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Oct 19

An Argument for the Small Wedding

This topic may fall on some readers as something totally unrealistic for them. I understand how guest lists can grow. I watch it happen all the time. And I do have a great time with large weddings. I can’t think of one that I have disliked. But, the idea of the small wedding has somehow been dismissed or overlooked. I have come to really admire those that host small weddings and the amazing things that can be done with them. So, here are my points for why small weddings are equally as fabulous.

Since everyone has a different idea of small, I’ll explain. I believe that I had a relatively small wedding with 120 guests. But, if I were to do it over again, I would keep it really small. 30-40 people – max. That’s small. One reason I would choose to do this is that I actually prefer small groups in terms of entertaining as opposed to large parties. Not that I don’t have a good time at large parties. But, if I am the hostess I love a small group. I adore a dinner party where people can really talk and have great conversation (this reminds me that I will be reinstating dinner parties at my house…). And when I really think about it, I would want my version of a small wedding to feel like the most fabulous dinner party ever.

There is another side to this small number that is attractive. The price tag. Now, before you get all excited, let me tell you that I could spend the same amount on 30 people as I could 200. You don’t have to. I’m just saying that I could. That may sound ridiculous. But, think about it. With the same budget, imagine giving your guests the best of the best. The best food and drink. The best music. You could have the most amazing dress (which you should) and your decor would be perfect. You could get exactly what you want because you aren’t getting that much of it. This is the epitome of quality vs. quantity. And since your attention isn’t divided among a huge crowd of people, you get to spend real quality time with your guests. What a luxury!

I decided to start pinning some more inspiration photos for such a wedding. I kind of see this scenario as fitting a destination wedding perfectly. Sky’s the limit on where this could be when you have a small group! The Caribbean, France, Italy, Greece??? While I would take any and all of those destinations (I swear I’m going to talk one of my two as-yet-to-marry sisters into something like this), I am going to imagine an understated and absolutely gorgeous wedding in the vineyards of Napa.

So, here is my inspiration board for a small wedding in Napa Valley. I’ve pinned a few more photos here: http://pinterest.com/invisionwedding/napa-wedding/. Just a note: I have a great love for olive leaves as a greenery option. I wish I saw more of them used. So, I decided to include them here. At any rate, enjoy!

Oct 12

3 Comments

Calligraphy or No?

Now a days, there are few places that you will see calligraphy in everyday life other than a wedding invitation. It is an art form that isn’t thought of much anymore. In our age of emails, texts and tweets, regular mail is rarely seen as much more than a bother. But, I have a long standing love affair with paper and all that goes into it. While I haven’t been shy about sounding off on specific invitations and how they set the tone of that wedding, I thought I would discuss one item in particular that I love about invitations in general – calligraphy.

When it comes to your wedding invitations, there are those that appreciate calligraphy and those that don’t. There are plenty of reasons to consider having your invitations addressed by a calligrapher. Of course, the highest reason is that it makes a beautiful statement. But, consider these reasons: you don’t have to sit and hand-write all the addresses (torture if you are busy bride), it makes your invitation stand out among the other pieces of mail that people get and halfheartedly sift through and it gives your invitation an air of importance.

I understand that not everyone has calligraphy high on their list of things that they want for their wedding. And, as always, cost and budgets do come into play. But, calligraphy doesn’t have to break the bank. Depending on the style and the calligrapher and the amount of pieces you want them to do, you can expect your calligraphy to add $1-$4 to your per invitation price. Do your research. There are all kinds of styles and price ranges out there. I have worked with quite a few calligraphers and they are all different. So, it really just depends on what you are looking for.

But, my biggest argument for calligraphy comes from the idealist in me. Do I think that you have to have calligraphy on your invitations because of some stated tradition? No. If I haven’t made myself clear, I’m not much for following traditions for tradition’s sake. Etiquette, yes. Tradition, no. So, I don’t think that you have to go and spend lots of money on calligraphy because tradition says that you do. I just love the art form of it. I appreciate the specialness of it. If there is any time to make things special, it is your wedding. Haven’t you ever heard someone say, “It’s the little things in life…”? Well, wedding calligraphy would be one of those things. Those small touches that just make things special.

