Four score and seven years ago… feels about the length of time since I last shared some love on the blog. There’s no better way to get back into all of the beautiful, personal weddings and events we’ve been producing, than starting with a very important element of one of our most recent – and favorite – weddings! The wedding stationery for Molly and Griffin’s September home fete brought in so much personalization. Here, we were able to feature something that no other wedding will have, and that was a grand painting of the home that everyone knew, love, and called their home that day.

We were lucky to work with the magical mind that is Karri Lee Designs, a watercolor painter and stationery artist that creates one-of-a-kind paper masterpieces. You can check out a little more of her work and why we love her here!

Molly & Griffin’s Wedding Stationery

Molly and Griffin’s wedding was held at the bride’s family’s summer home, a place that hosted many memorable celebrations throughout the years. You can feel the sentimentality of the property as soon as you step foot onsite, and it’s safe to say not a single person left that weekend without wishing they could spend more time there. A place of calm, warmth, and festivity set the stage for the aesthetic we created.

For the invitation suite, the first piece of their wedding stationery, Karri created a custom vellum wrap, depicting a landscape portrait of the family’s home, yard, and the shoreline that surrounds their property and neighborhood. This greeting image later became their escort card display backdrop, held in a custom frame by the groom himself.

Day-of Stationery

Every design and decision we make throughout the planning process is done intentionally, to ensure any idea we bring to life has purpose and value long after just the wedding day. Dressed in an array of colorful envelopes were our escort cards, carefully adhered so once removed, this piece became a keepsake hanging in the couple’s home.

The idea of using watercolor was an opportunity to evoke part of our surroundings into tangible pieces shared with guests. The beloved image of the property was used throughout the table numbers, with added intrigue in a way where guests at each table had a piece of the image instead of the full picture. A simpler square of a watercolor acted as our guests’ place cards, attached to the menu card. For a more intimate setting that provides more opportunity for a design effect, all long tables are the way to go. Be sure to check out our post on the full wedding design to see just how we curated a setting that everyone is still talking about long after the wedding day!

 

All images provided by Charlotte Jenks Lewis

One of the things we’re most passionate about at Jubilee Events is supporting small businesses! Let’s face it: everyone included in our weddings and events is a small business!

You’ve heard the phrase before: every time you buy from a small business, someone does a happy dance. It’s true! When you purchase from a small company, you’re not paying for the beachside mansion for the CEO, who doesn’t know the names of his or her employees. You’re not allowing a higher-up to buy another car to add to their collection. A car that, let’s face it, we should be driving! Instead, you’re giving a little girl or boy the chance to take dance classes. You’re sending someone to college or putting food on someone’s table. You’re allowing them to take a day off to spend with their family and friends they haven’t seen in months because they’ve poured all their time, energy, and soul into their business. When you support a small business, you’re supporting the well-being of someone’s life. And it makes a great impact!

Every year we love to share a handful of companies we recommend you support and shop from for the holidays (and for all your gifting needs)! Below are SOME of our favorites. You’ll even see some ideas for supporting small businesses wherever you live!

 

Lavender & Pine Gifting

This company is responsible for gorgeous curated gifts and favors that can be tailored to location, price point, and your targeted receiver. We love using these for wedding favors, but they’re perfect for gifting to large groups! They’re incredible favors and are the most beautiful things to open!

 

Filly Rose

You may all remember Libby from past Jubilee Events. She’s still spreading incredible love and beauty in this world as she’s launched Filly Rose, a personalized bra-fitting specialist with all the most incredible undergarments to compliment. She’s changed my outlook on the necessities, and she’s even given me a little more confidence in myself. I didn’t realize how much I needed this until she came along!

 

Upstyle Co.

One of our favorite beauty teams and girl gangs ever has a great collection of hair care and beauty needs. I’m talkin’ things you never knew you needed but cannot live without!

 

Hartford Prints

This local CT small business is the best! I’m pretty sure I cleared them out of their greeting cards the last time I was there. They are packed with nostalgia and the best crew! Good news for travelers, too. They have a new stand in the Bradley Airport if you’re coming to visit!

Image courtesy of Hartford Prints; greeting card by La Familia Green

 

Skin & Tonic and Jennie Fresa Beauty

Self-care is a NECESSITY! Whether you want to gift some love to someone in your life or yourself (hello, you’re important, too!), these ladies take care of the things that need taking care of. You couldn’t be in better hands. Literally!

 

The Denim Blonde

Our fav stylist and former bride started this line of the best, personalized loungewear, jackets, and more! She even carries incredible gift ideas for the bride, groom, or another VIP in your life. I have 3 items on order, and I couldn’t be more excited!

Image by Bethany Paige Photography

 

Shop Sweet Almond

One of our former brides and most trusted beauty gurus created this cuticle oil. You may be wondering what you could do with this, but one thing I believe with this product and many others our fellow small businesses and colleagues create is it’s all to better or enrich someone’s life. This product does just that, and it’s incredibly exciting to enjoy the small things that have a big impact!

 

Photographers

We promised you some additional ideas no matter where you live, and this is one of our top picks! So many of the incredible artists we work with offer family sessions, maternity shoots, and so much more. These are great gifts to give or be a part of! After all, photos will be the one thing that lasts forever, next to the memories, of course!

Additionally, photographers at our events will produce as many as 850 – oftentimes more – photos, which are perfect to purchase for an album or purchase to gift as a large print.

