I can't believe that 2010 is hours away. I remember back in grade school, thinking that by now we'd be living it up Back to the Future II style. Oh, to be a kid again!
2009 was a great year for me, both personally and professionally. I've met some great people who I am proud to call friends. My invitation business grew like crazy, with the help of my amazing and talented boyfriend who spent many hours building my beautiful website. I seriously can't thank him enough. As a result, I was invited to be a part of Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book, which still flatters me to this day--what an amazing planning source. All you brides in the planning stages, head over to SMP for some great ideas and tips.
I am also very grateful for my dad, who has served as my "courier." He and my assistant, Pete drive around town to pick up invitations and mail packages. They're quite the team.
Most importantly, I've had the opportunity to be a part of announcing the "big day" for many couples. That makes me feel pretty dang special. :)
Happy New Year everyone. Be safe and have fun. See you in 2010!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Goodbye 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
A wonderful winter cake.
There are two things on my mind right now: winter and cake. It's a chilly 31 degrees out today and we have a dusting of snow on the ground. And who doesn't love cake?
Marry the two of them and what do you get? Possibly this LOVELY cake featured on Martha Stewart.
The cake is covered in icey blue fondant. Real pinecones are sprinkled with sanding sugar to mimic a winter landscape and are surrounded by chocolate "pine needles"...if only the pinecones were chocolate as well! However, I love the added element of nature to the cake.
I've always considered having a Maine wedding, being that the White Pine is the state tree...I'll be holding onto this one!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Running of the Brides will be in Columbus!
Here is the 2010 schedule for the Running of the Brides® at Filene’s Basement stores:
Aventura, FL January 15
Columbus, OH January 29
New York City February 5
Boston February 19
Atlanta March 19
Chicago July 23
Washington, D.C. July 30
Boston August 20
Cleveland, OH August 27
See the full story here.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Invitations for Danielle and Brent's Holiday Wedding!
I had the pleasure of working with Danielle at my agency job. She left last year to start a new life with her then boyfriend, Brent in another state. I was so excited when she contacted me to do her wedding invitations. We'd be working together again, on a project near and dear to her heart...her wedding stationery!
Danielle and Brent LOVE the holidays. When they got engaged, they knew their big day would be right before Christmas. As we talked about their invitations, the couple emphasized that this was to be a HOLIDAY wedding. She went so far as to say, if she were allowed--the bridal party would even be dressed as elves. They could even come down the aisle in a sleigh. I love Danielle, her sense of humor made this project all that much more fun.
After sifting through different winter landscapes and other holiday things, we landed on snowflakes. I was stingy with them in the earlier layouts. Danielle emailed me and said, can we have MORE snowflakes (evidently her fiance, Brent, was "all about the snowflakes!") The color palette was red and silver, so we printed the invitations in red and backed them on a piece of shimmery silver cardstock, which matched the envelopes. The final touch (and my favorite part!) was the band that held them together. I wanted to spread the theme of Christmas to the wrap, but without having snowflake overkill. The perfect message popped into my head, "On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me..." They loved it! I'm so pleased with how these came out.
Without further ado, here is the latest to my invitation collection:
"Marry Christmas!"
Click here to view the entire set large.
Click here to view the close-up large.
This invite is not on my site, or in my etsy shop yet. If you are interested, please send me an email.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
"Love" these prints
I have taken quite a liking to prints that say sweet things on them. I've been wanting to spruce up the bedroom with a nice coat of plum paint on the wall that the bed is on. My etsy account is filled with "love" prints that I'd like to see hanging on the wall. There are too many to decide, here are the ones I like most:
Love is Spoken Here by tuesdaymourning
Let Love Shine in by slidesideways
La La Love You by SparklePower
Love Candy by jenniferramos
And then, there is this one, For Like Ever, that was made popular after it appeared in my beloved Domino (RIP...sigh)
Perhaps this would be a good New Year's Resolution, along with refinishing the floors and some front yard landscaping. Oh, and maybe going to the gym a little more. :)
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
I spy a perfect shower gift!
I love Anthropologie. If I could afford it, I'd shop there for everything. In the meantime, I will just click and admire. Step and repeat.
