Gourmet Invitations Blog

New Blog and Website!

2010-11-03T09:35:00.003-04:00

After many many months of designing, my new website is finally up! www.gourmetinvitations.com Be sure to check out all of the all new portfolio pages.

In the process, I have changed my blog as well. This log will remain online, but I will no longer be updating it. So PLEASE be sure to update your feed readers to the new blog! http://www.gourmetinvitations.com/blog/

Stephanie + Leonard: Heart Theme Multi Language Invitations

2010-10-11T13:31:00.002-04:00

Stephanie had a very unique situation. She needed her invitation suite in both English and Albanian. She wanted to use her double heart cake topper as the inspiration and I used that to do a very subtle heart theme on her gorgeous amethyst, slate grey and white invitations.

The english invitaions had a pretty font and modern layout of the wording.

The albanian invitation was a bit of a challenge with the albanian fonts and charachers. It came out beautifully.

Two different RSVP cards were designed as well. Since invitations are not typically sent in the Albanian culture, the rsvp card gave the guest exact directions for filling and mailing the rsvp card.

The inserts were wrapped with lots of bright purple ribbon.

The reception cards were designed with the ornate ornament and printed on the deep slate cardstock.

On the Web: The Bride's Cafe

2010-10-08T11:52:00.005-04:00

In April, I had the wonderful experience of doing a Style Photoshoot with an amazing group of Detroit vendors. The shoot was based on the Champagne ad featuring Grace Kelly for Taittinger champagne. The inspired wedding was featured last week on The Bride's Cafe! Check it out to see more photos. My favorites are below.

The invitation was designed as a bottle of champagne that is shipped in a custom black monogrammed box.

I designed custom cigar bands and a monogram logo for the box.

These menus are top of line - layered inside of a padded black silk gatefold.

Table numbers in a diamond shaped frame.

I also designed these custom favor boxes with a ribbon wrap and gorgeous drop crystal.

Thanks to the amazing team that supplied so many items to this shoot.

Event Planner – Misty Trompeter – Bells and Bliss www.bellsandbliss.net
Photographer – Dionne Haglund – The Shooting Gallery www.theshootinggallery.com
*Invitations and Paper – Tifany Wunschl – Gourmet Invitations www.gourmetinvitations.com
* Florist – Holly Mackler – Hollye Mackler Designs http://www.hollyemackler.com
Furniture, Linen and China - Special Events Rental www.specialeventsrental.com
Venue – Flat 151 Detroit, Michigan www.flat151.com
Hair - Peter Mansoor Vanity Hair Salon, Birmingham MI
Makeup – Elizabeth Arsov – Elizabeth’s Head to Toe
Feather bouquet – Emplume www.emplume.com
Tuxedo – Wesner’s Tuxedo www.wesnertuxedo.com
Cake - Christine’s Cakes www.christinescakesandpastries.com/

Seating Charts, Seating Boards, Seating Posters

2010-10-07T07:31:00.000-04:00

Throughout the year, I did tons of seating charts. This year was no exception. Instead of posting each seating board individually, I thought I would do one post showing a sampling of some that I have done for various clients. Michelle's chart was modern and had the same mirrored monogram as her chart.
Most seating posters are elegant and formal with a monogram.
And other seating arrangement posters are lush in deep colors with a monogram.
Some of my favorite placecard alternative are the white printing on a black seating chart.
This chart came from a client that wanted something to coordinate with her invitations.
And other clients ask to have the menu on their seating charts as well as the bridal party.

Pooja's Indian Butterfly Wedding Reception

2010-10-06T09:30:00.002-04:00

Pooja's Indian theme wedding turned out so beautiful with the tiny butterfly theme on each piece. The gold and plum colors were so rich and elegant.

I designed long tea length invitations for her Catholic ceremony.

Gold and Purple table numbers printed with her Indian graphic and tiny butterfly.

Pooja's placecards were the long and tall frames that came with her photo booth. I did long paper inserts with the name printed vertically.

A photo booth sign instructed guests about the frames and fun.

The signature drink was a Lychee-tini!

Jennifer's Vintage Plum and Gold Wedding Reception

2010-10-05T07:28:00.000-04:00

Fall weddings are definitely abundant here at Gourmet Invitations the last two months. It always seems like my fall weddings order so many reception items as well. Jennifer's vintage aubergine and gold wedding was no exception. I designed these square booklet invitaions with a ribbon binding.

Table numbers were designed with a monogram and were to be placed in an easel or frame.

I designed gold menus for each placesetting and the charitable donation as a favor was mentioned at the bottom of the menu.

A seating chart was designed instead of placecards in a vintage matching style with their monogram.

Elizabeth + Alap: Passenger Pigeon Wedding Invitations

2010-10-04T09:27:00.002-04:00

Elizabeth contacted me with a very unique theme. They wanted their wedding invitations based on a painting of the extinct passenger pigeons.

Thankfully, I was able to purchase the image and I used the painting as a background for the invitation.

For the rsvp postcard, I used pieces of the painting. The birds on the front of the postcad with a monogram and then one leaf that became the custom postage on the back.

For the custom postage on the envelopes, I designed it with the two pigeons.

Alap is Indian so they also asked me to design coordinating Sangeet invitations.

Meghan's Modern Black and Amber Wedding Reception

2010-10-01T08:26:00.000-04:00

Meghan's wedding in Washington DC is one of my absolute favorites of the year. She had so many details for her black and amber wedding at the Halcyon House in Georgetown in Washington, DC.

We did long tea length classic programs that were laid on each chair at their ceremony in the round.

Her menus were out of this world in a vintage die cut shape laid on top of two chargers and a black napkin.

The cake sign is my favorite ever. I used the sketch from her cake designer, Fluffy Thoughts Cakes and labeled the flavor of each layer.

A first for me, I designed and made custom stir sticks!

I also designed Welcome letters for the out of town bags for each guest.

There were a ton of other items, many, many signs, dessert bar signs, custom postcards for their guest book. The list goes on and on. To see some of the details of this amazing wedding, check out the photos from Love, Life, Images.

Jennifer + Aaron: Vintage Playbill Theater Invitations

2010-09-30T08:25:00.000-04:00

If you follow Wedding Chicks, you already got a sneak peek of these vintage playbill invitations. Jennifer is getting married at the Historic Henry Ford Museum. The wedding will take place in the theatre there so I suggested doing vintage theater program invitations.

I designed the invitation with a theater drape and very vintage fonts.

The inserts were packaged together with coordinating brown ribbon.

The RSVP postcard was designed with a model T car in honor of the venue for the wedding at The Henry Ford Museum.

Custom maps were included in the invitation suite detailing the accommdoations and venue.

The envelopes were printed with the same fonts as the invitations to match the style of the invitations and vintage car stamps were designed.

Diana's Vintage Black, Ivory and Green Tying the Knot Save the Dates

2010-09-29T08:22:00.000-04:00

Diana's wedding next year will be amazing with Black, Ivory and Lime Green Accents. She wanted save the dates that coordinated with her theme and I designed long tea length pieces with matching apple green envelopes.

The save the dates had a coordinating green ribbon tyed in a knot with the saying "tying the knot" on the save the date.

Gourmet Invitations is in Love with the new Envelopments Twist Cards!

2010-09-28T10:39:00.003-04:00

How crazy are these new Twist Cards from Envelopments! Released for Christmas cards, I think these have amazing potential to become unique Save the Dates, Engagement Party and Shower Invitations. If you are interested in using these new cards, the available colors are shown on Envelopments Blog. You know where to find me if you'd like to try this new product!

