogs. Amy was featured in Ceremony Magazine and continues to be busy with her wedding clients.

Just in case you've never met my studio mates, here they are (if you are a bride, definitely check them out)...

• - Erica O'Brien Cake Design
• - Paper Cut Indestries
• - Bride & Bloom Flowers

Photo by Lyndsey - http://www.jackandlolablog.com/

We've sent hundreds of emails back and forth to one another (maybe thousands?) and have become friends. It's been an exciting year...and I'm only looking forward to what's to come in this next year. I'm hoping to update all of the photos and hanging galleries with new work...so I'll be sure to post updated photos when I do.

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