My first experience with designing and creating invitations was back in 2007, when I was planning my own wedding. After visiting several stationers and browsing websites, I was unhappy with the selection and quality that I found. It was then that I made the decision to design and assemble my own wedding stationery, because I knew they would turn out exactly as I had envisioned.
When I opened Lola Lee Invitations in 2013, I knew that I would continue to keep expectations high for my clients as well. I love being able to turn what you are dreaming of into a reality, whether you are planning a birthday, baby shower, wedding, or other event. Your stationery might be designed by me, but it will be distinctly yours!
Tell us about your company…
Lola Lee Invitations creates custom invitations and stationery for weddings and special events that are creatively designed and distinctly yours. We are located in Phoenix, Arizona and generally work with clients in the Metro Phoenix area. However, we are able to work nationwide!
How did you get started in the wedding business?
I started by designing my own wedding invitations back in 2008 and began to do it for friends and their friends. After leaving my previous career, I knew that it was the right time to make my move and launch Lola Lee Invitations.
What makes yours different from other businesses in the field?
I am not quite sure what makes me different from the rest, but I do know what makes me, well…ME. I’m a calm, loyal, easy going, and fun loving person. I love that I can take what might be a stressful or overwhelming part of the wedding planning process and make couples feel at ease with me. I keep our meetings low-key, relaxed, and they will most likely involve coffee. It’s important to me that couples know where we are in the design process and that they are involved as well, which leads them to trust me. They know that I will be there for them at each step of the process. I’m also a bit of a perfectionist and want my clients to walk away LOVING their invitations and stationery. Once I hear a bride (or groom) say “I LOVE IT”, then I know that I’ve gone above and beyond their expectations.
Why do you like working with weddings?
I’ve always loved weddings. I think it is incredibly special to watch two people promise their love and devotion to one another. There’s always been a part of me that has wanted to be involved in some aspect of the wedding planning process for others. (My husband thought that once we were married, I’d stop watching Say Yes to the Dress. Boy was he wrong!) Although I don’t tend to witness many of the weddings for which I create invitations, I love being able to transform my couples’ personalities and style into a design on paper. It is typically the first piece of the wedding that guests see, so I want it to truly reflect the couple and their big day!
What was the most difficult situation you have faced with a client and how did you resolve it?
I have been pretty fortunate with my clients and haven’t really come across many difficult situations. There are some clients that get a little overwhelmed with ideas (and their Pinterest boards). When this happens, it’s easy for them to lose sight of what they really want. In that case, I ask the client to give me three words that they want to feel on their wedding day or when a guest opens their wedding invitation. That’s typically all I need to help get them back on track!
From a vendor’s perspective, what’s the best piece of advice you can give to engaged couples?
Follow your heart & gut. It’s important to focus on what you want the wedding to be like because it’s not about everyone whom you invite – it’s about you and your soon-to-be spouse. You want to remember each part of the process with joy, rather than regret.
What or who motivates you?
My motivation comes from other vendors as well as my family. I’m inspired by seeing the work of others in the wedding industry and their support for my business is a huge motivator as well. As I mentioned before, I’m a bit of a perfectionist, which is definitely driving force for my business and self.
What do you do when you are not working?
When I’m not working, you’ll find me spending time with my family and close friends. I love running (specifically 10ks and half marathons), eating Boston Creme donuts, and drinking a lot of coffee!
What would we be surprised to learn about you?
Hmm…well, I was an elementary teacher for 9 years before launching my business. I also imagined myself being an architect since I was about 8 years old and even had it as a major in college. That’s probably where my love of design came from and has since been a part of me! 