To round things out, I’ve included a few photos of invitations from weddings past and each one has a different style. Maybe you might want to consider this often-overlooked part of wedding planning. Why? Because, I said you should :) . And really, who could argue with this… Until next time – XOXO, Julie

Katherine and Chris – one of my absolute favorites. Extra formal. Engraved invitation. I think the calligraphy is perfect!

photo by FlipFlopFoto

photo by FlipFlopFoto

Brooke and Tom – There are more things to add calligraphy to than just the invitations and their reception printing was beyond. Calligraphy on their escort cards and menus. Set such a great tone for the reception.

Lauren and JP – Lauren, artist extraordinaire, did her own calligraphy. I would expect nothing less… :) .  A little less formal to go along with her very colorful invitations. Absolutely perfect.

photo by Our Labor of Love

photo by Our Labor of Love

Karla and Jeff – Their December wedding was formal and everything a winter wedding should be. To compliment? Their entire invitation was done in calligraphy and then reproduced. Such a gorgeous look!

photo by FlipFlopFoto

Aug 31

Business and the Arts Cocktail Party: A Review

Last week, The Layman Group hosted their Business and the Arts Cocktail Party. I had such a great time with Doc, Kelsey (Community Relations Director), Vicky and all the others that make up The Layman Group. There were various folks from the community business scene in attendance. It was wonderful. Doc, the perfect speaker, inspiration and performer, gave a very heartfelt speech about how the businesses in the community can’t exist in a vacuum. We have to be involved in what is going on around us. As a business owner myself, I was moved. This is why I am involved with The Layman Group to begin with. I love their mission and I see Doc’s passion. It’s wonderful.

Then, We Rhetoric, a spoken word ensemble, gave their first performance. They were absolutely great! Other fabulous points to make: Jimmy’s (a WONDERFUL restaurant in downtown Opelika) provided our appetizers and they were delish. My favorite? The shrimp/pineapple/sausage kabob. Yum!!! Also, Back Forty Beer Company provided beer for the occasion. Lovely. The wine (also available from Jimmy’s) was from a vineyard in Shelby County, Ala. and included a white infused with Chilton County Peaches. If you are from Alabama, you know what Chilton County Peaches are. The best ever (sorry, Georgia). Added just the right local touch along with Back Forty which is also an Alabama brewery. Also, the Mary Slaton Trio added a special touch with their jazz music. Wonderful. In all, we had a lovely time introducing the community to The Layman Group.

So, here are some of the photos from the night. Taken by the very talented Rebecca Croomes. Please visit The Layman Group‘s site and learn more about them. I think you might be intrigued… And, stay tuned for more exciting events with Doc and The Layman Group!!!

Me, Kelsey and Doc giving Jim Sikes at Jimmy’s a good shout out. Thank you, Jim!

Some of those kabobs I was telling you about. Awesome.

Doc and Lisa Beck of The Event Center Downtown in Opelika.

Me and Kelsey Brown, Community Relations Director for The Layman Group. Love this girl!

Tim and Brooke Patton and Kevin Manning of Society South Magazine. Glad to have them!

Doc, in his element, speaking to the audience.

Some of the wonderful art featured that night.

We Rhetoric performing.

There are many more photo that I didn’t get to include in this post, but I will be posting the album on our Facebook page, so please watch for that. Like us! And, like The Layman Group! Keep up with all the fun things going on!

Until next week – XOXO, Julie

Aug 24

Events and the Arts – from guest blogger Doc Waller of The Layman Group

Doc Waller - Executive Artistic Director, The Layman Group

While this blog is generally meant for wedding discussion, I do get the chance to spread my event planning/design wings from time to time on other types of events. And it is really fun! Recently, that has been for The Layman Group here in Auburn, Ala. – see my posts on the Carnivale events earlier this year here. So, I have asked Doc Waller, the Executive Artistic Director of The Layman Group, to be a guest blogger for me this week. Doc and I (and many others) are working hard on the Business and the Arts Cocktail Party that will be happening this week and I wanted him to weigh in on events and non-profit organizations. Doc is not only one of the most creative people I’ve ever worked with – which is really saying something – but, he is also completely passionate about his work, The Layman Group and the arts in general. And, that is ridiculously inspiring to me and has made me an avid supporter of The Layman Group’s mission. So, please enjoy his musings and I will be back next week with a review of the Business and the Arts Cocktail Party. Until next time… XOXO – Julie

