jessica + Samuel

Since I knew we'd be incorporating a hand-torn look for the suite, paper texture was important: I chose a classic cotton paper in a light cream color that I knew would complement the gold foil perfectly.

I illustrated the chapel the couple would be married in and used it as the focal point of their save the dates. (In keeping with the illustration tradition, a hand-drawn starfish was also included on Jessica's bridal shower invitations!)

With a suite designed entirely with gold foil in mind, it's important that all of your pieces have pizazz...but there is one piece that will really catch the eye – a custom map.

To make sure I could capture the locations and venues the couple wanted to highlight on their map, Jessica took me on a little field trip to her venue to scout locations, take some photos, and learn more about where she was being married.

Apart from the map, my favorite part of this suite was the custom wax seal. Keeping with the "coastal luxury" theme of the suite, I illustrated a classic palm leaf for the seal itself. Instead of going with the obvious choice for wax color – gold – we went with white wax...with a twist.

Gold leafing was applied by hand to each seal. This created an elegant touch for the envelopes, which you can see in the photos above!

vendor team

Photography: Darling Juliet Photography
Florist: Hutchinson's Floral
Jewelry: Cousineau's Jewelers
Entertainment: Ocean Strings + DJ Bobby Martone
Stationery + Calligraphy: Sablewood Paper Company
Gown: Mikaella Bridal
Veil: Tony Federici

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
MUA: Cindy Goetz
Hair: Lindsay Naffziger
Venue: Windsor
Tux: Dolce & Gabbana
Officiant: Rev. Stephen Barth

It was easy to see what direction we would be taking for the day-of pieces. Cream-colored escort cards were placed on a massive wood table, with guest names handwritten in calligraphy using gold ink.

The reception venue featured a beautiful wood-lined ceiling, so we kept the use of wood limited to table numbers only. The tables themselves were covered in white linens with low-profile centerpieces, allowing guests to engage in conversations without peeking around tall florals.

it's all in the details:

The Day-of Pieces

But one of the best parts about the day itself was easily the gifts the couple gave each other. Jessica commissioned me to calligraph their wedding vows in gold ink, which always makes me giddy – if there's one thing that will make your wedding vows stand out, it's gold ink!

Jessica and Samuel's wedding was another splendid example of why it's important to use the same design elements throughout your wedding: it creates a theme for your guests without being kitschy, and makes your wedding more of an experience for your guests.

It's always a pleasure working with a local bride – especially one who lives 5 minutes away from you and can meet you at the drop of a hat. But it's even more amazing when that particular client knows exactly what she wants from day one.

Jessica arrived at our consultation armed with a vision: gold foil, cotton paper, and a classic feel. Luckily for me, she was getting married at the one of the most gorgeous places on the east coast of Florida: Windsor.

Like all of my closest and favorite clients, I worked closely with the couple on all of their paper goods for well over a year: save the dates, invitation suite, bridal shower invitations, rehearsal dinner invitation and day-of pieces.

Designing all of the paper pieces for my clients' weddings allows me to brand their big day in a way that only a sole designer can do, bringing months of paper pieces together in a cohesive, thoughtful way that will leave a lasting impression on guests.

it's all in the details:

Save the Date + invitation suite