In 2009, Kelly and James were one of the first couples that I worked with long distance.  It was a learning curve for sure, but it opened the flood gate to many successful destination weddings (including international orders) for Pearl Beach Paperie.  Kelly, thank you for your patience and visionary capabilities to make this a smashing success.

In the long distance designing process, it was crucial for as many wedding details as possible to help me to envision the overall look of their Amelia Island wedding so that I could create an invitation to express the overall feel of the celebration to come to all their friends and family.

Thankfully, Kelly had design ideas in hand and it was just a matter of me being able to translate her ideas into a printed reality.  After a few tries, we nailed it with a duogram that included two kissing sea horses in her fuchsia and navy colors.  We paired the invitation with a coordinating response postcard and carried out the colors into a folding Thank You card.

The personal touches of this wedding were many and well thought out.  Enjoy the photos from Sara D Harper!  They are beautiful!  It is no wonder why they were highlighted on Southern Weddings website.

The photos include honoring their late grandmothers.  Kelly's late grandmother was celebrated with flower orbs on shepherds hooks that lined the entrance of the ceremony aisle in honor of her favorite bible verse, "The Lord is my Shepherd."  James' late grandmother was remembered with lottery scratch off favors.  She had won the Florida lottery and would always include scratch off tickets in every birthday card she would give.  Both ideas were sentimental and sweet.

Other great details include the platters of James' favorite dessert, Krispy Kreme donuts as the groom's cake; their signature drink called a "Farmerita" (their last name is Farmer); a photo book created from their engagement photos that doubled as their guest book; a basket of color coordinated flip-flops for those with tired feet to dance the night away and the programs where they utilized the duogram that I created for them.

We all know I am a sucker for beach weddings and this is one to remember!  Happy Anniversary Kelly & James!

With the release of iPhone 4, I thought I would do a little digging on available wedding Apps.  The perfect place to start is on my very own iPhone 4!  PS...it's fabulous!
 
I had a moment of downtime and let my fingers do the walking for you.  Below you will see my findings to help you decide what you might want to download from iTunes.

The first App that came up, oddly enough, was Wedding Dash ($4.99) and Wedding Dash Lite (free version), a cartoony game that assist fictitious wedding couples in selecting details from cakes to flowers.  I thought who would want to "play" wedding planning, but in reading tons of reviews, apparently lots of people are playing and loving it.  I would suggest the free lite version before committing to the full game.

The familiar wedding brand, The Knot presents a couple of Apps - Wedding Dress Look Book, which has actual gown photos and Wedding 911 by The Knot, this is an on-the-go source for the busy bride.  There were mixed reviews for both Apps.  The wedding dress App is not the only one on the market, but a free App that lists stores that carry the specific dresses and give you options to narrow your search by style, shape and price.  I found a 13-year old girl's review where she dreamed of love, marriage and choosing a beautiful gown to be endearing.  Wedding 911 offers etiquette advice and message boards for fellow brides to share their thoughts.  However, I did read that someone wished the App had a fee to avoid non-wedding posts.

Wedding Wire is free and can link to your online account to make it a pocket guide of over 100,000 local wedding vendors (including PBP), checklists, budgets, reviews of vendors from real brides and a countdown clock.  It is also linked to Martha Stewart's wedding guide! Reviews of the App stated there were still a few kinks in the programming to be worked out with the phone version, though it is said that the updates should be able to fix the issues.

My Wedding Concierge is another free App where you can search and create lists of vendors as well as assemble your bridal party list.  There were mixed reviews of this App with reports of it continually crashing and that vendors have to pay extra to be a part of the list, so the list is not complete or extensive.  It seems there are other free Apps that are better to keep track of your wedding details.

Wedding Videos: Tips & Ideas is a free source for videos with advice about choosing your dress, flowers, makeup application and even celebrity weddings (including Demi and Ashton).  This App received 2 Stars, but I couldn't access reviews on my iPhone.  It seems you might be able to find many of the same videos on You Tube that comes pre-installed on the iPhone.

Wedding Timeline is free and just came out last week!  It allows the type-A bride to create a timeline of the wedding day to share with vendors, bridal party, and etc. with push notifications or emails with Excel attachments.  It also syncs with the website version.  This is a great idea for a bride that can't afford a planner to keep her and the event on track.  It even tells you how to get back on track if you run behind schedule.  Even though it is new to the App world, all the reviews look positive.

iBride Wedding Planner is the last App I researched and it was a disappointing ending.  It seems similar to other programs with its vendor search, but the reviews say that it is limited to certain cities and has some technical hiccups that are frustrating.

In my research, I did find that only about a fourth of the wedding apps that are available on the iTunes came up in my search on my iPhone.  This might have been okay because it did weed out so-called wedding Apps, that had little to do with weddings, but it excluded such heavy hitters as Tiffany & Co. (to assist you in selecting the perfect engagement ring) and Vera Wang (to choose the perfect dress).  So, be sure to check out the full App store if you want to view all your options!  Happy shopping and if you know of other wedding Apps out there that you love or hate - let us know!

