Reflecting on 2024: A Year to Remember at Lightbox

Wow, what a year it has been! As we wrap up 2024, we can’t help but smile thinking about all the amazing events, milestones, and memories that happened at Lightbox. From hosting heartfelt celebrations to throwing some of our favorite annual events, this year was full of so many special moments. Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane and highlight everything that made 2024 unforgettable.

January: Starting off 2024 with Big Dreams!

We started the year strong with our annual Vision Board Making Party, co-hosted with Madi Miller Life Coach. Guests got creative, outlining their goals and dreams for 2024 while connecting with an amazing group of like-minded people. It was the perfect way to set the tone for the year ahead!

Be sure to grab a ticket to our 2025 vision board party on Sunday, January 12th HERE!

 

February: Friendship, Fun & Selfies

February was all about celebrating the love of friendship at our 5th Galentine’s Selfie Museum event. We set up colorful, playful photo ops, and the studio was buzzing with laughter, coffee (Thanks to Caffeinate with Kate!) and endless selfies. It’s always been a favorite tradition for us!

 

March: Bringing Spring Indoors

Spring arrived early at Lightbox with our Indoor Garden Party. Guests enjoyed a beautiful brunch, sipped on bottomless mimosas, and got hands-on with a floral arrangement class. The studio came alive with fresh blooms, creativity, and all-around joyful vibes. A big thank you to He Loves Me Flowers and Allie Rose Events for helping make this event a success! We also couldn’t have done this event without our sponsors Maria Galgano with The Property Gurus and Leslie Norman with 2B Organized.

 

April & May: Celebrating Milestones

This spring, our studio was filled with love and joy as we hosted baby showers, bridal showers, and grad parties. We love being part of life’s special moments, and seeing families and friends come together to celebrate always warms our hearts.

Balloons by Dreamy & Darling Creations, Marquee by Alpha-Lit Springfield

 

June: Celebrating Small Businesses

In June, we focused on giving back to our local community with Small Business Summer dates. We offered discounted studio rentals for local entrepreneurs to bring their visions to life. Seeing the creativity and passion in action was so inspiring!

 

July: A Little Christmas Magic

Christmas came early with our Christmas in July event! For one week, we decked out the studio in festive holiday sets, giving photographers and businesses a chance to capture their holiday promo photos ahead of the season. It was so fun to mix summer vibes with holiday cheer!

 

September: A Fun Little Book Swap

In September, we hosted our first-ever Date Night with a Book event. Guests brought books to swap and spent the evening connecting over their favorite reads. It was such a unique way to bring people together, and we can’t wait to do it again!

 

October: Celebrating 5 Amazing Years

October was a huge milestone for us as we celebrated 5 incredible years of owning and running Lightbox! Our anniversary party was a chance to reflect on everything we’ve built and to thank everyone who has supported us along the way. Thank you, Mandi with 417 Cocktails for providing drinks at the event and Sydnie with Dreamy and Darling Creations for the balloons in the Loft. We also enjoyed having Lala Links doing permanent jewelry for the attendees!

 

November & December: Holiday Cheer in Full Swing

The holiday season took over the studio with Christmas at Lightbox! We set up two stunning holiday sets in The Edison and The Loft, creating the perfect backdrop for countless Christmas photo sessions. It was truly magical seeing the studio transform into a winter wonderland.

 

Special Moments Throughout the Year

One of the most special parts of 2024 was hosting several elopements in our space. Watching couples exchange vows in such an intimate, meaningful way reminded us why we love what we do.

 

Hannah’s studio highlight:
“52 Dogs in 52 Weeks” Project

This year, our owner, Hannah, took on a fun and challenging project through her pet photography business, Portrait Novella Pets. She photographed a different dog in the studio every week of 2024—52 dogs in 52 weeks! Each session was a unique experience, capturing the personality of every pup, from playful puppies to wise seniors. It was such a joy to see this project come to life, and it’s a reminder of how much love and joy our furry friends bring into our lives. We’re so grateful to have been part of their stories this year!

 

Bekah’s studio highlight: Motherhood Mini Sessions

A big highlight for me this year was hosting Motherhood Mini Sessions in the studio for my own photography business, Illuminate Photography. I teamed up with Good Ground Floral, who created the most gorgeous floral arrangement (I still dream of it to this day) to make the space feel extra special. It was such a sweet experience capturing moms with their little ones, celebrating those everyday moments of love and connection. I feel so lucky to have been part of creating these memories for the families who came in and I can’t wait to do them again this year with a new color scheme!

 

Here’s to 2025!

2024 was a year full of creativity, celebration, and community, and we couldn’t have done it without all of you. Thank you for choosing Lightbox for your events, photos, and memories. We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store—let’s make it another unforgettable year together!

Shopping Local on Small Business Saturday in Springfield, MO

As a small business, we’ve experienced firsthand how much heart and hustle go into running a local business. Small Business Saturday is more than a shopping day—it's a celebration of the community that keeps us thriving. This year, we’re excited to shine a light on some amazing local businesses offering deals that you won’t want to miss! Here’s a list of local shops offering special deals for Small Business Saturday 2024! But before we dive in…

Why does shopping local matter?

