A Very Shanks Wedding (details)

I'm pretty sure there is a good chance that y'all might already know my best friend, Lauren.

This photo was taken during my maid on honor speech, maybe right after I mentioned the part about how she used to get dressed in the closet in Shreve. Regardless of her being shy and awkward and first - we sure did end up sisters from another mister and I wouldn't have it any other way. This chick is my best bud. We've been through a lot together, including many car problems. Who would've ever thought some six years ago watching Ice Age on that glorious purple futon that I'd wind up in Nashville and she'd be married and now living in Houston...funny how time changes things.

So, it's about time that I FINALLY got my booty around to posting some of her wedding details. First up, her save the date that was turned into a handy dandy magnet for friends & family to post up on their fridge. Is it weird that mine is still up on my fridge? Okay, it's really not...but it'd be cool if it was. :)

After her save the date's were finished we decided to make a wedding logo to tie everything together.

Lauren created stickers from the logo to place on the isle flower holders and the guests out of town bags.

Which led to her isle runner that I hand painted their logo on. *WARNING* if you're hand painting an isle runner - make sure to not have any type of paper underneath (or if you do, use wax paper). I learned the HARD way that paper (cardboard) doesn't necessarily come off the back of a thin isle runner once the wet paint dries. Whoops. Regardless, the second one that I painted turned out better than the first. You live - you learn.

From there - came the invitation.

Which we spent a lovely whole weekend scoring, cutting, cussing, laughing, enjoying some wine and scoring some more to just make a little dent into the invitations.

Then Lauren and her fabulous mother, Amy - put all of the finishing details. Amy is my second mom and one of the most kind-hearted, caring, loving women I know. Miss you, Amy!!

From there - we have programs. Which, unfortunately you can't get the full effect of the inside when I just slap my design files up here. We created four pages that were saddle stitched and put together to create a unique and lovely keepsake program. I guess I should've done a better job at snapping pictures!

I totally should've done a better job at taking pictures because the menu consisted of three pages: The Meal Options, A Romanian Lord’s Prayer & Norwegian Table Prayer and Order of Events held together by a brad at the top. Google Brad if you don't know him :)

Then, of course, the after-party invitation which was included along in the invitation set that was mailed to guests. I created a 'root beer' bottle with the couple's initials.



 Can we do it all over again!?

Happy Wednesday!!

Hello, Ella.

I've been fortunate enough to really be catching the groove of life lately. But unfortunately, really hasn't allowed me to give this blog the TLC that it deserves.

I've recently started a new job in Nashville that I've truely found my passion and love for design again. Currently, I'm working on the stationery side of the company and have discovered that work doesn't actually have to be work. Along with starting a new job, I've been blessed to be able to work with many wonderful clients - including my brother. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am that he asked ME to design his wedding invitations for his upcoming nuptuials to his beautiful (on the inside and out) fiance, Erin. So - with that being said, no complaints. Well, at least for right now, right mom? :)

When life happens, let it happen - and enjoy the ride along the way. Little Ella's birth announcement is actually long over-due. I'm sure the Holden family has been over-joyed to watch her grow into the beautiful little lady that I'm sure she is. After all, she does take after Rebekah. So, I'm formally welcoming Ella to the blog world.



Old School

Wow! I was just going through some of my old(er) design files and uncovered my old roommate's graduation from Valpo Law invitation. What a weird/good feeling looking back on something from 2009. It's weird to think that just two years ago I was in such a different spot in my life. But, also really good to know how far my design skills have changed and how happy I am to have found a happy little home in Nashville - filled with amazing new friends and my family not being far away.

So - without further rambling - this is Meg's graduation invitation.

Two years can really change a lot - including Megan's last name! Cheers to Sunday!

Pantone's 2011 Color of the Year!

So, yeah - I'm behind on Pantone announcing their big reveal of the 2011 color of the year being Honeysuckle. Fact of the matter is that, eh, honeysuckle really isn't my thing. And yeah, the first time I saw the color, I x'd out of the browser in hopes that another color would pop up (*cough*cough* turquoise). But this past month I've visited pantone.com a few multiple times since then and yes, it's finally growing on me. I don't know if it's the fact that I can smell spring in the air or Honeysuckle is pretty much the love child of coral and pink. Bottom line, I'd just like to apologize to Honeysuckle. Because you know what, you're really not that bad.

Now if I can just get my roommate to let me paint the walls!

TGIF Friends! Make it a good one! I'm hoping to be bringing some cupcake goodness to the blog this weekend. Whoop. Whoop.

Modern Vintage Bridal Shower Invitation

My amazingly, awesome, funny, wing-woman, fabulous friend Mrs. Beavers asked me if I could design a bridal shower invite for her best friend, Emily.

Mrs. Beavers gave me free reign to do whatever I felt like on the invitation. And since I knew that Emily was planning a modern vintage wedding in a rose garden...well, this is what popped into my head. So - to keep cost down - I put two invitations per page and just had them printed at Kinko's on one of their reasonable card stocks. Emily found ivory envelopes to seal the deal. 

What do you think?

Happy Hump Day, Friends!

a e i love u

My great friend, Chera asked me if I would design a black and white invitation set for her upcoming bridal show to promote her amazing catering company - CRAVE.

First, let me tell you about Chera. She's one heck of a lady. Her and I just mesh. She has one of those creative spirits that you just can't help but get inspired when you are around her. She's a great mother to two incredibly cool little girls (they take after their mom). Chera knows catering. Chera knows how to do over-the-top incredible, make you say, "i wish i could do that" events. She's one of those people that can turn something ordinary to extraordinary - and trust me - people think they can do that but not many actually can. I'm excited to watch Chera & Matt's (her husband) catering business grow. I honestly can't say enough good things about them. I'm lucky to have met them both.

This weekend I'm flying to Houston, so I won't be able to see how great the booth came out at the bridal show - but I can't wait to see pictures. I'm sure it will be nothing short of over-the-top, just like Chera. 

Now on to the black and white design set:

First, is the Save The Date. How about the a e i <3 u?

 Second is the menu - take a peek at the food. Yum! So inventive and unique.

 How about placing these on a candy table? cake table? hold them up in a photo booth?

 The invitation. I think the chevron speaks for itself.

 I cut both the "groom" & "bride" out and attached to cute black and white ribbon to hang off the back of the head table chairs.

 Classy black and white thank you cards. Easily re-usable after the wedding.

"table one" is a wine bottle label. We wrapped it around a solid black bottle and had an incredible sleek-ness.

a e i <3 u.

Happy Friday, everyone. Enjoy!

Happy Christmas, Friends.

I posted this quote onto my facebook wall a couple of days ago and I couldn't agree with it more.

"Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with them. - Unknown."

Life is about surrounding yourself with people who make you smile. People who make you burst with happiness. So, this Christmas - find those friends and family...and laugh.