Kimberly & Michael from Renaissance Studios on Vimeo.

I try not to take calls when I am on vacation, but my gut told me to take a call last summer.  I was in the middle of nowhere on a road trip to Washington, D.C., when I chatted with Kimberly for the first time.  There was desperation in her voice (more later) mixed with a certainty of what she wanted.  We set a time and place to meet the morning I returned.

In walked a couple with huge smiles plastered on their faces to match their hearts and personalities.  In getting to know them and their plans for their wedding, I came to discover they had tried to buy their invitations from the same place they purchased their save the dates, but were having such a horrible experience that they walked out and it left the bride in tears (hence the desperation).

I also came to find out the other retailer explained they could make no changes other than the text to the sample.  Being a designer, Michael was not okay with that and was good to question the process, since that was not the case.  I'm never happy to hear anyone dissatisfied with the service they receive.  Planning a wedding should be fun and exciting - not stressful and disappointing.

My heart hurt hearing their woes and I set out to help.  They chose a layered invite with a flat ribbon (no bows for this couple!), Swarovski crystal and staggered inserts including a colorful response postcard to match the colorful envelope. Speaking of envelopes, they even sent the President and First Lady an invite to the BIG event!  We created a custom monogram to fit the occasion as well.

As I met with Kim to help her stuff, seal and stamp her invitations - I found out they had another setback on their road to marriage.  Just weeks before their wedding, their planner backed out of their celebration.  Not ideal, but the show must go on...and so it did!

For those of you who read my blog, I did a posting on engagement photos showing the playful side of this couple.  For the wedding, you still see their fun and easy-going side with their great entrance into the ceremony, but you also get to see the sentimental, romantic and loving side.

It was a beautiful day in Panama City - picture perfect for an equally fitting wedding.  As Florida is prone to expect, rain poured down later that evening, but the bad weather did not dampen this outgoing crowd or the love they were there to celebrate.

Enjoy photos from the fabulous ladies of Vue Photography and video from Renaissance Studios of what seemed to be the wedding not to be missed! Check out the personal touches that really make a wedding memorable and a sensible and stylish bride in Swarovski flip flops - a girl out for my own heart!

1.    Do your research.  It is okay to shop around for different options, packages, prices and services, but some times cheaper does not always mean better.  When it comes down to it you might consider your gut feeling to make your final decision.  For me, I know when I make a decision where my gut kicks in and I ignore it, whatever it is, I always end up making the wrong choice.  Remember when comparing prices and services, to also consider what you are getting for the cost.  I'm a firm believer that customer service is #1, sadly not every business out there operates with that in mind. (I was at the grocery store this morning and the cashier barely spoke two words to me and what was said was barked at me - not how I planned to start off my day and might make the difference of whether I return there to shop.)  Sometimes quality service costs extra, but worthwhile to know someone is available to ask questions, give suggestions, bounce ideas off of or just take good care of you and your event.  Read between the lines and look for the best product and/or service available for the best cost that suits you and your budget.  In the long run, you will be happy you did.

2.    Know your stuff.  Be sure to have some ideas or vision to bring to the table. Believe me, vendors like when a client has some ideas to get them kick started.  I personally love when a client has begun the event planning process - knows colors, location, style, etc.  You don't have to know EXACTLY what you want (and probably better if you don't or aren't willing to budge - we like to bring creativity to the table too) but every little bit helps.  I find inspiration in just about anything - pictures of the dress, location décor, architecture, engagement stories, etc.  The more I get to know you, the better I am able to fit your style.  If you come to the table with very little in terms of ideas, we will be left to flounder a bit and the entire process typically takes much longer.

3.  Trust your vendors.  This may seem like a given, but you would be surprised how many stories I hear about clients micromanaging their chosen vendors.  I understand your event is extremely important to you - and it is to us as well.  The bad news is the more you call and email your vendor (like 20 times a day when you could combine the emails into 1 per day or writing a book that has to be read over and over to fully understand or know how to respond), the more you will wear them down and the less likely they will be more attentive to you and your event.  Sad, but usually true.  As much as vendors want you to feel as if you are their only client, if you were, they wouldn't be in business much longer.  Remember when I spoke about with you get what you pay for - this service is part of the cost too.  The final price you pay also has to pay for the vendor's time to respond to you and time they work on your event - whether it is a face-to-face or phone meeting as well as the time they work on it while not in direct contact with you.  For me that might be assisting you with wording, design & production time in addition to meetings, emails and pricing - just to name a few.

