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!