Reflecting on Our First Year: A Look Back at The Start of Iris Moon

As we celebrate our first anniversary in the event design industry, we take a moment to appreciate the journey we've traveled thus far. Our first year has been a blend of challenges and accomplishments, filled with valuable lessons, unforgettable moments, and endless inspiration.

We began with a clear mission: to create extraordinary experiences for milestones through exceptional design and thoughtful planning. Each event is a unique story waiting to be told, and we have had the honor of being part of many beautiful narratives.

Our Beginnings: Dreams in Bloom

Launching our event design business stemmed from a love of creating personal celebrations and a longing for a creative outlet. Planning my own wedding brought a spark of joy that lingered for years, I just wasn't sure what to do with that spark. I had my degree in child and youth care, what did I know about event planning? During COVID lockdowns, it became a thrilling hobby of mine to plan and decorate for every little milestone that my daughter reached, even if it was just for the 3 of us in our home. Finally, while planning my 30th birthday, I started to wonder if there was something more for me in this industry.

In the early days, I dedicated countless hours researching design trends, exploring unique décor options, and sharpening my planning abilities. I completed my certification in wedding and event design and started to build my own business from the ground up. I forced my way into my loved one's special occasions and milestones and used them as learning opportunities for me to build off of. I mean, no one was complaining having an event designer work for free, so it was a win-win.

Celebrating Each Unique Story

What we cherish most about our work is its personal nature. Every client brings their own story, preferences, and vision to the planning table. Over the past year, we have collaborated with people from various backgrounds, each adding a distinct touch to their celebrations.

For example, we have worked with bold colour palettes, transforming a space to create a wild summer meadow with jewel-toned florals and pampas grass. In contrast, we designed a space for an intimate wedding shower, with simple bud vase centerpieces and minimal white and green florals throughout. These unique elements reflect our belief that understanding each client's story is vital in creating an event that truly represents them.

Our first year in review, we were able to be a part of a first birthday party, a wedding shower, and two weddings. In addition to that, we were able to do some design work for 2 other women-led small businesses. This year has been all about looking for opportunities for exposure and building relationships with not just clients, but in collaboration with other vendors and small businesses.

Building Relationships with Other Small Businesses

A key factor in our success has been cultivating strong relationships with various vendors. Our collaboration with florists, photographers, caterers, and venue coordinators is essential in bringing our designs to life. One of the major ways that we have been able to do this this past year is participating in our first wedding show. Through this, we were able to network with others in the industry and hard launch our business.

This year, we focused on establishing partnerships with trusted vendors and fellow small businesses. For instance, we have collaborated with Elle Chic Photography twice (so far) on building sets for her studio sessions. We have also met with The Glass Slipper Company to discuss how our two businesses could compliment each other and ways that we could work together to create magical events. By fostering these relationships, we created a reliable network that enhances the overall quality of service we provide to our clients.

Photos and studio: Elle Chic Photography

The Joy of Client Feedback

Receiving feedback from the clients we've had the pleasure of working with has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our year. Their testimonials validate our hard work and provide pathways for improvement.

Looking Ahead: Goals for Year Two

As we celebrate this milestone, we are eager to set new goals for the upcoming year. Year two will focus on expanding our portfolio and exploring the latest wedding trends, including incorporating more sustainable practices into our work. We look forward to our continued partnerships with the small businesses we have built relationships with and expanding our network to a variety of wedding professionals.

Currently, we are working on completing our Wedding Planner and Coordinator certification and are shifting gears in our services. While design and decor will still be available as add-on services, Iris Moon will be focusing more on our new core services of wedding consultant, month-of coordination (more commonly known as day-of coordination) and full wedding management.

On a personal note, my husband and I are in the works of purchasing our first house. In doing this, Iris Moon will also finally have a true home-base where we will be able to meet with clients and grow our business in our desired service area. Stay tuned for more on that!

A Heartfelt Thank You

Reflecting on our first year, I extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported me through this. To the clients who entrusted me with their celebrations, the vendors who worked alongside me, and the friends and family who believed in my vision—your support has been invaluable.

This past year has taught me so much, and I look forward to continuing this journey. Crafting weddings filled with love, joy, and beautiful memories has become part of my purpose, and I am excited about what lies ahead.

Our first year in the event design industry has been a mix of challenges and joys. Each event has imparted lessons that will guide our growth for years to come.

By embracing creativity, building strong relationships, and remaining adaptable, we have laid a solid foundation for future success. We are excited for many more years of creating memorable moments and celebrating love in all its beautiful forms!