I had the great pleasure of working on a recent editorial project with Maria Cerff, Creative Director of Lela New York . She created an incredible art deco inspired invitation suite for us and I just had to share a bit more about her and her company to our readers! Lela New York is a luxury invitations and stationery studio specializing in creating one-of-a-kind works of art for the discerning client. Their work is sought after by distinct wedding planners, designers and savvy brides worldwide for their couture designs and awe-inspiring creations. Lela New York will help match your special event with a couture invitation equally as special. From hand-drawn illustrations and water color paintings to silk box invitations and unique embellishments every suite is designed to be truly unique. Lela New York is available by appointment for consultations serving clients in NYC and worldwide. Maria’s work has been featured in BRIDES Magazine, The Knot Magazine, Style Me Pretty, and the NY Post! Her portfolio is a variety of engaging pieces ranging from the most formal of social occasions to birth announcements and personal stationary. I love her luxe, opulent design style.

Be sure to visit her website to see an in depth look at her work. For a look into the hottest trends and what’s fabulous, be sure to visit her blog too!Similar Posts:

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I came across the amazing calligraphy of Patricia Mumau. She has a wonderful little etsy store for her gorgeous artwork and also runs an interesting blog. I really love her work — the big flourishes, use of the whole envelope, the little details. So amazing!Similar Posts:

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And these gorgeous fuchsia and navy invitations? Love! It is such a hot color combination and I love the regal feel of these.

Thanks to Molly and Megan for sharing their fabulous work with us! Visit their website and portfolio to see more of their work and learn how they can create a couture invitation suite for your next event. They also have a super awesome blog too that is a must read and in our RSS feed!Similar Posts:

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View the feature on Dagney and Michael’s wedding from a few weeks ago as photographed by our friends, Robert and Kathleen Photographers: part i, part ii, and part iii.

Remember my totally awesome Trash the Dress by Eric Langlois of raw photo design? Well his work was featured yesterday! Check it out here! They also spotlighted a bunch of the amazing people who contributed to my trash the dress!Similar Posts:

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Take a look at some of this calligraphy eye candy. Notice how the styles are so different? The options out there are truly endless. These are some of my absolute favorite calligraphy artists.

Lisa Ridgley; Pen & Ink Calligraphy

http://www.penandink-calligraphy.com

 

Kathryn Murray; Kathryn Murray Calligraphy

http://www.kathrynmurray.com/

Laura Hooper; Laura Hooper Calligraphy

http://www.lhcalligraphy.com/

Jessica Slutsky; Jessica Slutsky Calligraphy

http://www.racetothealter.blogspot.com

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The next save the date is from Letter Punch Design. This punch save the date card reminds me an old train ticket. Isn’t it sweet?

This save the date is also from Letter Punch Design. I love this one because it has a little bit of an Art Deco style to it (one of my all time favorite periods). It also plays with the idea of time a bit and would be perfect for someone getting married at the old Timex Museum in Waterbury, Connecticut! I love the little corner punch detailing.

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First off, I am so honored to be a guest on Jubilee Event’s blog, Connecticut Weddings! I have been following the blog since July and just love Candice’s beautiful and unique take on style, weddings and event decor. So needless to say when she asked if Lilah Paper would be a guest on her blog I jumped at the opportunity! So, here it goes…

How did you get started in the business of designing couture stationery and invitations?
I got started in the stationery business a couple of years ago while planning my own wedding. Ever since I graduated school I have been working in graphic design, however as time went on I was beginning to feel a bit of the corporate burnout. However, once engaged I found that our wedding was the perfect creative outlet to think beyond the standard page. As I began to design our save the dates, my mind was flooded with ideas and finally I felt the creative spark return! So given the rave reviews from my own wedding stationery and my absolute love for beautiful, boutique paper I decided that I couldn’t turn back and began to design my initial line of stationery. From there I moved from beautiful Colorado to Gorgeous Charleston, South Carolina, where lavish southern weddings are in full swing! While in Charleston, I designed for a custom invitation studio where I gained a lot of insight into the stationery and wedding industry. However, it wasn’t long after that my husband and I decided to put one more move under our belts… back to my home town, Kansas City. Given that there isn’t an abundance of letterpress and invitation studios in Kansas City, I decided to open the doors to Lilah Paper, and I must say that I am loving every second of it!! It isn’t every day that you get to be completely creative in your job and work with clients who are celebrating such joyous occasions. I feel truly lucky to have stumbled upon this wonderful business.

How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as vintage… with a twist of playful elegance. I LOVE sweeping flourishes, vintage wallpapers, soft colors and beautiful, creamy papers. Typography is also a small obsession of mine. Any chance I get to play around with old block lettering and unique type layouts I jump at the opportunity.

Where do you draw inspiration from when designing a couture invitation suite for a couple?
I really just listen. Like anyone that has or is planning a wedding knows, it is SO fun to talk about your big day! I draw inspiration from my bride’s descriptions and pictures, specifically of their dresses, flowers, table decor, and venue. You can tell a lot about a wedding based on where it is being held. But outside of the couple, I draw a lot of inspiration from vintage fabrics and beautiful calligraphy.

