Red White and Blue Wedding Stationary

 

When I design wedding invitations, they're usually done months and months in advance (which is wise, of course, when planning a wedding). I love that I get to be part of the "insider" planning stage and work behind the scenes to help set the tone for such a special day. BUT, that means that I have to wait months and months to see how everything comes together at the actual event. I really look forward to seeing photos of the wedding ceremony, the venue and of course the bride and groom! 

I couldn't wait to see Anderson and Collin's wedding pictures and see their dream realized, after having just a small glimpse through their invitations. And I've never even met them in person! My heart skipped a beat when I saw their images, captured by the incredibly talented Michal-Kathryn Photography. I can't thank her enough for recommending me to the happy couple, and for graciously allowing me to share a few of the photos. 

It was so much fun designing an all American wedding themed invitation set. A combination of red, white, and blue, lace, political/ballot style and rustic barn wedding, all rolled into one. My kind of project! 

They also requested campaign buttons to hand out at the reception, which was a really fun piece to design. How cute are these?!

Such a beautiful couple and wedding party! Congratulations Anderson and Collin! It was a pleasure working with you.

Images by: Michal-Kathryn Photography

Wedding Invitation for Janelle and Jeffery

I've mentioned before that designing wedding invitations are some of my favorite projects. They feel more like fun than work! I'm especially honored when a past bride and groom recommend me to their friends. This was the case with Janelle and Jeffery. They were looking for a classic elegant invitation and response card to compliment their wine-colored October wedding, and were open to my ideas.

I presented three different designs and they selected the one focusing on their names with a hand-written style script font and elegant lines. This was fun for me, because I've been wanting to design an invitation like this.

The ink is burgundy and brown, printed on ivory paper with matching envelopes. Sometimes simple elegance is best.

 

Congratulations Janelle and Jeffery! I hope your wedding day was just perfect and I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness! It was a pleasure working with you.

Danielle & Trevor's Guestbook & Table Signs

My beautiful cousin, Danielle, and her husband, Trevor, got married this past June. It was a picture perfect day in Geneva, NY, and we got to celebrate with family that we don't see as often as we'd like. 

Aren't they an adorable couple?

Their wedding colors were periwinkle, light purple, pearl and silver. So pretty! 

I was so happy to design their guest book, signs and table numbers. I really like creating those special little details for weddings. 

Danielle's idea for the guestbook, was to make it a calendar "record" of birthdays and anniversaries, that each guest would sign on the appropriate date(s). What a fun and useful keepsake!

Maybe a bride and groom already have invitations picked out, but need additional signs and accents that will complete their big day. I'm always happy to design corresponding pieces that will tie everything together. Favor tags, ceremony programs, table signs, gift boxes - anything you can dream up that needs a special look! 

New Year, New Hope

Happy New Year! 

As I look back at 2014, and look ahead to 2015, I am filled with tremendous hope and anticipation of what's certain to be a life changing year for us. Based on my due date, the possibility of meeting our baby boy is just 31 days away! One month to go! Maybe sooner, maybe later. 

Next to the year I got engaged and married, I've never looked forward to something so much in my life. The thought of being a mom, entrusted with a precious new life, both excites and scares me. God has chosen Andrew and I to be this little boy's parents. The wonder and uncertainty of it all overwhelms my heart. I'm so thankful for what God is doing, and is about to do in our lives.

Last year at this time, we didn't know when or if we'd be pregnant. The first portion of the year was characterized by disappointment, frustration, sadness, prayers for patience and increased reliance on God's strength and timing. After "giving up" our will, our way and surrendering to the fact that it was out of our control, God surprised us when I found out I was pregnant in early June. It was an answer to our prayers and the most wonderful gift! 

For the rest of 2014 I felt a new sense of joy, hope, and so much thankfulness, completely humbled that God would bless us so abundantly. God is good. He's always been good. In so many countless ways throughout my entire life. I can look back at each of my 32 years and see God's hand carrying me, protecting me, loving me, leading me, helping me, saving me. Even when I turned away from Him or couldn't understand what He was doing. Through the good and the bad. When the road was beautiful and easy and when it was dark and difficult. Sure, I still have moments of uncertainty and doubt. I am human and flawed. But in the depths of my soul I know He is there, through it all. All of it is because of Him. Because of His great grace and merciful love, of which I am completely undeserving, yet so incredibly grateful. 

