Champagne and Pink Baby Shower

I thought I would include some more pictures of my above and beyond incredibly wonderful baby shower last month.  I just couldn't resist bragging a little about how wonderful it was to spend the day with my amazing family and friends!! :)

And once again - photography by the uber talented Shelly Ivy from Ivy Studios!

{Ask a ??} Invitation Calligraphy

Dear Miss Kim
At our last meeting you mentioned to my mother and I that you would recommend us to use calligraphy on our envelopes instead of labels.  So I decided to do a little research and found so many different styles online.  I'm confused exactly what calligraphy is.  Can you help me?
Laura

Great question!! You are absolutely right ... there are many styles of calligraphy by many different artist. Calligraphy basically means - "Beautiful handwriting."  What I would recommend is to show your calligrapher your invitation design and have them create a complimentary style that matches your fonts.  If your invitation is modern, they will bring in a modern style.  If your invitation is very classic with script fonts, most of the time a calligrapher can create their penmanship to look very similar.  Just like each different invitation designer has their own signature style, each calligrapher has their own unique talent, so check out their portfolio first to see it's the style you are looking for.

Hope this helps!!  If you are interested in reading more about calligraphy, this is the defination I pulled up from http://en.wikipedia.org

Calligraphy (from Greek κάλλος kallos "beauty" + γραφή graphẽ "writing") is a type of visual art. It is often called the art of fancy lettering (Mediavilla 1996: 17). A contemporary definition of calligraphic practice is "the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skillful manner" (Mediavilla 1996: 18). The story of writing is one of aesthetic evolution framed within the technical skills, transmission speed(s) and materials limitations of a person, time and place (Diringer 1968: 441). A style of writing is described as a script, hand or alphabet (Fraser and Kwiatkowski 2006; Johnston 1909: Plate 6).

Modern calligraphy ranges from functional hand-lettered inscriptions and designs to fine-art pieces where the abstract expression of the handwritten mark may or may not compromise the legibility of the letters (Mediavilla 1996). Classical calligraphy differs from typography and non-classical hand-lettering, though a calligrapher may create all of these; characters are historically disciplined yet fluid and spontaneous, improvised at the moment of writing (Pott 2006 and 2005; Zapf 2007 and 2006).

Calligraphy continues to flourish in the forms of wedding and event invitations, font design/typography, original hand-lettered logo design, religious art, announcements/graphic design/commissioned calligraphic art, cut stone inscriptions and memorial documents. It is also used for props and moving images for film and television, testimonials, birth and death certificates, maps, and other works involving writing (see for example Letter Arts Review; Propfe 2005; Geddes and Dion 2004).

Envelope Calligraphy by Roxanne at www.AZPenGraphics.com (she's awesome!!)

My Baby Shower Sneak Peek

The decor and room were more amazing than ever!!

Look at the most amazing group of friends and family!

Of course I had to have a little fun while it showed at my shower!

My shower invitations :) :) :)

All I can say is "WOW!" Yesterday was one above and beyond the most amazing baby shower celebrations a new mom-to-be could have ever asked for. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of my friends and family. Just sharing the time with them was incredibly amazing to me!! I'm actually speechless at the moment for what to say because it was better than I could have ever imagined!! So as I take the next few days to pack her room away, I'll just leave you with these few teaser pictures that I received last night from the Rockstar Shelly Ivy from Ivy Studios Photography !!!!! More to come on my wonderful details and a super funny story that put me in tears at my shower :) Good tears :) Funny tears!!

But first, I must thank the amazing vendors who participated in making this day sooooooo beautiful!!

Miss spectacular Lynn at the wonderful Firesky Resort and Spa

Miss Shawna and her amazingly talented husband Kevin at Your Event Florist

Miss creative planner Regina at Meant2Be Events

Miss glamorous Ginia with Y-Knot Party Rentals

Miss fabulous Laurie with Southwick Linens

Miss oh-so-sweet and Carol from Sugar Buzz Cakes

Miss fantastic PJ with La Dolce Pesca

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! And THANK YOU!!!!!

{Paper Love Crafts} Vellum Candle Covers

This candle cover project can take any plain candle, votive, and make it work for any season, no need to buy expensive candles for each and every occasion. This project even works as a luminary. All it takes is some basic supplies and some vellum.

