SUNDAY MORNING PAPER / LETTERPRESS INVITATIONS SALE

You need invites + I need samples = Big Sale!

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I would be offering the new designs in my collection at 50% off and so without further ado here is the first design I am offering…

This 2 color letterpress ensemble features a 5x7 main panel printed on 600 GSM white 2 ply copperplate paper with a beautiful peony motif and a coordinating pink outer envelope with printed return address on the back flap. The coordinating reply card is 3x5 printed on 300GSM copperplate paper and includes a matching printed white textured envelope as well as a custom postage stamp featuring the peony from the main panel. One additional enclosure card printed on 300 GSM copperplate paper, such as a reception card or directions is included in the price noted below, but is not shown.

For your reference, the sale price for this design as described above for 100 sets is $1100 plus shipping.

If selected, I will send you a quote as per your specifications. For example, if you do not require the additional enclosure card, or you require more or less sets the pricing would be adjusted accordingly.

I will consider color customization. See here for available ink options. There are certain restrictions in letterpress in terms of printing certain colors on colored paper (ie: the outer envis) and I’ll communicate to you any issues that I forsee with your choices.

Here’s how it works:
Reply to this post with your interest and the following details
-Your name and email address
-Your wedding date
-Your deadline for outer envis, if you need them earlier for calligraphy purposes

On April 20th, I will pick a winner at random and we will begin the process. You will send me your wording details and any additional specifications that you require. Within 3-5 business days I will forward digital proofs for your approval followed by your final quote.

Payment in full is due upon ‘going to press’ and can be made via Paypal.

Samples from my past collection are available upon request, but in very limited quanities.

THE ELEGANCE(!?!?) OF BALLOONS

Leave it to Martha to beat me to it. I was planning a post about how the most inexpensive decor element ever created can be used to create a uniquely stylish event if done right and woop, there is an article about it right there in the new Spring '08 edition of Martha Stewart Weddings.



This space from the Spring 08 issue was created for a wedding, and would be equally elegant and unique for all types of events from showers to birthday parties.

Use balloons to inexpensively fill an empty space or use the juxtaposition of the simplicity of the balloons against your more elaborately decorated venue.

I particularly love the idea of using balloons use as props for your photography...shown in the photo below by Jessica Claire. Why not hand one to each guest at an outdoor ceremony to release upon the announcement of "I do".


From left to right: Innove; Snippet and Ink; Martha; Martha; Jessica Claire

Check out Balloon Saloon for the best color selection and size options.

NEW YORK WEDDINGS SHOWCASE

Pssst!! If you're anywhere near the New York area on April 2 you must stop by New York Magazine's Weddings Showcase at the Metropolitan Pavillion (125 West 18th Street) Tickets are only $25$35

Featuring an "Ask the Experts" table manned by Denise Penny (New York Weddings editor), Jung lee (From Fete), Colin Cowie, David Kirsch (Fitness and wellness expert), and Anthony Todd (Event Designer).

Hang out and chat with and view the latest work from the most elite wedding vendors in the area including

Lisa Hoffman of Ceci New York
Bridal Atelier
Xochitl Gonzalez from Always a Bridesmaid
Milk and Honey Productions
Christian Oth Photographers
Greenwich Letterpress
Two Birds Bridesmaids
Ron Ben Israel Cakes
Kathy Littwin Photography
5 West Studios

See you there!

THE ELEGANCE OF BASILICA GOWNS

Via the lovely Polka Dot Bride, I came across the stunning wedding gown designs of Patty Panatou of Basilica. Although she is based in Australia and her designs are made to order through detailed consultations, if you had the budget it'd be so worth the trip.

The dress that is 2nd from left is exactly what I was looking for when I got married, but never came across stateside. In hidesite, I should have had it made. ; )

SUNDAY MORNING PAPER

Okay, well, I guess it's "Sunday Night Paper" since it's 10:45PM on the east coast ; )

Forgive the sparse posts lately. I've been feeling crappy from all the Lyme drugs, but hope to be feeling better soon.