by: Doc Waller – Executive Artistic Director, The Layman Group

I’ll admit it, I’m a bit stubborn. I’d even go as far as to say anyone looney enough to launch a grassroots nonprofit organization has somewhat of a stubborn side. At times, it can be an advantage, as when needing to find the gusto to fight through the day-to-day adversity. However, it can also be a disadvantage, as when attempting to take on more than one can successfully chew. Ok, well, let’s say you can chew it. It doesn’t necessarily mean you should.

I’ve learned over this past year with The Layman Group, that no matter how infinitely natural I am at everything (that was a joke – I’m not that egotistical), there are always people who do certain things…well…better. The key is either recognizing this about those individuals who are around you, or going outside your business/organization to find them.

Masqueraders at Carnivale - 2011

Meeting Julie of Invision has been a blessing in many ways. Her presence in the designing/planning stage of recent TLG events has shed a very valuable light on how much of my focus and energy had been spread thin across the many hats I’m forced to wear as the Executive Artistic Director. This, at times, is a problem. Especially when decisions being made are determining how the public view/experience this organization, or when an extremely important events are on the plate. The social events for TLG’s upcoming season (Business & The Arts Cocktail Party & Carnivale Masquerade Ball) hold a great deal of weight for our organization. These events engage those vibrant leaders within the community who have the ability to generate an audience for us, as well as serve as a supportive foundation for our organization. Furthermore these events allow us to develop significant collaborations/partnerships that will propel our organization to higher levels of productivity and closer to our mission. On more occasions than not, this requires an event that successfully taps into, not only the creative aspects of our organization, but also the professional/practical aesthetic with which other businesses are familiar.

Doc and board members at Carnival

The truth is that event planning (Julie’s niche) is not my specialty. Sure, I can turn the ingredients on a Ketchup bottle into a performance, but that’s only because of my training/experience. And sure, I can make things happen in other fields. But, why wing anything when the expertise of other individuals is available? Recognizing where other people exceed, and either taking their advice or taking a back seat, is a skill to learn. Not that I have mastered it by any means (I haven’t). But, I do plan on getting better at it. And if it results in better choices, fluent collaboration, and a happy audience, well…anything otherwise would just be…stubborn.

- Doc

Jun 9

1 Comment

DIY Weddings – The Crafty Post

It should go without saying that “Do-It-Yourself” and weddings go hand in hand. Weddings are generally thought of as a woman’s domain and I know scores of women that just love a crafty project. I, myself, have been known to tackle such a project. In general, I wouldn’t say that I’m a “crafty” person. I would probably have to search for a while to find my glue gun. However, I will definitely jump into an involved project if a – I can’t find what I want or b – I know exactly how I want it and it would be best if I just did it myself (my long suffering husband can attest to this).

I was thinking about my various projects (wedding related and otherwise) as I flipped through my current copy of Martha Stewart Weddings. This issue is dubbed their “DIY Issue”. I consider Martha Stewart the be all, end all of DIY and crafty genius. So, I was loving the issue. After a while, though, I got to thinking about how you can take DIY too far. As much as I love personal touches, I just want to explain where DIY needs to stop and someone else needs to take over. Not that Martha’s projects are too much at all. It’s just that many people can get caught up in the DIY spirit and really take on too much. I have spent some time thinking about it and the following items are my Rules for DIY.