I have a thing for tea towels. These would make such a great gift for a bridal shower that I am bummed I don't have one to go to. If it weren't considered even the slight bit crazy, I'd buy them for myself. :)
The trio of towels say: They fell in love, they got married, and they lived happily ever after. You may purchase them here.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Me likey.
I love the simplicity of Kate Spade, she knows what she's doing. This new makeup bag is so cute and perfect for your travels "par avion." And, it's only $50.
Totally unrelated to honeymoons, makeup or traveling...but aren't these coasters so cute too? I dig the pears, and I am a total sucker for green. Get them for only $20. Steal.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Etsy Saturday
I love etsy. I could spend hours looking at all the beautiful hand made things, and today I did just that. Here are some of my favorite wedding finds:
Look at these oh-so-cute cake toppers by Wonderful Rubbish. They are so whimsical and perfect.
Birdcage veils are where it's at. Brenda's Bridal has some really pretty ones, like this:
I love my dog, and I think it would be pretty awesome if he could be my ring bearer one day. I know, it's kind of absurd...but obviously it's been done. Check out Knine Couture:
Cufflinks are a nice way to add that personal touch to your groom's shirt. Is there a certain place that you hold close to your heart? Perhaps where you met, got engaged or are even getting married? These custom map cufflinks are from dlk Designs:
It's likely that your dad might get a little teary on your wedding day. Let him know it's okay with this mustache hanky from Chrissy's Creations.
All girls love purses, right? Well, I LOVE these beautiful clutches by Mollusa. They'd make an excellent bridesmaid gift. Her shop has some beautiful jewelry as well.
Happy Saturday!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Featured Testimonial: Alison!
"It was a pleasure working with Marit on our wedding stationery, which included our invitations (with main invite, map, accommodations card, and farewell breakfast card), reception menus, and thank you notes. She was so patient and accommodating throughout the process, making suggestions when I needed help deciding what to do! It made the paper part of the wedding planning easy, fun, and affordable! Attached is a photo of the menu on one of the tables at our wedding. I knew I wanted the "Just Berries" design, which I saw in one of her desk calendars, and when I told Marit what our colors were, she knew just how to put everything together to match our aesthetic. Thank you, Marit! "
Thank you, Alison. You were a joy to work with! And, of course, a big congratulations! :)
Alison customized the "Just Berried" invitations to fit her style and you can too!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Planning in style.
Anyone that knows me is aware that I love organizing. I'm not too fond of clutter and find a place for just about everything. Even more, I love organizing using pretty things! One thing that I can't live without is my handy Russell and Hazel mini-binder (lime green, of course!), filled with calendars, business cards of my favorite vendors and my much needed to do lists that keep me on track.
For all you brides out there in the midst of your planning and looking to get organized, I suggest you head over to Russell and Hazel and check out their amazing wedding organizer. Not only is it beautiful, it will get you on track to stress free planning!
The best part about this organizer, is that Russell and Hazel has a page on their website of FREE downloadable PDFs to fill your binder and assist in every step of your planning. Download as many of them as you want!
Already hitched, this would make a fabulous Christmas present for a newly engaged bride-to-be! On my list? Their pretty and practical recipe binder... check it out too. :)
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Desktop Calendars are back in stock!
I sold out of my first run of calendars and decided to print more. I put some of them in my etsy shop, but you can always email me to order one as well.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
December desktop is ready for download!
Sorry for the delay, I am recovering from my turkey induced food coma and gearing up for a busy wedding season which follows all the wonderful holiday engagements.
December's calender design is derived from my Modern Dots invitation seen here.
Click on the link below to download your desktop (a new window will open, either drag it to your desktop or right click and "save image as"):
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1680 x 1050
1920 x 1200
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Custom Thank You Cards!
Being that it's Thanksgiving and all, I thought I'd make it known that I offer custom Thank You cards (or note cards with your new name!). What a great way to thank your guests or just write a nice note to your friends and family.
They can be customized in any size, depending on how much or how little you have to say.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Busy! Busy! Busy!
