Invitation Gallery 2

Here is a second round of sample invitations. This bride-to-be was also looking for the long, layered look, but preferred the vertical style. She was super easy-going and let me create a few different looks while respecting the black, ivory and green theme of colour that she was looking for.

Once again, the first picture shows some samples that I created, while the second shows the invitation that she chose - she just loved the rhinestone detail...and so do I!

Invitation Gallery 1

As I always say, "custom" means unique! Whenever I meet with new clients, I like to get a sense of what they are looking for in their stationery. We discuss colours, themes, styles or pictures that inspire them and so on. When you meet with your stationery designer, it is always helpful to bring with you anything that inspires your style - such as fabric swatches (perhaps the bridesmaids dresses), pictures of your flowers, or stationery that you have found in magazines or on-line that stuck out in your mind.

For my clients, I typically create a few samples based on what we discussed at our first consultation. Then, at our next meeting, we can truly find what the client likes or dislikes from the samples in order to come up with the final design.

The top two pictures show some samples that were created using different colours, fonts and embossed prints, while always sticking to the main colour and style theme of green and silver grey, long and layered invitations. The third picture shows the invitation that the bride-to-be chose in the end for her wedding invitations!

I {heart} shoes!

Although it is not a NEW idea, it is still one that is quite unique...Lately however, I have been hearing a lot of brides-to-be talking about buying bright-coloured shoes! I love this! It is such a cute surprise to see chic, colourful shoes peeking out from a white or ivory dress when walking down the aisle, or to see them in pictures when the bride is seated! It also looks super-cute on bridesmaids when paired with simple black dresses. Unlike most bridal shoes, you will be more likely to wear them again and will be reminded of your special day each time you do. So I say "Go for it ladies!"

Did you know...

Ten Thousand Villages, a Canadian fair trade shop that partners with thousands of talented artisans around the world is now offering GIFT REGISTRIES which can all be done on-line. If you are looking for something truly unique for your home, kitchen or garden, check out their products on-line at www.tenthousandvillages.ca.

It's time...

Well it's officially Spring and time to get fully-emersed in your final plans and decision-making if you're hosting your event this Summer or Fall. Surely, you must have your cake, venue, flowers and photographer, but if there are still some outstanding vendor needs, be sure to check out www.weddingottawa.com - This site has such a comprehensive list in almost every category you need, from caterers and jewelers to flower and dress preservation. You are sure to find what you are looking for.

If you had planned to create some of your own stationery, such as menus, programs, place cards or favour tags, but are running short on time and energy- let me know and I would be happy to help you check these items off your list for you! You can reach me anytime at renee@rwdesign.ca

Happy Planning!

Destination Wedding in Lake Louise

Well it's a rough life, but somebody has to live it! I just returned home from a fabulous week in beautiful Lake Louise and Banff. My brother-in-law got married at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, so I thought I would share some pictures of the gorgeous setting with you. It was a very small and elegant affair and one that I will never forget. They had a harpist play during their ceremony, which took place in front of a grand fireplace on one of the hotel's balconies. The couple wrote their own vows, which I think really personalized the event and gave us a better idea of them as a couple. If you are considering writing your own vows, I highly recommend it!
After taking some pictures outside in the sunshine, we had drinks in the lounge and then dinner in a private room overlooking the frozen lake. One small problem some people have when planning a destination wedding is not being able to decorate the way you could in your home city. However, I really liked how the hotel used ribbon to decorate the table as well as the simplicity of the low vases of red roses wrapped in green leaves. The bride was thrilled with how it all turned out.
It's tough to be back to reality now, I was quite enjoying sipping bubbly in the afternoon! Cheers!

Seriously?

O.K....this may not inspire your event, but can you imagine spending $1 million dollars on a ring? Well, imagine and dream yes, but who really would? Well you're looking at it! What do you think my chances are of convincing Hilary Duff to spend $1 million on her wedding stationery using RWDesign.ca???

Ottawa Wedding Show

If you are or know someone who is planning their wedding, don't miss the Ottawa Wedding Show at Lansdown Park this weekend (March 6th and 7th). Admission is free. What I love about this show is all the ideas you can gather, from table settings to colour combinations. I will not be showcasing at this show, but do contact me if you have any stationery questions...I would be happy to help! renee@rwdesign.ca Their website is: www.ottawaweddingshow.com

Think about your Postage Stamps

You can't go through the trouble of ordering beautiful stationery for your event and then stick any old stamp on the envelope. Canada Post offers many options of images on stamps, however, the most beautiful come from their "Definitives: Flowers" series. This season it features four Canadian Orchids: the Striped Coralroot, Giant Helleborine, Rose Pogonia and Grass Pink. Be sure to ask for these stamps, or go ahead and order them online. They are at no extra cost! Visit: www.http://www.canadapost.ca/shop/personal/postage/domestic/definitives-flowers/p-101346X.jsf

Great Venue in Toronto

I went to a Stag & Doe type reception for a couple who are having a destination wedding and wanted to celebrate with friends and family before they leave. They held this event at Andrew Richard Designs in the Distillery District of downtown Toronto. What an incredible place! The main floor of the building is the showroom for their gorgeous and upscale outdoor furniture, while the upstairs is a white loft area ready to be set up for any event. They use their own outdoor furniture to decorate and accomodate your event and the end result is super chic! Check out these pictures and the website for more ideas. www.ardevents.ca