A lot of couples are not use to the idea of having their invitations designed by someone out of state. Often times they don’t even know that they can work with a couture paperie designer on a national level. How does Lilah Paper cater to this type of couple and provide that one-on-one service that they’re looking for?
Surprisingly the majority of my clients are out of state and the process really works quite similarly. I start with an initial phone consultation, which works just like if the couple were to meet here in the studio. I discuss the bride and groom, their style, their wedding colors, how they would want their invitations worded (traditional vs. non-traditional), and each of the pieces that they may need to be included within their invitation suite (ie. reception card, schedule of events, etc.). From this I gain a good vision of the couple and how their stationery fits into their big day.

For my more hands-on brides, I use a lot of email and good old snail mail. Often times my brides will email me with bits of inspiration, color swatches and themes. This is always helpful when working without of state brides, as the more insight I can gain into their overall vision for their wedding the better. If color or paper swatches are needed, I simply stick them in the mail so that my brides are able to touch and feel the products, just like if they would here in the studio.

After the initial consultation, the process is really quite the same. I provide pdf proofs via email and the editing process is done over the phone or via email. My goal is to make ordering your stationery easy, effortless and most importantly fun!

What are the hottest trends right now in wedding invitations?
Color is always an ever changing trend when it comes to invitations and the bridal industry! The wedding colors are probably the first thing that a bride considers. This year, I am seeing more “dusty tones,” including lavenders, taupes, peaches, grey-blues, greens, tans and pinks. Each of these colors makes a beautiful and stunning accent to classic color choices like chocolate brown, slate grey and creamy ivory tones.

Another trend that I am seeing is the use of custom envelope liners. I see more and more brides moving away from the inner/outer envelope tradition and instead using a single outer envelope, lined with a beautiful, coordinating paper.

What are a few ways that couples can save on invitations without compromising impact, design, or quality?
Invitations can be one of the most fun parts about planning a wedding (of course maybe I am a little bias). However, seeing the transition from thinking that the invitation is just another piece of paper that ends up in the trash to realizing that the invitation is the very piece that will jump-start the excitement within your guests and give them a glimpse into the look and feel of your big day is just amazing! BUT… as much as the wedding stationery is a huge part, you don’t want to break the bank either. So, not to worry! There are many ways that you can trim costs when it comes to your invitations without compromising the impact, design and quality, and the top two ways are:

1. number of ink colors
2. the printing process (offset/flat printing vs. thermography vs. letterpress)

For budget-conscious brides, I often suggest that they use thermography or offset printing. And for those who wish to add color, but keep within a 1-color price range, I suggest using backing layers and coordinating reply envelopes to add variety and dimension. However, keep in mind that if you do know your budget ahead of time it is helpful to let the designer know. Knowing your budget allows us to guide you in the right direction and make suggestions that will fit within your unique style and your unique budget!
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Invitations by Jubilee

First up are the invitations Jubilee is offering through our etsy store. They all have a vintage vibe to them with fun and catchy phrases. We can customize them for you too, based on your parties color scheme!

This one is a favorite of mine — and I love that it is double sided! Click here to see more!

This invitation was originally designed for our own fabulous holiday party, which we’re throwing on the 20th of December. I love that it is double sided, too! Click here to see more.

This one is fun and a slight variation to the invitation that Mike and I sent out to our first holiday party three years ago. Click here to see more.

Click here to see more.

Eat Drink & Be Merry

I love the design and colors in this fill-in-the-blank party invitation by MewPaperArts on etsy. Click here to see more.

Cocktail Party

The rounded edges and vintage details are what makes this gorgeous fill-in-the-blank card! Click here to see more.Similar Posts:

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The wedding is in February so the icy metallic blue on chocolate brown perfectly sets the tone for this winter wedding! The bride is having a weekend full of events, from an Aprés Ski Party to Drinks and Dessert and a Brunch on Sunday. So, needless to say, the bride had a bunch of information to be included with the invitation. To keep it clean and neatly kept together, I designed a belly band which holds a 2-sided, accordion fold booklet. Within the booklet is a schedule of events, map, wedding website for more information and a reply postcard that perforates off and is ready to stick in the mail! The graphics are a wonderful reflection of their vintage wedding in the mountains and perfectly reflect the bride and groom’s playful and outdoorsy nature.

Are they not gorgeous? I love the booklet idea. It is a refreshing difference verses the pocket fold invitation which has become so popular. I have a fun interview with Kalyn to post later next week with a peak into her Holiday line and a new addition to her wedding invitation line, so check back soon!Similar Posts:

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I wanted to tie in our wedding’s color scheme with the save the dates so I went with varying shades of purple, gold, and white. After many designs, Mike and I really loved this one the most. It has a very subtle vintage feel and gives a peak into the romantic vintage-style fete we are planning! So, without further adieu, here are our save the dates! Be sure to click the images for a larger version!

The front of the purple envelope with gold metallic lettering and a Betty Davis stamp.

The interior custom lining which mirrors some of the design on the actual save the date.