Megan + Rob: Modern Art Deco Flower Invitations

2010-09-28T09:21:00.002-04:00

Megan wanted her wedding invitations to be unique and very modern. She had fallen in love with a modern leaf invitationthat I designed in the past and wanted something similar for her wedding invitations. The invitation itself is a new pocket on the back of a panel style invitation.

The invitation was designed with a very modern sans serif font. The only accent on the front of the invitation is the gold paper sash that wraps around the invitation designed with an art deco flower.

The sash then wraps around to the back pocket and is printed with each guests' names.

The inserts were designed so each one is visible inside of the back pocket.

The rsvp postcard continued the art deco pattern as it continued into the custom stamp.

Custom maps were also designed showing all of the locations for the day, including accommodations.

Many of my brides opt to include their rehearsal dinner invitation with their wedding suite. This saves money on another envelope and an extra mailing.

Gold side flap envelopes completed the look.

Leslia + Kelly: Whimsical Love Bird Invitations

2010-09-27T08:20:00.000-04:00

Leslia and Kelly will be getting married this November and the brides wanted something whimsical with two love birds for their wedding invitations.

I designed the invitation with a very whimsical curl for the a branch and two green love birds with a heart in between them. The font is also very modern and whimsical in a hand written font for the names and an all lower case serifed font for the text.

The rsvp postcard was printed all black with a monogram and the two love birds.

The back of the rsvp postcard has the whimsical branch continuing into the custom stamp design with one of the birds on the stamp.

The outer envelopes a beautiful textured cream metallic printed with a complimenting green swirl that continues into the custom postage stamps.

I also designed their love bird table numbers which had words of love and admiration in French and English.

And love bird thank you cards completed their invitation set.

Lindsay's Italian Table Cloth Rehearsal Dinner Invitaitons

2010-09-24T09:20:00.002-04:00

I love designing wedding rehearsal invitations. There is always such a fun and festive atmosphere. Lindsay's rehearsal dinner took place at a local Italian restaurant and I designed the invitations with a red checkerboard pattern.

Ashley's Red and Black Damask Wedding Reception

2010-09-23T07:18:00.000-04:00

Ashley's damask invitations with a rhineston broach and red box mailers were a huge hit with her guests. The reception decor items followed the same look. I designed black damask programs.

Black damask table numbers with a red backer.

Ashley wanted her signature drink sign to be a fun and honeymoon related. Since their honeymoon was a cruise in Tahiti, I named the signature drink Tahitian Paradise.

A black damask seating chart was designed instead of placecards.

Danielle + Joseph: Mexican Tile Inspired Destination Wedding Invitations

2010-09-22T06:17:00.000-04:00

Danielle's is having a destination wedding in Mexico and wanted to use her colors of bronze, copper, yellow and dusty blue with a mexican tile theme.

I designed the invitation as a gatefold with a pull out invitation. The invitation is layered on bronze and designed with Mexican tile accent pieces.

The inserts are held into the gatefold with a large custom designed paper sash which wraps around on the outside of the invitation to hold it shut.

Her inserts included an rsvp postcard and a hotel information insert.

The gorgeous outer envelopes were copper and printed with the Mexican tile accent piece that flowed into her custom stamps.

Jamie + Jerry: Modern and Vintage Monogram Invitations

2010-09-21T10:08:00.001-04:00

Jamie and Jerry wanted their invitations to be modern, yet have an irish feel AND look somewhat like a restaurant logo since Jerry is a chef in New York City. I started with a deep plum gatefold for the invitation.

Then I designed a very bold monogram that filled nearly the entire invitation. The design started with the two opposing J's at the top and bottom and then I designed a large diamond piece in the center for their names.

The rsvp and reception cards were designed with similar the same diamond accent and borders.

The inserts were tied into each side of the gatefold with deep purple ribbon.

A monogram sash wrapped around each gatefold to keep it closed.

Gold envelopes machine printed with the addresses in the same fonts completed the suite.

Katie's Barn Wedding Reception Items

2010-09-20T07:15:00.000-04:00

Katie's barn theme wedding had more details than most any wedding I've done. There were signs everywhere, but I unfortunately wasn't able to photograph them. Fortunately though, Kara Purtell did an amazing job capturing all of the images and you'll be seeing more of them soon. :) Big thanks too to Ana from TwoFoot Creative for pulling off a very elegant evening at Misty Farm.

I designed programs with the foldover reveal in their western font and old typewriter font.

Love the bar menu that I designed with K&D Saloon at the top.

Square table numbers that were framed in pretty silver frames.

Dinner menus with K&D Favorite Foods

Valet Tags that were hung from each guest's rear view mirror at the end of the evening.

Sign for the shuttle that took guests from the parking lot to the farm. I designed it as a stagecoach sign to take guests to the hitchin'. ;)

And a seating chart, which is perfect for an outdoor wedding - no windswept placecards!

Megan's New Year's Ball Drop Save the Dates

2010-09-17T08:14:00.000-04:00

Meghan's New Year's Eve wedding invitations are going to be out of this world. In the meantime though, her ball dropping New Year's Eve save the dates are a sneak peek at the theme.

Current and Past Brides - I need your HELP!

2010-09-16T08:16:00.003-04:00

I am working on a top secret project and really need a wedding "story". I'm hoping that one of my current or past brides (or lurkers ;) ) have something already that I can use. I'm looking for a story about your lives together. How you met, the dating, the proposal, planning, the wedding. I need a story that is REALLY long with lots of words and details. So many of you have wedding websites and I'm hoping that someone out there can help. Email me!

Christine's Font Frenzy Wedding Reception Items

2010-09-16T06:09:00.000-04:00

Christine's invitations are another of my favorites this year. I loved using so many fonts to come together to create such a unique invitation. The reception items were no exception to that.

The menus were designed in a deep purple and the layout is so fun with large carnival like headings and different fonts for each course.

Bathroom basket signage

These survey cards were place at each guests table setting and acted as a full guest book alternative.

Valet tags that were hung from each guests' rear view mirror.

Unique thin favor tags.

Thank you cards written in all different languages.

Fun circus like Welcome sign for the wedding reception.

Seating chart

Deanna + John: Silk Invitations with Glamorous Feather Broaches

2010-09-15T10:15:00.000-04:00

Deanna's invitations were designed to be super glamorous and lush. The theme of her wedding is glamour in the 1920's and feathers will be on her wedding dress.

I had custom pink rhinestone buttons made and hand made pink feather fan pieces for each front of the brown silk folios.

Inside the brown silk folio is a pocket to hold all of the invitation inserts.

Using the feather theme, I designed a vintage circle border with a feather fan detail.

The inserts alternated in colors of blush pink and hot pink. The rsvp envelope were designed with custom stamps.

Reception and Information inserts were also included in the pocket.

The invitations were each mailed in individual brown boxes. They were wrapped with a custom sash and custom monogram stamps.

Allison + William: Laser Engraved Greek Inspired Invitations

2010-09-14T07:37:00.000-04:00

These are one of my most anticipated invitations of this year. When I was researching the wood laser engraved invitations for the Style Me Pretty Inspiration to reality shoot, my engravers should me that they could engrave cardstock so that it looked like a carving. I immediately thought of Allison and Will, who will have their wedding at The Toledo Museum of Art amongst the roman columns and statues.

The invitation was designed with Roman style buttresses. The wording was all done with a engraved style serif font. And the date was written in Roman numerals.

The laser engraving on the invitation gave just the effect that was perfect for this Roman theme invitation suite.

Each of the inserts was designed with different Roman features, including columns and a Dionysus like figure for the Rehearsal Dinner.

The antique gold envelopes are a beautiful compliment to the gold and plum colors. Custom stamps with roman numerals were designed for the outer envelopes.

