Sophie has just completed an order for one of my brides who is getting married in July this year and the end product is just stunning- my bride is a very happy lady! Here is her invitation:
Capture Chequebook Invitation
Here we get to know Sophie a little bit better...
How did you get into the wonderful world of weddings?
Hello! I’m Sophie and I set up my business Cards by Sophie in 2009. I started Cards by Sophie with the intention of being more creative while I was stuck in my day job, but that’s long since gone and I’ve been full time chief at CBS HQ for nearly a year now.
Not many people know that I used to work in the construction industry, which now feels like a completely different life! I was under the threat of redundancy in early 2009 so decided to jump, and leave the hard hat and steel toe cap boots behind before I was pushed. I’ve made cards since I was very young, and thought back to my own wedding in 2007 where I found it so difficult to find something that was just as I wanted. I got married abroad and was amazed just how few companies would let you change the wording to suit that! I wanted to be able to personalise the stationery, change the colours and get the design just right for me, not to mention keep the pricing down. So I decided to create a collection that is modern and affordable for everyone.
I make wedding stationery, from save the dates and invitations to table plans, thank you cards, order of service and much more. I’m based near Manchester but send my stationery out all over the UK, and even to Europe too!
How would you describe your style?
I would definitely describe it as modern, contemporary, sleek and stylish! I like to stick to the typical wedding associations e.g. hearts, pretty things etc., but with the modern twist.
Monogram Invitation
What do you love most about working within the wedding industry?
I absolutely love working for my clients, sounds clichéd I know, but I get a real thrill out of making someone’s perfect wedding stationery, and it’s even more exciting when I am asked to look at a one off bespoke design for a couple. It’s so lovely to be a part of a couple’s big day and I love it when my stationery takes pride of place at the wedding.
I’ve also met some wonderful people in the industry; we’re all there to help each other out which is great! This is particularly useful on Twitter; I’ve made so many new contacts etc., including the lovely Katie herself!
What do you dislike?
Oooh difficult question! It’s hard to think of something here, I really do enjoy every aspect. It can sometimes be tough to get yourself out there and be noticed as there is so much competition! That’s something I’m always trying to do as much as possible. I get wonderful comments once people do find me, but it’s tough with a limited marketing budget!
Your designs are fabulous, where do you find your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from everyday life, from people and things around me. I’m a perfectionist and set myself hard targets each day so that often keeps me going more than anything else! I’ve always wanted to steer away from the traditional invitation with lots of frills, lace and stick on text. Make it more modern and simple, I always think simplicity rules! I come up with designs that allow you to change certain details, such as the colour of the ribbons, Swarovski crystals or handmade paper to make sure it fits in with my client's themes.
Vintage Chequebook Invitation
Whose invitations would you love to design?
Difficult one, there are so many people I can think of! I guess my current couple would have to be Kate and Wills, in fact I have done a Royal wedding inspired design which has been going down a storm!
Royal Wedding- Windsor
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
There are many things that I’m proud of, I regularly get featured in wedding magazines such as Wedding Ideas Magazine, Perfect Wedding etc. It might sound a little over the top but when I come up with something new, or I get great feedback that just makes it so worthwhile.
However I think the best thing at the end of last year was that I got shortlisted for the ‘Best Stationery’ award in the Wedding Ideas Magazine awards 2011. These are awards voted for by brides and readers of the magazine! I got into the final 5 in the country, and have a posh badge to show off as a result which is on my website.
What’s your best selling design?
My best selling design is the Pearl design, that’s a design that’s been with me from the start. Current popular designs this year so far are Botanica and Chic is always a popular one too! I think people like the simplicity of the Pearl design, and you can still have your wedding colour in there with the ribbon running down the spine of the card.
Pearl Pocketfold Invitation
Botanica Thank You Card
Chic Place Card
What’s your personal favourite?
Very difficult to say, it changes weekly I think! It’s usually do with what I’m working on at the time. I’m about to start working on my Love design which I love (excuse the pun!) to do, but it is very fiddly. The end result is worth it in my opinion though.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I aim to continue on the same path I’ve set out already. I’m always thinking of new designs and ideas for creating that perfect wedding stationery. It’s very difficult to narrow them down sometimes to go on the website! Keep a look out at that and my FB page where I showcase a lot of the work I’m working on at that point and any offers that are coming up.
Finally, if there is one piece of advice you could give to a Bride…
In terms of stationery, it’s the first key step to setting the tone and choosing may help you decide on your flowers and other accessories. Think about the sort of clothes you love, your ideal décor, and the place where you are getting married. This will help you decide whether you’re going for something traditional or modern. What colours do you love? It could be your favourite colour, or something that reminds you of where you met your partner. Remember the stationery is the first thing your guests will see! Pick something you love and can be proud to send to friends and family, don't settle for second best.
As I final comment I would add that my one other general piece of advice is to keep in your mind that your wedding is for you and not for anyone else – the best bit of advice my Mum ever gave me!
Website: www.cardsbysophie.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cardsbysophie
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cards-by-Sophie/142025875832