Nothing is more UNIQUE than custom-made stationery!
www.rwdesign.ca

Friday, August 27, 2010

Fall Wedding Ideas




It's my favourite time of year...Autumn! With the cool evenings, changing colours and giving thanks, what could be better? This is also a great time of year to get married - play up the deep, bright colours around you, make it a masquerade ball or become one with nature.

I found the above inspiration boards on a number of sites (I've checked out so many I forgotten which is which!) I love the idea of homemade pies (think apple, pumpkin and sugar) as well as using pinecones or apples as place card holders.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

New baby boy



Here are the final baby announcement cards going out for baby Kyson. New mom Sarah just couldn't choose between papers and asked instead that I make an assortment for her. All of the announcement cards have the textured deep brown linen as a first layer, and the shimmery ivory paper as the final layer with print, but the second layer is unique to all. It was so much fun doing them this way - thanks Sarah!

The lightweight magnets I adhered to the back of each will make it easy for family and friends to put Kyson right up on their fridge for everyone to see. What a cute little monkey...

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Event Stationery Gallery 1 1/2!






I have already posted the samples I made for Kellye and Sean's wedding, but wanted to post the final versions of the wedding stationery that were shipped off to Toronto this morning. I just love the crisp vibrant blue and black printing together on the Table Number & Menu cards. They are having two of these tent-folded cards at each of their reception tables. The seating chart is a 18" x 24" poster and will fit into a black frame with glass that they purchased at Michaels (I can't wait to see this put together). They asked for special place cards for both sets of parents only, to ensure that they had the best seats at their respective tables (so thoughtful!)

How elegant does it look when all of your stationery matches? I believe that they will be having blue and purple orchids as flowers, so I can just imagine how it will all come together...looking forward to seeing this! It is not always easy to work with a couple long-distance, but I am thrilled with how everything turned out. Best wishes to the happy couple as they count down to their Big Day in just a few weeks!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Cakes to die for!




If you're stuck for an idea for a one-of-a-kind cake, there is no shortage of inspiration at Magpie's Cake. OMG - these are some of the most gorgeous and lust-worthy creations I've seen in a while. Look at the ruffled layers, it looks just like a gown. I guess it should come as no surprise then that the designer has a background in ballet...but how does she do it?!!

Unfortunately, the bakery is in Washington, D.C., but the photos in her gallery can be used as inspiration when consulting with your designer. You know I love to support the home based business, so I always recommend Fab Cakes by Jessica, who is here in Ottawa and I have worked with twice. She's very creative, accommodating and has no problem with you bringing in pictures of what you like and don't like. (And her cupcakes are heavenly!) She offers delivery service to your venue in the Ottawa area as well (or beyond for an added charge). I bet she'd know just how to create those luscious, frilly layers above!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Wall Art Inspiration




I can remember, not too long ago now, that the only wall art/stickers you could get for your home were of Disney characters for your toddler's room or under the sea creatures for your bathroom. It is incredible the selection out there today and that you can find wall art and stickers everywhere (even at the Dollar Store).

I thought I'd give it a try since I out-grew my old home office and have moved into another room (Thank you Rob). It's fun because I get to decorate and design all over again (Thanks again Rob!) I purchased my two vinyl sticker images (see picture above of the quote and long stems) through Stampin Up Canada. They were surprisingly easy to stick up, but they can't be moved - once they're up, they're up! So you best be picking your wall space wisely!

If you're looking for a more permanent look, murals continue to be a popular choice (especially in baby and children's rooms). I wanted to share a picture of my cousin's nursery for his newborn daughter, Ellie. My godmother actually did the mural painting herself (she is incredibly creative and talented woman). I just think the Japanese blossoms are so different and that it looks stunning on the wall...I also love the mini chandelier above the crib (can you see it?)

I must have babies on the brain today, so I thought I better post a baby boy's nursery too! I love, love, love the dropped mouldings to featured a design border around the room. They too used Stampin Up vinyl art called "Spot On II" (there's a "Spot On I" for girls with pink, green and brown circles too).

I'm feeling so inspired! Is it ok to just go ahead and decorate a nursery if you're not expecting? hmmmmmm...

Baby Announcement Gallery 1



Hooray - I am so excited to be creating a baby announcement. I know I need to be patient and remember that first comes love, then comes marriage, and then...well you know the rest! But there is something so special (and a little less stressful) about putting this kind of custom stationery together. I remember being a bride myself and worrying about the budget and obsessing over minute details and timelines...it can be a stressful time, if you let it. But new parents are in a whole new mind set altogether, aren't they? (I think it's been called "survival!") Anyway, I just love the natural pose in the picture of little baby Kyson - what a cutie! Who wouldn't want to show him off to family and friends.