D'Wanna + Randy: 10 Year Vow Renewal Invitations

2010-09-13T09:37:00.001-04:00

D'Wanna and Randy will be celebrating their tenth anniversary on 10/10/10 with an amazing vow renewal. The theme will be Frozen in Time and crystals and glamour will be everywhere.

I designed her sapphire gatefolds with gold and cream accents. A monogram on the outside sash held the gatefolds closed.

There will be white branches everywhere during the wedding and reception. Crystals and hydrangea will hang from the branches. I designed the invitations with gold branches and crystals hanging from the branches.

The inserts were tied into each side of the gatefold with gold ribbon.

The rsvp and reception cards were designed with a pretty crystal bobble accent.

The outer envelopes were designed with a matching branch and crystal and custom stamp.

Kelly's Yellow Daisy and Navy Blue Wedding

2010-09-10T07:29:00.000-04:00

Kelly's Daisy letterpress invitations are one of my favorite suites of the season. The inspiration came from her flowers on her wedding dress.Image from Stephanie Violette Photography.

I made tons of reception items for Kelly's wedding. My favorite are the fan shaped programs with tons of ribbon in yellow, navy and steel grey.

Layered table numbers.

Wishbowl cards for her wish bowl guest book.

Monogram thank you cards.

Personalized menus and placecards with the daisy logo.

Professional photos by Stephanie Violette Photography of the Bride and Groom signs for their chairs.

Arielle + Robert: Elegant Letterpress Gatefold Invitation

2010-09-09T08:56:00.002-04:00

This invitation suite combined two of my favorite design features - letterpress and my custom gatefolds. Arielle loved the vintage look of letterpress and we combined it with cream, gold and lots of burgundy.

The invitation is designed with vintage scrolls and printed in a matching burgundy ink.

The outside of the gatefold was held closed with a custom monogram sash.

The inserts were held into each side of the gatefold with lots of matching wine colored ribbon. Their rsvps had a bit of humor with a note asking for the best excuse for not coming to the wedding.

The rsvp envelopes were designed in gold with custom burgundy rsvp stamps.

The outer envelopes were also gold and printed with matching fonts and burgundy lettering.

Jennifer + James: 45 RPM Record Album Invitations

2010-09-08T06:56:00.000-04:00

Jennifer and James love music and vintage records. When they saw my feature in Bride and Bloom, they knew they had to have vintage record album invitations for their wedding.

They photographed all of the pictures on the suite themselves. The back of the album cover is the invitation and is a photo of a cut log.

The photo for the album cover as a closeup shot of apple blossoms.

I also designed a vintage looking monogram with the two J's for their names and the date.

The loved the style of the ticket response card. I designed these without the tear off section for their suite.

The vintage vinyl album labels were custom designed with another photo that the couple took themselves. They were designed with the reception on the Side A and Side B held the accommodations information.

Style Me Pretty: From Chicago with Love

2010-09-07T06:42:00.002-04:00

I was so honored to have Terri's Chicago wedding posted on Style Me Pretty last week. The spring wedding was stunning in brown and purple with orchid stationery.

Invitations & Print: Gourmet Invitations

Photographer: Under Grace Photo

Floral Design: Dilly Lily

Cake: Bittersweet

Ceremony Location: St. Clement Church

Reception Venue: InterContinental Chicago

Cinematography: I Do Films

Wedding Dress: White Chicago

Bridal Hair Brooch: Dolly Girl

Bridesmaids Dresses: The Wedding Shoppe Inc

Band & Violins: Ken Arlen’s Front of House & Sirens

Linen: BBJ Linen

Trolley’s: Chicago Trolley

Lynn + Adam: Fall Theme Wedding Invitations

2010-09-03T08:22:00.000-04:00

Fall and leaf theme wedding invitations have long been very popular. Lynn asked me to design an autumn theme wedding invitation suite for her October wedding.

I designed the invitation with an oak tree and a whimsical oak leaf twirling through the air.

I love Lynn's colors with the deep yellow gold metallic rsvps. I designed the rsvp postcard with acorns to coordinate with the oak tree.

The back of the response postcard has the swirling oak leaf and message on an angle.

I also designed coordinating oak tree table numbers.

Meghan's Washington DC Theme Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

2010-09-02T08:21:00.003-04:00

Maghan's Washington DC wedding is going to be one of my most amazing of the season. When her mother-in-law asked me to design Washington D.C. theme invitations for the rehearsal dinner, I was thrilled to do another event for the weekend.

The design is the Washington DC skyline on the invitations with a fun layout of the names on an angle. Black envelopes with gold liners were wrapped with a Washinton D.C. skyline envelope wrap.

Courtney + Darren: French Poster Inspired

2010-09-01T08:20:00.002-04:00

Darren contacted me to design their wedding invitations after he found me on Chennergy's blog when searching for Les Zygomates Weddings. They are also having their wedding their and are basing their who color scheme on this french Aix Baines poster!The deep navy, dark red, pale yellow and gold convey the fun feeling from the poster.

I designed the invitation to fit inside one of the new card envelopes. I designed custom seals with each guests' names for the front.

The inserts were bound with deep navy ribbon.

Rehearsal dinner invitations were designed to match the set in deep red and navy.

Brunch invitations were sent along with the inserts as well.

Custom maps detail all of the accommodations information for downtown Boston.

the rsvp cards included responses for both the wedding and the brunch following the next day.

Erica + David: Teal and Red Cherry Blossom Invitaitons

2010-08-31T08:15:00.000-04:00

I really love the fun color combination of teal and red. These teal blue pockets are layered with red and designed with a beautiful cherry blossom graphic.

The outside of the turquoise pocket invitations were wrapped with lots of thin red ribbon in a criss cross pattern.

The rsvp cards are designed with the cherry blossom pattern and has delicate dots instead of lines.

I love the custom cherry blossom stamp.

Custom teal and red B monogram stamps were also designed.

And a new item that I am offering - custom embossers! This is a wonderful investment since it can be used on other items - like napkins and for years to come. Erica's embosser was their B monogram.

Amber's Boa Personal Shower Invitations

2010-08-30T08:19:00.000-04:00

Amber's friend asked me to design her personal shower invitations using a wire mannequin, red boa AND a red rose. I used a real red feather boa as an accent around the mannequins waist and place a rose on the red outer envelopes.

Carli + Thomas: Chicago Theme Wedding Invitations

2010-08-27T08:18:00.000-04:00

I have the wonderful priviledge of designing lots of Chicago theme invitations each year. Carli asked me to design her Chicago skyline invitations and I love the color and theme of her set. We used golds, bright orange, brown and red with vintage looking photos of Chicago.

I did something different with her inserts and tied them with deep red twine.

The rsvp response card is super fun with the Chicago Theatre sign. I then designed a similar sign for the rsvp envelopes.

For the directions card, I used a photo of skyline and made it aged to match the vintage theme of the Chicago invitation suite.

The outer envelopes had a Wrigley Field sign for the addresses and red liners lined the inside of the orange envelopes.

Su + Sean: Tiffany Inspired Wedding Invitations

2010-08-26T07:17:00.000-04:00

I have done lots of Tiffany inspired invitations, but Su's is by far my favorite. The details are over the top with Gatefolds, wide white ribbon and rhinestones on every piece, all mailed in a beautiful blue box.

The invitation transformed this suite. Originally the suite was going to be a vertical gatefold. Once the invitation was designed, the horizontal gatefold became a must. And the ornate ampersand on the wedding invitations with the rhinestone accent set the tone for the other inserts.

The rsvp card were designed with an ornate swirl and a rhinestone on the end of the swirl. The rsvps were sent in white rsvp envelopes with custom stamps.

