I’ve started this post several different times, and have never actually finished it. Reason being that I’m not the best at promoting myself. However I am not just the writer of Middle of the Map Weddings, I’m also a wedding vendor myself. So for today’s featured vendor post, here’s a little more about me and my business, emmy-ray.
Where to find me: website, blog, Facebook, Twitter
I live in Kansas City, along with my husband and my three pups, Hazel, Ollie, and Flynn, in an old Brookside house where my husband actually grew up. We bought the house from his parents, and have spent the last 3 years doing projects, and updating it to make it our own. I do my jewelry and floral design work both from a home based studio.
I received my degree in fine arts with an emphasis in printmaking and metalsmithing. It was never a question in my mind whether or not I would do something creative as a career, it was a just a matter of figuring out what that would be exactly. I started emmy-ray in 2007, metalsmithing and making my own jewelry on the side, while I worked full time making a local artists designs. I continued making and selling my work at local shows, and on Etsy, and also did a brief (and wonderful) stint for two years as an art teacher for elementary school students.
I’ve always had a love for flowers. Nature and floral motifs ran throughout my 2-D, and jewelry designs. My first experience doing arranging for a wedding was my own in 2008 (above is my bouquet along with a brooch that belonged to my grandmother). It was stressful, but completely worth it, because it set me on the path of exploring and learning more about floral design. I began getting referrals from friends who had been at my wedding, and three years later I am so happy to say that I’m able to do it full time.
Our business is indie through and through. We are a two person operation, it’s me and my mom, who is my assistant and right hand designer. We both love flowers, and every time we go to the wholesaler to get them for an event, it’s like Christmas morning. We do weddings of all shapes and sizes, from small backyard events, to big hotel ballrooms with 400 guests. I’m truly passionate about weddings, and staying current with what’s happening in the industry, which is one of the reasons I decided to start Middle of the Map.
Along with flowers and jewelry, I’ve also recently added menswear to my repetoire, creating hand sewn bow ties, and also cuff links, including custom orders for weddings. Although doing floral design has become the bulk of my business, I’ll never lose my love for creating jewelry designs, sewing, and crafting. It’s great to be able to offer multiple services to a couple getting married including jewelry for the bride and bridesmaids, ties for the men, and flowers for the event!
I always ask featured vendors to give words of advice to couples planning their weddings. Although by the wedding industries standards my business is still young, if there’s one thing I could say it’s trust your vendors. Do the research, and pick someone whose style is compatible with your own, and whose work you love. Although you may have a budget, don’t work with a designer you’re not comfortable with just to save a few dollars. There are so many wedding vendors out there, you’ll be able to find someone who’s a perfect fit, and who’ll be excited about making your vision for your day come to life!