Shopping local strengthens the local economy. Did you know for every dollar spent locally, 60-70% of that dollar remains in the local economy?

Buying from small businesses builds personal connections in the community. You are personally supporting your neighbors, friends, and their loved ones.

Shopping local reduces environmental impact compared to online shopping.

Simply put, as small business owners ourselves, shopping local helps us provide for our families, work toward financial freedom, and do what we love every day with passion and purpose!

 

417 Deals on Small Business Saturday:

 

5 Pound Apparel will have a variety of sales for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday! They will also have online sales throughout the holiday weekend through Cyber Monday! Check out more info below!

Shop Staxx & Jellybeans on Small Business Saturday from 10:00-5:00 P.M.

Staxx will have a variety of sales all week long including Black Friday and Small Business Saturday! Check out more information on their graphic!

SKIN WISE - 5240 Town Centre Dr Suite 101, Ozark, MO 65721

Purchase a $100.00 Skin Wise gift card and get a FREE $25.00 Skin Wise gift card.

Open 10-2pm on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

Bree’s Little Closet will be having several sales on Small Business Saturday as well as hosting some pop-up vendors in store! Check out their flyer to see other boutiques participating in a shop small boutique crawl on November 30th!

Don’t forget your furry friends! Located right next door to Bree’s Little Closet is Fetch Pet Supplies! They have everything you need to treat your four legged friends for the holidays!

They are doing 20% off everything in store and a cute tote bag with purchases of $25 and up!

If you’re up on Commercial Street, Check out Askinosie for some holiday treats or stocking stuffers!

Their factory storefront will be open 10-4 on Sat. 11/30 & will have free samples of everything available to try, including their Limited Edition Holiday offerings!

They are offering $1 off their seasonal chocolate bars when purchased together! Grab the Holiday Chocolate Bundle (Gingerbread Dark Chocolate + Cranberry Sauce White Chocolate) for $25 or their Thanksgiving Bundle (PSL White Chocolate, Cranberry Sauce White Chocolate & Cocoa Powder) for $47.50!

At Lightbox, we know the power of community. For five years, we’ve had the privilege of being a creative hub for photographers, families, and events here in Springfield. When you shop small, you’re doing more than buying something special—you’re supporting dreams, helping local businesses grow, and making our community stronger. Thanks for being part of it all and for choosing to shop local this holiday season!

Not planning to shop on Small Business Saturday? Here are other meaningful ways to support local businesses—no spending required!

  • Follow and share their social media pages.

  • Leave positive reviews on platforms like Google or Yelp.

  • Spread the word by recommending local businesses to friends and family.

We want to hear about your favorite local 417 places to shop! Leave a comment below!

If you need more ideas on where to shop locally this holiday season, check out our 2023 shop local guide from last year!

Written by Bekah Knapp

Creative Coordinator & Socials

Springfield Small Business Highlight - The Vintage Rental Company

Hi guys, Bekah here! I may be biased, but Springfield has some of the coolest, creative small business owners ever! In the months before Lightbox opened Hannah, Jaylee and I talked and daydreamed about all of the amazing people we would have the privilege of watching create, style and transform Lightbox! I I have absolutely loved getting to know these beautiful people and the work they do, so I thought you might like to get to know them a bit better too!

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Jaime Lile, owner of the Vintage Rental Company! The Vintage Rental Co. has a super unique collection of furniture and styling elements for all events, big and small! Jamie styled a gorgeous lounge area on the front patio at Lightbox’s open house back in October and has styled Christmas & Spring minis here at the studio as well! Jamie is SO talented at curating pieces that completely transform an event into something beautiful and special! I could go on and on about how wonderful she is, but let’s hop right in to this blog and get to know her and The Vintage Rental Company a little more!


Photo by Shelby Chante Photography

Photo by Shelby Chante Photography

Meet Jaime

Hey Guys! I'm honored that you're taking the time to read this, so let me start by telling you a little bit about myself. I'm Jaime--owner of The Vintage Rental Co. I'm married to the most talented man on the face of the planet, Clayton, who manages to run our other business Tantara Farms, while helping this one run smoothly. He builds things for me, and rescues me with larger orders that require our trailer....because this lady doesn't do trailers! We have two incredibly fun children, Winnie (5) and Cohen (2.5) who are always ready and willing to help me organize inventory and prep rental orders! Our little family is my absolute favorite, so you'll probably hear me talk about them if we ever meet (or have met) because they're my life! The Vintage Rental Co. is so special to me because I love being able to make a uniquely curated inventory, available to people so they're able to create an atmosphere for their special event that really feels like them! It has been so fun to see this baby of mine grow, and I absolutely love the people that I now get to call friends thanks to this business! I'm blown away by the talent in this 417 land we get to call home, including so many photographers that capture those special moments!

Photo by Keli Tetzlaff Photography

Photo by Keli Tetzlaff Photography

 

When did you start your business?

I officially established in August of 2015.

What do you feel is unique about your business?