The reception card and accommodations cards were each accented with different swirls and a Swarovski crystal.

Each invitation was mailed a box to the guest. Custom address wraps and custom postage were further accents to the box.

Jennifer + Matthew: Purple and Gold Flower Wedding Invitations

2010-08-25T08:13:00.003-04:00

I love the combination of purple and gold and Jennifer's vintage folded cards are so beautiful with a flower engraving.

The outside of the folded cards were wrapped with a custom personalized sash.

The inserts were all tied into the inside of the folded card and included custom stamps for the rsvp envelope.

Gold outer envelopes were designed with a purple flower engraving and matching custom stamps.

Amber's Tropical Bridal Shower

2010-08-24T08:13:00.002-04:00

Amber is getting married in Las Vegas next weekend and her bridal shower took on the theme of the Mandalay Bay - tropical. She wanted something fun and with palm trees. I designed her wedding shower invitations with palm trees and fun pink lanterns hanging from the trees.

Rupal + Tien: Ganesh and Double Happiness Invitations

2010-08-23T07:11:00.000-04:00

Rupal and Tien likely had my most challenging invitation suite of the year. My challenge was to combine a ganesh; the Indian elephant diety typically found on traditional Indian wedding invitations, AND the chinese symbol for double happiness. At the same time, Rupal, who is Indian, and Tien, who is Chinese, wanted to combine Gold and Red for their two cultures. And yet the other challenge was to combine Rupal and Tien's modern style with the tradition of their two cultures. I designed a very modern ganesha holding the double happiness symbol in his hand. This was printed on a red suede cardstock with gold foil.

I also designed a very modern yet flourished border for the front cover of the invitation. The reverse colors of gold and red were used for the invitation.

It was very important to Rupal's family that the Sangeet invitation be a part of the invitation suite and hold importance as the wedding invitation. I designed the invitation suite as three large a7 size panels.

The rsvp was designed with the ganesh and double happiness logo. It was secured into the invitation with a sash of gold paper.

The rsvp postcard was designed for the guests to respond to both the Sangeet and the Wedding ceremony. Custom stamps were designed to match the design.

The entire suite was wrapped with a very large sash of gold paper printed with the guests' names.

Red outer envelopes with gold envelope wraps and custom stamps completed the entire look of this very unique invitations set.

Mirna's New York Theme Wedding Reception

2010-08-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

I did so many things for Mirna's New York themed weddings. We used the same palm leaf motif that was designed for her wedding invitations, but added some fun New York City twists to the wedding. The back of her menus had traditions for their Indian and Sri Lankan wedding.

Individual menus for each placesetting.

Wedding Ceremony programs for the Indian wedding.

Details of the Indian wedding ceremony.

I did lots of individual signs, including this one for gifts with the palm leaf pattern.

Each table was named after a New York neighborhood.

The placecards are a tall tent and Mirna hand wrote personal messageds inside. The palm leaf was flipped upside down for a fun twist on the I heart NY logo.

Tags for the sweet treats gift bags.

Postcard style card that went inside the bags describing each treat.

Front of the treat postcard.

Guestbook postcards. Each guest filled out a postcard and then the maid of honor is going to mail one each day the coming year. How cute!

Donna + Ed: Gold and Brown Vintage Invitations

2010-08-19T06:05:00.000-04:00

Donna and Ed live in Canada and were married earlier this year in a private ceremony in the Bahamas. Donna had seen one of my ads in Bride and Bloom and she fell in love with the invitation.

She wanted something very similar but she wanted the colors in champagne, brown and for the wedding invitations to be very vintage.

On the front of the folded cards, I designed a vintage frame with a saying that was special to them.

The RSVP postcard was tied into the inside of the card with brown ribbon.

The champagne envelopes were designed with vintage scrolls and printed with matching fronts.

Leah's Nautical Wedding Reception

2010-08-18T07:05:00.000-04:00

Leah's nautical theme wedding is so modern and fun with the teal and kelly green colors and the modern text and script fonts. I had the pleasure of making her tented table numbers.

I also designed the welcome basket cards that outlined the itinerary for the entire weekend.

Labels for the out of town gift bags.

Nautical Placecards for calligraphy.

Pooja + Sean: Indian Inspired Purple and Gold Pocketfolds

2010-08-17T08:03:00.000-04:00

Pooja and Sean came to me with a unique situation - she is Indian and he is Catholic. Pooja really wanted the invitations to reflect a mix of their two backgrounds. These pocketfolds contained all of the info for all of the various events.

Pooja's colors of purple, gold and red were incorporated into the invitation. I placed a gold rhinestone in the center of each design.

Gold foil was used as accents within the design and as a tiny butterfly flying away from their names.

All of the inserts were designed with the same ornate graphic.

My favorite insert is the invitation to the Sangeet. Pooja wanted this piece to be fun and we included typical Indian instruments, along with one Western style guitar for Sean.

The large insert in the pocket contained info for the hotel and directions.

The RSVP card was packed full with information, including responses for the Sangeet, Catholic Ceremony, Reception and a spot to request transportation.

The pocketfolds were each wrapped with a gold sash designed with the ornate graphic and their monogram.

Gold outer envelopes were addressed with the same fonts and styles as the invitations.

Leslie + Nicholas: Hydrangea Letterpress Wedding Invitations

2010-08-16T09:08:00.000-04:00

Leslie has such a fun color scheme for her wedding, bright yellow, butter yellow and sky blue! I designed these letterpress invitations on gorgeous butter yellow stock with blue ink.

Blue Hydrangea will be abundant at the wedding and Leslie wanted to highlight the hydrangea on the invitation.

The insert alternated in the butter yellow and bright yellow and were wrapped with sky blue ribbons.

The rsvp cards had places for each guest's name and menu selection.

I love the detailing of the hyndrangea leaf on the reception card.

Like most of my clients, Leslie asked me to address her envelopes with matching fonts and colors.

Danielle's Vintage Lime Green and Black Wedding

2010-08-13T08:01:00.002-04:00

full set

thank you card

sticker

placecard

program

Amy's Teacher Inspired Wedding Reception

2010-08-12T08:07:00.000-04:00

Amy was my son's Young Fives Teacher last year at Little Turtle in Macomb County. I offered to design her seating chart for her. Both her and Dave are teachers so I suggested doing a chart board style seating chart!

Once Amy saw the design for the seating chart, she asked if I could do table numbers too. I suggested that she do letters instead of numbers for the tables and I made them look like small chalk boards.

Mirna's Hindu Wedding Ceremony and Rehearsal Dinner

2010-08-11T07:28:00.001-04:00

Mirna had asked me to design a rehearsal dinner and Hindu wedding ceremony invitation that was very similar to her wedding invitations. I used the same palm leaf design and fonts for the invitation.

I also designed table numbers for the event.

And Hindu wedding ceremony programs detailing all of the traditions and meaning of the ceremony.

Rehearsal Dinner and Hindu Wedding Seating Chart.

Lindsay + Leonardo: Eggplant Vintage Elegant Invitations

2010-08-10T08:12:00.000-04:00

Lindsay had fallen in love with the vintage graphic style of Danielle's Vintage invitations and wanted something similar.

This plum and gold gatefold invitation turned out beautiful with the vintage ornaments.

The reception card has a pretty ornament with the words "dine, dance, celebrate".

The rsvp card and gold directions card both had the same ornamental vintage look.

A sash wrapped around the gatefold and was designed with a monogram on the front...

and a date design on the back.

The gold envelopes were printed with machine calligraphy to match the fonts and vintage style.