The beautiful hand calligraphy envelope seals in shimmery gold metallic card stock. These gorgeous creations were made by the very talented Lisa Ridgely of Pen & Ink Calligraphy out of Westminster, Maryland. I found Lisa through her etsy.com shop and knew that these envelope seals were the one touch of glam our envelopes needed. She was such a doll to work with and I can’t wait to recommend her services to my brides. Thanks Lisa!

Oh, I am so thrilled with how they came out! My most favorite part is the varying font style. I have huge love affair with fonts. Am I crazy?

All the elements together so you can get the full “experience.”

Up close and personal!

I’ve already started receiving phone calls about how much our guests love them which makes me so thrilled. I hope you enjoyed them too!Similar Posts:

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I love Teardrop’s style and especially love that everything is hand illustrated and custom designed for each couple. Take a look at some of the photographs of her work below to see for yourself how amazing her work is! Be sure to visit her blog too. She has become a bride herself and posts tons of inspirational and thoughtful posts as she plans her own wedding.

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Beth and her staff recently launched Chic by the Shore, which is located right behind White Dresses’ main building. It is an interesting concept that is super beneficial to brides. It’s a fusion of bridesmaid gowns and invitations by Stonington Design+Paperie (which might be one of the only couture invitation designers in the state – but more on Christine and her fabulous creations later! She needs a post all her own!). I love the idea that a bride can have the White Dress by the Shore “experience” not only when buying her gown, but also gowns for her attendants and when designing her invitations. I feel it is important, too, to define the type of experience a bride can expect when visiting White Dress and Chic by the Shore. Beth and her staff are so incredibly attentive and invested in each and every client that they work with. Beth has an extraordinary love for fashion and weddings, and it is so evident in how enthusiastic she is about each and every item that she carries. They develop wonderful relationships with their clients and their families. It is the type of environment where in three years from now, when you attend your best friend or sister’s fitting, they will remember you and every detail of your wedding that you shared.

They also have a wonderful alterations policy which is a bit different from other bridal boutiques in the state and really ends up benefiting the bride. White Dress also uses local seamstresses in Clinton, but has a network of talented seamstresses in other areas of the state for brides who can’t make the travel to their boutique for alterations.

I really encourage all my readers who are searching for their gown to make an appointment at White Dress. I can’t wait for my own appointment to try on gowns and find the one!

There is also a Modern Trousseau Bridal and Mother of the Occasion Trunk Show on September 25th — September 27th. I am so upset I won’t be able to go as I’ll be away for the weekend on vacation. White Dress is offering a 10% discount on any Modern Trousseau purchase made during the event. Visit their website for more information!
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7/24/2008 Update: Unfortunately, it seems as though so many brides read about this fabulous find that it is no longer in stock. If you still must have these cards (like me), check your local Crate & Barrel store. Our order is still listed as “back ordered”, so here’s hoping our 5 card sets make it to UPS!Similar Posts:

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A way to add some dimension and texture to your escort card table is to vary the coloring and design on your escort cards. Play off your color theme by choosing three different colored card stock or ink color and pick the colors at random for each place card. Unless you are going for a monochromatic look, this variation really adds a lot of color and style without being expensive! It’s a simple idea that you can really run with. If you’re using ribbon or embellishments on your place cards, vary the color, texture, and pattern on those. Some of my favorite examples are below, courtesy of TheKnot and the image to the left is from Martha Stewart Weddings.

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Since there are so many opportunities to “send thanks” to your loved ones, it doesn’t hurt to stock up on thank you cards. Having them handy is one more step to ensure that they are mailed promptly. If you “collect” stationary, like me, than it also doesn’t hurt to shop around for a variety of stationary. Personally, I like to sort my stationary into classes, meaning, I send my expensive “boutique” stationary to the recipients who notice and appreciate letterpress or card stock, while I send my “mass produced” stationary to the recipient who wouldn’t notice those finer details. I also believe in never sending the same thank you card twice, so it is always good to have a variety on hand for that purpose!

I’ve found some really beautiful card collections at Target which fit my personal style. The thank you card pictured to the right and the cards pictured above are part of three different collections I purchased at Target, and are the primary thank you cards I sent out for the beautiful engagement gifts we received. As I said above, I purchased a variety of cards to ensure that I never sent someone the same card twice. I’ve found that Target has a wonderful selection of formal, traditional, romantic, artsy, modern, and unique cards. The main advantage, along with the stylish selection, is the affordability. Most of their card collections are between $4-10 dollars for 8-12 cards per package.

For those wondering, etiquette mandates that you send a thank you card for engagement gifts as soon as they arrive. You should send a thank you for gifts you receive at your bridal shower no later than 2 weeks after the shower. For wedding gifts, you should send your thank you cards no later than 2 weeks after you arrive home from your honey moon. When in doubt, send a thank you in writing. It is a very personal way to connect with someone, especially when they’ve acknowledged this wonderful period in your life.

Along with Target, there are several online websites you can use to create custom thank you cards and stationary. While national online retailors do offer a great selection, I prefer supporting local businesses in your community. You may want to search google for a local stationiare who sells quality preprinted stationary or offers custom designs.Similar Posts:

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