2025 Round Up: A Year of Creativity and Connection

Original watercolour wedding invitation design, on the outside showing the couples pet dog with an engagement ring and inside showing the view of the beautiful Old Kent Barn, paired with floating flowers from their wedding colour scheme.

I know it’s a cliché to say it, but I truly don’t know where this year has gone! It feels like only yesterday I was prepping for my first wedding fair of the season; now, I’m already looking ahead to the 2026 calendar.

2025 has been the busiest year yet for my stationery business. From bringing bespoke visions to life to sketching the intricate details of local venues, it’s been a whirlwind of creativity. I’m also incredibly grateful to have officially become a recommended supplier for several venues this year, including the Old Kent Barn, Preston Court and the Ferry House—a milestone that means the world to me.

Photo of Chris from wedding stationery by Chris during a wedding fair in the summer at Canterbury cricket ground, showcasing examples of his bespoke designs, including Save the Dates, Invitations, Table Plans and Timelines.

Building Community

One of the highlights of the past twelve months has been the people. The wedding industry is a special community to be part of, and I’ve loved meeting fellow suppliers and small business owners at open days, fairs, and behind the scenes on the big day. Collaborating with such talented people makes every project more rewarding.

Watercolour wedding invitation, inspired by blush pink florals. On the invitation they are paired with green vine on the envelope liner floating in a pattern

Lessons Learned

Beyond the designs, this year has been a period of significant personal and professional growth. I’ve refined my creative process and gained confidence in my pricing. Most importantly, I’ve learned the value of balance. I now have a much clearer understanding of my capacity and—perhaps the biggest win for me—the confidence to recognize when a project or a couple isn't the right fit. Learning to say "no" has allowed me to say "yes" to the couples I truly gel with, resulting in work I’m incredibly proud of and a business that feels energized and focused.

A series of illustrations for a couples wedding table plan, each one based on a different place they've traveled to and featuring personal details and memories from their trips to each place, all drawn using pen, watercolour and pencil

Looking Ahead to 2026

Next year, I want to keep that momentum going. My goal is to continue telling stories through unique table plans and bespoke stationery.

  • Venue Illustrations: I’m eager to draw even more beautiful venues and hidden gems.

  • Destination Weddings: An absolute dream would be to take on more destination commissions—I love the research involved in exploring international architecture and styles. Planning a wedding abroad for 2026? I’d love to hear about your location!

  • Personal Projects: I'm also carving out time to create illustrations for myself, inspired by the beautiful places I’ve been lucky enough to visit.

Portrait photograph of illustrated wedding stationery designer Chris, signing off from a successful 2025 as part of his year end blog review.

A Final Thank You

If you’re a couple I’ve designed for, a fellow supplier I’ve worked alongside, or a friend who has supported me from the sidelines: thank you. You have made this a brilliant year.

Here’s to an even better 2026!

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2026 Looking Ahead: Creative Projects and Personal Milestones

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Venue Line Illustrations: The Perfect Touch for Your Wedding Invitations