I apologize for the lack of content in the last week. It's been a hectic week and with Thanksgiving on THURSDAY, I have so much to do. Between cooking, baking and making ice cream for the upcoming feast at my boyfriend's parents house and finishing up changes for brides in hopes of dropping some packages in the mail by the end of this week, I've had zero time to hop on and share some wedding links with you all.
Because we have a few days before turkey day, I will share one of my favorite recipes with you. If you are in need of an EASY appetizer, look no further. This is what my friends call "Party Crack." The best part? It's fool proof.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
1 package frozen chopped spinach
1 can artichoke hearts (drain and chop!)
1 cup mayo
3 cups italian white cheeses (I buy the Kraft Italian Blend and cheat a little!)
Mix it all up and put into a small dish (I use a little 8x8 casserole). Bake for 30 minutes at 350. Serve with tortilla chips, a baguette or even over pasta!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Project Wrap Up Happy
What I am about to post has nothing to do with weddings, but it is a BIG day for a lot of people (including yours truly). We've been working on "Project Wrap Up Happy" for weeks now. It's not just any project, it's one that will most likely be the most touching and rewarding assignements of my career.
Please, watch the trailer, and check out www.wrapuphappy.com to watch The Gift of Happy and see what went on behind the scenes. I promise, the documentary is sure to bring tears to your eyes--it's worth every minute. And what's even better, is with every view of The Gift of Happy, AJWright will donate $1 to the Boys and Girls Club of America. How cool is that?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
I WON! I WON!
I am so excited about this that I absolutely had to share it on my blog. I never win anything like this, except for one time in Elementary school, I won the cake walk and got a box of Ho-Hos... no lie. This prize is infinitely better than a box of plastic-wrapped snack cakes.
Click here to read the blog post.
If you are in Columbus, check out Dine Originals. While you are at it, sign up for their email list and be in the know of all the great offers. You could win too! My boyfriend and I are big fans of ALL the restaurants on the list and are ecstatic to eat our way through it. I can't wait to dine at some of the best locally owned restaurants in this city. Thank you Dine Originals!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Do you know these two?
My friend and very talented NYC based photographer, Sherri Jackson, was at the NYC marathon taking photos when she happened to see a couple getting engaged at mile marker 16. Unfortunately, she was unable to get his number, so the couple does not have a copy of this amazing moment. Sherri would love to get in touch with the couple and give them photos of their engagement.
Along with the help of the Ellen show (how cool is that!) Help us find them!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Calendars on sale for Christmas!
My 2010 desktop calendars are now on sale for Christmas. Get one for $12 (or email me if you'd just like to purchase the refill pack for $9). As an added bonus, I am including free shipping. Get one for a friend, co-worker...or yourself. They are a great way to spruce up your desk and make every day beautiful!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
November desktop calendar is ready to download!
Wow... Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away. That makes Christmas next month. Where did 2009 go?
Click on the link below to download your desktop (a new window will open, either drag it to your desktop or right click and "save image as"):
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1680 x 1050
1920 x 1200
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
FREE matching gift tags with stationery orders!
Starting now, with every invitation/save the date order (excluding samples), you will receive 10 complimentary gift tags that match your wedding stationery. Use them on your shower favors, out-of-town bags or bridal party gifts. The possibilities are endless.
Click here to view large.
The invitation shown with these matching tags is the Tea Length Damask.
You are welcome to order more for wedding favors, just email me!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Tie one on
I've posted many things for brides and thought I should share something for the grooms out there. And what a better place to go looking than etsy!
I came across the Cyberoptix TieLab. Not only do they create single ties, you can purchase them for your entire bridal party. And what is even more awesome, is that they have a tie that would go PERFECTLY with my "We heart New York" invitation set.
Monday, October 19, 2009
From Invitations to Confections!
I love to bring my designs into other pieces, why let the fun stop with the invitations? That's one of the best things about custom design. I can do anything you might need, from programs, to place cards, to table numbers, to wine labels...you name it and it can probably be done.
Check out these cupcake flags using my invitation designs. They are perfect for showers or receptions:
Have an idea you'd like to see played out? Email me.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Make every day beautiful!
