Fall of 2014 Handley began Handley Breaux Designs and took us all on a wild journey. Not one to put herself in a box of only being a wedding planner, she has done events of every shape and size. Three years later, her team has expanded to four people and seasonal interns. Today, she looks back and shares with us some of her favorite moments of Handley Breaux Designs.
Read moreHandley Breaux Designs | We're Two Years Old!
This week Handley Breaux Designs turns two years old! I can't believe it. My oh my how time flies! Thinking back on where I was two years ago, it makes me really proud to see what all Handley Breaux Designs has accomplished and has in store for the future. I would be lying if I didn't say that I am tearing up writing this. First off, I would like to thank each and every person who has had a hand in the success of the business so far. You did not go unnoticed! Every vendor, family member, friend, barista.. thank you! Especially to the baristas...y'all know how coffee keeps me going!
Read moreHandley Breaux Designs | Bohemian Shakedown
We are excited to share with you our Bohemian Bop event! After working closely with designer, Heather Wylie, we created the perfect environment at a local hotspot in Birmingham- The Nest. We focused on creating a fun atmosphere for Heather to release her new line of tee designs from Bohemian Bop as well as the Bohem Del Mar fashion preview. In addition to the clothing presented, the event featured pop up shops including Kate Morris Jewelry, Maudern Art by Mary Maude Crenshaw, and henna from the Gypsy Leaf. Beautiful models meandered through the party showing off Bohem’s new designs while guests sipped cocktails from Cathead Vodka.
Read moreHandley Breaux Designs | Inspire Us Bham
This event has ignited a "girl power" movement, and also just genuinely restored my faith in mankind. The women that have been put themselves in the vulnerable and honest positions to share their story truly inspire me and encourage me to grow within myself.
Read moreHandley Breaux Designs | Field + Bone Feature
Today was a pretty good day! I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful and creative people. A week or two ago, I was approached by Brittany Kelly of Field + Bone magazine about an interview.
Read moreHandley Breaux Designs | India Hicks Pop Up Shop
Today I am hosting an India Hicks Pop Up Shop at Paige Albright Orientals in Mountain Brook Village SO I thought it would be fitting to share some of my favorite items from her collection!
Read moreHandley Breaux Designs | India Hicks Style Ambassador
I have some exciting news to share today! For anyone that knows me, you know my love of the islands and anything saltwater related runs deep. So when I was approached about being a Style Ambassador for India Hicks...it only took me a few moments to realize that this brand has values that mirror my own...
Read moreHandley Breaux Designs | Behind the Scenes
We have arrived at yet another Monday morning, and in efforts to make this one less dreadful than the others...I would like to share with you some beautiful images from our styled photo shoot a few months back. As most of you know, our "Sail Away With Me" photo shoot was published on both August Willows and Weddings Unveiled! (yay!) Many months of planning went into the shoot to make sure every detail was perfect, and it wouldn't have come together without the wonderful vendor team we had. A lot of people do not know how much work goes into a wedding day, photo shoot, and even just the day to day workings of my office. So today, we take you behind the scenes to show you every step that went into the photo shoot. Enjoy!
Read moreHandley Breaux Designs | The Secret's Out
Have you heard? The Secret's Out!
Read moreHandley Breaux Designs | Blooms & Brushes
There is nothing like dreary weather to make me sit inside and update the website! Today I am sharing a recap of our event a few weeks back-- Blooms & Brushes. Handley Breaux Designs worked with Marjorie Johnston Interiors to design an event pairing local art with local creatives.
Read moreHandley Breaux Designs | Engagement Session: Rachel & Scott
When you know you know, right? Rachel & Scott's whirlwind romance is straight out of a story book. While I've known Scott for a while, it has been such a pleasure getting to know Rachel while planning her wedding. I can say that this couple is surely one of the sweetest you'll ever meet, and their love will stand the test of time.
Read moreHandley Breaux Designs | Get Healthy in the New Year!
The Holiday Season has come and gone and we are now forced return to the grind of normal daily life. Now if any of you are like me, you've been wearing elastic waist banded pants AKA leggings AKA not real pants for the majority of the past couple of months. Sadly my friends, it is no longer socially acceptable to sport my favorite leggings and oversized sweater in public any longer.
Read moreHandley Breaux Designs | Small Business Saturday
Handley Breaux Designs supports Small Business Saturday! Being a small business ourselves, we love to support other small businesses as well. We encourage everyone to shop local and support local small businesses. Interested in more information about our pricing and services?Simply fill out our contact form and we will answer any questions! Now get shopping!