1. Hands on projects must end before the wedding day. Whatever items you decide that you will be constructing for the wedding, be sure that they can be/are finished before the day of the wedding. For example, that means that I don’t agree with or suggest that you, or anyone who is emotionally attached to the wedding, try to take on your own floral arranging. Most flowers will need to be dealt with the day of the wedding. You don’t need to worry about anything other than making sure you enjoy your family and friends as much as possible on your wedding day. Not the flowers. So, what items would be eligible under this rule? Invitations, favors, custom decor pieces. Anything that isn’t perishable. My favorite DIY item is invitations. They have to be done and in the mail at least 6 weeks before the wedding. While invitations can be stressful, at least that stress isn’t adding to the wedding day its self. Your wedding director will be able to help you set out all the pre-made centerpieces, guest book, etc.

2. Anything that has legal stipulations that comes with it should not be considered DIY. Food, alcohol, sometimes transportation should be left to the professionals. Please. Self catering is the worst thing I have ever heard of. It will not help your budget if anyone gets sick and then sues you. Or, if you are careless with your bar. Weddings don’t need to have police visits.

3. Second-degree DIY. This what I call it when you have talented family or friends who you can call upon for various wedding duties. And usually, these are budget friendly. Our favorite, right? I am all about working the “friends discount” system. But, be careful what you ask for. Getting anyone that you are really close with to do wedding day activities (food, photos, directing, etc.) can mean several things. First, those friends/family won’t get to enjoy your wedding. They are working. No fun. Second, what happens when something goes wrong with one of those items? Now, you are dealing with someone you are close with and not just a hired vendor. It makes things very confusing. Personal story: I love it when my friends and family get married. Not only am I just over-the-moon excited for them, but I want to be as available as possible for them. I would handle it all for them if they wanted me too. But, when my best friends got married and asked me and my husband to be in the wedding, I knew that it would be a little difficult for me to serve as wedding director. I do have a team that could have stepped in when I was otherwise preoccupied. But, Joanna didn’t ask me to do this. Instead, she hired another group of directors to help her with her wedding day. And guess what? I had the best time ever at a wedding. My husband and I got to celebrate our friends’ wedding like everyone else. Of course, during the planning, I was available as her consultant. But, that day was strictly about our friends and being happy with them. It was the nicest thing ever.

Just to make plain that I am not anti-DIY, here is a list of things that were DIY at my own wedding: all printing (The envelope liner photo is from an old Martha Stewart. I did that exact same collage-type liner for my invitations), favors and dress. Yep. My mother (seamstress extraordinaire) made my dress. It was the best part about my whole wedding. We spent hours designing it (inspiration from a Carolina Herrera gown) and I am still in love with it – 7 years later.

So, have a good time making your wedding as personal as possible. Just keep these tips in mind to keep you from being too stressed out come wedding day.

XOXO – Julie

May 27

1 Comment

Invitation School – Classic Winter Wedding

When last we met, we were discussing the brilliance of Leah and Nathan’s beautiful Auburn wedding (in case you missed it, see it here). Per my usual, I have the invitations from their wedding to dive into.

Some may wonder why I spend so much time blogging about invitations and wedding printing in general. Well, if you have never been through the process of picking out and designing invitations, editing wording, counting your guest list, etc. for a wedding, then take my word for it. Wedding invitations are the most involved parts of wedding planning. You are, in essence, putting your entire wedding down on paper for all your intended guests to see. And remember that some of those invited won’t be able to attend. So, your invitation is all they see from your wedding (until the fabulous photos of course). As an event designer, I’m big-time crazy about having the invitation reflect the event perfectly. And as someone who dreams of being a graphic designer in her next life, paper (and all that goes with it) is a near obsession.

With that out of the way, I will get back to the issue at hand. Leah and Nathan’s gorgeous invitations. With a December date, it is inevitable for a pseudo-Christmas theme to be proposed. That wasn’t quite what they were going for. Yes, they would have some trees in the decor, but that wasn’t really the bulk of their design. It was more along the lines of warm winter. Welcoming. Roaring fireplace (and it was roaring!). Sparkle. Vintage inspired. Am I describing this correctly? At any rate, getting my invitation in the mail was a treat. The warm ivory tone, the small and understated (read: perfect) tree motif, the gold accents. I knew what was to come on December 4.

So, here are some invitation pictures along with some wedding pictures to round it all out. Perfect photos by FlipFlopFoto. Of course.

