After countless hours of gluing my eyes to my computer, my new website is LIVE! Since sketching out my design on paper, I have been anxious to get this new look published online. It’s funny how certain things inspire/motivate us. Recently, I was with some photographer friends for dinner talking about websites when I realized how important it was to at least update my portfolio from the 2016 year. Especially since we are in the midst of engagement season, potential brides need to see updated work. Once I logged in, I wasn’t impressed with how my brand represented me. It was time for a fresh look! 🙂
This is going to sound bad, but I left my website design alone for two years. It would not necessarily be a bad thing if I liked my design and felt like the aesthetic/information actually represented my business. Of course, I updated some photos early last year, but I desperately needed a fresh look. More importantly, my website needed flow and breathability! I remember talking to one of my good friends a while back ago when she asked me, “Why stay within the lines?” She was right! Why allow a border to set the limits of a website design to only constrain it? After getting into that frame of mind (see what I did there ;)), I took the aesthetic of my old look and rejuvenated it!
OLD WEBSITE
So what’s different? First and foremost, the site is FINALLY mobile-friendly! Yikes. I cannot believe I’m just now saying that. To be honest, I didn’t like how my old website translated to the mobile way, so I opted out. It’s the same for my blog, but I’ll be working on that soon!!! 🙂 I weighed design over user-friendliness. This time, however, I knew the importance of mobile design for my website and was determined to make this come to life for any viewer. Plus, mobile design has come a far way from where it was two years ago. I had way more options that allowed me to represent my branding.
Another difference, I broke the frame. It was time for my website to breathe and utilize the white space. Although I still made use of my frame from my original site, it’s used as a header decoration rather than a box for me to cram all of my information. Also, I added fun features like an Instagram feed bar, “featured wedding galleries,” Runaway Brides 5k Fun Run included on the menu and of course, I played around with different slideshow actions throughout the site.
Without further ado, check out the brand new website HERE!!!
www.stephaniemessick.com
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