Be ready for 2010 with my desk calendar, featuring 12 months of my wedding stationery designs. The cards are professionally printed and proudly displayed in a jewel case, which doubles as a desktop easel display when the cover is flipped over.
You may purchase the calendar with the presentation case for $15, or if you purchased one last year, you have the choice of purchasing a refill pack for $12.
Click here to purchase a 2010 calendar. Shipping is free for a limited time! If you'd like to purchase the refill pack, please email me and I will make a listing for you.
It's a great way to dress up your desk and have I mentioned that they make wonderful gifts?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Have you registered?
This Sunday at Crate and Barrel, one of my favorite stores, and one that everyone should register at, is hosting "A Wedding Party." Here are the details (click on the image to enlarge):
Not all stores are participating, but there are a good amount on the list. Click here to learn more and see the participating stores. For my Columbus brides, the Easton store is on the list. Go check it out.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Featured Testimonial: Terrence!
I worked with Terrence and Sabrina to create boarding passes for their sunset wedding in the Dominican Republic. Their guests will be asked to "Save the Date" with boarding passes customized by the couple!
Most of my reviews come from the bride, but my mailbox was pleasantly filled with the feedback from a groom! Here's what Terrence had to say:
"I am the invisible man you have done such great work for =). Sabrina is still working and has yet to see the finished product BUT with such a well job done, I could not stand to wait to reach out to you =). We appreciate your efforts into making our experience as stress free as possible. With the energy it takes to plan a wedding, this seamless exchange was a breath of fresh air! The work is remarkable and as excited as I am to finally have them in my hands, I am equally ecstatic to mail them out so I can share with my guests. I will forever recommend you to anyone I know and the "nice long testimonial" is on its way =)
No worries Terrence, this is great feedback. Spend your free time finishing up your final details, or just relax! Thank you guys, I look forward to working with you on your invitations. Happy planning!
Monday, October 12, 2009
With this ring...
I love etsy. It's an addiction of mine. I find my evenings spent cozied up in my bed, with my assistant Pete curled up in the crook of my knees. After all, he needs time off too– he works really hard during the day chewing on dingo bones, hunting squirrels and begging for chicken salad sandwiches at his grandpa's house.
Tonight, as he lay snoring under my duvet, I was checking out some different etsy artists that offer custom wedding bands. I fell in love with these VERY personalized rings by Fabuluster.
At first glance, they look like any wedding band. Take them off to reveal your spouse's fingerprint on the inside. To get them, you simply complete a fingerprint impression kit provided by the seller and send it back. Voila!
How special is that? I love it. It doesn't get much more personal and unique than these bands. Click here to view the listing.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Destination Wedding Idea
Wow, this week has gone by fast and I haven't posted since Sunday! It's been a busy week around here: sent out 2 orders, put together a few proofs, met with a bride and on top of that, I am also preparing for the two weddings I will be attending this weekend. Both are friends (and clients!) and I am so excited to see how all their wonderful ideas will come together on their big days. I hope to have some photos to share with you, provided that I can borrow a camera charger...I left mine in Maine and am anxiously awaiting its return.
Now, onto today's post. Because I love all things Weddings, and especially Martha Stewart, I get her daily email with ideas. Today's idea was for destination weddings. I love to work with brides that want something a little different like these luggage tag place cards (click on the link above to go to the project page).
I can't help but think what a great pair they'd make with my Boarding Pass Save the Date. With a simple switch of wording and the addition of an RSVP card, this design can easily be made into an invitation!
Happy planning!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
I'd say "yes" to this dress!
I was looking around tonight at various blogs tonight. One click led to another, and before I knew it--I was looking at wedding dresses by Saja. I was first drawn by their really cute logo, but was really sucked into the AMAZING and simple gowns.