I put together the above samples with paper I had in stock, and am not sure how I feel about the thick brown ribbon...I definitely favour the simplicity of the brown textured cardstock announcement, but I may add another layer to it (and I'll post any changes). I'll also be adding a small magnet to the back so that the recipients can admire him on their fridge.

Oooooooo...I could just smoosh his little cheeks!!!

Friday, August 13, 2010

The minimalist bride





This is such a great time of year for inspiration as many celebs tie the knot. It is remarkable how simple Alicia Keys wedding decor was when she married Swizz Beatz in Corsica. Bright red table linens, gold chairs and place settings and tall glass candelabras. To be fair, it was an outdoor reception around an infinity pool beside the Mediterranean Sea! What more could you want or need?

Alicia also wore a diamond head piece that was originally a choker necklace. She looked like Princess Jasmine (so beautiful, but definitely not a look that anyone can pull off!)

I attended a wedding a few years ago that used very similar decor (see pics above). The tall candelabras are a great choice as guests aren't forced to look over or around a large centrepiece to speak to each other. They are certainly a cheaper alternative to floral pieces and many reception venues offer these type of centrepieces in their packages, so don't be too quick to discount them!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

What about the Music?




I've got some extra spring in my step today, despite the rain, thanks to last night's Michael Buble concert. He is just so darn cute and seems to wear his emotions on his sleeve...I could just nibble those ears of his...oops...Too much information?!!! Besides the looks, he truly is an incredible talent that can have you jumping up on your feet one minute, and near tears the next. I was reminded why my husband and I chose to play his music exclusively throughout the cocktails and dinner portion of our own wedding reception. He is one of those musicians who is appreciated and loved by all ages.

Music is a very important element of your event, and must be considered well ahead of time. This is also one of those tasks that the gentlemen especially like to get involved in - so bring it up soon!

The top ten first dance songs (from AOL online) haven't changed in a while, but here they are:

10.'Everything I Do (I Do It for You)' by Bryan Adams
9. 'Wonderful Tonight' by Eric Clapton
8. 'At Last' by Etta James
7. 'Bless the Broken Road' by Rascal Flatts
6. 'Open Arms' by Journey
5. 'Valentine' by Jim Brickman & Martina McBride
4. 'I Finally Found Someone' by Bryan Adams & Barbra Streisand
3. 'Don't Know Much' by Aaron Neville & Linda Ronstadt
2. 'Faithfully' by Journey
1. 'Unchained Melody' by The Righteous Brothers

These are all beautiful, and some dramatic, choices...but here are a few more that I just love:

"The Way You Look Tonight" Michael Buble (cover) or "Everything" (more upbeat but sweet)

"Close to You" The Carpenters - cute, many versions available

"More Than Love" Los Lonely Boys - beautiful lyrics

"Your Song" Ewan Mcgregor (version from Moulin Rouge) - dramatic & emotional

"Take Me the Way I Am" Ingrid Michaelson - love her voice, fun lyrics

"And I Love you So" Don McLean - classic, sweet melody & lyrics

I should stop there but I hope these inspire you to look up some more. Let me know of any truly outstanding ones to share with everyone!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Cherish your girls!


I just came home from a fantastic week in Toronto and Hamilton with two of my closest girlfriends and am feeling reflective (and a little sad to be back to reality)! Maybe more so since I had to rush home for a funeral...but I am remembering the summer of my wedding and how every time I got together with my girls, I put them to work! It's so important, you bride-to-bes out there, to spend quality time with your girls and separate it from YOUR event. Make a date all about the two of you (or three or four of you) watching cheesy movies, mixing fun drinks or practicing your best American Idol karaoke. Just be sure that your ladies know how much you appreciate them, and not just because they tie great bows and have perfect handwriting!!!

Love to my favourite girls today - xoxo

Monday, August 2, 2010

Lots of White for Chelsea



So some pictures have been released of the much-anticipated Chelsea Clinton wedding and it would appear as though she is a big fan of WHITE! Check out the simplicity of her ceremony, yet how elegant it all looks together: white chairs (no aisle decorations) white runner (no trim or details) and of course her all-white bouquet.

I would love to see how the reception tables were decorated - let me know if you spot any pictures out there...