Who she is: Andra Delores of Andra Delores Design
Why you'll love her: Whether golf and glittery or clean and streamlined, Andra's invitations have a design aethestic that can work with any Wisconsin couple.
How to follow her: Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter
What city are you located in?
I may be located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, but I love that the nature of what I do allows me to work with sweet couples all over the state — and country!
How do you describe your design aesthetic?
I’m a pretty “oh-so-cute-fill-it-with-more-gold-and-glitter-and-frilly-things” girl at heart, so most of what I am drawn to in design is whimsical and girly. However, I also love designing with clean white space, and swoon over minimal design. When I design for my couples, I always take to heart what they like, since it’s their big day!
Where do you seek out inspiration?
I’m a firm believer that inspiration is all around us, we just have
to keep our eyes (and hearts) open to it. While I am an Instagram
addict, and find a lot of inspiration in those little square snippets of
life, I try to do my best in following people that really inspire me,
rather than getting trapped in the comparison hole. Weddings and
interior design magazines and blogs have my heart, so I am constantly
looking to them for inspiration as well.
What's a typical day like for you?
I usually wake up early (which is still a miracle to me), and make a
to-do list that I plan to conquer that day. I usually eat breakfast and
read a devotional or the Bible in the morning. It’s truly the best way
to stay focused throughout the day. Each morning I also set aside an
hour to return emails to clients. This was a learning lesson for me
early in my business. I used to return emails all day, but I would end
up getting distracted and lose focus on my priorities. Now I return
emails twice daily and it’s the perfect system! I also allow myself some
time in the morning for social media stalking. Once emails have been
returned, I start with my to-do list. This is usually filled with 50%
design and 50% business, depending on the day. At some point in the day, a
nap is usually in order, no shame. Besides, working from home has the
benefits of wearing pjs and a messy top-bun, so a nap is a no-brainer.
How did you get into designing wedding invitations?
When I was in college, I interned for a wedding planner. (I knew the
wedding industry was for me in some way!) Since my degree was in
graphic design, I often found myself doing design for her and her
business. When one of her clients was at a loss for a stationer, I
offered to help design her wedding invitations. It was an absolute joy
working with them, and it sparked my entrepreneurial spirit. I started
my business fresh off of walking the stage at my college graduation
ceremony.
Say a bride and groom come to you, but they have no idea what they
like or where to start in designing their invitation suite. What do you
recommend to them?
Typically, if a couple is at a loss for what they like or how they want
their invitations to look, I like to sit down with them and really get
to know them. Sometimes simple questions about how they spend their
free time, what they are passionate about, how they met, etc., will get
their minds working. I encourage them to not think specifically about
the invitation details, but rather, the feeling they want to give
their guests when they first see the invite. It’s amazing how putting
aside the little details and focusing on the big picture can help my
couples grow their vision.
What do you appreciate most about a Wisconsin bride? And Wisconsin in general?
I love my Wisconsin brides! Each of them is so passionate about their
day, and usually has a story or two to tell about the significance about
something or someone involved in their day. Storytelling — it’s
the true Wisconsin way! I love that my Wisconsin brides are never too
shy to get to know me personally, and we always are able to connect and
truly form a friendship. It’s why I love my job so much — they
make it so easy to!
And why do I love Wisconsin? Because it encompasses home. From nights
out in the city to long and quiet weekends up north, Wisconsin truly has
it all. More importantly, it is the keeper of my memories and my
heart. I love Wisconsin!