Hello all you lovely people! This new year of 2022 (yes, I know it’s already February) is the year that I promised myself that I would take the time to start actually blogging with some tips and tricks for wedding planning, interior design, and maybe even some fun lifestyle posts! Although I’ve had a break from any actual weddings in January, the amount of work I’ve had on my plate with new clients, house renovations, and just life in general, was absolutely nuts. So here I am, on February 10th – wow, how did that happen? – sitting on my sofa with the lovely sound of a shop vac working its magic ready to write my first blog post.
So, this is me! (Someone start playing The Greatest Showman) This picture – taken by the incredible and amazing Shalae Byrd – is literally me in a nutshell. Brittany Bloom Paden. Loud, colorful, thinks she’s hilarious, and super fun if I may say so! I am a born and raised Kansas girl who made her way to DC, Dallas and has been in NW Arkansas for almost 3 years now. I am 32 years old and married to an absolute hunk of a man, Eric. He is my soulmate and the biggest pain in my butt. Without him, I would not be where I am today and I am so grateful to him. He is the one who encouraged me to follow my dreams of owning my own business. Together we adopted our almost 3-year-old son, Oliver, at birth and he is literally the best thing to ever happen to us. (Peep our super cute family photo from last year – thanks Whit!)
I’m not going to lie, being a working stay-at-home mom is one of the hardest things I have ever done. This is LITERALLY the hardest job I’ve ever had and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Event planning wasn’t always the dream for me. When I was young I had dreams of following in my dad’s footsteps and becoming a doctor. Those dreams quickly dissolved when I couldn’t even dissect a frog in high school. I subsequently went through other phases of dream jobs and many years later found myself graduating from The George Washington University with a Master’s in Interior Design. Stay with me, we’re almost there! For years I worked as an interior designer for high-end residential and hospitality firms. I got to work on some amazing projects and I am forever grateful for that experience – BUT the corporate world wasn’t where I needed to be. For years I had helped my friends plan parties and helped a few with their weddings. I even planned our own wedding while working 40 hours and going to grad school full time. I went in, gave my notice, and not even a month later this amazing small business was born and I never looked back!
The wedding industry is one of the most amazing industries to be a part of. I’ve met countless incredible couples and even more badass vendors. Some of my very best friends are people I’ve met through planning weddings and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for all of us. Over time I’m going to be sharing and highlighting some of those friends here and who knows, maybe they’ll become your friend too!
When I’m not working (ha, do I really ever stop?), I’m usually with my family and friends. In the past, I’ve been really bad about my work/life balance and I’m trying to be better about being present and not ALWAYS working. Eric reminds me that most people are not checking their emails at 10:30 pm on a Sunday. (But, how can he be sure?)
And just because, I’m going to leave y’all with some fun facts about me!
FAVORITE COLOR: Emerald Green
FAVORITE COCKTAIL: Anything with gin, red wine, and champagne
FAVORITE CITY IN THE US: New Orleans – before the pandemic I went at least once a year
FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL CITY: Florence, Italy – Eric and I literally got lost in the rain on our anniversary and had the most magical night
FAVORITE MOVIE GENRE: We are HORROR movie fans over here! Also, I love a good action film.
FAVORITE FOOD: I freaking love Thai and Indian food (bonus that most of it is gluten-free and I can eat it!)
APPLE OR ANDROID: Apple – I’ve got it all, phone, laptop, watch, iPad, and AirPods…Eric is the exact opposite – WE CAN’T EVEN FACETIME
DOGS OR CATS: BOTH! We’ve got 2 of each! (Sutton, Rosie, Dimitry, and Itty)
Ok, so if you’ve made it this far you are an awesome human who I appreciate so very much. I look forward to giving y’all the best tips, inspiration, fun, and nonsense here in the weeks to come! It is now time for me to make dinner and do the momming part of the working mom!
Lots of love,