If there’s anyone who can wear multiple hats at once and totally rock it, it’s our friend Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland of Repertoire Assist. Two years ago, this gal saw a need for an extra set of hands in Birmingham’s thriving wedding industry and set out to meet that need with her many amazing talents. Today, she offers an array of services to clients, including prop and décor styling, floral arranging, event styling, wedding vendor assistance, freelance writing, recipe development, home and office organization and more. With an incredible portfolio to back it up her skills, she truly has a one-of-a-kind repertoire.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and the services/products you offer clients.
I started repertoire – assistant services almost two years ago. I was hoping to fill a void for those in the wedding and creative world who need an assistant some of the time, but not all of the time. Just an extra helping hand here and there.

The main reason for starting the business was to assist wedding vendors, but it has transformed into so much more. While I am still assisting calligraphers, florists, wedding planners, etc., I am also doing some organizing and prop styling, as well. I like to stay flexible and try to help anyone that comes to me with a need, as long as I feel like I can do the job well and my schedule allows.

We have to ask…what’s the story behind your name?
I wanted to come up with a name that wouldn’t hold me down to one specific type of work. I felt I could help others in several different areas, so I wanted to find a word that was broad enough to make sense wherever the business took me. While looking up definitions I felt that “repertoire” was the right fit and feel for my future business. I liked that it felt more current than “Girl Friday,” but had the same meaning.

rep•er•toire [repə(r)ˌtwär] noun

1) all the things that a person is able to do

2) a stock of skills or types of behavior that a person habitually uses

You truly do it ALL! How have you learned to wear so many hats?
Most of what I’m doing now comes from interests I’ve had for years, as well as things my parents taught me growing up and are still teaching me to this day. My mom is very organized, and my dad is very handy, and thankfully they passed on those traits to me. Also, I’ve always had an affinity for all things pretty, so that definitely helps in the wedding and styling world.

In what ways can you help brides prepare for their weddings?
I love to help brides with all the minute details to make their wedding special and unique. Whether it’s coming up with a cute way to ask their friends to be bridesmaids or putting together gift baskets for out of town guests, I want to help make all the little details of a wedding matter.

Where does your passion for styling come from, and how does it play out in your work?
For as long as I can remember, whenever I would read magazines, I usually just flipped through to look at the pretty images rather than read the articles. I have always loved to see the different compositions, color schemes, props and such. I like to use other professionals’ work, as well as things around me, to inspire me.

How would you suggest a bride perfect the style of her wedding?
I would tell the bride to be true to herself and her fiancé when coming up with a theme or style for her wedding. Whether a couple enjoys football, films or fishing, I think your wedding day should represent the couple instead of worrying with all the latest Pinterest trends. Also, to keep it simple. Most venues need just a few florals and greenery to make it feel like a wedding. One last suggestion I have is to trust your vendors. Let them get a sense of who you are as a couple, then let them have fun. That way they will enjoy preparing for your day instead of seeing it as another task to complete.

Isn’t she amazing?! Thank you, Sarah Elizabeth, for giving us insight into all the services you offer. We look forward to working with you and our fabulous brides this year! (And special thanks to Love Be Photography for their fabulous snapshots of Sarah Elizabeth’s awesome work!)