Materials needed:

• Vellum paper
• Dye ink pads in two or three different coordinating colors
• Pigment Ink
• Chalk Ink
• Rubber stamps
• Embossing Powders in coordinating colors
• Double sided adhesive
• Candle or votive to be covered
• Flame Free
• Ranger Blending Tool
• Heat Gun

Assembly instructions found on BellaOnline.com - Check them out :)
Thanks for the adorable article and photos!!

{Paper Love Crafts} Fake Mustache & Lips

Michelle at My Personal Artist posted this fantastic blog today ..."Fake Moustaches are they Hair to Stay?" ... which instantly reminded me that I wanted some fake mustaches and smiles for my celebration this weekend. Ever since I fell in love with Smitten Sticks, I knew I had to find the perfect opportunity to showcase these fun lil fellas!! What's more perfect than a baby shower :) Thanks Michelle for the friendly reminder. I must try to make these beauties now. Will post pictures soon!

If you want to make your own, there are some awesome DIY Instructions on the fabulous Simply Modern Mom blog!!

Supplies:

paper
pencil
scissors
black felt (I used a large sheet of stiff felt)
glue gun
thin dowels (1/4″ or thinner)
black permanent marker

Pictures from Smitten Sticks - check them out :)

{Paper Love Crafts} Pinwheel Project

Pinwheels made from scrapbook papers can be arranged in a large vase as a whimsical "bouquet" for a party or wedding. Or use as separate escort cards for your guests of honor.

What You Need:

Newspaper
12 x 12-inch sheet each of two coordinating patterned scrapbook papers
Multipurpose spray adhesive (we used 3M Super 77)
Ruler and pencil
Scissors: large scallop-edge, wavy-edge, and small scallop-edge
1/4-inch hole punch
19-inch length of 1/4-inch-diameter wooden dowel
White florist's tape
1/4-inch nylon clamp
1-1/2-inch threaded aluminum screw post that fits clamp
1-1/2 x 4-inch rectangle of coordinating scrapbook paper
String
Crafts glue
Silver glitter

For assembly instructions and templates, please visit BHG.com

{Paper Love} Di-Cut Place Cards

Aren't these the cutest little di-cut place cards. I think they would be so fun at your next dinner party or grand celebration. Check out Cuddle Creatures design shop on etsy. They are absolutely fabulous!

{Pro in the Know} Addressing an Invitation

There are several ways to address your invitations, but it all depends on the degree of formality desired, who is being invited, how modern do you want your piece to be, and of course cost.   Your envelopes are the beginning of the first impression for your event, so its important to choose wisely on how you are presenting your gorgeous invitation pieces.

Below are several options on how to address your envelopes on your invitation.  To figure out the option that is best for you, take the number of invitations being mailed out and multiply it by 3 or 4.  That's how many steps each piece is going to take.

1. Outer envelope main address
2. Outer envelope return address
3. Reply card return address
4. Inner envelope name (if you choose to have one)

Handwritten Address - This is the most cost effective option, but can become very time consuming depending on how many envelopes you have to address.   If you give yourself a goal of 10 - 20 pieces per day or per person, your handwriting will stay beautiful on all of the pieces.  You can ask friends, your bridal party, or family to assist you.  Also try your writing pens out on paper before you use them to make sure they don't smudge or smear.  You don't want a messy envelope!

Calligraphy - For many years calligraphy has been considered one of the most popular ways  to address a wedding invitation.  This art form creates a beautiful elegance to your envelope and can save your schedule if you don't have time to hand write them yourself or don't have legible penmanship. When choosing a calligrapher that is right for you, make sure to ask for samples of their work.  Often times, a calligrapher will have several font styles to choose from and can match the style of your invitation.


{photo by AZPenGraphics.com}

Computerized Calligraphy - Computer calligraphy is a beautiful alternative to hand calligraphy for the cost conscious busy individual.  It offers sophistication and elegance, but can often times come at a fraction of the cost.  There are several beautiful calligraphy style fonts that you can give your printer to use when they are printing your envelopes for you.  Or check with your stationer to see if they can do it for you and match the same font on your invitation.  Often times you may even be able to incorporate the invitation design and a flourish of your choice.