4.  Respect and honesty.  I approach business as a partnership or friendship.  That starts with the no pressure sales meetings - often at Starbucks.  Its friends talking paper and printing over coffee - not your typical retail experience.  Respect starts from the moment of first contact.  One complaint I've heard is clients treating the vendor as a hired hand and not an equal. Not only is that not nice, but vendors may choose to not work with you or have very little contact with you, which is not good for either party.  Arriving for meetings on time or calling if you are running late is a sign of respect for the vendors' time.  A vendor should be an expert in their field (if not - do not consider them), trust the recommendations and suggestions are to help you either in creativity or budget to add something special or unique to your event.  Honesty is crucial.  If you have a budget in mind and don't inform the vendor, they will have no frame of reference where to start the process with you.  I understand there are dishonest people that want to take you for every penny, but most vendors (myself included) want to make sure you get the best product or service for the amount of money you want to spend.  I am not in business to bankrupt you and do not want to show you something beyond your budget so that you fall in love with it and hate me for it afterwards or the opposite present you with an invitation that does not fit the event (i.e. a postcard invitation for a Ritz-Carlton wedding). If you honestly do not know or don't have a budget in place, talking it out with the vendor prior to viewing or discussing details is best.  You don't want to get too far into the process and it gets too hard to go back or too late in the game to make changes.

5.  Communication.  Clear and precise communication is a MUST.  If a question is asked of you, surely there is a reason.  Answering questions (whether in person, by phone or email) helps us to do our jobs.  If you don't answer the first time, we will have to ask again and that is not good use of any one's time.  Don't be afraid to ask questions I am a HUGE fan of email.  I am pretty quick to respond and can answer even when on the go.  But if you don't have the time to respond with detailed info, wait until you do.  No need to rush or give incomplete information by texting or sending one line emails from your phone other to say you have received it and will respond when you have the time.  Plus, it is a great way to keep records of conversations, changes, etc.  I know my memory is not the best and this is a good solution for people like myself.    Just as communication is important with the vendors you hire, it is also appreciated with the vendors you have decided against.  No one likes to be hung out to dry - so if you have already decided to go with another vendor the and email with this information is appreciated.  No vendor should take it personal and if they are professional, they will thank you for the notice rather than leaving a gaping question mark.

When it comes down to it common courtesies are also welcome - in a world like stationery that requires a bit of etiquette knowledge, I do my best to be professional and attentive.  The pairing of the two, leads to a successful working relationship that will hopefully last beyond your event.  If you keep these tips in mind throughout your planning process, you'll be jumping for joy in the end!

This couple is very near and dear to my heart.  They were one of my very first clients and I'm not sure why it took me so long to showcase them other than being afraid of not doing them justice.

They are one of the most genuine, witty and loving couples I have had the pleasure of meeting and I now proudly call them my friends.  They simply make each other sparkle.

If I remember correctly, I met Jamee first at her wedding planner's office where she was leafing through books of invitations.  She exclaimed loud and proud that she had found it - the one - her wedding invitation.  When the planner caught a glimpse of the cowboy lassoing a bride (for the record, not one of my invitations), a look of fright came across her face as Jamee busted out laughing.  I knew from that moment on we would become fast friends.

Our next couple of meetings, sans cowboy and lasso, was over coffee laughing and enjoying building their invitation to their specifications.  I remember Gilbert saying my invitation options were so great.    They had numerous friends getting married and wanted their invitation to stand out from the rest as well as reflect their tastes.

What they chose was an elegant layered invitation in espresso and tiffany blue.  A simply monogram sat atop each piece in a clean and understated manner, much like the couple.  It was encased in a tiffany blue envelope lined in espresso...a perfect package!

They also printed lovely note cards, menus, welcome packets and programs to tie the whole project together.

Something that is often not considered into the timing of invitations is the time it might take to stuff, seal and stamp the suite to prepare for mailing.  What might take a seasoned pro like myself an hour, might take you half a day or longer.  Make sure you have all the pieces you need including stamps and an envelope sealer before you start. (more tips in future blog postings)
 
It might help to gather wedding party members to assist you as well...unless you are Jamee and want to shoulder all the work yourself.  I LOVE these pictures of a well thought out plan!

Enjoy a few photos of Jamee and Gilberts wedding celebration, courtesy of Sandra Johnson Photography.  They had so many meaningful and sentimental moments they shared together as well as with their family and friends.  Their attention to detail and thoughtfulness of their guests was unbelievable!

That was not only for their wedding but also for Jamee's birthday celebration the following year.  I had the pleasure of creating the fun pink and black pocket damask invitation.  The invitation feel and design was translated into the décor as well.  We had the pleasure of working closely with the fabulous Flourish Productions.  They also paired with Jamee and Gilbert to do their wedding décor.

Sadly, the weather created a change of location for the birthday party, but it did not dampen the festive mood and party atmosphere.
 
We have worked together on Jamee's sister's baby shower invitation.  It was a layered elegant piece we created with a little help from Sarah Hanna Calligraphy & Design.

Most recently we have lent a hand in creating a logo and brochure as branding for a startup organization called New Books for Newborns.  It is a organization that Jamee started to supply books for moms in need to read with and to their children to promote literacy from the time a child opens its eyes for the first time.
It is not surprising that Jamee was voted Teacher of the Year last year and that she gets her students involved in such socially conscious efforts.

If you can't tell, I'm in awe of this wonderful couple's life - personally and professionally.
 
As Jamee likes to leave people with great quotes...I leave you with this thought... "Happiness is time spent with a friend and looking forward to sharing time with them again." - Lee Wilkinson