Nikki + Scott's Z Cards

Unfortunately, being as busy as I was last year, I was not able to dedicate as much time to my blog as I would've liked. However, I have several designs from last year that I just love, and even though the weddings have came and gone, I still intend to post a few of my favorites!





When Nikki and Scott first came to me, they really loved the look of the pocketfold invitations but only had the budget for a panel card. While I tried to assure Nikki that panel invitations could be just as stunning as pocketfolds, I could tell she really wished the pocketfolds were in her budget. Then, last spring, I purchased a new die and convinced Nikki and Scott to be my guinea pigs! The result is this beautiful Z Card invitation ensemble, which acts like a pocketfold in the sense that the inserts are all banded together, but is not as expensive as a pocketfold.

The z-card itself is made from shimmery black cardstock, and has a champagne backer between the die cut and the printed invitation layer. I love the look this combination of fonts produced, and it compliments the design. Nikki's set included a response card and envelope, a reception card, and a double-sided custom map. For out of town guests, their invitations also included a rehearsal dinner and brunch insert. All of her inserts were printed on metallic cardstock.



I particularly liked how the same graphic was carried through all the pieces, but has been manipulated on each piece so that it gave each insert a unique look.



Map cards can be tricky at times. I always let my clients know that I'll try to fit everything on a single-sided card to help keep the costs down, but sometimes it doesn't always work out that way. Nikki's map is a good example of this. The three biggest factors that impact the design of each map are the the number of locations, the distance between each location, and the size of the map card. Because we needed Nikki's map to fit inside the wrap that holds all the inserts together, and this is driven by the size of the response card/envelope, her map card needed to be double-sided. This allowed us to show the detail between her hotel, reception, and ceremony locations and provide the guests with a route from any single location to either of the other two locations.

I have to admit, I am very fortunately to have such nice people as clients time and again. Nikki and Scott are no exception. I really enjoyed working with this couple, they were so open to my ideas and trusting of my abilities. Best wishes to the two of you, thank you for letting me be a part of your special day by giving me the opportunity to design your invitations!

Krystal + James Reception Pieces

Occassionally, I get contacted by the mother of groom! Cyndi was looking for a seating chart for her son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law Krystal's reception. Cyndi's sister had passed away last last fall, and as her brother was going through her belongings he stumbled upon some program paper she had purchased. The paper was embossed with beautiful calla lilys, and Cyndi really wanted to carry that theme through the rest of the reception. Since Krystal and James' colors are ivory, champagne, and brown I designed the calla lily into the background of the seating chart. For their table numbers, I reversed the color scheme to play up the champagne color against the ivory colored linens. Their table numbers are double-sided panel cards printed on metallic champagnium cardstock with brown lettering, and also serve as a menu for their guests!

Henry + Angela's Pro Pics!

Many, many months ago I promised to post pro pics from Henry and Angela's wedding for everyone to see... I'm so glad Henry sent me this CD because the images are beautiful! As much as I would like to fill this post with pictures of my work, I feel the need to post some of my favorites from the CD that truly captured the moment of the day!




This is probably one of my favorite shots - I love the "candidness"!



Each of their guests had an escort card which included the graphic from their invitation ensemble, as well as the name of the table they were seated at. I typically don't recommend using table names in lieu of numbers because I feel it makes it difficult for guests to navigate through the reception area to find their table, but it worked perfectly for their intimate wedding! Each of their tables is named after a place that is significant to them - their first date, where Henry proposed, their favorite places, etc...




The program fans were perfect for their outdoor ceremony! The bottom of the program explains the significance of the Chinese Tea Ceremony, and the back of the program has a thank you from each the bride and the groom to their parents. It was so touching to read their thank you's, it is very apparent both Angela and Henry come from very loving families!

And last, but not least, Henry's vows to Angela! I realize the picture may be too small for you to read, but if you know Henry and Angela and the story of their first date, it's sure to bring a smile to your heart!

Just couldn't resist a picture of the reception area, the lighting at night makes this place amazing!

A few shots of the table signs, with the significance of each location explained below. Each table also had a list of all the table names and the story behind it for all the guests to enjoy!

Thank you Angela and Henry for allowing me to be a part of your very special day! I will be looking for you this May when I head out for the Stationery Show again this year!!!

Donna's Save The Date

Donna was looking for something modern but not too bold for her Save The Dates. Since her colors are melon and bright green, I used this Z Card in a light ivory and accented it with the melon and just a touch of the green. Her envelopes reverse this color scheme - the outer envelopes play up the bright melon color, and are lined with the light ivory. I love getting colored envelopes in the mail, and if envelopes are available in one of your paper choices, I always recommend using them. It doesn't cost anymore than a white or cream envelope, and it's always exciting to open the mailbox and discover that you have something besides bills and junkmail to open!

Postage Increases

The post office announced yesterday that new postal rates will go into effect May 11, 2009. Since most invitations require a 2-oz postage stamp, the price will go up from 59-cents to 61-cents. This also means that the one ounce stamp for response envelopes will rise from 42-cents to 44-cents. If you are using a response postcard, the postage stamp will increase to 28-cents.

If your response cards are due back around or shortly after May 11th, I suggest either purchasing a Forever Stamp which does not require additional postage, or purchasing custom 44-cent stamps. You may also want to consider purchasing custom stamps for your outer envelopes and postcards. In previous years, the post office did not offer the "new wedding stamps" until after it exhausted its inventory of the old postage rate. This often meant that you had to add one or two cent stamps to meet the new postage requirements.

I will gladly provide the design for the custom stamps at no charge if you are ordering your invitations through Salutations. I only ask that you provide me with one stamp for my samples!

For more information regarding the upcoming postage changes, please check out http://www.upsp.com/.