Handley Breaux Designs Launch Party
Well..Handley Breaux Designs officially launched on November 5, and it was a magical night! Debuting my newly born company to my friends, family, and industry colleagues was one of the most nerve-wracking things I have ever done. You know, you could do the same thing every day of your life as far as business goes, but slap your name onto it and it takes a whole new meaning. Some days I wake up and I'm all like "wait...I really started a company?!" But I did! And I've been pinching myself every day since.
When I decided to host a launch party, I knew that I could count on my group of close friends and my mom to show up. I was hopeful that I would get a good turn out of industry friends as well, but I never expected such incredible attendance! Music played, drinks flowed, and photos were taken as 150 people who came to show their support mixed and mingled. {Insert "Kevin from Home Alone" face here}. Although my toast may have been brief, the appreciation that I expressed and the "thank you" given out was truly sincere.
To all the vendors who helped bring my vision to life, thank you thank you thank you! Y'all killed it! The venue, The Gardens Cafe at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, was the perfect backdrop for the vibrant orange florals by Andy Hopper with KG Designs. Event Rentals Unlimited provided all rentals. The ambience inspired by the Handley Breaux Designs branding was created with all of the orange lighting done by Andy Tolar of Design Productions. Kathy G. Mezrano, longtime family friend, of Kathy G. & Co. kept my guests from going hungry with her amazing (as always) food. Gia McCollister of Gia's Cakes made the cake everyone keeps asking about-- still hitting the gym because of this! JAMM Entertainment brought out their new SketchBooth Photo Booth which was SO much fun! Cooper Trent showcased his talents with the music. And last but certainly not least, Kelly Cummings of Spindle Photography photographed the evening. Thanks to Kelly, I can remember this night forever! I am so lucky to have such great friends in the industry!
Handley Breaux Designs: An Update
It is a week away from the Handley Breaux Designs Launch Party! I could not be more excited to spend the night celebrating with my closest friends and family as well as my friends in the weddings and events industry. So how has this journey been so far you may ask? When I decided to start my own company, a lot of thoughts ran through my head. There were a lot of nights spent tossing and turning, contemplating how many different ways I could cook ramen noodles when I went broke, and how in the world I was going to pull this off. I kept repeating to myself one of my favorite bible verses Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." But as the sun came up and there was a new day in front of me, my fears subsided...especially when I shared my idea with those I respected and looked up to. Now I don't know if people were simply telling me what I wanted to hear OR if they really believed in me (let's go with the latter), but not one of these people doubted me, questioned me, or told me I should reconsider. The amount of love and support that has surrounded me during this gigantic life move has been astounding and humbling.
I wake up every morning thankful for the opportunity that God has given me. I mean really, how freakin' blessed am I?! I am in an industry that is full of creative beings who spend their days planning the biggest celebrations of people's lives. People actually trust us with their proposals, weddings, anniversaries, milestone birthdays....the list goes on. I have been very fortunate to find the business that makes me incredibly happy, and I have been even more fortunate to be surrounded by such incredible people in this business.
Now I'll try to step away from the sappy talk (Mom, put down the Kleenex) and talk about how THRILLED I am for the party next week! When I decided to have a launch party -- because duh why wouldn't i?! -- I knew that I wanted it to be an actual party. I wanted everyone that was celebrating with me to have a great time. I wanted it to be a party to announce the business and also show appreciation for everyone who has had a hand in getting me where I am today. That being said, there will be dancing, food and drink, cake, and many more little surprises for my guests. I would like to go ahead and extend a big thank you to the vendors that are helping me with the best night ever!
Our Picks from Fall 2015 New York Bridal Week
So now that I have pulled myself away from my Instagram feed, Women's Wear Daily updates, and just overall stalking of Bridal Fashion Week... I can share with you all just a few of my favorites that we should be expecting to hit wedding aisles for Fall 2015. Now you may wonder "Can I pull off a low back?" "Will my grandmother appreciate that Angelina Jolie slit?" or "Will the aisle have to be six feet wide to fit that ball gown?" BUT there is truly a gown for every bride. This presentation of bridal fashion really grasped my attention. For the past couple of seasons, I have been nodding off at my computer screen clicking next, next, next past solid lace creations. Now don't get me wrong, I love angelic lace dresses as much as the next gal, but living in the Heart of Dixie, I have seen the look a little too much. This season, I found myself gasping, drooling at times, and even bouncing up and down as I saw long sleeved, ballerina inspired, perfectly bejeweled creations float down the runways. Without further ado, I share with you in no particular order my favorites from Bridal Market Fall 2015.
Ines Di Santo
Reem Acra
Naeem Khan
Monique Lhuillier
Marchesa
Carolina Herrera
Vera Wang
Monique Lhuillier