Envelope Wrap w/ Address - Envelope wraps are a new trendy way to incorporate the design of your stationery into the design of your envelope.  They start on the front of the envelope and wrap all the way around to the back with the return address printed directly on them.  It's definitely not standard etiquette to have them, but they sure make a wonderful first impression and carry a cohesive look for your design. You then either hand address, calligrapher or even use computerized calligraphy to do the main guest address on them.

Address Labels - Labels are a quick alternative to hand writing and computer calligraphy.  You can find them in all different colors - white, silver, gold, and even clear.  If you are going to use labels, try the clear ones so they don't look so odd against the background of the envelope.  Or try to incorporate a design into your label rather than just text.  This would be my least recommended way of addressing an envelope unless its the only way you can get them out in time.

{Pro in the Know} Invitation Terms

Everybody talks about wedding invitations, but there are actually many more terms that are associated with them and items that might accompany them.  Below are explanations of some of the more common terms and items that you are likely to encounter while shopping for your invitations. 

    

Seal and Send Invitations: This all-in-one wedding invitation style folds up and seals into its own self-mailing piece.  Attached to the invitation by a perforation is the response postcard which is easily removed by the guests.  Since the response piece is a postcard, you will save on postage for the return mailing and the envelope is eliminated.  Pricing for this type of invitation usually includes decorative seals along with a printed return address on both the back flap when initially mailing the invitation and on the response postcard.

Layered Invitations:  This term pertains to invitations that have layers of paper tied or glued together.  Many times the top layer is translucent which means that through the top layer you will see a muted version of the decorative paper that lies underneath. 

  

Pocket Wedding Invitations: This style of invitation includes a pocket wrap that holds the invitation card and has a pocket to hold any separate card enclosures.  The wrap then folds up into one piece for enclosing in the mailing envelope.

Announcements:  For those whom you would like to inform of your recent marriage but will not be invited to your wedding, you can choose to mail them an announcement card.  They can be printed on paper that matches your wedding invitation with the verse reading that your wedding has already taken place.  Suggested mailing is on the day of your wedding or immediately after. 

Reception Cards:  An insert card that contains all the details of your wedding reception.  Reception cards can be used in place of having this information printed on your invitation or if only certain guests might be invited to this portion of your celebration.  They can be ordered to match your invitations and then be included as a separate insert.  Please keep in mind that including this card could possibly add to your mailing cost since postage is based on weight.

Response Cards:  Guests are asked to return this card indicating whether they will be able to attend your wedding.  Response cards provide you with the accurate guest count you will need to properly plan for your dinner/reception.  The response card along with its return mailing envelope will be inserted with your wedding invitation.  Remember to include a postage stamp on this small return envelope which will also have a mailing address pre-printed so your guests can easily return it by the date you have requested.   

Map/Direction Cards:  Guests will appreciate direction cards as a convenience if they are not familiar with the location of the church and/or reception.  

Double Envelopes:  Traditionally, formal wedding invitations come with a set of two envelopes.  The outer envelope is actually the mailing envelope containing the name and address of the guests.  The inner envelope holds the invitation along with any insert pieces and is addressed with only the guests' names.  This envelope is left unsealed and placed inside the outer envelope.

Printed Envelope Flaps:  Having your return address printed on the flap of the outside envelope can save you time and ensure that undeliverable wedding invitations are promptly returned to you.  A return address also provides an address to any guests who might not be able to attend but still wish to send a card or gift.  There is usually a small charge for this option. 

Lined Inner Envelopes:  For a small fee, you can request a colored lining on the inside of your inner envelopes to add a special touch to your wedding invitation ensemble.  Color choices will vary depending on the invitation style you choose.

Envelope Seals:  Optional, decorative self-adhesive seals can add the finishing touch to the outside of your mailing envelope.  They are available in many styles and are used to give the illusion that they are holding the flap down even though the envelope has already been sealed. 

Informal Notes:  These are typically used as your thank you notes but it is a good idea to order them when you order your wedding invitations since they can be printed on matching paper and this will save you on shipping costs.  Informal notes are personalized with either your monogram or first names on the front with the inside left blank for you to write your personal message.  Any extras can be used long after the wedding for other purposes.  Blank mailing envelopes are included.

