Tuesday, March 30, 2010

True Connection

If I were having an outdoor wedding, I would buy this...you could even hang the top portion over your bed or in a hallway after the wedding.  They make other pretty things out of recycled wood here.

Hornbill Hill Design Studio

more lovely invitations...
you can find Hornbill Hill on etsy

Monday, March 29, 2010

Wedding Inspiration: Color and Invitation

Ok, it's time for some serious inspiration and that's why this week is all about paper!  I tend to love WAY too many styles, so I want to start narrowing down what is going to work for us.  Here are some invitations that I find drool-worthy and just the perfect inspiration pieces.  I also included our colors as a starting point...but if you already saw my bridesmaid's dress post, you'll know that I'm a little stubborn when it comes to picking exact colors and these are just starting out colors, I'll probably use different shades of each.
images are from Oh So Beautiful Paper *the fourth one down is from MS Weddings


























I have to admit, I think these colors are just lovely.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Wedding Inspiration: Save the Dates

Love Love Love these Save the Dates!  I like when people incorporate different materials in their invitations.  This is perfection.




























































Alan Valek via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Thursday, March 25, 2010

jumping out of my rut and into jcrew

I think these photos are just what the doctor ordered...inspiration galore!  I love how they are all very different, but you can still tell that it is JCrew .  I love the typography in each photo as well.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

a little uninspired

I am sorry I have been MIA lately.  I have been extremely busy at work and sick on top of it, blah!  So, I'm going to leave you with a picture Tootsie...I think this will help me get out of my funk.  I mean, how can it not?  Look at that face!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Bridesmaids Dresses

This subject is somewhat touchy for me because for the longest time I have been against putting my besties in matching dresses.  It seems very cookie-cutter to me and more than anything, I want them to be comfortable and I want them to be able to show their wonderful personalities.  So, as it might not be for everyone, I want them to pick their own dress in a shade of green that they prefer.
We will be buying them at the factory/ discount JCrew store in Lynchburg (note to readers-  if you're ever in central Virginia, you HAVE to stop.  All the new items at 75% off).  My bridesmaids gave me a few options they liked and I'm going to have my mom find them there.  And the kicker-  they are only $60!  They all seem to prefer strapless dresses, so I guess we'll have some consistency there.
Here's what we have so far:



















I've done a lot of research on this option and here are some examples that I think work well.  Images courtesy of Lovely Morning (one of my faves)













Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Baby Announcements

I put together an inspiration board for our dear friend's baby announcements.  I'm super excited to design these, but even more excited to meet the little bundle of joy!
































Minted, Oscar and Emma, Paper Source, Hello Lucky

Friday, March 12, 2010

My New Obsession

According to Garance DorĂ© khaki is the new black!  I realize that this color is not that flattering on my pale, fair skin, but I can't help but love the new colors that are going to be invading all of our stores.  Pale pink, beige and light blue.  I want to go shopping right now and buy everything in pale pink.
Here are some of my fave's from Garance DorĂ©.  I especially love the second picture, her coat, dress, hair...pretty much everything!























Thursday, March 11, 2010

Letterpress Class

I have decided to take a letterpress class.  Now, being a graphic designer I can work with my printer to print letterpress, but I want to learn how to do it myself...I take that back, I don't want to, I neeeeed to!  Does anyone know any good classes in the Chicago area?


















Monday, March 8, 2010

Flea Market Finds

I had a great day at the Kane County Flea Market on Sunday.  I had a fantastic day not only because I found some awesome things, but also because I love being around people that treasure these handmade, unique and old items.  I should admit that I also love the KCFM because it is held on the fair grounds where they have 4-H, so above each building it says "horses" or "cows"...which reminds me of being in Kansas, and that always makes me happy.  It's just nice to get away from the daily grind of the city and remember my roots!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Suitor

I wanted to highlight the fabulous work of Suitor.  The owner, Jessica Murnane, designs this impeccable, high-end stationary.  I can't say enough about her work.  I was lucky enough to intern under her and I can say from first hand experience, her work is nothing short of perfection.  The typography and clean design make a great statement.  You can buy Suitor here and at Greer, here in Chicago.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Tea Towels

I mentioned awhile ago that I thought a great gift at a wedding or anything really, would be tea towels with personalized profiles screen printed on them.  Well it looks as though Show Pony beat me to it!  What a wonderful gift!  I love this idea (obvi!), and I have to do it now that I see how darling it is!  Anyone would appreciate a gift like this, right?  They can be purchased here at Show Pony's Etsy site.
Image from Brooklyn Bride.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Wedding Inspiration

I love when people use glass jars and other "found" objects in flower arrangements.  It's an easy way to give a room or table arrangements some charm and add a personal touch.  I love this look so much that I'll be doing this for our wedding reception.  I plan on letting the professionals do some of the larger arrangements, but I'll do the rest.  Here is the beginning of my collection!  Maybe I'll add some ribbon or embellishments to them too!  I put an inspiration board together as well.

 Images from Style Me Pretty

Kiky & Polly

Check out these fantastic (and totally affordable) prints from Kiky & Polly.  I liked the first one so much I had to buy it for our living room.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Our Reception Venue

After lots of research and Saturday morning appointments, we finally found the perfect reception venue!  And it is...drum roll, please!.....Osteria Via Stato!  This restaurant hits everything on our list of musts haves!  It has character, amazing food and the location is great for all of my out of town family and friends.  Most importantly, it is a small, intimate space, which was extremely important to me.  I like weddings to feel close and personal, so this is the perfect place for us.  Also, I'm absolutely obsessed with the big farm tables and the chalkboards!  My list of craft projects is getting longer by the minute!

















Bamboo Drool

 One of our good friends just started her own Etsy site!  All of Bamboo Drool's items are handmade and 100% organic.  Currently, she sells baby blankets, burp cloths and diaper bags.  We recently bought some for a friend that had a baby and they LOVE them.  They are extremely soft, well made and are super cute!  Check out her site here .