Asheville Watercolor Map

I had such a great time creating this map for one of my favorite couples! 

Well not at first! ...I have to say, when I started this piece, I offered the bride her money back as I just did not feel my sketches were up to my standards. I had never drawn a map and couldn't create the look I was going for.  Here was her response, which cheered me on.~

"Oh Dana, I just love it!  I am trying hard to see the flaws and be critical and constructive -  but I honestly got little goosebumps and teary eyed I love it so much!  I really think it’s wonderful. I showed it to my mom and she was asking when we get it because she wants to show it off to everyone!  Hopefully this gives you a bit of a boost! I am honestly just so excited to have this hand-crafted piece of artwork representing the town I love and by an artist I admire – even better it represents a time in my life that is so special! I LOVE it! I just can’t wait to share it with everyone! So I thank you again for your honesty and your integrity, I just respect you so much for the hard work you put into what I know is a job that can be thankless and difficult at times! I can’t wait to frame the map and put it in on the wall in our first home as newlyweds (which we started to move into today, how fitting!). So thanks again, I am VERY happy and so excited. You don’t even know, all this special attention has just made it even more special and beautiful – so thank you for making that happen. YAY!"

So that did give me the boost I needed and I felt if she liked my sketches, she would like the final piece - and she did!

"We are just in love with the map, we’ve been showing them off and everyone loves loves loves it!  We loved working with you, too, it was such a special process. And thank you for making all of this happen, and for making it feel like such a wonderful collaborative process! It is rare you get to work with a true artist, and I feel so lucky to get to do it for one of the most special events of my life! So thank you!"

I am so happy I continued to work on it, as it turned out to be one of the most fun projects I have done. I loved adding in little, fun details that were meaningful to this adorable couple. Now I feel ready, and eager, to create more! The maps (or just a collage of favorite places) would make great house warming, wedding or holiday gifts or really a gift or keepsake for any occasion or time of life as you can make each as unique as you like.  They also make great Save the Date cards. My husband now wants me to create one for us!

I cannot wait to share their wedding photos with you. I loved the invitation I designed for the couple, as well as their reception pieces. It truly was one of the most fun weddings I have been a part of!  As soon as I get the professional photographs, I will share ~ or I may share a few I took as a sneak peek soon. :)