Well, it’s been a hell of a year hasn’t it? Especially if you have anything to do with welsh weddings in 2020! I thought long and hard about whether to write a review this year, with everything that we’ve all been through it almost seemed a bit trivial. But, I gave myself a good talking to and decided that it’s actually OK to celebrate some of the positives and highlights (yes, there have been some!) of the year. I was going to look at my Instagram top nine and write a little bit about the images that appeared there, but they didn’t really fit what I wanted to talk about, so I didn’t. Here’s my round up of my best bits, unconstrained by a three by three grid 🙂
Welsh weddings in 2020 pre lockdown
Let’s not forget that there was life this year (and weddings!) pre Covid. Before the country was plunged into lockdown at the end of March, I had the pleasure of working a few gorgeous Welsh weddings in 2020. One of these was with a couple who live literally just around the corner from me in Taffs Well. I do love to work with local couples! Their striking burgundy and navy invitations and stationery was just perfect for their big day in January. Congratulations Nicola & Paul.
Small but perfectly formed Welsh weddings
Mico wedding has become a bit of a buzzword in 2020 and it’s been a real tonic to be able to work with some couples who were determined to have a Welsh wedding no matter what. The most recent, and sneaking in at the eleventh hour before the latest restrictions, were Cara & Jack, married on 19th December at St. Tewdrics. They planned their tiny big day initially as a surprise for all their guests, under the guise of it being a family Christmas party. I loved creating their rustic, recycled navy themed invites & stationery.
Change the date
Another phrase we didn’t think existed until 2020 – change the date cards. It might seem odd, but I’ve found real satisfaction in working with my couples throughout the myriad of changes and plot twists that this year has brought to the world of Welsh weddings. Finding ways to amend invites and stationery already made, creating wedding postponement notices and just generally being there to help with all the worries and anxieties has been a challenge at times, but a good one.
Welsh weddings in 2020 – some happy couples
Weddings may have been thin on the ground this year, but I’ve still received some lovely reviews and kind words from my happy couples. Here’s one of my favourites from Jade & Luke:
“Just wanted to let you know that we have just received our wedding invites and we are over the moon with them. They look absolutely amazing! Thank you so much Jo, you really listened to what we wanted even though we had no idea what that was and you made it perfectly! We cannot wait to send these out. Just what we needed after this grey month, they have really lifted our spirits!”
Time out to consider and refocus
If there’s one thing I’ve had in abundance this year it’s been time to think and revaluate. In a ‘normal’ wedding season I would hit the ground running in January and barely stop to take a breath until at least October. That often doesn’t leave much time for think about whether what I’m busy with is actually what I want to be doing. I’ve been using the downtime this year to look closely at my business, see how what I do aligns with my personal aspirations and make some new and exciting plans for the future. Also, when were allowed to travel, I made the most of the time with my family doing some of the things we love most.
Looking forward to more sustainable weddings in 2021
So, what’s coming for Welsh weddings and wedding invitations Cardiff in 2021? The honest answer is that none of us know. I’m sure there will be more changes and adaptations to make, but we’ll get there. The one thing I am sure of is that By Jo will going in a bit of a different direction. Don’t panic – I’ll still be making beautiful handmade wedding invitations and stationery, but in a more eco friendly way. I’ve been working hard in my home life over the past few years to reduce waste, consume more consciously and live more sustainably. Now is the right time to bring my business into line with this and there are some big (but exciting!) changes to come. I’ll be sharing more details as I roll out my plans. Over the next few weeks look out for:
A fresh new logo and rebrand
An updated website with some exciting new designs
An introduction to my environmental commitment
Stories about why and how I’m making changes
So you see, 2020 hasn’t been all bad for Welsh weddings, and it’s always good to celebrate the highlights. While there, obviously, have been some dark times I feel like we can now see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel. It’s going to be a while before things are back to ‘proper normal’ but in the meantime, let’s embrace what we have. Here’s to 2021 and better times to come!
Much love,
Jo
To keep up to date with all my news, make sure you’re following me on Insta
