When we originally started planning our Vendor Spotlight interviews, we immediately knew that we had to feature Andy Beach Design & Co. We have been working with Andy for several years now, and he never ceases to amaze us with his intricate, innovative designs that create one-of-a-kind events. He always lives up to his luxurious brand, and strives to be ahead of the next big trend.
We met with Andy on a rainy summer night in June and he immediately welcomed us into his beautiful studio with hugs. Before we started the questionnaire, we caught up with one another and laughed about how Andy should have a “studio dog” to welcome all of his clients. We then opened our interview learning about Andy’s former beloved black schnauzer, Heidi.
DS: Do you have any pets and if so, what breed?
AB: None at the moment. I still have a special place in my heart for my sweet Heidi.
DS: Where are you from?
AB: Charleston, South Carolina
DS: What is the most recent show you have binge watched on Netflix?
AB: The last show I actually binge watched was Anthony Bourdain on the Travel Channel.
DS: Who is your role model?
AB: My parents. They are such good people. For design though, I love the work of David LaVoy, Robert Long, and Preston Bailey.
DS: What was your first job?
AB: I worked at Davis Electronics when I was 14 or 15. I was the “clean-up boy.”
DS: What is the best compliment you have ever received?
AB: It came from a father of a bride who was a penny pincher. He put his arm around me at his daughter’s wedding and said that my work was the best money he could have ever spent. It really meant a lot to me.
DS: What advice would you give your younger self?
AB: Be a better student in school. I talked too much without permission!
DS: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
AB: Slow down
DS: Do you bake?
AB: I love to bake. I always take a sliver for myself and give the rest away.
DS: Who are you listening to right now?
AB: Secret Sisters and Enya
Andy played a few minutes of some of his favorite songs from these artists. His love for music was apparent.
DS: What is the one sport you wish you could play?
AB: Rugby
DS: If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you go?
AB: I love the mountains, so I would move to Colorado, specifically Telluride.
DS: What is your favorite way to de-stress?
AB: Go out and get my hands dirty in the garden!
DS: What is the last country you visited? What country will you be visiting next?
AB: I last visited Canada, which was one of my favorite countries to visit. In August though, I am going to Sussex for Philippa Craddock’s workshop. She is the designer for the recent Royal Wedding!
DS: What is the best gift you have ever been given?
AB: My dog, Heidi. She was a gift from my sister-in-law.
DS: Who do you miss most?
AB: My Grandmother
It was touching to see Andy’s emotion as he reminisced about his grandmother. We could tell he missed her deeply and she had a huge impact on his life.
ANDY’S FAVORITES
DS: Hobby?
AB: Gardening. I get so much joy being outside and getting dirty. It reminds me of my childhood.
DS: Season?
AB: I really love fall, but honestly I like all of the seasons except for summer because of the humidity.
DS: Animal?
AB: Dog
DS: Smell?
AB: Voluspa, Prosecco Rose
DS: Drink?
AB: Bombay Sapphire Gin and Tonic
DS: Food?
AB: Avocados, nuts, ice cream, molasses bars from Starbucks
DS: Band?
AB: Little Big Town
DS: Movie?
AB: Steel Magnolias
Being from the South, I think we can all agree this movie holds a special place in our hearts. “My colors are blush and bashful, Mama!”
ANDY’S THIS OR THAT?
DS: Android or iPhone?
AB: iPhone
DS: Twitter or Instagram?
AB: I just love Instagram!
DS: Coffee or tea?
AB: Coffee
DS: Sweet or savory?
AB: Both
DS: Scary film or happy ending?
AB: Happy ending
DS: Introvert or extrovert?
AB: I am an extrovert. I will literally talk to anybody.
Andy shared a funny story with us of a time when his extroverted personality got him into trouble during a conversation with a stranger at the grocery store. He said he has since learned when to keep his mouth shut!
LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS
DS: How long have you been in business?
AB: 19 years
DS: Describe your brand.
AB: We have a luxury brand. We create the “wow” factor in weddings and events.
DS: Who is your ideal client?
AB: Someone who gives me their colors and says to me, “just make it pretty.” That is truly a designers dream.
DS: What is your favorite part of the wedding day?
AB: The bridal processional. The way the bride walks down the aisle and the emotions on the groom’s face is a perfect moment.
DS: What is your overall favorite part of your job?
AB: I love being a part of so many wonderful families during such a special event in their lives.
Andy shared a personal story with us here about one of our recent weddings when we worked together. He was surprised that couple who attended this wedding was actually one of his former clients. What a small world!
DS: What is your average budget for most clients? Minimum budget?
AB: On average, most of my clients spend between $25,000 to $30,000 with me. My minimum budget is $7,000.
DS: What is your most commonly asked question by brides?
AB: What is your minimum budget?
DS: What made you start your own business?
AB: I was in catering, and started doing décor for the company to revamp their image. This is when I knew I fell in love with design and had to start my own business.
DS: What is your one piece of advice for brides?
AB: I would tell brides not to overextend themselves moneywise. You do not need to start off your marriage in wedding debt!
DS: If you were not doing event design, what would you be?
AB: A pastry chef
DS: Where is Andy Beach & Co. in 5 years?
AB: Still in business and growing Sejour.
Sejour is Andy’s furniture rental business.
DS: What is Andy Beach & Co.’s next big thing?
AB: I want to become a green designer. Philippa Craddock’s work is all green design, so I am really excited to learn more about it in his workshop.
After the interview, Andy walked us to our cars and thanked us for allowing him to be a part of our vendor showcase. We had such a wonderful time getting to know Andy even more and loved seeing how passionate he is about his work. He truly is so caring and made us feel right at home in his studio. -DS
If you would like to see more of Andy’s amazing work, check out his Instagram @awbeach.
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