Meghan + Van: Black and Amber Silk Invitations

2010-08-09T09:27:00.000-04:00

Meghan's wedding is going to be at the Halcyon House in Georgetown, Washington D.C. Her modern color of black and amber were the beginning of the design process. Meghan wanted something modern, yet vintage, and she wanted some flash to the invitation set.

The invitation is mounted on a thick, silk pad. Layered with antique Gold cardstock and amber ribbon, the rhinestone broach is the focus in the center of the invitation.

The antique gold rsvp was held on the back of the silk pad with the ribbon banding.

The invitations were mailed in a cream box and wrapped with a gourgeous black wrap and amber accents.

Amber + Bryan: Leather Las Vegas Wedding Invitations

2010-08-06T08:23:00.002-04:00

Amber shocked me when she told me that she and Bryan were going to be married in Las Vegas. All of the time that I've known Amber (she is my hair stylist)she has always said that when she got married, they would just run away and do it alone. I was so honored that she asked me to make her invitations and let me do whatever my heart desired.

I knew immediately that I wanted to incorporate black leather into the wedding invitations. Bryan is a big bike enthusiast and both Bryan and Amber love tattoos. The leather was perfect for the couple and their style.

The invitation was designed as a large accordian style and I made a custom Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

Because the wedding is going to be very small and intimate, the wording was very informal and written as three separate hand written notes to the guest.

The accordian was backed by two padded leather pieces and wrapped shut with three real leather straps.

Red box mailers were used to mail the leather wedding invitations and I designed custom Las Vegas Roulette postage stamps.

Stephanie's Vintage Butter and Steel Grey Wedding

2010-08-05T08:22:00.002-04:00

This has been a week of coordinator refered weddings! This wedding was refered to me from Katie at Detaggli Weddings.

Welcome cards for the out of town bags

Instead of a guestbook, Stephanie did cute postcards that were put into a mailbox.

Postcards instead of the guestbook.

Smaller signature drink tents that were on trays.

custom labels for favors of garlic infused olive oil.

Menus wrapped in napkins

Monique's Navy Damask Wedding Reception

2010-08-04T08:20:00.002-04:00

I had the pleasure of working with Michelle from Details Details for Monique's amazing wedding. And also the pleasure of seeing photos from Jasmine Star Photography ! I designed layer blue damask menus which were wrapped with blue ribbon and broaches.

Michael is a professional baseball player and each table was named after a pitch.

Blue damask placecards

Monogram thank you cards

Michelle + Justin: Mirror Wedding Invitations

2010-08-03T08:28:00.003-04:00

I had the great pleasure of working with Misty from Bells and Bliss again on this really unique and modern wedding. When Michelle and I started discussing design, the first priority was the teal color of the invitations. I had this fabulous Mirror card in my inventory and it was a perfect match. The mirror became the inspiration for the entire suite.

I used a modern script font for the bulk of the wording and a capitalized sans serif font for their names. Then I created a mirror image of their names in their teal colors. I love the effect.

The inserts were bound together with matching teal ribbon.

The reception card is my favorite piece - white ink printed on the green mirror card.

Side flap envelopes with a mirror image of their wedding date.

Kristie's Secret Garden Wedding Reception

2010-08-02T08:26:00.003-04:00

Kristie's Secret Garden Wedding has been one of the most unique weddings. I had the pleasure of working with Misty from Bells and Bliss on this incredibly unique wedding.
I created letterpress menus.

Programs that are shaped like fans.

Placecards that had 16 different looks.

Weatherproof Directions signs pointing the way to the wedding.

Table Numbers were custom printed on tiles - each one had a different bird or bug.

Thank You cards

Claudia's Destination Wedding Reception

2010-07-30T08:26:00.002-04:00

I absolutely loved everything about Claudia and her destination wedding to Capa Cana. The colors in yellow, orange, sky blue and sapphire were so fun and fresh - perfect for a beach wedding.

Individual layered menus.

Tables named after destinations where Claudia and Newth have traveled.

Weekend Itineraries in both English and Spanish.

Sanddollar placecards with the guest's names and table name.

Custom labels for local island liquore.

And my absolute favorite - custom beach bags!

Kate's Modern Cornflower and Fuschia wedding reception

2010-07-29T08:25:00.002-04:00

I got to work with one of my favorite wedding coordinators, Jennifer of It's a Shore Thing on this wedding for Kate. I love modern looking fonts and the cornflower and fuschia colors were beautiful.

Sparkler send off sign.

Menus in modern fonts.

Placecards for the Rehearsal Dinner, Bridesmaid Luncheon and Wedding.

Mackinaw Island Theme Wedding Reception

2010-07-28T08:43:00.002-04:00

Kristen's Mackinaw Island theme wedding invites are one of my favorites this year - a map as an invitation. Her reception items are right up there on my list of favorites too.

Alternating boat, bicycle built for two and horsedrawn carriage placecards.

Tall Mackinaw Island Bridge Table Numbers

A cigar bar sign.

Ashley + Roger: Damask, Ribbon and Rhinestones

2010-07-27T07:03:00.001-04:00

Ashley contacted me at the beginning of this year after she had fallen in love with Heather's damask box invitations. She wanted something very similar but with her wedding colors of black, red, and white and she wanted some "bling" on the invitations. The invitation was designed as three large 5x7 cards. A large red ribbon and gorgeous rhinestone buckle held the set together. The top piece acted as a cover with their monogram and date.

The second piece is the actual invitation. I designed this with a black on black damask pattern and her wording in white.

The last piece contained directions and accommodations information.

The RSVP was designed with a large damask piece and red RSVP envelopes with matching custom damask stamps.

White box mailers were wrapped with a damask piece and addressed for each guest. The custom stamps were design with their names to form a monogram.

Pea in the Pod Baby Shower Invitations

2010-07-26T07:46:00.004-04:00

Anni is one of my former brides and she will be having twins - a boy and a girl. She contacted me and asked me to design a Pea in the Pod theme baby shower invitation. My brain went into overload and I designed these adorable pea shaped invitations inside of a felt pod.

The invitation pea has all of the information for the shower.

The other pea has the RSVPea (how cute is that?!) info and Anni's registry information.

Anni also asked me to design thank you cards with a boy and girl pea inside the pod.

Jenny's Flower Seating Chart

2010-07-21T09:15:00.002-04:00

Jenny contacted me months ago to design her silver and hot pink seating chart. I used her invitations of lace and flowers as the inspiration for the seating board design. Her seating arrangements included a monogram and the bridal party.

In the Press: The Knot Michigan Fall 2010

2010-07-12T06:12:00.001-04:00

I was so thrilled to learn that Lauren's wedding was featured in The Knot Michigan Magazine! Dionne of The Shooting Gallery was the photographer and captured these gorgeous images of their wedding day. To see more photos, visit The Shooting Gallery blog.

Mirna + Gian: Indian Lotus and Palm Leaf Invitations

2010-07-09T09:46:00.000-04:00

Mirna and Gian are my first couple from Southern Asia to ask me to design their invitations suite. They didn't want the typical Indian style invitations, but wanted something that reflected their culture, but with their New York style. Mirna suggested a large palm leaf for the motif and her amazing colors of magenta and green were perfect for this pocketfold suite.

The pocketfolds were wrapped with a wide piece of gorgeous magenta ribbon and a sash with the guest's names

Another design element is the very stylized lotus flower that went from the reception card onto the rsvp postcard. Custom stamps were designed to complete the magenta swirls.

The reception card also contained travel information and an invitation to their farewell brunch.

The envelopes have another custom monogram stamp and were machine printed with the addresses.

On the back of the envelopes, Mirna wanted a line from their wedding song Signed . Sealed . Delivered.

