Congratulations On Your Engagement!

Holidays are a joyous time especially if you received something a little extra in your Christmas stocking. How excited and overjoyed you must be; and I bet you're beyond thrilled to get started on your planning.

From a wedding planners' point of view and not so much an invitation designer, I would suggest first of course sharing your good news with your loved ones, those who were not there to witness the momentous occasion. Then secondly, purchasing a special notebook to jot down your ideas of what you had originally wanted for your wedding day; you know what you wanted when you were younger. Then compile a second list, with modern ideas and designs that mesh both you and your fiance's personalities.

The important thing is not to dive in head first. Try to not become consumed with magazines; or TV wedding shows; or other people's ideas of how your wedding should be. Take some time and revel in this moment because it is truly a wonderful experience.

Congratulations to you!

Lisa

Dream Concept: A Suite 16

Sometimes all you need is a concept and a dream.

I can’t ever walk into a paper store with a list and come out with exactly what’s on that list. For me; in no way does this ever happen. It’s what’s on the list, and a few extra samples of eye candy to take me over my already hefty budget.

For the last 3 weeks I’ve been working to sharpen my design skills; with creating the holiday card line as well as a few invitations. Recently I had a desire to create an invitation for a Sweet Sixteen. I wasn’t sure which direction I was going in, so I started with a traditional design. But then I realized; this is truly a different age, and a different time. The girls of yesteryear are not the same as the girls today. I knew I had to come with my egg game.

Here’s what I started with:

Here’s the end result:

The intent was to still have the soft around the edges Sweet Sixteen appeal with the colors of aqua, blush, and ivory. I incorporated a brocade design stock layered with ivory crest stock on top, and double face satin ribbon. The edge added was the heels and the overall style and layout of the invitation; which I love.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Xoxo,

Lisa

Images: My Blackberry

Note: This is out first boxed style invitation, as well as our first invite under the Suite 16 brand.

Following My Dream

Most people don't know this about me, but I was hired by Hallmark greeting cards in the March of 2000. However, I turned it down when I found out that I was pregnant with my son Ryan. You see, I loved writing and everything that hallmark greeting cards were about; but not enough to move away from my support system of family and friends to Kansas City, Missouri. What I know is that most people don't get to follow their dreams for reasons only their own. And for a long time I put off my own dream of becoming a designer. It was fear and doubt of not being accepted or liked, and the unknown.

I've always had a love for paper even before I knew "it" was love. Long before the passion of event planning existed, there was an absolute love for everything connected to paper.

For years I had a component of paper designs (Dreams & Keepsakes) under the umbrella of my event planning company (2003). It was the perfect place to hide I thought. As a result, the desire and the love for paper began to dwindle. Truth be told, I was okay with it because I was focusing on building my event planning business.

Moving forward to 2009; the clients that I assisted in planning their weddings and special events wanted something different and unique in paper. Before I knew it, I was producing detailed and intricate designs in paper for them. Since then, I have been designing, sharpening, and honing my skills by producing designs for colleagues, non for profits, and friends. It has been an exciting journey. Some of those past experiences I will share with you on the blog.

In May of 2010, I took a huge step in FAITH and separated the paper from my event planning company; and Paper Dreams & Keepsakes, LLC. was born. This has been and continues to be an exhilarating experience for me, and for those who I was able to take from a dream concept, to a design, to a keepsake as well.

I thank my family, friends, and colleagues for your prayers, feedback, and support. They all have gotten me this far. Please don’t stop, for my journey is truly beginning now.

Xoxo,

Lisa

Real or Not Real?

{Photo: Vaughn Freeman's Visual Mystique Studios}

That is the question.

This bouquet was created for a Thanksgiving windowscape that I designed last year. The theme was A Harvest of Love. I used colors (burgundy, brown, burnt orange, and ivory) tp provoke feelings of warmth and comfort. Just like those good feelings that we normally experience that time of year. The bouquet was created with with 18 calla lilies, and trimmed with berries. Wrapped with ivory double-faced satin ribbon, and accented with buttercup satin ribbon to create a wow factor.

Do you think this bouquet is made of real or silk flowers?

XOXO

Lisa

Sneak Peak: Evola's Elements

{Image: Vaughn Freeman's Visual Mystique Studios}

Here are a few of the custom designs that I created for Evola's big day pictured above. She and Ralph were joined together on June 26, 2010 in a beautiful ceremony in the Bronx, NY. As you can see, her color palette consisted of Ivory, Gold, and what you can't see, Mauve (a pinkish hue).

During the design process, much of my inspiration came from her fairytale vision, and the chic-modern way the industry was turning. It seemed with each element that I stepped into to create, I was guided and overwhelmed with a sense of something bigger than I. As I presented Evola with each element of design, she was amazed as her plans began to take shape and become a reality. From her invitations to her wedding programs, she was delighted and excited, and I was too. But nothing compared to the "day of" when all the elements came together, and exploded with a "wow factor".

I look forward to sharing these moments with you as they unfold.


Custom designs of Paper Dreams & Keepsakes, LLC.: Silk Floral Bouquet, Invitation, and Ring Pillow


XOXO's

Lisa

Evola's Gold & Ivory Invitation

{Image: Vaughn Freeman Photography}

I must admit, I had fun with this one. Not to mention, this is the first wedding invitation to come from under the Paper Dreams & Keepsakes, LLC family, Offically. The Bride expressed to me her dream of wanting to feel like a princess. She wanted a castle and she wanted a romantic feel to it.

This Golden pocket fold consist of double layer custom cut stock cards (bottom: ivory with gold rose print. Top: ivory with black print), and a translucent ivory overlay, and mauve crystal centered underneath. Detailed with an RSVP and reception cards. I have only one professional photo so far, but I promise, more is soon to come.

More details on this invite and other dreamy things Soon to Come!

XOXO

Lisa