In the meantime, consider this a little teaser to an offer/contest I've been planning for my loyal readers for sometime now. Once the letterpress designs in my new collection are (finally) completed, I'll be offering several at wholesale pricing by drawing-1 lucky winner per set.

All details to follow, including how to apply for consideration so stay tuned : )

Many of the designs in my collection are still being tweaked, here are my favorites so far:

BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL HEADBANDS

After watching the fianle of Project Runway (Yes, I'm completely addicted and devastated that Rami didn't win) : ( But...did you notice the beautiful headbands that he used on the girls for his evening collection?

I have no idea who the designer is the for headbands used on the show, knowing Rami, he probably made them himself. It inpired me to post about some of the exceptionally talented headband/accessories designers out there who make these stunning pieces, appropriate both for the bride or your maids. Take a look...

Jennifer Behr

From top left:

Victorian crystal and silk satin designed after an antique brooch on a silk satin headwrap $162

Petite crystal and satin. 5/8" satin ribbon with swarovski crystals designed after an art deco jewel. $68

Antique gold antique metallic lace is hand-stitched onto a delicate satin ribbon, and then freshwater pearls are stitched down the center on top. satin ribbon ties at the back that can be tied or else pinned into your hair.$625

Champagne delicate crystal twist stitched to a fine silk chiffon. $345

Swarovski crystal encrusted headwrap lined with satin and finished at the back with elastic. $575

Overlapping crystal twist delicate and elegant crystal headwrap. Six woven strands of swarovski crystals finished at back with elastic. $162

Miu Miu

Beaded Crystal Headband
Various-sized crystal studs fashion this satin headband for an elegant finish $225 Available at Saks

Stacey Lapidus

From left:

Knotted Crystal & Chain Headband $200

"Tao" Headband $300

Crytal Eye Headwrap $250

Vintage Clover Brooch $100

Colette Malouf

Silver Crystal Mesh Headband

Hermatitie Mesh Wave Headband

Admittedly, I have expensive taste, but if you're on a budget here's a lovely white brocade option from Erin Fetherston For Target. Add a little brooch or applique from MJ or Ejoyce and oua la!

SUNDAY MORNING PAPER

Here's some inspiring paper that I came across this week. I was feeling a little 'gloomy' and so I thought a little color may brighten the day for me and for you : ) Enjoy...

From top left: Gleaux, Cat Seto, Diane Lamendola, JM Martinez, Papaya, Lehr and Black

EVEN MORE LINK LOVE (I suppose it's now a series ; )

A newer blog from event planner Maria Cooke about "all things inspiring surrounding events, weddings and other special occasions." From the few posts thus far, you can see that she is one to watch. She clearly has an eye for style and elegance, and has even already featured a lovely interview with the incredibly talented floral designer Janie Medly of Janie Medly Flora Design. Janie is also the editor of The Bride's Cafe. I'm honored to be included under her "Inspiring Places" links.

Have a wonderful weekend! More "Link Love" on Monday. : )

MORE LINK LOVE CONTINUED...

Creature Comforts, written by the lovely Ez has been kind enough to include me in her blogroll. She covers everything from Fashion, to film to home decor & paper finds all with a wonderful eye for unqiue style. Somehow while staying on top of all things fabulous she manages to run a great online boutique Wren Eleven which includes fantatic indie finds from paper goods to affordable art. And a little bonus... she features her favorite blog of the week, which this week is is Snippet and Ink. She happend to pick the board to feature her which included my lovely little yellow toile invite. That made me smile : )



It's been a long and tiring week....more link-y love tomorrow, promise promise!

IT'S TIME FOR A LITTLE LINK LOVE

It's been awhile since I've shared the 'link love', and I feel so loved lately with some recent shout outs, mini features and my link being added to many many blogrolls I wanted to share the love...

Firstly, Lisa from Blush. I love reading her blog. It's always so informative and you can tell she truly loves weddings. She's currently running a fun contest with the prize being the Real Simple Wedding book. You to submit your favourite wedding details from your own wedding or others you've attended. She featured my submission today. My Peruvian Mariniera dancers who performed at our wedding. Take a peek by clicking on her header below.



