We have one final fantastic stationer to round out our month of paper! Meet the fabulous Annie Roche of 5 by 7 Designs. She’s a whiz with paper goods – and beyond paper! Read on! (All photos courtesy of 5 by 7 Designs)
When and how did you get into the wedding industry?
After college, my plan was to teach for two years and then go to law school. I stumbled upon a stationery store in Mockingbird Station one evening and applied to work part time. I immediately fell in love with paper and invitations.
Where are you based and where do you meet with clients?
Our studio is in Addison. We have a great farmhouse table where we meet with our clients and there is always a bottle of champagne chilling in our mini fridge!
What makes you different at what you do?
I have been doing invitations for 10 years now, so I have a great knowledge of paper and printing. We are here to make the design process easy! We want it to fun! We are full service, so we design, print, assemble, address, stamp AND stand in the long lines at the post office – so you don’t have to.
(Note from EED – the fact that Annie assembles and stamps everything is SO amazing. Sounds like such a simple thing, but you wouldn’t believe how much time that saves you!)
Why do you think your clients hire you or what are some of the best compliments you’ve received from your clients?
I always joke that once you are a client, then you are stuck with me. I end up doing wedding invitations, moving announcements, baby announcements and birthday invitations. I become part of the family.
The biggest compliment is a referral to a friend or family member. I am honored that my clients trust me to help their friends and family.
What do you love most about weddings?
No matter what, I always cry when the bride walks down the aisle. I always have to bring tissues.
I love all the details at the reception – from the personalized cocktail napkins, to monogrammed guest towels in the bathroom, custom drink stirrers, and personalized menu cards – the little personalized touches can really make a wedding special.
Tell us about some unusual items you’ve been asked to create for weddings!
We once made a personalized dog collar and sign for the bride and groom’s boxer to wear in engagement photos. We used the picture of the dog for their Save the Dates.
Thanks to Annie for answering our questions! Please check out 5 by 7 Designs online or in person – you can call them at 214.538.2800 or email Annie directly at annie(at)5by7designs.com.