Engraving:  This is a time-honored process of raising ink on paper through a process of etching metal plates, filling the etches with ink, then pressing paper into the plates.

Thermography:  A printing process whereby wedding invitations are printed in ink and a special powder is sprinkled over the wet ink. Then the invitation is sent through a heater which melts the powder and "raises" the ink. Thermography is more cost effective than engraving. 

Many of the above items are not essential to making your wedding invitations complete but now you know some of the options that are available.   Remember, this is your special day, so it’s your decision as to which invitation style you choose and which pieces or special touches to include as part of your entire stationery ensemble. 


Article by Knol

{Pro in the Know} Place Card vs. Escort Card

A frequent question that comes up often is ...
what is the difference between an escort card and a place card? ... and do I really need menus?

Escort Card:  These lovely cards are used to tell guests which table they are assigned to for the main reception.  Typically they are displayed in an area just outside or close to where the guests will be entering in and done in alphabetical order.  They should be alphabetically arranged in an area and could carry a cohesive theme with the rest of the decor.  For example, a beautiful floral centerpiece may sit in the center of the table and tent folded cards in color or theme matching cardstock will align around the arrangement.  The card usually states the guests name and "Table number ____ has been reserved in your honor."  Then the guests pick up this card and carry it with them to their assigned seats.

Get as creative as you wish when displaying the escort cards.  You can use fascinating ribbons and fabrics, mini picture frames, river rocks with calligraphy, miniature flower pots and more.  Think outside of the box on how to "wow" your guests by incorporating your personality.

Place Card: These beauties are actually displayed at the seat to where the guest is assigned and typically done when you have given your guest a meal option on your invitation reply card.  You also would have a seating chart available for your guests to note which table they are assigned to.  The place card is a bit more time consuming; however, it's very important for the catering staff to know which entree is being served to which guests.  It also can indicate if there is a food allergy or specific need for the guest such as a vegetarian meal.

Another opportunity for you to showcase your personality and flair.  Have fun matching your place cards to your decor and theme.  You can still use beautiful folded table tent style cards that match your stationery, but you can also get creative.  Color code them with big rhinestones for the staff to clearly see and don't forget you may be in a darker room.  Or you can find fun shapes of animals to indicate chicken, beef, fish or veggie options.

Menus: Menu cards are a fantastic way to personalize your celebration dinner and add to the decor elements.  Your guest feel as though they are sitting down at a private dinner in honor of the guests.  Even if the meal is pre-chosen for your guests, its a nice way to inform them of what is best yet to come. Better yet, if you are using food stations, it allows your guest to pre-plan ahead for what they will choose  when they go to serve themselves.

Photography by: April Green Photography (rock place card), BQ Photography (blue escort cards), Ivy Studios (pink escort card and menus), Weddings by Us (Tuscan place card)

{Pro in the Know} Common Invitation Questions

Some times it feels like we answer the same questions time and time again, but of course we never mind one bit. Anything to help out our clients, we are happy to do so!  Even though the answers can actually vary based on your circumstances, these are some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive.  Hope they are of some assistance when you are working on sending our your fabulous invitations and announcements.

1.} Where can I find wording for my invitation pieces?
We recommend www.verseit.com.

2.} What should I set for my RSVP date on the response card?
First and foremost, find out what timeframe your caterer or venue requires and then add on a little extra padding.  We recommend no less than two weeks prior to your event date, but often times like to set it around three weeks prior.  That way it gives you enough time to call any guests who didn't respond or to let your planner / coordinator know as well.  Plus, some invites always trickle in last minute.

3.} When should I start addressing my envelopes?
There are a few good answers to this.  If you receive your envelopes ahead of time, we always recommend for you to start addressing them while your stationery is on order or being assembled by your stationer.  If you are having calligraphy work, you may want to allow for extra time based on their schedule.  You want your envelopes to be ready as soon as your invitations are ready, so you can stuff them and put them right in the mail.

4.} How much should I budget for postage?
At minimum, I would estimate around $1.50 per piece. (Invitation and reply card postage).  However, the best way to know exactly what you need is to take a completed set to the post office and have it weighed.  It's better to be safe than sorry!