Lara from Ready to Spark featured me last week in a post called "Who's Satiating my Blogaholic Tendencies". :) She's living my dream, as she gave up her job in corporate america/brand planning and design strategy to join her family business and follow her dream. Her company is Regal Tent Productions providing unique tent options as well as lighting, staging and dance floors for incredibly high end events, fashion shows, concerts, sporting events, and of course weddings. She shares alot of insight, has amazing taste and endless useful links for event planning. Click on her header below to check out her blog...



More to come tomorrow....I promise ; )

.

SUNDAY MORNING PAPER

Okay, so "Sunday Morning Paper" here at Its Lovely has become "begging for feedback on my work for Merrilee Designs ". It's a little annoying I know, but helps oh so much!!!

Here's the latest. Your thoughts, hate 'em, love 'em, am completely indifferent, are all helpful ; )

Keep in mind these are for the "Designer Collection". Eventually, there will be a "Classic Collection" created utilizing one decorative element and or color from each design as I realize not all brides (and in particular grooms) will appreciate my some what 'feminine style'. ; )

Thanks a bunch in advance !!!

LYME DISEASE (AGAIN)

More wedding goodness to follow I promise, including a gorgeous "real wedding" at a Chateau outside Paris...but in the meantime since as I've previously posted I was recently diagnosed with Lyme Disease as well as Ehrlichiosis : ( and additionally my husband struggled to get diagnosed with Lyme for years. (you can read more about that here) I'd like to take this opportunity to let you guys know about an event coming up in that will be held at the New York Times Center in Times Square, NYC on March 31st for an exclusive preview of a brilliant documentary from Director Andy Abrahams Wilson called "Under Our Skin". It's a truly groundbreaking new film about what I believe is really the most ridiculously underdiagnosed for purely political and finacial reasons disease. Take a look at the trailor here. It's really eye opening.

The event is being hosted by the Turn the Corner foundation. A national organization dedicated to research, education, awareness and innovative treatments for Lyme disease as well as other tick borne diseases, such as Ehrlichiosis.

For more information or to purchase tickets go to www.turnthecorner.org/underourskin2008

Hope to see some of your there!

"SUNDAY" MORNING PAPER - PART 2

I spent some time on the calligraphy frame design in search of a more delicate frame. Da*n delicate is tough to find. Here's what I've come up with tonight. Thoughts? Good or bad are all welcome ; )

REAL WEDDING #1

We all know I love a good bargain, especially when it comes to wedding dresses. So when Stacy, owner of the designer bridal consignment boutique White Chicago emailed me pics of her own wedding I was excited to feature her in my first "Real Wedding" post. Stacy's boutique features new, sample and 'once wed' designer wedding gowns at 30-70% off retail. (Elie Saab, Monique Lhuillier, Pronovias, Vera Wang, just to name a few...) Her dress, from said shop of course, was a stunning Badgley Mischka silk satin scoop neck with a trumpet skirt. The organza overlay featured beautiful silver beading and champagne embroidery. Retailing for $6200, her shop was selling it for 1/2 that price, and I'm sure she took advantage of the employee discount ; )

I've noticed quite a few designer consignment bridal shops opening up throughout the country and I think it's a brilliant idea. Better than Ebay, you actually get to try the dresses on and survey their condition. Boutique's such as White Chicago maintain good relationships with the designers themselves to ensure their stock is well conditioned, is continuously fresh and not necessarily a one wed dress. Many are new, samples or from a previous season. Taking it a step further their space (see below) is stunning and quite frankly much nicer than most of the 'real wedding dress shops' around. (Yes, that is a runway!)

Take a peek at some of the shots from Stacy's own lovely and charming wedding. Complete with an old red pick up truck with a handmade "just married' sign with soda cans dangling, which transported her and her new husband from the ceremony to the reception at their favorite local restaurant.