Our inventory! I've curated a rental collection that is versatile and unique, with the idea in mind that you want something that reflects your personality! I also operate as an online storefront, so you're able to browse our full inventory from our website and create a wish list of the items you'd like to use from there. I try to make the whole process as easy as possible!

What is your favorite piece in your collection?

Can it really be narrowed down to ONE?!?!? If I had to choose, I think I would say our mismatched goblet collection. They're like jewelry for your table, and I absolutely love what they add to a tabletop!

Mismatched goblet collection - photo by Kailey Watson Photography

Mismatched goblet collection - photo by Kailey Watson Photography

 

What is your favorite event you've been part of?

So, since I began Vintage Rental Co. I've been invited to help Dogwood Ranch with their yearly fundraiser dinner. It's something I look forward to because I love their heart and what their non-profit does. Their vision is to see that every foster youth and at-risk family within the heart of the Ozarks has the opportunity to function fully in their God-given gifts and destiny, impacting future generations. This dinner is one of the ways that they're able to run and provide the services that they do to foster youth, and so it's such an honor to help them with their decor every year for it. I have loved EVERY wedding, shower, birthday, photo shoot and party I've had the chance to be a part of, but the Dogwood Ranch event holds a special place in my heart for sure!

What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?

It is absolutely rewarding when I hear back from a client how our decor was able to help bring their vision to life, and when they share pictures with me of how it all looked in action!!! I don't always get to see the final product since we're there for the drop-off and pick-up, so I LOVE getting to see how clients have utilized the pieces they've rented! You can see their personalities in the look that they design, and I LOVE that!

What is the best thing about your clients?

Just reading that question makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. My heart truly swells when I think of all the people I've had the chance to work with! I love the creativity and kindness of my clients. It's the absolute best to see their unique personalities come out in the pieces they select to use! I don't know what it is, but Vintage Rental Co. clients are arguably the coolest people out there!

What is your favorite thing about your job?

This is another one of those questions that feels like it merits a 12 point bullet list because there's just so much that I love about it! My FAVORITE thing is the people that I've had the chance to get to know and become friends with because of this business. There's an AMAZING community of wedding professionals and creatives in this area, and I have loved the change to get to know so many of them! Oh, and this "job" gives me an excuse to buy all the pretty things I find and love!!!!!

Photo by Elise Abigail Photo

Photo by Elise Abigail Photo

 

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I'm proud of the slow growth. *vulnerable moment to follow* It might seem silly, but my constant struggle is wrestling with the end-goal vision I have in my head with this business and where I'm currently at on that road map, and the comparing to other specialty rental companies I know across the nation. There are times where I want to rush ahead and check things off my dream list, but the timing just hasn't been right. So, rather than trying to force the growth, I'm learning to celebrate the process. It's an accomplishment that I am where I am right now with the rental collection I have! Especially when I think of the 50 milk bottle drinking glasses, 2 vintage suitcases, and 4 wooden crates that I started with nearly 5 years ago in my spare bedroom.

What do you wish you would have known when you first started your business that you know now?

CRM softwares are God's gift to the overloaded brain. I recently decided on one, and I wish so badly I'd been doing this since the beginning. It improves and regulates the client experience, and has helped so much not slip through the cracks on my end in being a one-woman-show.

What inspires you?

Quiet. Being a work-at-home mom with two kids that aren't in school yet, I don't often get to work in quiet. But when I do, I feel the most inspired and focused!

If you could add one dream piece to your collection, what would it be?

AH! This is a fun one! I don't want to tell you fully because it's a surprise, but I'm planning to add a special tool to my "work belt" that will make it possible to make some really amazing custom pieces!

What are some fun facts people may not know about you?

I went to school to be an Occupational Therapy Assistant and have a Bachelor's in Psychology as well. I'm allergic to peanuts (that's not really fun, but I feel like it's good for you to know so you don't open a Snickers bar next to me). We recently built a chicken coop and are about to make some raised garden beds (fingers crossed because every garden attempt I've ever made has failed epically). I'm left handed. I'm an enneagram 1w9. I'm a sucker for ALL personality tests! I LOVE talking motherhood and business owning! So, if you're a mom who owns a business- I am ALL about coming alongside you to cheer you on in those endeavors! It's not for the faint of heart!

What is one way you would love to see your pieces be used in the future?

Well, at the time of writing this we're in the midst of the Stay-at-Home order with the COVID-19 pandemic. (This also explains my incredibly lengthy answers because I'm starved for adult human interaction at this point, so this ALMOST feels like a conversation I'm getting to have). That being said, I CANNOT wait to see our inventory in action again for everyone's special days. It's been so sad to have to delay some of the most special get togethers in people's lives including weddings, proms, baby/wedding showers and birthday parties. That being said, my dream event right now is the get together I want to have in our backyard with our friends and family when all of this is over using our farmhouse tables and bistro chairs, table top decor, and dinnerware!!! I can't wait!


Jamie, thank you SO much for taking the time to share your story with us! We are so looking forward to working with you more in the future and seeing the path that you continue on!

Written by Bekah Schooler

Creative Coordinator - Lightbox

If you are a business owner in the 417 area and are interested in being featured on the Box Blog, reach out to Bekah at lightboxbekah@gmail.com