5.} How soon should I mail out my wedding invitations?
The rule of thumb states:
4-6 weeks prior for in state guests
6-8 weeks prior for in and some out of state guests
8-10 weeks prior for a mix of in state and out of state guests
10 - 12 weeks prior for a destination wedding

We personally always recommend to send out your invitations around 8 weeks prior or earlier to give yourself time for them to go through the mailing process as well as time to receive your response cards.

6.} Do we have to Save the Date announcements?
Save the Dates really help your guests plan ahead and are a wonderful way to let your them know to mark your event on their calendar. Although they aren't necessary, we do believe they are very important if you have a large amount of out of town guests attending, a destination wedding, or getting married during a busy holiday.

7.} How do I inform my guests of the dress code?
First of all, it's not proper etiquette to put anything about attire on your invitations. The best way to inform your guests is by the style of invitation you choose and the amount of information you include.  A swirly spring flower invitation is going to send a completely different message than one done with gold and black metallic materials.  Also, the facility should be key to how they dress as well.  For example, a golf course wedding will speak differently than a grande ballroom at a large resort.

If it's really important to you that you do directly let your guests know and choose to forgo etiquette, some options are to write on the information card "black tie affair" or "black tie optional" or "Formal reception to follow." Which is completely up to you.

8.} Where do I put our registry information?
You don't put it anywhere on your stationery.  Traditionally it's considered very inappropriate because it puts more emphasis on your gifts and less on the importance of your guest joining you on your big day.  Old fashioned word of mouth is the best way to announce this or if you have a wedding website, that's a great place to share the information as well.

9.} Do I have to follow etiquette?

Times have definitely changed and all of these are just traditional standard answers.  We always inform our clients of what is traditional and what is considered etiquette, but allow them to choose what is best for them and their families.  As only they know what truly works, doesn't work and offends them.  If something doesn't feel normal or natural to you, find an alternative way to make it feel right.  You don't have to do anything that doesn't feel right to you, however, do think twice about how your recipients will interoperate the message.

Haute & Tantalizing 3D Tablescape | Modern Autumn

This tablescape is a beautiful mixture of modern meets autumn. Yes, fall is quickly approaching, which so happens to be my favorite time of the year. With fall comes wonderful parties celebrating many occasions. This year, I want a fall table that is a bit more modern than the traditional coppers, browns, deep purples, so I created a concept utilizing beautiful black elements such a black and white satin linens and black glassware including the centerpieces and wine glasses. The centerpiece brings in the eye candy colors of plums and copper flowers, while the copper chargers tie it all nicely together. The floral vine invitation and stationery carries on the same floral element as the dinner plates.

Haute & Tantalizing 3D Tablescape | Garden Whimsey

Hosting a fun and whimsical garden theme party? This tablescape will be perfect for you. Invite your guests to your garden bash with beautiful lime and floral inspired invitations.

Create a beautiful centerpiece with carnation pomanders, drizzling crystals, and swirly candleholders sitting atop a bed of wheat grass. Your guests will enjoy the texture of the luxurious grasslike green linens. Personalize clear green plates with these adorable topiary name holders. And don't forget the oh so chic chameleon chairs that are sure to bring a smile to anyones face.

Haute & Tantalizing 3D Tablescape | Christmas Pine

We are actually really excited about this tablescape because we get to bring it to life come this December. One of our clients came to us in search of the perfect decor for her Christmas wedding. Her mandatory element was that we used pine that carried a very strong smell. So we designed this gorgeous kings table for her that brought in the natural pine trees through a long table garland and the various centerpieces. She also wanted it to feel very rich and elegant and that's where we brought in the gold elements like the chivari chairs, gold boxes, gold brooch napkin enhancements, and gold dinnerware. The deep red velvet linens will be exquisite to the touch and the candles will add romance to their evening. To start off this entire celebration, guests will receive gold boxes in the mail with a beautiful red ornament and letterpress invitation enclosed with a small twig of pine.

