Sam Allen Creates: September to December 2021
Just in time as we reach the halfway point of 2022, here I am with my final Year in Review blog post from 2021! There were so many weddings that I wanted to wait for the professional images, so trust me when I say, the wait was worth it! September As I wrapped up all of the wonderful September weddings, I got started on my fall collection of Thanksgiving name tags! This year I added a watercolor option (link) and shared a Reel on Instagram documenting my photo shoot! Take a look! 🎥 The Butcher Block BBQ The start of September also included my husband driving up to Reno, Nevada for the Reno Rib Fest! He sold THREE THOUSAND racks of ribs that weekend with his teammates! Insane! Take a look at all the delicious eats he creates here. Watercolor Portraits and Custom Paintings Next up, let's take a look at some watercolor family portraits and custom paintings
Website Redesign Reveal!
After way too many years, my website has finally received its well deserved face lift! What's New? A brand new homepage that finally shows what I do and how I can help you with your wedding and home decor needs! As you scroll, you'll also discover some sweet testimonials and more quick links to my services and inspirational blog posts. My Services page has been completely redesigned with each element receiving its own unique treatment. Some services needed multiple subpages (like my wedding invitation portfolio) while others just needed an updated one page gallery. I still have more images to add to my ever evolving portfolio so please check back soon and in the meantime, enjoy 20% off to my Etsy shop with the coupon code: SAMSFRIEND20. Valid thru August 10.
8 Ways to Make your Reception Table As Unique as You!
I'm so excited to be sharing these photos by Stephanie Weber Photography, showcasing my wedding day watercolor stationery product line. My goal was to create an immersive set of paper goods where a bride's reception table would be complete with table numbers, menus, and placecards all done in matching watercolor! Before I show you the galleries, please take note of these amazing ladies who made this possible: Photography: Stephanie Weber Photography Florist: Bloom Theory DesignTabletop Rentals: Rustic Peony CoCalligraphy: Sam Allen Creates From our photographer and stylist: Putting together this tablescape session was a dream! It was all about the details, and who doesn’t love that. It is not often that I get to photograph these intricate details that go into table settings. In fact, I feel that this is often overlooked in weddings. Some of my advice to my brides is to not skimp on these details, they make all the difference. It is what your guest will remember. Where they sit for most of their time on your day. This is a space to introduce to your guest to what you love, a space to let them know a little bit more about you. My brand is soft, romantic
Gabrielle + Cole’s Dusty Blue + White Spring Wedding at Callawassie Island. Photographed by Dana Cubbage.
Last fall, Gabrielle reached out to me about a painting of Avett Brothers lyrics for signage at her spring wedding
Sam Allen Creates: January thru March 2019
This was an unusual start to the year for me! My shop usually gets busy in January but this year it was rather slow which left me plenty of time to focus on some 2019 goals
Floral Kissed Romantic Washington Shoot, Photographed by Caitlin Houser
I always think back to this shoot from last summer with a smile
Cinderella Inspired Fairytale Wedding Invitation Suite, Photographed and Styled by Michelle Santiago
Last February when I first shared this sketch of Cinderella's castle, I made the connection with Michelle Santiago of Neva Michelle Photography. I was so blessed that she wanted to photograph a whole suite built around this sketch! Needless to say, I was thrilled with the result, and a year later, this is still my favorite photoshoot! A bit more about the process: I wanted a vintage look for the invite. No fonts, but all handwritten! Each piece of handmade paper was painted with a blue and gray watercolor wash to age the paper and the cherry on top was a pink and silver wax seal of a crown. Even the postage stamps were on theme and I am still so in love! I love crafting wedding invitations, layering in textures and colors and small nods of personality!
Sleeping Beauty Inspired, Watercolor Floral Wedding Invitation Suite, Photographed by Michelle Santiago
Last spring, I created this Disney inspired Sleeping Beauty invitation suite. I wanted to design a suite that perhaps Aurora would have chosen from her princess wedding, a wedding dripping in garden florals with hints of gold! And of course I went with pink, but threw in accents of blue so all the fairies would be happy! The suite and handpainted song lyrics were lovingly styled and photographed by Neva Michelle Photography.
Sam Allen Creates: July thru September 2018
I really adore making these review posts
One Little Word 2019: Refine
As I thought over my One Little Word for 2019, I kept thinking of my word for last year which was FOCUS. I'm tempted to just rephrase that with having my word be REFOCUS as I don't think I fully focused in on the year as much as I wanted. I still feel rather scattered and split