Above photos by Brian Kinyon

WEDDING PROPS - PRETTY UMBRELLAS

I've always been enanmoured with this lovely shot of a couple kissing under an umbrella during a rain storm on their wedding day. It prompted me to take a look around to see what's available out there in 'wedding worthy' umbrellas and parasols. Granted, some of these are for pure beauty a not coverage from a full on downpour, (check the fineprint on each website as some are indeed rain-worthy), but nonetheless all are stunning.

Lovely options from Pamela's Parasols

A new find with beautiful options from Pare Umbrella

Beautiful options from Umbrella Heaven

Pretty options in a variety of colors and styles from Cultural Intrigue

Beautifully handpainted monogram in fuschia by knottie (k)not_now

SUNDAY MORNING PAPER

Okay, tooting my own horn a little bit again but I'm desperate for feedack, so please 'come out of the woodwork' and give me your 2 cents...I've been working feverishly to update my invitation collection and actually make a go at this little design business of mine. The idea is to complete what I call a ''designer collection" and then base off of those designs a "classic collection" (ie: more subdued and mainstream yet correlating to the aesthetic of the designer collection) and then a "couture collection" also based off the designer collection but including all the bells and whistles--silk boxes, crystal adornments, midori ribbon, etc etc. So I'm in the process of updating the designer collection and would love your thoughts on my favorites thus far. Here they are...

Digital calligraphy letterpressed on thick copperplate paper. Printed outter envelope features a lovely damask envelope liner. Belly band with antique monogram names and wedding date is the carried through on the reply card as well as custom postage stamps.

Pretty calligraphy frame style also letterpressed on thick coperplate paper. I'm thinking the frame should perhaps be a little more delicate...thoughts?

Pretty rose floral pocket folder. The calligraphy frame on the cover reads 'today I wil marry the one I laugh with, the one I dream with, the one I live for". (Aw!!) Antique monogammed belly band holds the ensemble closed and is also featured on the custom postage stamps. Floral motif is carried through on the outter envelope label.

This is one of my favorites. A pretty peony motif in pink. This started out as a mock up for a friend, whose FI decided he was against florals of any kind on the invites. Poo poo! I finished the design anyway. ; )

And finally, a little more black damask witha pop of color....

I'd love to hear your thoughts on what I've done so far! My husband's "those look nice, honey" isn't terribly contructive ; )

UPDATE: YEP, STILL HERE...

Apologies for the long absense. I have so much going on I don't know where to be begin...day job (super crazy, driving me nuts), baby making progress (complicated, I guess I'll have to start another blog for that aspect of my life...but in a word, frustrating...); design business (Moving right along)...even have one of my new designs featured in one of Kathryn's boards over at Snippet and Ink today. (See below) Thanks Kathryn, that made my day! I was also just recently diagnosed with Lyme Disease and so I'm dealing with that craziness as well. : (
More wedding goodness to come soon, promise promise...:)

STILL HERE : ) (KIND OF)

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I've just been ridiculously busy at the day job, and I've been spending every spare moment updating the designs on my website. They're all still a bit of a work in progress, but I'm getting there ; )

Back soon!

PHOTOGRAPHER JOHN DOLAN

Photographer, John Dolan is hands down the master at capturing the joy and excitement of a wedding with his effortlessly exquisite style. Its been said that he, along with a handful of other photographers back in the mid-ninties, helped to change the aesthetic of wedding photography by doing away with the static poses and cheese-y smiles and taking a less planned approach. He captures intimate moments in a photojournalistic manner, but with an eye for beauty. Having photographed the weddings of many celebrities including Ben Stiller, Will Smith and Jennifer Lopez it says a lot that his client list also includes numerous high profile art directors and magazine editors who have quite a descerning eye for photography, including Darcy Miller. Many these clients liked both John and their wedding images so much that they hired him for hi profile advertising campaigns as well. John’s approach is exactly the opposite of planned which is as it should be. He has said that “The less hard I work toward making a picture and forcing it, the better they are.” Here are some of my favorite shots by John from the wedding of Matt Lauer to his stunning bride Annette.

