This week we have a very special interview with author of Inspired Weddings, Matthew Robbins. Matthew reveals where he discovered his passion for weddings, tells us what he hopes brides will enjoy about the book and details his for book no 2.
His wonderful book full of amazing wedding ideas and tips is available now so make sure you get yourself a copy. Click here to buy a copy of Matthews book.
1. We absolutely loved the book, and of course, everything weddings, but where did you first find your passion for weddings?
My passion for weddings stems from my passion for designing special events. A wedding is a very concentrated and intensely focused version of a fabulous dinner party and celebration. This is sometimes one of the largest and most extravagant parties most people will host and this allows room for so many ideas but more importantly it is design with a very personal, authentic purpose. Two people are not only celebrating their love and commitment as a couple but also their shared aesthetic and their personal style and vision for entertaining and life. This provides endless inspiration as a designer!
2. When you had the idea to launch a book, more specifically what type of brides or people were you aiming it at?
I wanted to create a book to inspire brides, grooms and anyone planning a party who might be slightly exhausted by the very old school, fussy wedding world we have all experienced. I thought about my friends and the people I find inspiring, stylish and unique and tried to design a book they could enjoy and relate to. The book is for anyone who enjoys art, fashion, entertaining and a more eclectic and global sense of design.
3. The book is called inspired weddings, but where do you find your inspiration, are there any particular places, or people that use as a creative muse?
I find my creative muse in so many people and places but travel is a huge source of ideas and inspiration. I collect ideas in antique stores and flea markets and especially in art galleries and museums. I try to always visit outdoor markets in every city I visit. This is always a major source of inspiration and new ideas. I surround myself with creative people who challenge my own ideas and spark interest and excitement in new projects.
4. Martha Stewart is an icon in the wedding industry, how did your work relationship come about?
I have friends in Manhattan who own a shop, Tinsel Trading which is a place Martha and her team enjoy shopping in regularly. They happened to be in the shop one day when I first started my business and my friends suggested they check out this new kid in town who started an event design company! Well, Martha's team did exactly that and within a few months I had a huge story in her magazine, my work was on the cover of that same issue and she called to ask if I would be on her television show. Eventually they asked if I would be a regular contributor to the magazine and the online features. We have enjoyed over a decade of collaboration and I consider Martha a friend, an amazing mentor and inspiration.
5. What do you hope brides to be appreciate most about the book?
I want everyone, including brides to be inspired to think outside of the traditional sources of inspiration for their weddings. My hope is that they will take away (from the book) a new approach and encouragement to find real, authentic, meaningful and personal inspiration for designing their wedding day. My goal is to encourage everyone to think like a stylist, a designer or an artist by learning how to put their inspiration to work for their special day.
6. There are so many ideas and inspirational designs in the book, but do you plan to bring out another one?
I'm currently working on a product collaboration with an amazing company. I can't share specifics right now but I'm so excited about this!! I'm also very busy with laying the groundwork for my next book and preparing for some great summer weddings! I have a beautiful new story in the Fall issue of Martha Stewart Weddings which should be available at the end of August! So excited to share this with everyone!
