Bridal Expo Chicago

Well we said we would post pictures so we are. We didn't take that many as I had just got my new camera and had no idea how to use it. What am I talking about, I still don't know how to use it. HA!

P.S. This is a glimpse of our new logo. More to come on that in 2011.

PJ and Sarah Rehearsal Dinner Invitation

We had the honor of doing the invitations for Pj (Holly's brother-in-law) and Sarah's rehearsal dinner invitations back in June 2010. For this invitation, Mr. and Mrs. Mazza (Pj's Parents), wanted the invitation to be somewhat masculine and Italian! So we used the Mazza Family Crest as a tag on the front of this black stardream gatefold. We then layered the ecru invitation on red cardstock inside the gatefold. Although not in the picture, we also did computerized calligraphy for the envelope addressing and a custom designed stamp which had the same Mazza Family Crest on it.
Best,
Holly and Kelly

Christmas Holiday Cards

What do you do with your holiday cards? Do you toss them? Do you put them on your fridge or perhaps maybe your mantel? In the Mazza house they go on a window that sits directly behind our kitchen table. (I used to be a fridge person, but now that we have ventured into the world of stainless steel this is a big NO NO in my house.) We display many items here throughout the year such as the preschool art my daughter does, but by far this is our favorite display. My daughter and son will point to pictures all through the holiday season and ask who is who. Who is that pretty girl, is she my friend? Where are my friends? Mommy who is this lady?  I will explain who everyone she asks about is. Maybe it is a college friend, her husband, and a new baby. A colleague, the neighbor. It makes for a great discussion on relationships and how we know people.

On this years window there are two cards made by handmadebypink. Can you spot them? We designed more cards than what I received, thank god! If you would like a custom holiday card for any holiday. Valentines, Easter, Halloween. Heck even Fourth of July. Contact us. We will do it!

Cheers,
Holly

And a picture of our Christmas Tree.

Pantone 2011 Color of the Year

Last week Pantone announced the 2011 Color of the Year - Pantone 18-2120 Honeysuckle.  I love it!  Pantone's Color of the Year declarations truly influence product development in multiple industries - including wedding invitations!

According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®, "...we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues. Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”

Eiseman continues, “The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.”

Sounds wonderful to me!

-Kelly

Simply Stated

For Lauren and Nick's save the date we used an elegant peony in a warm gray color paired with a simple save the date message. Lauren wanted to use the peony as it is a flower she is using in her wedding decor. She likes the design so much, she is contemplating using the same peony for her entire wedding invitation suite. We have used this peony before for a rehearsal dinner invitation so it is very versatile.

If you would like a design similar for your event please contact us!  A special thanks to event/wedding planner Darcey, from Big City Bride, for bringing Lauren and Nick to us. We look forward to working with you to design the wedding invitations.

Monogram + Chicago Skyline Save the Date

We designed a monogram for Kristin and Michael and paired it with the Chicago skyline to create this custom save-the-date for their June, 2011 wedding. In addition, we also used lower case lettering for all the wording that is in script. Just an added element to make it the overall design a little unique.

Thank you to event/wedding planner Darcey from Big City Bride, http://www.bigcitybride.com/ for bringing Kristin and Michael to us. We hope to work with you to design the wedding invitations!

Seed Packet Save the Dates

This project was so fun to work on because we were able to try a few techniques we haven't done before!

Jynx wanted seed packets for her save the dates to go along with her "vegetable" theme.  She sent me some amazing photos for inspiration. The wedding will be held at her aunt and uncle's home in Loveland, Colorado.  

We decided on carrot seeds and created a custom die cut for the seed packet.  The save the dates were printed on ecru linen and finished with a vellum envelope and custom circle address labels.

We can't wait to get started on the invitations!  This is going to be an amazing wedding.
-Kelly

Carrot Seeds?

What does one pound of carrot seeds have to do with one of our favorite save the dates ever? Check back tomorrow and find out.

What a difference a year makes...

Here is a picture comparing my (Holly) holiday card from 2009 to 2010. I remember this time last year all too well. Blake was just about 5 months old and in the midst of all is tummy troubles. He had colic,  milk allergy and reflux. He needed constant care and attention. I was up every 45 minutes to 2 hours. It was brutal. I don't know how I made it through most days. In the photo taken last year he looked as happy as can be. Which he was for about 2 hours a day and if he wasn't throwing up or sleeping. Every time we went to see his gastroenterologist she was like he looks so happy. Lets just say he put on a great show.

Isabella has grown up so much, too. She is turning into a little girl now and moving away from toddler-hood. It makes me so sad but I am thrilled at the same time. Now that she is getting older, I love watching her perform in ballet class and sing Christmas carols. Nothing is better than seeing your child up on stage.

Maybe I will start a new tradition and compare my holiday cards from year to year. Let's see if I remember! I would bet, NOT!

P.S. If you are interested in holiday photo cards similar to these just contact myself or Kelly. We can replicate these or design something unique to your family.

Best,
Holly

Coming soon to a mailbox near you!

Just wanted to give you a preview of 2 of our holiday cards that will be arriving in your mailbox this holiday season. We had the pleasure of doing my (Holly) brother and sister-in-law's holiday card this year. They used a picture that was taken in downtown Chicago on their wedding day. We used this same design for Kelly's sister last year and she too used a wedding photo! We think it is beautiful, and hope you do too.

My holiday card is pretty simple this year. The only embellishment is the crystal that I used for the nose of the reindeer. Every year I think I am going to do an over-the-top holiday card, but I never do. There just isn't enough time! So this will have to do. I am actually quite pleased with it. The photo of my kids was taken by Gretchen Clemens, here in Libertyville, Illinois. She was wonderful to work with and you can find her at http://www.clemenshome.com/ .

More holiday card previews to come. Stay tuned...