ELUM DESIGNS

How stunning are these journals from Elum Designs? They're hard-cover bound with rounded corners and wrapped in sophisticated yet whimsical custom printed fabrics. They even have a built in pocket on the back cover. Love!

MEL BARLOW PHOTOGRAPHY

Lately I have been enamoured by the work of the photographer Mel Barlow. While thumbing through my piles of wedding magazines several of her images have caught my eye. I am captivated by her stunningly fresh style and so I decided to look her up. It’s no surprise that her background is in fashion photography which is evident in the attention to detail and sense of design she brings to her wedding images. A member of the elite group of photographers, Elan Documentary, and based in both NY and San Francisco, you can check out more of her WPJA award winning work here…

SUNDAY MORNING PAPER

Here are my favorite paper and invitation finds for the week...



Top left: Stunning silk box invitation from Alia Designs; Top center: A beautiful program inspired by the damask walls of the St. Regis Hotel by Ceci NY; Top right: Flair Necessities; Bottom left: Thank you card from Peculiar Pair Press via Luxe Paperie; Bottom right: Thank you card from Hello Lucky via Luxe Paperie

THE GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE

I wanted to take a moment to highlight an exceptionally unique and beautiful wedding venue that is local to me. Located in Hamilton, NJ, The Grounds For Sculpture is a museum and outdoor sculpture garden with over 240 contemporary sculptures placed within the grounds. There are lush green gardens, waterfalls, a water lily pond, a lake, and even roaming peacocks. In short, it's a stunning location for a wedding. Ceremonies are held among The Nine Muses by Carlos Dorrien, located on the sculpture pad at the center of the park, in the Amphitheater pictured below or on the stunning and romantic Monet Bridge. Multiple locations within the grounds are available for receptions including for smaller affairs, the charming French provencial restaurant Rats, named after a character from the classic novel The Wind in the Willows. It’s really lovely.



Above images by Heather Waraksa



Top Left: Tangerine Photography
Top right: Images by Cathy
Bottom left & center: John Fischer
Bottom right: Images by Cathy




Monet bridge photo by John Fischer



The Amphitheater photo by Malgorzata Mosiek

UNIQUE PLACECARD IDEAS

Today’s post is about unique placecard ideas. I love the unexpected, a little off the beat and path. Remember, legibility of the information at hand is of utmost importance. You’d be surprised what I’ve been through with brides who are in love with a beautiful yet completely illegiable font which must be used for her placecards. But really, let your imagination run wild. It’s one of those little details that guests actually remember when it’s a little different than every other wedding they've attended.

Think about interesting ways to display your placecards. A fabric wrapped board, suspended from ribbons perhaps from a large floral arrangement, or affixed to a clothesline by patterned clothespins from Susy Jack are all a little unexpected and sure to capture the attention of your guests.

Photos from left: Jessica Claire via Details Details; Charming Gardner; Jessica Claire; Susy Jack ; Knottie Bio NPWedding

It never ceases to amaze me how many guests are still truly amazed at the placecard votives. While not exactly ‘unique’ to us wedding addicts, guests love them and they’re a relatively easy DIY project. The key is to use a straight sided votive holder in order for the vellum to wrap neatly around the holder. 3M vellum tape is also key. All other brands I’ve tried won’t hold up to the heat of the candle. Be sure to have your venue light them no more than 20 minutes prior to the reception start time or they'll get a little too hot for your guests to handle.

Photos from left: Augustus Butera; Knottie Bio 1 marine4Me

Inexpensive candy bars can be rewrapped in coordinating scrapbook papers featuring an elegant pattern. While the individually imprinted ribbon used in this example may be a bit cost prohibitive for most, this idea can easily be adapted by adding a small tag with the the guest’s name and table assignment. Try a calligraphy font like Burges Script. You’re guests will never know it wasn’t done by hand. Check out scrapbook papers from Anna Griffin. Her elegant patterns lend themselves perfectly to weddings.

Photos from left: ivillage; Paper Addict