This one is my favorite. Low and behold, it's only $790 (bookmarked!):
They have a Bridesmaid dress in the same style, which I'd actually consider making "the" dress:
If you are looking for a dress or like me, just like to look at dresses, head on over to Saja Wedding and check out their selection.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Henry Photography
Aside from designing wedding stationery, I do many other things. One of them being working with local photographers to design stationery and other materials. Earlier this year, I was contacted by the oh-so-lovely Ashley Henry of Henry Photography. She had a logo and needed all the fixins' to go along with it. She loved the damask pattern and thought it would fit in well with their studio decor. I worked with she and her husband/business partner, Coty, to create business cards, client folders, dvd labels and a notecard set. It was a lot of fun and I love how it all came together. I'm a sucker for branding. Here's how it all turned out (Photo courtesy of Henry Photography):
Please visit Henry Photography's blog to read more. While you are there, check out their beautiful photos.
Ashley and Coty, thank you! I look forward to working with you guys in the future.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
October Calendar is ready to download!
Welcome fall with this desktop calendar, based off of my "Just Berried" invitation!
Click on the link below to download your desktop (a new window will open, either drag it to your desktop or right click and "save image as"):
1024 x 768
1280 x 960
1280 x 1024
1600 x 1200
1680 x 1050
1920 x 1200
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Wedding Shower for Janna
My good friend Marissa is the hostess with the mostest! She put together a bridal shower for our dear friend Janna, who is getting married in a few short weeks. From the drinks, to the food, to the decor and all the details--it was truly amazing. But, if you know Marissa...you really can't expect anything less. :)
Click here to view large.
She found some really cute fabric at Ikea and made it into table runners, then made the invites to match. The rain kept us out of the tents and brought us into Janna's mother's dining room, but we all fit perfectly. She put together an amazing spread of food, complete with pulled pork, grilled brie and apricot preserve sandwiches, red pepper hummus, mozzarella/tomato/basil skewers and my favorite...cupcakes!
Marissa designed a really cute poster filled with each year of Janna's life and asked each guest to place their name (which was written oh-so-pretty on a baby blue flag) into the year of which we first met the bride. Then, we were to write our first memory of Janna on a matching piece of paper. I am sure she loved reading those once all the guests headed home.
For the shower game, because really--what is a shower without a game, there was was a cupcake decorating contest. A table of chocolate and vanilla cupcakes was surrounded by an array of frostings and decorations. Each guest was to decorate one showing how they thought Janna should decorate her wedding cupcakes. Janna chose the winner, who went home with a lovely red journal adorned with the couples initial, "J."The best part was the end of the game, when we all ate our masterpieces.
Thank you Marissa for throwing such a fabulous shower!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Flowers aren't just for bouquets!
I'm not a huge fan of typical "wedding hair." But, maybe it's because I am new to this whole long hair thing. I have no idea what to do with it (other than chop it off an donate it...only 5 more inches to go!) So, I can imagine myself taking the simple route and just sticking something in it and calling it good!
These flowers from Mikiye are beautiful! For an added kick, you could even stick them in "wedding hair." ;)
Check out her shop, she has lots of amazing things to dress up your wedding day.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Cake Toppers
I am going to start sharing things I find through different blogs and on etsy with those of you who are busy planning your wedding. Since I don't have anything of my own to organize, I might as well share with you ladies, right?
I have had "Goose Grease" in my Etsy favorite sellers for a while, and am always checking in to see what cute custom orders she has going on. Like most of my brides, I am not a fan of being traditional. I love the idea of having fun with the cake toppers.
I shared the link with my friend Beth and she had a custom topper made for her big day (which I will try to share more of, because it could have fallen straight out of a spread from Martha Stewart...seriously!) Her groom, and groomsmen, wore seersucker blazers with adorable yellow and blue bowties (Notice the beer they are each holding? Ivan brewed it HIMSELF for their big day!):
She sent her inspiration off to the talented ladies over at Goose Grease and this is what they came up with:
Seriously, how cute is THAT?!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Just another night in the office...
Click here to view large.
I'm winding up the weekend of work with my assistant Pete. Today we mowed the grass, pulled some weeds (why do they always come back?!) and had dinner with the neighbors. It was a perfect weekend. I love this weather, I wish it could always be September--don't you? Tonight, I'm finishing up some quotes, reading through Bride and Bloom and about to enjoy a nice bath to finish my weekend. I am sure Pete will hang out on the bath rug as he always does. He's the best assistant ever! :)