More New Year's Eve Save the Dates

2010-07-08T06:33:00.002-04:00

These New Year's Eve Save the Dates have become one of my most demanded products this year. I love Lauren's Gold and black save the dates and she put them in my clear envelopes with confetti for a festive surprise for her guests.

Sandy's Yellow and Lilac Butterfly Seating Scroll

2010-07-07T06:50:00.001-04:00

Sandy contacted me to design a seating chart for her with colors of sunshine yellow and lilac. She also wanted two butterflies on the seating chart and I designed them in the background behind the names.

Stefanie + Michael: Chicago Custom Wedding Invitations

2010-07-06T06:49:00.003-04:00

Stefanie had fallen in love with the vintage look of Brett's vintage Chicago wedding invitations, but she didn't necessarily want the record album invitations. I designed these as a tea length invitation to go along with Stefanie's style and the invitation was designed with a Chicago skyline.

The RSVP postcards are designed with a large view of Lake Michigan and the city of Chicago on a map.

We did a combination reception and directions card, which is a great way to save money.

Kathleen + Daniel: Farm Inspired Custom Wedding Invitations

2010-07-02T06:48:00.005-04:00

Kathleen's invitations were so much fun to design. Ana from TwoFoot Creative is coordinating this wedding at Misty Farm in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Kathleen wanted a western style invitation to go with the theme of her barn wedding.

I designed the invitations with a western font that was distressed. I used a deep gray cardstock that has a burlap bag texture to it and printed with silver ink.

The inserts were held together with a braid of deep gray ribbon.

Her RSVPs were designed with the similar western font and had pale green RSVP envelopes. Accommodations and Directions were also included.

Western style monogram thank you cards with pale green envelopes.

Marie's Vintage Black and White Damask Seating Chart

2010-07-01T06:51:00.000-04:00

Seating charts are still a big part of my design work, I'm just behind on posting them this year. Marie asked for a black and white damask seating chart with a hint of pink. We were able to match the fonts and style of her invitations.

Leah + Jason: Nautical Inspired Wedding Invitations

2010-06-30T06:45:00.002-04:00

Leah and Jason at first, didn't want a nautical themed wedding invitation suite. But over time, the suite added more and more elements until finally, they gave in. On a conference call with the couple, I found out the Jason had proposed to Leah at the top of a lighthouse on Martha's Vineyard. That sealed the deal and the suite became my first nautical themed.

The invitation is designed with a lighthouse and printed in teal blue and kelly green. The fonts are very modern - to reflect Leah's style - in all lowercase script font and then engraved serifed font for their names.

I designed a double know monogram to go with the theme and so I did a knotted twist on their ribbon to match.

The rsvp postcards have the knot motif and monogram on the front.

The reception card was designed on a peacock blue cardstock and uses a sailboat to tie the entire suite together.

Danica's Vintage Blueberry and Raspberry Wedding Reception

2010-06-29T06:44:00.003-04:00

Danica's wedding combined two of the most popular colors this season: Raspberry and Blueberry. I was lucky enough to design lots of items for her reception.
Booklet programs held together with ribbon.

Vintage table numbers

Menus for each guest.

My favorite - vintage placecards with a different graphic for each meal choice.

Lora's Butterfly Baby Announcements

2010-06-28T06:43:00.002-04:00

Lora's beautiful baby was born last month and I designed these baby announcements with purple butterflies. Inside the card is a hidden pocket to hold a photo.

Kelly + Evan: Wedding Dress Inspired Yellow Letterpress Invitations

2010-06-25T06:42:00.004-04:00

Kelly's invitations were inspired from the gorgeous flowers on her Amsale Wedding gown. Kelly's wedding colors are pale butter yellow, steel grey and navy. The invites were designed on butter yellow letterpress and the flowers were pressed with no ink.

The inserts were bound together with lots of twisting navy blue ribbon.

The yellow letterpress rsvp cards had tons of information and flower shaped check boxes.

Custom maps were designed with all of the locations of events and hotels. They were printed in navy on yellow letterpress.

Navy blue outer envelopes were wrapped with address wraps and yellow daisy stamps completed the look.

Christen + Jay: Chicago Skyline Wedding Invitations

2010-06-24T06:41:00.002-04:00

Having just returned from a short vacation to Chicago, I thought posting these Chicago skyline wedding invitations today was very appropriate. Christen's colors of gold and silver are so popular this year.

The rsvp postcard has a portion of the Chicago skyline and custom Chicago postage stamps.

the silver reception card has a watermarked photo of the Water Tower and a wavy line of text playing off the Windy City theme.

The rehearsal dinner will be held at a restaurant along the Chicago River and this rehearsal dinner invitation shows the view from the restaurant.

Gold envelopes were lined with silver envelope liners and have the wavy "Windy City" text here as well.

Kathleen's Duck Hunting Inspired Wedding Reception

2010-06-23T06:40:00.002-04:00

Kathleen's Duck Hunting invitations might be some of the most unique custom invites to date. She wanted to carry that theme throughout the reception.

The table numbers were designed with a retriever and each table was named after a type of duck.

These inserts went it a favor photo frame that holds their photobooth strips.

I also did my first custom napkins in brown and cream with a duck flying on the napkin.
And of course, there was a seating chart with two mallards.

Marilyn Monroe Inspired Bachlorette Party Invitation

2010-06-22T06:39:00.002-04:00

Laura is one of my bride's from last season and she is throwing the bachelorette party for her future sister-in-law - one of my current brides! She wanted something vintage and classy and to reference a quote from Marilyn Monroe. I designed these with a hot pink lip print.

Nicole's Custom Bird and Tree Wedding Reception

2010-06-21T06:38:00.003-04:00

Nicole's Tree and Bird Gatefolds are one of my favorites of this year. Her reception items are some of the most unique that I have done.

It started with custom beer labels. Carl made two types of beer for all of the wedding party and I designed a label for each type.

Then I designed labels for the Rehearsal Dinner gift bags. For the bridesmaids, Nicole had me design a box of custom notecards and a custom rubber stamp for each bridesmaid.

For the out of town guest bags, Nicole made homemade cookies and I designed custom bags with an old fashion card topper.

The favors at the reception were miniature bottles of maple syrup and I made tiny custom labels for the bottles.

Table numbers

Bird and Tree menus for each guest

Signature drink menu with a Greek Honeymoon inspired name.

Surprise 30th Birthday Party Invitations

2010-06-18T03:37:00.001-04:00

I doubt always have the time to take on invitations for birthday parties. But when a past bride asks me to design something as fun as these penguin theme surprise 30th birthday party invitations, how can I say no?

Susie is throwing a surprise party for Matt at the Brookfield zoo. The surprise is that he will get to do the feeding at the penguin house. Then he'll realize that his whole family was there to witness the surprise with lunch afterward. I designed the invitations with penguins pointing the way to all of the events taking place within the zoo.

Even the ice blue envelopes have a penguin whispering the return address.

Christine + Marc: Vintage Font Custom Invitations

2010-06-17T07:32:00.000-04:00

Christine's invitations are likely some of the most fun that I have designed. After designing her Save the Dates, she loved the love and wanted something similar for her invitations.

Believe it or not, I used FORTY different fonts on her invitations. Nearly every line and every word is a different font. The purple and black colors are so popular this year. Purple is the new brown. ;)

Each folded card was wrapped with a custom sash. Ladybugs are significant to Christine and you can see the lady bug crawling on the date here. There are ladybugs hiding on every printed piece of the invitations.

The back of the sash has more love words in the four languages that make up Christine and Marc's heritage.

The inserts are held into the folded card invitation with a large piece of black satin ribbon.

