Jennifer James of Two Paper Dolls designed the below Save the Date for her sibling. With the perfect inside scoop Jennifer was able to create a colorful and detailed tale of how Kelly and Clayton met and set a date. The graphic ensemble is full of wit and charm and is a true typographical treasure.

This reminded me of Jill & Matt’s wedding invitation which also told a great story through type, see here.

spotted on For Print Only

I am already obsessed with fabric banners so I find this homemade handkerchief banner absolutely darling! The below couple purchased handkerchiefs at a local flea and tied them together and to poles for their engagement shoot. Not only is this idea beautiful but it could also have more meaning, one could ask family members for old hankies to make a banner of history or a hankie banner would be great for a bridal shower and afterward each guest could untie a hankie and take it home as a favor. Dainty and unique any way you tie it.

see more of Danni & Nick’s engagement shoot on 100layercake.com

Inspired Goodness is spreading their love this Valentine’s Day… they are reaching out to all engaged NYC couples and offering a contest to win free wedding event design services. This includes the works: planning, paper goods, day of materials, and the benefit of having professionals coordinate the whole vision come to life leading up to and the day off.  Wedding contenders must be in NYC and fall between Aug. 1st 2010 and Dec. 15th 2010. Hurry and share your story on their blog here, the contest ends Friday, February 12 at midnight EST. Winner will be announced on their blog Monday, February 15. Best of luck to you!

on what to do with your hair at a wedding?  Take this clever idea from my friend Shannon and let the straps of your dress serve double duty as a headband. Perfect for a bridesmaid that wants to keep her hair in place all day. Shannon’s up-do was created by Cristen Tucci of Nicolo Inc, Melrose Ma.

This Thursday, November 12th, 6-8pm at Judy Paulen Designs, Ltd. Bloomingdale’s 59th Street, 6th Floor Stationery Department.

Trish Kinsella, founder and president of Dauphine Press will be on hand to give helpful tips and advice on ordering your ideal wedding stationery. Preview their new eco-chic letterpress collection, Coral. And receive discounts and sweet rewards on your any wedding invitation order placed before November 30th. For further details call 212.705.2833 .

I am just drooling over these vintage posters by Chicago based artist Alexander Doll. At first glance they are simply beautiful illustrations, however what makes them so fabulous is that they are actually personalized!  What a fantastic way to commemorate your wedding day, a special celebration, love for a location, or a memorable vacation. Customizable by color, the artwork is available as a poster, Save the Date postcards, magnets, and thank you cards. They even have an online gift registry available. Come up with your own idea and the artist will create from scratch.  The possibilities are endless and admirable.  My only question is who I should gift it to first?!?

Framed prints 18″ x 24″ $250 and 24″ x 36″ for $400

Classic Signing system 24″ x 36″ $425

www.customalexander.com

The below stationery was a gift to my friends that recently got married.  The cards were offset printed by Masterpiece Printers and the envelopes purchased from Paper Presentation.  I found a blind embosser online from Horchow and hand stamped the envelopes gifting them the embosser with the stationery.  Embossers are a great gift for any new couple or home owner: it saves the money of having a return address printed, they can be used again and again and the look is clean, sophisticated and will never go out of stationery style.

Return address altered for privacy.

A hand written thank you note is dreaded by almost everyone, especially in large quantities. Mistakes are almost guaranteed and with white-out taboo, one is left with very little option for retraction or the addition of something forgotten. My mother always taught me to draft something to say before picking up the pen and as much as I don’t like to spend the extra time, this method works.

Couples have asked me what they should write; my advice is to make it as personal as possible. So when you are thanking someone for a gravy boat, throw in that you can’t wait to use it at your next Thanksgiving dinner or say the check they sent will go toward buying a house or your new refrigerator, etc. Show that the gift is appreciated and useful. Now if someone sent something you already own, but they live far away they need not know if you exchange it. If it comes from the bride or groom’s family you should keep it, unless they say for you to exchange it. And, if the person lives close by and would probably notice the absence of their gift in your home, kindly thank them for the gift but say because you already have one you were able to exchange it for something you had been eyeing for a long time. Thank yous should be sent either immediately after receiving a gift or within the next 3 months.

I am obsessed with wineries so when I saw this wedding on The Inspired Bride today, I just had to share. An intimate affair held at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, California. Couple Meridith & Colin let their ceremony site speak for itself, adding just a touch of delightful detail. Shades of green, chocolate and ivory carry you through the gorgeous grape harvest ceremony to the wine cellar reception. This fine day included not only vino but a mixture of moss, mustaches, and music. Some of the treasures included champagne corks made into holders for the calligraphed placecards, stone-like ceramic tiles for guests to sign and write messages on, which will be used for a tabletop in the couple’s wine cellar later, and a custom made chalkboard menu from the bride’s father.  See and read more: inspiredbride.net

photos taken by Leigh Miller

Take a cue from the ’40s and ’50s with vintage inspired lace, silk and layered wedding dresses by Katie Jean. Utterly romantic and feminine, no two are made alike; completely customizable by color, length, fabric and layer.  Prices range from $275-$425, available on ktjean etsy.com.

Photo taken by Stephanie DeSaga

Stacie & Geoff: butterfly kisses, swinging, and sweet sounds on a sunny day make for a beautiful engagement shoot taken by Sloan Photographers spotted on OnceWed.com.

see more of their photos, sloanphotographers