No, I’m not sneezing – I just love this color! It’s not ivory, not off-white, not beige – it’s just beautiful ecru and it blends well with rich tones, contrasts beautifully with black (yes, really), and also stands elegantly right on it’s own.
I guess it’s the richness and the vintage flair ecru brings to an event that so fascinates me.
Hope you enjoyed the ecru treat! Happy planning!
There are so many ways to put your personal stamp on your wedding – colors, flowers, food (and favors, of course). One of the most elegant and personal ways, though, seems to have fallen out of vogue. Sophisticated computer programs and high quality printers have replaced the truly personal elegance of calligraphy. Yes, that ancient art of “pretty writing.” Not many people do it anymore. Lord knows I’ve about forgotten how to hand-write altogether! Fortunately I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer, proud proprietress of Calligraphy by Jennifer. She’s been a Fan on our Facebook page for a while, and I’ve really enjoyed seeing her work, so I thought I’d share!
- A sample of Jennifer’s work
Jennifer had an early interest in calligraphy – really early. “When I was younger, my friends and teachers always complimented me on my good penmanship, and I really loved writing and doodling around. I did a calligraphy project for the Beta Club in middle school, but it wasn’t until I got married that I fell back in love with calligraphy, after having my own invitations hand lettered. So with a lot of practice and a few classes, I started my calligraphy business in 2005. Each year I feel I’ve improved my skill, and I strive to develop more fonts and services for my clients. I am very passionate about what I do, and I feel so grateful to work with so many brides and clients nationwide. I wouldn’t change it for the world!”
- Chauncery Italic font in a cream-colored ink
Jennifer’s website has exposed her calligraphy talent to a nationwide audience – she can now boast at least one client in every state! With that kind of exposure, I had to ask – “What’s the most unusual request you’ve ever had?” “I had a client once ask me to write his daughter’s name in calligraphy. I found out he later took it to a tattoo artist and had it tattooed on his back! He even sent me pictures after it was finished!”
- Jen and her husband (shown with some of her work in the background)
With four years’ experience under her petite belt, Jennifer is happy to provide a little advice to brides-to-be. “I strongly recommend brides book calligraphers in advance, like they would any vendor, especially in the prime wedding season (Spring and Summer). I think many brides don’t realize calligraphers book up far in advance. I recommend that once they start to order invitations, go ahead and book then. It is never too early to reserve a good calligrapher, and this will also help the bride-to-be avoid any rush fees by waiting until the last minute. ”
Calligraphed sentiments and table menus add a warm feeling to your tables. Don’t forget that your calligrapher’s talent can add that singular touch to more than just your invitations – think place cards and table menus, too!
When asked if she wanted to add anything else to our little tete-a-tete, I was delighted to hear Jennifer respond, “I just want to add how much I LOVE my job! I have really enjoyed working with clients nationwide and making each one of their weddings special with the added touch of calligraphy! Calligraphy options are truly endless, and I think that is what I love most about my job. I have connected with so many people in the industry, and I love every aspect of the wedding business!”
See more of Jennifer’s handiwork at her website, and be sure to check out her Etiquette section as well. Lots of good tips for brides-to-be!
You remember our new friend Lynsey in North Carolina, don’t you? I mentioned her a few posts back. She’s a big fan of Kate Aspen favors, and she’s a newlywed herself. What’s more, she’s already busy with parties for her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Taylor, and she’s graciously agreed to let us peek in on some of the fun!
A little background about Miss Taylor, the bride-to-be. Taylor and Zach (Lynsey’s brother) met through mutual friends at a dinner in 2007. They hit it off pretty quickly, once they realized they’d both attended the same college in Salisbury, NC, and had actually met before through another mutual friend (friends can be so handy!). Talk about kismet! Two years and one proposal later, Lynsey’s enjoying the parties leading up to the December wedding.
This was an “Around the House” shower, with each guest assigned a particular room . Here’s a pic of the invitation, just the cutest idea! This is an actual photograph of Taylor and Zach holding hands, and you can see her engagement ring – love it!
The hostesses focused on Taylor’s wedding colors of wine and ivory, and the centerpiece of all the fun was the fabulous food!
Bruschetta, meatballs, cheese and crackers, quiches, 7 layer Mexican dip, fruit, sandwich tray, pinwheels, Buffalo chicken dip, oh-so-yum and then there’s the dessert table – super-wow!
Games? They played three – how fun!
Prizes for the games? Cute little scented pillar candles – something everybody loves!
One more clever idea for you - each guest was given a card on which to write a personal message to the bride and groom. Each author designated whether the message was to be opened and read at the wedding, on the honeymoon or on the 1st anniversary. The messages were then sorted and nicely sealed away until their designated “reveal”. How personal and special is that?
According to Lynsey – Taylor received some wonderful gifts for her new life with Zach, but the memories of the friends and the fun were the very best part.
Each special guest was thanked with not one but TWO Kate Aspen favors! Lynsey chose the Love Beyond Measure spoons in the exclusive Kate Aspen personality box that matched Taylor’s lovely wine wedding color. Another clever hostess put her own spin on presentation (and we love it) for the Fall in Love coasters. Lucky guests!
Congratulations again Taylor! We look forward to the details from your Bachelorette party in Charlotte!
Looking for more wedding ideas? Lyndsey Hamilton is an incredibly creative event planner and I’m pretty sure you’ll love browsing through her work. Be sure to check out her blog for inspirational ideas when planning your own wedding. Just click the picture to transport yourself to Lyndsey’s lovely site! Enjoy!
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“She’s getting married! We have to give her The Best Shower Ever!”
Here are five different wedding showers for your Shower Think Tank! 
Sip and Paint – Seems there’s one on every corner these days, usually in a tony little shopping strip, where you can paint on canvas or pottery or even on glassware – and the owner sets the mood for fun! Check out the crafts section of the Yellow Pages to find one. They are happy to accommodate bridal showers – you sip, paint, open gifts and have a ball! Tip: Paint your own invitations – pick up blank craft invitations at Michaels and Hobby Lobby.
Favor Suggestion
Monogrammed Koozie!
Honey-Do - Oh, go ahead – include the guys. A “Honey-Do” shower is a cute take on a Hardware Shower. Be sure your couple is registered at hardware stores, like Home Depot. Look for clever “tool” invitations to set the mood. A backyard barbecue is always good for a “Honey-Do”.
Favor Suggestion
Hot off The Grill!
Recipe – I love this shower! Buy some really cute recipe cards and include them with the invitation. Or put two in the envelope and make one the invitation! Instruct your guests to write out a recipe on the card, then make their gift something that goes along with the recipe – like a favorite salad, coupled with a salad bowl and tongs! Tip: A good game for this shower – The Spice Guessing Game. Fill small bowls with different spices. Give everyone paper and pencil, pass around the spices, and let everyone guess what they are.
Favor Suggestion
Recipe for Love!
Sushi - Depending on where you live, you can do this one in-house from a take-out menu, or go to the Sushi Bar – they’d love to accommodate your group! Use asian-themed invitations and do it up right!
Favor Suggestion
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Double Happiness Bottle Stopper!
Zoo – You’re never to old to enjoy the zoo (or a local museum works just as well). Call your local zoo to get ideas – they are always hosting parties. Use a zoo-themed invitation then go enjoy the lions and the tigers!
Favor Suggestion
Imperial Elephant Tea Light Holder!
Happy Planning!
