More Blog Love

I've been meaning to blog this wedding for weeks. When I looked at my Google Reader this morning and saw Laura Davis Events' blog with Justine's wedding, I figured it was time. Here are a few of the pictures that the amazing Prem at Arising Images took of my work at this amazing wedding.




I designed the monogram that was used on the ice sculptures at each table, two ice bars, chocolate menus, bar menus, table numbers, GOBO and of course her seating chart.
Be sure to check out Laura's blog for more photos and a link to Epic Motion's beautiful video. This was truly a wedding of a lifetime - complete with a fireworks display!

Lucite Invitation

This beautiful Lucite Invitation features laser-engraved etching on a plastic piece. It comes in a box mailer to send to guests.

New Product - DVD Invitations

This invitation is a must for any technologically-saavy couple! A recorded vignette of the engaged couple is paired with all of the wedding ceremony, reception, and full event details. A photo is added to complete the package and colors are chosen to coordinate with the theme of the occasion.

Misty's Baby Shower Invitations

I've worked with Misty from Bells and Bliss Weddings many times past last year and have tons of weddings with her in 2009. She is one of my favorite wedding planners, so I was thrilled when she wanted me to do her baby shower invitations and announcements! Misty gave me creative license on the invitations and she wanted something "cute" but elegant and modern too. I choose a stork graphic for the "cute" but then designed a stripe and polka dot pattern to make it elegant and modern.

Amy's Wedding Reception

Amy has some incredible details! I made round reserved signs for the back of the chairs at the ceremony. But I made each one custom with the title of the person. She'll be attaching them to really large ribbon that wraps around the chairs.



I also made these pretty blue and brown placecards with their monogram, table numbers, and programs. I love the detail with the Hebrew on the front cover. Can't wait to see the pictures from Life on Prints!

Kara and James

This custom wedding invitation set is a 5x7 panel with a pocket on the back to house the RSVP postcard and direction card. The RSVP postcard has the return address printed on the back and the direction card has lodging information printed on the back. The earthy color scheme of dark chocolate brown, olive green and pearl are perfect for this outdoor wedding held at the Red Barn Farm.

Indre's Lithuanian Shower invitations

I've done invitations with a foreign language before, but Indre's were so fun with the Lithuanian wording and over 70% of the invitations were done in Lithuanian! These invitations were inspired by Indre's wedding invitations that will be debuting in a few weeks. :)

Jeannette's Tiffany's Theme Invitation

Jeannette loved Emily's Tiffany inspired wedding invitations . I worked entirely with Suzanne, Jeannette's mom, on this order. Although I don't like to repeat designs, there is something about this invitation that just says "Tiffany's" - right down to the fonts. It was fun to make this invitation again, but I changed the little detailing to make these uniquely Jeannette and Brandon's. We also did custom stamps for both the RSVP and outer envelope and added a white envelope liner to the Tiffany Blue envelopes.

Kayley's Magnet Save the Dates

Kayley is doing a more vintage theme for her wedding. "Elegance with lots of lace" she said. I took that cue and made these pretty lace-like pattern. I'm putting these inside matching light pink envelopes that I'll be addressing.

Bride and Bloom magazine!

I am so thrilled to announce that I am a new advertiser in Bride and Bloom magazine! When I decided to advertise, I thought about which magazine best fit my style. I have always loved Bride and Bloom. There aren't a million wedding dress advertisements to wade through. This magazine is just about decor, beautiful flowers and a beautiful event.

If you have want to pick up a magazine, Bride and Bloom is available at:

B. Dalton
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
Bookstar
Bookstop
Borders
Waldenbooks

Albertsons
Kroger
Harris Teeter
Meijer
Ralphs
Safeway
Vons
Winn-Dixie

Target

And just a little sneak peek, here is my ad! You can find it on page 31. Look for the book marks inside the magazine and I'm the page in front of that.