 

Florists

Our second pick to consider! Many of our florists offer wreaths or arrangements for your holiday centerpieces. I will go on record saying these are the most magnificent things you’ll find, and they beat any chain-store-bought decor you’ll pick up! Between the potential colors, lush blooms or greenery, and perfect composition… *chef’s kiss* I know I can make the food look good, but they make people leave my house in awe!

 

For more inspiration, be sure to check out some of our recommendations from years past:

Supporting Small Businesses: Christmas in July!

Support Small Business: 12 Days of Gifts in Connecticut

We never need an excuse to support local businesses, but Christmas in July sure is a good one! One blessing that came from the last year and a half is the inspiration to find a small business alternative to products we would normally order from large retailers. As we’re seeing the world slowly go back to normal, we have the power to keep invigorating this drive in support of our local communities.

That is why we decided to create a continuation of our annual 12 days of Christmas! Here we’ll showcase some wonderful Connecticut businesses in honor of a much-needed celebration after a rather stressful year. Each of these businesses was hand-picked after a visit or purchasing some of their products – and unequivocally enjoying every one!

Now keep in mind, there are so many amazing businesses throughout our small state and across New England, so consider this a jumping-off point. There are so many nooks and crannies of CT to explore, so don’t forget to visit that privately-owned restaurant or little boutique in your local town. It’s a gratifying feeling to know you’re making an impact on an individual by grabbing a cup of coffee from a small café or purchasing an original piece from a self-employed artist.

Below we included links to take you right to the business’ website to find out more about their stories, or better yet, buy one of their lovely products or services! We hope you enjoy them as much as we have and learn a little more about your community in the process.

We’re wishing you a safe and enjoyable second half of your summer! Be well and continue shopping small! XO!!

 

Sasha Le Creative

 

Bailey Bean Earrings

 

Ashton Lally Art

 

Del Soul Spa

 

Humility LLC

 

Liquid Nirvana

 

The Nutmeg Home

 

Mix Design Store

 

Nutmeg & Honey

A passion of mine has always been to support small businesses! It’s true what they say: every time you shop from a small business, an actual person does a happy dance! This year has, without a doubt, been difficult on all of us, and now as we’re heading into the holiday season (let’s be real, some of us are already there!), I want to do something to keep the joy alive.

A few weeks ago, I decided to create a helpful shopping list to support local and shop at some of the small businesses throughout Connecticut. Our state may be small, but boy is there a heck of a lot of talent! I’m almost embarrassed to say that this list barely taps into all that’s out there; however, if it connects you with something you love or even gives you some ideas, then this is a success!

Support local, support small, and score big!

Why these Small Businesses are Featured!

This list was intentionally curated to fit a variety of criteria for those who will be shopping. These are some of those factors, and will be highlighted under each service or company below!

tangible gifts to give

+

products of services that go towards a good cause upon purchase

+

experiences for your family or a loved one

+

ways to treat yo’self! Let’s face it: we all need to give ourselves a little love after the year we’ve had! 

+

custom

+

handmade

+

ease and flexibility to purchase a gift card!

Check out our Twelve Days of Small Businesses Below!

You’ll notice on our Instagram and Facebook that I’ve stuck true to the Twelve Days of Small Businesses — I want to make it a bit easier for you here! Below is my list for the first-annual 12 days of Small Business Shopping List! It’s true, I’m making this a yearly thing, and I can’t wait to see how the list grows!

Again, I cannot emphasize how many amazing talents there are throughout the Nutmeg state, so if you don’t see a local or small business you know and love, don’t worry! There are so many around every corner — literally! Consider those privately owned restaurant shops, small-town hardware stores, and clothing boutiques. Check out the quaint art shops, local coffee shops, and other like-minded small businesses while you’re creating your shopping list.

Without further adieu, I present to you 2020’s list of businesses to shop with this holiday season! Remember to shop local, support small, and I have no doubt you’ll score big while doing so! PRO TIP: Each business highlighted has more specific information to click and shop, or even easier, to click and buy!

Happy holidays everyone! May this year be healthy, happy, and restful! XO!!

 

Small Business Round-up! 

SHOP Aquinnah here! (Be sure to click the “SHOP” selection to navigate to the full collection of goodies.

BUY A GIFT CARD here!

Learn about some of Aquinnah’s good causes here.

 

Get in touch with Erica here!

 

Check out more of Laura Dee‘s style here!

Learn a little bit more of how fierce you’ll feel with Laura Dee here.

Reach out to Laura Dee here.

Book Alicia Ann here!

 

Check out more of Joanna’s work here!

Contact Joanna here.

Say hello to Alicia Ann here!

See more of Brooke Allison’s work here!

Reach out to Brooke Allison here.

 

Learn more about their spa services here!

Book your spa services here!

Purchase a gift card here.

BONUS: Black Friday deals are happening!! 

 

Shop ALL of their goods here!

BONUS: Cyber weekend supersale is happening!

 

Check out some of Karri’s work here.

Reach out to her for your custom piece here! Order by December 7th to receive by Christmas; after December 7th, receive a gift card for your piece, to-be-designed.

 

Shop all cookbooks (and cookie trays!) here!

 

Shop all flavors and combos here.

Check out where you can find Unbakeables on the map!

 

SHOP here!

Learn more about their process here!

 

Learn more about Imagine Float’s services and pricing here!

Purchase a gift card here.

 

Check out Firestone Cafe’s menu here (click on “Our Studio” to see the list of art classes)!

Purchase a gift card here.