I "hid" the ladybug on the custom rsvp stamp.

Even the directions card is designed with six different fonts to break up the locations. See the tiny ladybug?

The outer envelopes are black with a custom envelope wrap. The addresses were done with six different fonts and there are two lady bugs crawling in the scrollwork. Custom stamps were designed for these as well.

Gina's Peony Vines and Hexagon Wedding Reception

2010-06-16T07:34:00.001-04:00

Gina's Navy Blue and kelly green wedding was filled with details at the reception.

Welcome Wedding Itineraries

Large Welcome Stickers for the front of the out of town boxes

Bifold programs in silver with a sign that explained to only take one per couple.

Placecards with a design on the back and meal choice selection on the front.

Sign for the placecards

Favor labels

Key Lime Pie Martini Signature Drink Menu

Candy Buffet Sign

Kristine + Jeffery: The Secret Garden Inspired Custom Door Invitations

2010-06-15T06:30:00.002-04:00

These invitations are my craziest designed paper to date. I worked closely with Misty of Bells and Bliss on this set. We started by brainstorming about the theme for Kristie's Garden wedding and I suggested "The Secret Garden". I watched the movie again and knew that I wanted to do something with the key and the door to the garden.

The invitation has a large door that is die cut to open to reveal the letterpress invitation on the inside.

On the back of the card, I designed the garden scene with a quote from the book.

The inserts arrive wrapped in peach ribbon with a vintage skeleton key.

Letterpress rsvp cards complete with a monogram and a tiny bee. A small butterfly is fluttering on the rsvp envelopes.

The invitations were mailed in cream mailing boxes with custom postage.

Style Me Pretty: Enchanted Forest Wedding the Video

2010-06-14T16:00:00.000-04:00

Thank you Don and Joann of Take1 Productions for the stunning video of Enchanted Forest wedding!

Poison Apples from Don Pham on Vimeo.

Video: Take1 Productions / Cakes: Christine’s Cakes and Pastries / Bouquet: Emplume / Photography: The Shooting Gallery / Flowers: Hollye Mackler Designs / Invitations: Gourmet Invitations Event Planner: Misty Trompeter, Bells and Bliss / Furniture, Linen and China: Special Events Rental / Venue: Flat 151 Detroit, Michigan / Hair: Roman Barrett from Alex Emilio Salon / Makeup: Elizabeth Arsov, Elizabeth’s Head to Toe / Bridal Gown: Sarah Seven / Tuxedo: Wesner’s Tuxedo / Cakes and Caramel Apples: Christine’s Cakes and Pastries / Violinist: Karen Krause Rochester Hills, Michigan

Style Me Pretty: Enchanted Forest Wedding the Design

2010-06-14T15:20:00.000-04:00

I typically don't get to design anything but the paper for weddings, so this shoot was so much because I got to be on the design part of the wedding as well. Misty of Bells and Bliss, Hollye Mackler Designs and Dionne of The Shooting Gallery all played huge rolls in the look of our Enchanted Forest Wedding.
Hollye and Misty did an amazing job with the linens, table decor and gorgeous lanterns.

Hollye suggested a violinist for the Enchanted Forest Wedding to go with the whole etheral theme.

The amazing bouquet from Emplume was made with feathers and MUSHROOMS!
Feather Boutinnere from Emplume.
Emplume also made this crazy bridesmaid's bouquet that was a wicker ball with butterflies and it little up inside with a tiny hot pink light!

I had the idea to use fireflies inside of a lantern as the ring bearer pillow! I purchased fireflies from Fireflies in A Jar and used a lantern candle holder to make my own lantern.

Gorgeous dress from Sarah Seven.

The hair and makeup were stunning. The bride even had a tiny rhinestones in the corner of her eyes.

Three tiered wedding cake with hand painted butterflies from Christine's Cakes.

I loved the idea of using different fairy tale elements in the shoot and I asked Christine's Cakes to make tiny poured chocolate cakes with said Eat Me.

I absolutely adore these photos of our bride and groom.

In my own collection, I have 100 year old story books that I lovingly carried to the shoot. They fit in perfectly with the entire story book theme and I love these shots of the bridal party with the books and the log bench.

Thank you to the entire team!

Style Me Pretty: Enchanted Forest Wedding the Invitation

2010-06-14T07:05:00.008-04:00

I was so thrilled to work with some of the most amazing vendors on this project for Style Me Pretty. The Inspiration board for you shoot was an Enchanted Forest Wedding.

When I started out designing the invitation, I wanted to do something organic. I designed to do wood invitations that were engraved with the invitation. The invitation has the look of a fairy tale with the large bookplate letter.
The wood invitation also has bark on the sides!

The menus are my favorite paper product. They were designed as die cut leaves and placed on each moss covered chair.

I designed each menu with a Enchanted Forest Woodland menu - Woodland Salad, Wild Mushroom Ravioli and Dark Forest Chocolate Cakes.

The placecards needed to be something organic and woodland as well. I had rocks laser engraved with each guest's name.

Die cut Table numbers to hang from the tree centerpiece.

I had the idea to use Poison Apples from Snow White as the favors and Christine's Cakes made the most amazing caramel apples that I have ever tasted!

I also used my own decanter and made Enchanted Love Potion - raspberry lemonade with fresh lime.

I made tiny shooter signature drinks of Green Tea and Kiwi juice and add hang tags with "Drink Me" on each vintage beaker.

For the send off, we did a large hanging basket full of leaves and berries and I designed a die cut leaf sign.

I wanted to do something fun and unique for the guest book. I had a friend of mine, Stephenie Fish, paint a tree and then each guest made thumbprint animals for their family!

I'll have another post later with all of the design elements!

Monique + Michael: Damask Silk Folio Invitations

2010-06-10T06:28:00.002-04:00

Monique contacted me after seeing my silk folio invitation in The Bride and Bloom magazine. She wanted something very similar. I designed these with a beautiful Navy silk folio that was mailed in a white box. I wrapped the invitation in yards of silver ribbon.
The invitation was designed with a vintage navy blue damask pattern and a vintage frame border.
Inside the pocket of the silk booklet are the rsvp card, travel card and weekend itinerary.
The rsvp card has spaces for all of the weekend's events. Silver rsvp envelopes are stamped with custom silver and navy blue damask postage.

The travel and weekend itinerary cards have all of the information needed for the destination wedding weekend.
The boxes were mailed with more custom postage, a custom damask wrap with addressing and a pretty navy ribbon.

Ana's Photo Envelope Baby Announcements

2010-06-09T06:29:00.000-04:00

My good friend, Ana of TwoFoot Creative, gave birth to one of the most adorable babies that I have ever seen. She asked me to make her birth announcements and I got to do whatever I wanted - love that. She didn't want anything pink so I went with a new Blooms print from Envelopments and lilac accents.

I attached tiny wallet size envelopes to the front and she inserted these beautiful photos taken by Wendy Martin Photography.

In the Press: Your Wedding Day Magazine

2010-06-08T07:55:00.006-04:00

I'm so thrilled to be quoted in an article "Their Lips to Your Ears" in the current Your Wedding Day magazine. You'll have to check out the article where I talk about the importance of hand canceling your invitations in the mail!

Also, check out my latest ad, photographed by Dionne Haglund of The Shooting Gallery.

Kristen + Michael: Michigan Map Wedding Invitations

2010-05-18T06:17:00.004-04:00

Kristen and Michael's wedding will be a destination wedding on the gorgeous Mackinac Island. For my out of state readers, Mackinac Island is a fabulous destination where no cars are allowed on the island! I designed these invitations as a large fold out map. The invitation was printed on the state of Michigan and information regarding the ferry and hotel was designed as a part of the map legend.

