A Love Letter to You, My Readers
Dear friends,
As I sit here, surrounded by the beautiful chaos of home life, the fresh feel of a new year and the reality that I turned 40 last year, my heart is full of gratitude, wondering and excitement. Life is such a journey and I feel like I’m constantly trying to figure it all out. But something happened this year where I felt a deep sense of knowing that the journey is truly the beauty of it. Being present in the unknowing is just as important as figuring out the destination. I have a greater sense of peace trusting in God’s plan than ever before.
This letter is my way of inviting you to walk alongside me as Haven Illume takes on a new shape and purpose. Consider this a love letter to you—the community that inspires me every day.
Tara Spradley Photography
For those of you who have been with me since the beginning, you know that my journey started with a deep love for planning and design in the form of my own wedding planning company. Design focused and detail oriented, we translated love stories into fully immersive guest experiences, taking careful care to tell each couple’s unique story in each element. I relished in this season of life, the love and relationships I built with my couples and never taking for granted the honor of being part of their most special day. I love that most of them still are a part of my life to this day. I spent those days side by side with my high school best friend and an incredible team of women - nothing could have been sweeter.
A few hundred weddings later, a cross country move and my love for creating transitioned more heavily into the design side and more intimate moments. I traded in writing wedding timelines for writing interior installation schedules and drawing venue floor plans became drawing home floor plans. Celebrations for hundreds turned into quiet reading nooks and dining rooms for intimate dinners at home.
My favorite part is the most beautiful golden thread through it all - the people I get to know and connect with, the gift of their stories I’m able to bring to life and the ability to use the gifts God gave me to focus on the beauty of life.
I will always believe that the root of a good designer is the ability to listen intently and to get to know my clients so deeply that I am able to make the decisions that I know they would make for themselves, even when they may not know the answers yet. What a gift that relationship is.
There has been a beautiful season for all of it and I’ve vowed to never stop creating or designing. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t do it. It is just how I am made.
I can’t walk into a space and not see the possibility. Even if it makes my (very patient) husband roll his eyes for the hundredth time when I tell him my latest idea in our own home…as he gladly pulls out his tool bag. (Don’t worry, I get right in there with him too!)
Now, as I embrace this next chapter, my focus is shifting in a way that feels deeply personal and, I hope, meaningful to you.
Haven Illume is now officially, Alissa Lawton Design. As my focus has always been focused on personal stories, I felt that my name should be a reflection of that as well.
This new chapter is about creating a life filled with beauty, intention, and inspiration—a life that reflects who you truly are. This rebrand is rooted in a desire to connect with you in new ways, whether you’re looking for ideas to style your home, dreaming of floral arrangements that tell a story, or seeking ways to make everyday moments extraordinary. My mission is to help you create meaningful spaces and experiences that feel like home in every sense of the word.
Here’s what I’m focusing on in this new chapter:
Lifestyle Inspiration: From intentional living tips to seasonal tablescapes and home-grown meals, my goal is to inspire you to bring more beauty into your daily life. There is such magic in the small things and beauty in the lessons learned, even the hard ones. Through blog posts, social media, and curated content, I hope to spark your creativity and help you find joy in the details.
Floral Design: My love for flowers runs deep, and I can’t wait to share more of this passion with you. Whether it’s styling a breathtaking arrangement for your next gathering, regular floral in your home or offering tips for growing your own blooms, I’m here to celebrate the magic of nature with you. And to share in my (often comical) gardening journey of learning how to the heck to garden in the South…and the never ending battle with squash bugs.
Collaborative Styling Services: I’m thrilled to officially offer new services that go beyond designing events and homes. From editorial and product photo shoots to lifestyle styling for influencers, and product stying I am excited to help bring your vision to life. These services are tailored to help you tell your unique story through intentional, high-end styling and floral design in the way you need most.
Encouragement to Create Your Own Beauty: Through tutorials, behind-the-scenes moments, and heartfelt reflections, I want to empower you to create beauty in your own life. You don’t need a massive budget or a designer’s eye—you just need the inspiration to begin. Think of my as your built in best friend to call when you’ve got a question about it. I’ve got you!
This rebrand is more than a shift in focus; it’s a reflection of my heart. It’s a way of saying, “I see you.” I see your desire to make your home a sanctuary, to celebrate life’s little moments, and to surround yourself with things that matter. It is also a way to focus back on the things that make my heart sing, where I have been quiet for a while.
My hope is that Alissa Lawton Design becomes a place where you feel inspired, supported, and encouraged to live a life of beauty and intention.
And so, I’ll continue wrangling 1st graders during the day and designing and writing at night - both such different and important kinds of beauty.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for trusting me with your dreams, your ideas, and your time. This journey wouldn’t be possible without you, and I’m so honored to share it with you.
With all my love and gratitude,
Alissa