Watch for this post coming early next year as we showcase this glamorous Christmas wedding. You may even see snow, a hot cocoa bar, and many more surprise elements! (Snow is a big deal to us Phoenicians! LOL)

Haute & Tantalizing 3D Tablescape | Charcoal Trend

Charcoal and golden yellow bring the spin on the perfect modern celebration. It's hip, it's vibrant, and it's oh so modern! Tablescape your table with silver pintuck linens, white square china, blue cobalt glassware, and stainless napkin rings. Set your centerpiece with single yellow flowers of one kind like sunflowers, yellow carnations, or even tulips. Or use multiple yellow buds. Make a dramatic statement with matching yellow and grey metallic menu cards, invitations, and table numbers or place cards.

Haute & Tantalizing 3D Tablescape | Berry Chic Party

A beautiful zebra theme inspired tablescape that is rich in color and uber fun. Perfect for a sweet 16 party, bridal shower, or even super chic wedding reception. Introduce your guests to this fabulous theme with zebra and berry pink invitations. Once they arrive they will know they are in for a good time!

Haute & Tantalizing 3D Tablescape | Rustic Elegance

If there is one thing we love to do with our clients, it's to bring their thoughts and visions to life. Often times it's a challenge to sit down and pull everything from their minds and get it into raw, touchable form. But once you figure it out, it's a very rewarding challenge that we absolutely thrive off of.

However, in return, we are very creative visionaries ourselves with tend setting, creative, and innovative design concepts that live deep in mental libraries. Many times we can tell our visions to clients and the look on their face is priceless .... on one hand they have no clue what we just said, but on the other hand they are absolutely excited and love what we just said.

So we have to do is pull from within our minds to put them out onto paper and we do that through a simple 3D photo-realistic rendering. It's not always perfect and never the exact product, but it gives people a vision to enhance upon so they can give their feedback (good or bad). The end product comes out absolutely amazing because together our ideas, thoughts, likes and dislikes come together cohesively.

3D mock-ups are inspiring --- and you will get to spend this entire month watching many of them come to life through our "Haute & Tantalizing 3D Tablescape" series! Enjoy :)

EE Celebration | Tuscan Wedding {part 2}

A Very Talented Vendor Team:

Photography - One Fine Day 

Venue - Villa Siena

Planner - Meant2Be Events

Stationery / Details - The Event Essentials

Entertainment - SKM Entertainment

Flowers: Blume Events

Cake: Piece of Cake

Linens: BBJ Linen

EE Celebration | Tuscan Wedding {part 1}

Back in May, I was truly honored to be share collaborative design talents along side of a wonderful friend and very gifted planner, Regina from Meant2Be Events.  For this elegant and regal wedding, the bride, Candice, was very much into personalizing her details to showcase their personality as a couple. (So many details, it will take 2 days of posts) Nothing was left untouched or didn't go unnoticed.  At times, I even caught guests making comments about their excitement to see what element will come to life next.  It was a very warm, inviting, and eye appealing celebration filled with an over abundance of love (and rhinestones!) Candice and Kevin didn't stop smiling, laughing, dancing, and kissing all night.  As a vendor, it was a magical experience that will never be forgotten and their pure happiness was very contagious!  

Until tomorrow ... there will be more beautiful shots of this glamorous couple, their orchid chandelier ceremony, choreographed confetti filled first dance, blinged out cake, and more ... stay tuned!!

Tablescape | Tokyo Theme Dinner Party

Phoenix NACE hosted their 3rd Annual Elements tabletop decor competition a few weeks ago and we were honored to be a part of it.  One of the greatest parts is enjoying the time you spend joking around with old friends, getting to know new friends, and just being a part of an eclectic, creative environment.  

I was truly honored when Lorraine from Brady's Floral asked me to design her stationery elements for their "Toyko" table.  At first, it was quite humorous  because we were  competing in the same category and I joked with her that I was going to design her pieces by scribbling on notebook paper with crayons!  Then she couldn't win :)  However, their work is way too amazing to do something like that, so I had to create a piece to compliment it.  I wish I had a full picture of her entire booth - it was AMAZING!! Dripping orchids, rich golds and orange linens, and a centerpiece that screamed creative!! Their work is impeccable! 

... and the best part .... a few days after the show I received an email with these amazing photos taken by Ben Quillinan of BQ Photography.  Even though he said he wasn't feeling well that day, he still showed up as promised and ROCKED out some amazing photos!! His work inspires me!! Just wait and see our table pictures!  Thank you BQ - you know I'm one of your biggest fans!!