I hope that in 2015, you too, come to know the depths of God's love for you. That you experience His unspeakable joy and know what it's like to live life with Him. You were made by Him and for Him. He is so in love with you. It's hard to comprehend, I know, but it's true! 

The photo above was taken in early November, at the same spot where we had our wedding photos taken, nine and a half years ago. 

We've grown so much and come so far in almost 10 years since our wedding day. God has carried us through many seasons. I can't wait to see what He has in store for us in 2015 and all the years head. 

Nicole and Matthew's Wedding

In October, my beautiful cousin Nicole, married her love, Matthew. They are so cute together! It's clear to see how happy they are. 

Their reception was at Hayloft on the Arch, a former family-run dairy farm, turned into a beautiful rustic-chic venue for special events. 

Everything was so lovely, especially the decor, which included burlap (one of my favorite materials), mason jar lighting, flickering candles, individual cakes on banquet style tables, glitter coated wine bottles, and many personalized details. The flowers were just gorgeous. 

I love their smiles! 

My Aunt Marion and Uncle Chuck, parents of the bride. I love how much my Aunt Marion reminds me of my Mom - even her voice is similar. They are definitely sisters! 

My other beautiful cousin, Danielle, recently got engaged (yay!). This photo made me realize how much family resemblance we have!

Me with the gorgeous bride. I just wish I got a photo with my other cousin, Marsha, who got married earlier this year. All three of these sisters are stunning, stylish ladies. 

And my handsome date (I just love it when he wears a tie!). We had a fun night celebrating the new Mr. and Mrs. Salvaggio. 

Congratulations Nicole and Matthew! We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness. XOXO

Sharpie Mug Wedding Gift

Sharpie mug projects have been making their rounds on Pinterest for a while and I've  wanted to give it a try. I was curious to see if it's as easy as it looks. Finding inexpensive plain white mugs was half the battle! For some reason they were difficult to find - probably because I was looking for them! 

The type of Sharpie is critical. I learned that OIL BASED Sharpie's work best. I found a variety of individual colors at Hobby Lobby. This tutorial was especially helpful and guided me step by step.  

My cousin Nicole and her fiance Matt are getting married in October, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to make a Mr. and Mrs. set to add to her bridal shower gift. 

I measured the area of the mug where I wanted my design to go, then I designed my type on the computer and printed it out. I cut out the paper and scribbled pencil on the backs. Then I taped the paper to the mug and traced the outlines of the type onto the mugs. Next, I drew the design right onto the mug with the Sharpie's and let it dry overnight. I baked them the next day at 425 degrees for 30 minutes - placing the mugs in the oven when it was cool, and leaving them overnight to cool completely after baking.

Aren't they cute? I would definitely like to make more of these. It was a relatively quick project and you can customize them for anyone.

Beach Wedding Invitation

I had the honor of designing my cousin Marsha's wedding invitations. She and her husband, Jonathan, got married on the beach in Florida. They asked for a seaside themed invitation with a natural and organic feel to reflect their special day. Almost as if the invitation had been kissed by the ocean and left in the sun to dry.

Here's how they looked, printed on ivory paper. It was really fun to use a watercolor texture and nautical elements - especially a pair of lobsters, which were Marsha's special request. 

Photo by Brad's Creative Images Photography 

What a beautiful couple! I wish we could have been there to celebrate with them. It looked like an absolutely beautiful day. 

 Photo by Brad's Creative Images Photography 

Isn't Marsha a stunning bride? I just love her rosette headpiece veil. The new Mr. and Mrs. Jones are approaching their 2 month anniversary. Congratulations! Thank you for letting me share a small part of your wedding. Love you!

Jamie and Dan's Wedding

Last weekend, we attended Jamie and Dan's wedding. Jamie and I have known each other since high school, and I couldn't be happier for her and her husband, Dan. I had the honor of designing their wedding invitations, and I couldn't wait to celebrate with them. 

The ceremony took place outside overlooking the rolling golf course. They couldn't have hoped for a more beautiful day.

Jamie looked absolutely stunning. Such a beautiful bride! 

They looked so happy together! That was the best part. 

Such pretty details - personalized sign, ombre cakes, coffee bean bar, and bright happy colors. 

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Kimenski! We pray for God's richest blessings on your marriage and new life together! xoxo