The front of the map was designed with the Mackinac Bridge and their monogram.

The rsvp postcard is a favorite piece with a ferry on the front and a horse and carriage on the back.

Since bikes are a popular mode of transportation on the island, a bicycle built for two was include on the wedding invitation envelopes.

Teresa's Baby Shower Invitations

2010-05-17T07:11:00.000-04:00

Teresa is another one of my former brides that has recently asked me to design invitations for them. I was given complete design authority on these and Teresa didn't see them until I sent them off to her. The shower colors are green, orange and pink. Knowing Teresa's "black and white" style, I designed these to be cute for the shower, but still sophisticated.

Each invitation was mailed in a box with a white burp cloth and a fabric marker. The burp clothes were tied with baker's twine and directions to write a special message for the baby on the burp cloth!

The boxes were wrapped with address wraps designed with polka dots.

Danielle + Matthew: Vintage Elegant Invitations

2010-05-14T06:05:00.001-04:00

Danielle and Matthew's wedding will be held in Chicago and they wanted a very clean and vintage invitation, yet modern in the colors.

The invitation was designed with three fonts with various ornaments and wording on curves and rounds.

The RSVP postcard was designed with custom swirled stamps and a beautiful swirl design on the back.

Apple green reception cards and accommodations cards were designed in the same vintage style.

Even the outer envelopes were designed with the three fonts and curved wording.

Claudia + Newth: Destination Beach Invitations

2010-05-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

Claudia and Newth are having a beautiful destination wedding in the Dominican Republic. With the beautiful colors of blue, yellow and orange, Claudia wanted a modern ocean and beach theme.

The invitation was designed as a tea length contemporary invitation with a wide ribbon running behind the invitation.

The inserts were held within the ribbon on the back of the invitation.

The inserts included a rehearsal dinner invitation with a beach scene and also a travel information card.

The yellow outer envelopes were completed with a custom beach and bird postage stamp.

Danielle's Mexican tile inspired Save the Dates

2010-05-12T06:51:00.000-04:00

Danielle's wedding is a destination wedding in Mexico and she wanted to use tiles as the inspiration for the save the dates. Gorgeous copper envelopes enclosed the brown and gold save the dates.

Terri's Orchid Theme Wedding

2010-05-11T05:41:00.000-04:00

Terri's gorgeous orchid invitations became the inspiration for wedding reception.

I designed bifold programs.

Table numbers

Placecards and menus to be wrapped in napkins

Lauren's Vintage Scroll Seating Chart

2010-04-27T07:15:00.001-04:00

I simply love seating charts - for so many reasons. Like most of my brides, Lauren will be hanging this in her home after the wedding! You can't do that with placecards. ;)

Brianna + Christopher: Chicago World's Fair Wedding Invitations

2010-04-26T09:02:00.000-04:00

I have been talking to Brianna for over a year now about her amazing theme wedding - The Chicago World's Fair! After many different idea concepts, we decided to do a custom pocket invitation with very unique inserts.

The invitation was designed with the Chicago skyline and fireworks for the festive feel that her wedding will have. The front was inspired by a vintage Chicago World's Fair poster.

The colors are all in jewel tones of sapphire, amethyst and ruby. The invitation was very festive with cobalt blue feathers and a vintage frame around their monogram.

For the response card, I designed it to look like a vintage postcard. Brianna wanted the Navy Pier Ferris wheel to go another with the carnival atmosphere of the wedding.

The back of the postcard is designed with a custom stamp and their fireworks design elements.

The reception card was designed with a vintage photo of the Shed Museum - the location of the wedding reception. It was designed as a hang tag for the guest to place on their rear view mirror for parking.

Included in the pocket is a full fold out map detailing locations in downtown Chicago.

The back of the map has important information about times and shuttles.

Some guests will also receive this fireworks rehearsal dinner invitation.

Gorgeous metallic red envelopes completed one of the most design intensive invitations that I have done to date. Thanks to Katie of Dettagli Weddings for all of her hard work on this set as well.

Jessica + John: Vintage Lace Wedding Invitations

2010-04-21T06:38:00.002-04:00

Jessica's theme for her wedding is vintage lace. I designed these invitations with the most luxurious Venetian cotton lace.

The lace is all hand woven and very thick and lush.

Oversized response cards were designed with places to respond for transportation and the various events.

Jessica went very old school with the design of the invitations and I did my first inner and outer envelope sets in about two years!

Kathleen + Eric: Duck Hunting Inspired

2010-04-20T06:37:00.004-04:00

If you want something as unique as duck hunting wedding invitations that are elegant, you really have no choice but to go to a custom designer. Ana of TwoFoot Creative sent Kathleen to me for exactly that reason. The invitations feature a mallard in flight landing in a pond with cat tails. Another detail I love on these invitations is my new wood grain cardstock! If you love the look of wood invitations, but don't have the budget, this is a wonderful option.

The RSVP postcards were designed with a single mallard and their monogram.

The back of the postcards was designed with matching cattail response stamps.

The outer envelopes were designed with a mallard postage stamp.

And Kathleen asked if I could design a Labrador Retriever and I placed her on the back flap of the envelope.

For thank you cards, I added a female mallard for the married couple.

Style Me Pretty: Inspiration to Reality - the Detroit Edition

2010-04-19T09:44:00.002-04:00

If you try to reach me today, I'll be gone all day working with some amazing vendors on the Detroit Edition of Style Me Pretty's Inspiration to Reality. We have been working for months on staging a wedding based on this Enchanted Forest Inspiration Board. Stay tuned for stunning photos in the coming weeks!

The Team: Stationery: Gourmet Invitations / Event Design: Bells and Bliss / Photography: The Shooting Gallery / Florals: Hollye Mackler Designs / Videography: Take1 Productions / Rentals: Special Events Rentals / Hair & Makeup: Roman Barrett, Alex Emilio Salon
Bouquets and hair piece: Emplume

New Year's Eve Wedding Save the Dates

2010-04-19T06:36:00.002-04:00

Leslie's New Year's Eve Save the Dates from last season have been incredibly popular this year. I have designed two so far this season and have at least one more on the way.

I did two different styles, Lindsay's is single sided and Kristen's is double sided.

On the back of Kristen's is the information and both save the dates are sent with clear envelopes to fill with fun confetti.

Lenore's Flower Wedding Items

2010-04-16T06:35:00.002-04:00

Lenore's bright wild flowers made for a dramatic color scheme in turquoise, hot pink and bright yellow. I designed programs with a single fold.

My favorite - custom labels for their homemade Limoncello favors.

Thank You Cards

Tera + John: Peacock Feather Invitations

2010-04-15T06:34:00.002-04:00

These are my little Lovies that I spoke about on Twitter. I hated to see them go because I just loved looking at the peacock feathers on the invitations.

The invitation was designed with a custom font with lots of swirls to mock the peacock feathers. The invitation is designed to come out of the gatefold with the inserts held inside with ribbon.

The accommodations card has a feather design in the peacock blue and green colors.

The rsvp card and envelopes also have the same feather design.

And the outer envelopes just wouldn't have been the same without a feather stamp and design that drapes over the flap.

Vintage Save the Dates

2010-04-14T06:32:00.002-04:00

Arielle's wedding invitations are going to be amazing. But in the meantime, we made these vintage inspired save the dates in her burgundy and gold colors.

Wedding Seating Charts with a monogram

2010-04-13T16:38:00.000-04:00

Monogram seating charts are hands down my popular style of seating chart. Tatianna is a sister of one my seating chart brides last year and it was an honor to create this champagne and brown monogram seating board for her.