A week at my dream job... working for Ivory Lane.

At school, moving from class to class like a zombie is my entire day…and the next one, and the next one. When the opportunity for work experience came up, I jumped at it, a welcome break from my usual routine. Picking where to do work experience is no small decision, but Ivory Lane seemed like the right choice, not only because I was interested in the industry, but because I do not speak lightly when I say their Instagram game is strong.
 
 “It’s not the glamourous job people think it is,” Courtney, Business Manager of Ivory Lane told me as we drove to her workspace on day one of work experience with the highly esteemed event stylists. When I stepped into the office, I had to disagree, more than impressed by the pretty furnishings. It seemed pretty luxe to me.  
 
Throughout the week, Courtney took me under wing, showing me the ropes of her job. Just as she warned, the glamour of the job soon wore off, probably around the same time we packed a truck full of furniture in the heat of the day. Despite the sore muscles, I was keen to continue discovering this new door I'd opened.

Day 1: Creating mood boards for up and coming wedding trends, setting up at a venue
Day 2: Collecting furniture and flowers for the styled shoot before heading out to set up.                                                                Set up ceremony and reception and assisting the photographer with the shoot.
Day 3: Developing and creating conceptual wedding ideas, writing a blog post about the styled shoot for the blog. Consult with bride.
Day 4: Setting up for an upcoming wedding at a venue, before heading back to finalise   blog posts and mood boards.
 
Throughout the week I have experienced first hand the diversity within the job, the workspace being in the office, the shed, the truck, in venues, and everywhere in between. I was privileged enough to be a part of a styled shoot, which we did on day two, involving putting together a ceremony and reception, complete with a model and photographer. It really was the whole shebang. You easily become somewhat invested in the project, wincing at every bump on the road that threatens the floral arrangements in the back, every chair that isn’t in line, every napkin that isn’t folded evenly, wanting to create the perfect space.  There’s nothing quite like seeing someone’s idea becoming a reality in front of you, and the feeling when you’re part of making it happen. The satisfaction that comes from contributing to creating a beautiful space is indescribable. I lucked out with such a great photographer on the site, who was generous enough to lend me one of her cameras and an abundance of wisdom, extending my work experience to not only events, but photography as well. It truly was a day to remember, the chance to try my hand at putting together something amazing. 
 
The finished piece that people see on the big day is not the only part of the job however, which seems to be a common illusion. While I helped put together blogs and mood boards, more of the fun side of things, behind me Courtney dealt with the work that constantly flows in, patiently fixing every problem that arises.
 
I had so much fun during my week at Ivory Lane, and learnt a lot. Needless to say, it is a tough gig, but one that the crew at Ivory Lane put in many hours and much passion to pull it off seamlessly. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to see the ins and outs of the industry, and gain a newfound appreciation for the work that goes on behind the scenes.  The business of styling events is a complex one, involving everything from styling, packing trucks, keeping clients happy, managing emergencies, and being 100% on your game at all times. After all, there is no room for error when it comes to your happy ever after.

-Laura Williams