Hi Friends!
Today, I want to share all about my love affair with sweet pea flowers!
You may have noticed that these delicate, ruffly flowers can be found throughout my new brand, most notably in the logo submark design.
But how did this adoration begin?
The Backstory
When I was born, both of my parents were in sales and my mom worked for my grandfather’s moving business. After my mom returned to work after maternity leave, my grandma watched me at her home every day.
So we’ve basically been best buds since Day One!
The two of us spent a lot of time together my first few years of life. My mom even tells the story about how they tried to send me to preschool near her house, and I wouldn’t speak to my grandmother for a week because I couldn’t believe she would make me go to school instead of spending my days with her! Haha This was at 2 years old!! (I’ve since gotten better at not holding grudges!).
My grandma is such a special person, y’all! Anyone that knows her, knows exactly what I’m talking about. Grandma Calabrese is an Italian spitfire that tells it exactly like it is and makes the best pasta on this side of the Atlantic.
She can have a conversation with anyone about any topic, and she’s genuinely interested in what you have to say. Grandma loves learning new things and is always finding ways to keep her mind young and her heart full. I love that about her.
She was also a caterer for years and can cook or bake just about anything. From a young age, she’d have me and my siblings in the kitchen cooking with her, and it was one of our favorite things to do. Now my daughter loves to be in the kitchen with her, and it’s special to see them doing these same things together all these years later!
My passion for being a good host and serving others well definitely started with her and my mom. They have both always been the most hospitable ladies– they love to entertain and do it so effortlessly.
I also love that, to my grandmother, family is everything. She instilled that in her daughters and grandchildren from the beginning. We have a very close-knit family and we all still love being together in one place. There’s always so much laughter!
“Sweet Pea”
So where do the sweet peas come in?
My grandma (who you now know a little better!) referred to me as her “Sweet Pea” some time in my childhood. I can’t remember exactly when it started. But, the name stuck and she still calls me that to this day.
I cherish the bond I have with this special lady, and am blessed to be her granddaughter. As you can probably tell, she is a huge part of who I am and why I do what I do. The nickname “Sweet Pea” may mean something other than a bouquet of flowers, but to me, it’s a special way to incorporate my grandmother into my brand.
My relationship with my grandma reminds me so much of the close bond my daughter, Brooklyn, has developed with MY mom (her “Nonna”). I see the two of them together and it makes my heart so happy. I pray that they are always as close as my grandma and I have been. And I’m grateful to have both of these amazing ladies in my life, and in Brooklyn’s life.
The sweet peas in my brand represent joy, genuineness and togetherness. My logo is a symbol of my love for family and relationships with others, including my clients– a tribute to the values that are so important to me. My goal is to incorporate a hint of sweet peas into each of my weddings as part of our ‘Signature’ touch, and as a bridge between my family and my wedding client family.
I hope you all feel like a part of my extended family as you follow my journey. I truly appreciate each of you being here!
Much Love,
Jamie
Photos by Caiti Garter Photography