And for more information about the ad, follow this link to my website. It includes people behind the scene and what it took for Dionne, of The Shooting Gallery, to get the shot. :)

Shannon's Italy Invitations

I've done destination wedding invitations before, but these invitations for Shannon's wedding in Italy were so much fun to design. I made them into a booklet style invitation. We needed a ton of information inside for travel and this style invitation was the perfect solution. I did a olive branch theme on the invitations and incorporated other elements - like the map of Italy for the RSVP postcard and an actual picture of the Villa where the wedding will take place and most of the guests will be staying. I also made custom envelope liners with the matching olive branches. The envelopes are printed in color and custom stamps finished off her set.

Fan Wedding Programs

We have a wonderful selection of wedding program fans. Stop in to look through the catalog and/or call us for prices.

"How did you come up with your name?"

I get asked this question all of the time. Or I'm told that the name is perfect. But I never go into the details and history behind the name. It is too long and likely, too boring for someone that I'm talking to. I usually just answer that I wanted a company name where the domain was available. It is short and sweet. :)

But I thought I would share the story behind the name "Gourmet Invitations" with you today on New Year's Day.

We have the dearest best friends in the world. We were neighbors to them 15 years ago in Berkley, Michigan. Berkley is a one square mile small town. It was a post World War II town and all of the returning GIs needed cheap housing. Berkley is a tight knit community of rows and rows of bungalows. We immediately formed a bound with our neighbors and in 1995 we spent our first New Year's Eve with them. We did a nice dinner of Salmon filets on the BBQ and toasted the New Year. At the time, we commented that we should make it a tradition - to get together every New Year and do a nice dinner.

This was a tradition that stuck. Every single year, we have gotten together for New Year's Eve - even though we haven't been neighbors for over 10 years. But in 1999 when we were going to celebrate the new millenium, it was my turn to make dinner and I wanted it to be special. I decided to do a 5 course dinner. Our friends were shocked and it was so special. But we were more shocked the following year when my husband and I went to dinner at their house and they also did a 5 course dinner. Since New Year's Eve 2000, the meal has gotten bigger and better. We're now up to 8 course with wines paired to the courses.

In 2004 when I was planning the dinner for the new year, my company was making some changes and I wanted a new name with a dedicated website. I spent weeks thinking of names - Elegant Invitations, Elegant Invites, Custom Invitations, Custom Wedding Invitations, Invitations by Tifany.... I either didn't like the name or the domain was taken. So I started looking to other invitation companies. The ones that really struck me were the ones that had something personal to that designer. I started thinking about the things in my life that make me happy and are part of who I am. I thought about our gourmet dinner and our tradition and all of a sudden, I had the name "Gourmet Invitations".

I decided to share this story that has me choked up as I'm typing. This New Year's Eve was my turn again to cook. Last night was another incredible evening. Not only do I have one of the most awesome traditions, but I got to share the evening with my amazing husband and our most special friends. Like every year, we finished dessert and talked about the next year. We always say how we can't wait for another year to go by to spend a night with each other and amazing food.


This was my menu this year!


To Tease
Soup and Salad
Spoonful of Butternut Squash Apple Soup garnished with Blue Cheese Cream
and Fried Beet Chip and Goat Cheese Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Served with Sparnacus Brut Champagne


To Start
Artichoke, Spinach and Oysters with Champagne Sauce


To Crunch
Japanese Ginger Salad
Garnished with choices of Carrots, toasted Black Sesame Seeds, Mandarin Oranges and Hot Chili Paste
Served with 2003 Domaine Denis Pommier Chablis


To Slurp
Cauliflower Soup
with a Seared Scallop garnished with Caviar and Lemon Oil


To Cleanse
Lychee Lemongrass Sorbet


To Savor
Filet of Waygu Kobe
served with Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding
and sauteed Asparagus spears
Served with 2004 Gargiulo Vineyards Super Oakville Blend


How about this bottle for inspiration? I LOVE this label.


To Nibble
Selection of 3 cheeses served with mostarda
Served with 2002 Prager Petite Sirah Port


To Enjoy
Chocolate and Kaffir Lime Pots de Creme
served with Coffee