It was a really beautiful wedding. Ms. Joni and Leah, you have flawless taste. It was such a pleasure helping you bring it all together. Congratulations again!

– Julie

Apr 27

3 Comments

The Graphic Designer’s Wedding

I am attempting to resume my series of posts on wedding invitations and how they define or relate the wedding style long before the wedding happens. Today, I will write about Lauren and JP’s wedding printing (see previous post for a wedding overview). While Lauren wouldn’t be categorized as strictly a graphic designer, based on her wedding printing, she could be considered as such.

I have a deep admiration/appreciation/love for all things printed and well designed and seeing Lauren’s printing made me smile from ear to ear. To be sure, this is not your traditional wedding printing. This printing is very stylized and completely true to Lauren and JP’s personality as a couple and it definitely related their wedding style to their guests as a preview of what is to come.

This is what I try to get my clients to understand when it comes to their invitations and printing in general. Everything with your wedding starts with the invites. It’s the first thing your guests see. It encompasses your entire event on paper. It dictates the formality of the wedding. It gives the personality of the wedding. And when you consistently carry it through the entire wedding, you have put together a complete package for everyone to enjoy.

So, I will start with their invites. Then, I’ll move on to how they carried their theme through out the entire wedding. Genius photography by Our Labor of Love. And….enjoy!

I think the addition of the paper cranes just made all the other printing come full circle.

Apr 1

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Tracy and Stephen: Bright and Cheery Summer Wedding {Auburn, Ala}

I have a bad habit of posting my wedding photos in no order what so ever of their taking place. But, I think you will forgive me once you see the sweet photos of one of the nicest couples I’ve gotten to work with as a wedding planner.

Tracy and Stephen decided to get married in Auburn, Ala last summer. Tracy, being a teacher, wanted to have the wedding in late May or early June. Being as those few weeks are some of the most desirable wedding dates in Auburn for her chosen venues (Auburn United Methodist Church and Moores Mill Country Club), they settled for a July wedding. It would be a warm wedding, but still great.

I worked with Tracy to make her vision of a simple wedding come to life. Sunny is a word that comes to mind when I think of their wedding style. Bright. Cheery. Happy. Colors that were catching, but soft. Blues and yellows were her palette. We had a great time putting it all together. She was one of the happiest and carefree brides on her wedding day that I’ve ever worked with. Made my job as a director pretty easy!

Shout outs go to: Kimberly Nelson Floral Designs for the gorgeous flowers (Tracy adored them!), Jamie Burnett of Burnett Photography for her wonderful eye and fun personality in capturing their day on camera, Auburn United Methodist Church for the gorgeous ceremony spot, Moores Mill Country Club for their perfect reception setting in the pavilion and yummy eats too, and Robin Fowler of Sonshine Cakes for another delicious and beautiful confection (I could eat her cake all day). Now, on with the show.

Congratulations Tracy and Stephen! You guys were so much fun! – XOXO, Julie

Jan 13

Wedding Show Debut: It’s Your Day Catering

It’s bridal show season again! I think I have posted about this before, but in case you aren’t familiar with this business, January is when the bulk of the wedding marketing happens. So, every January, I and my vendor counterparts gear up for the multiple shows that we are a part of.

Invision is an old cat in the bridal show game. But, my catering partner – It’s Your Day Catering – is brand new. They want and need to make a splash in the wedding scene and so it became my task to design such a booth that would do just that. In the space of about 2 weeks, I put together an overall theme for the team at It’s Your Day to run with.

And, run with it they did! Spring/Summer wedding reception display was our over all goal and we showcased some of our chef’s favorite hors d’oeuvres. The menu? Beet Soup, Carrot Soup, Chicken Canapes with Pesto, Cheese Flan in a Spoon, Asparagus with Flank Steak, Roast Purple Peruvian Potatoes with Goat cheese and Roasted Yellow and Red Tomatoes, White Chocolate Mousse Shooters with Passion Fruit Coulis, Corn Cake with North Carolina Pulled Pork, Leek and Grueyre Tart. Delish.

A few other shout-outs to give: FlipFlopFoto was so kind to take some great shots of the booth. Enjoy their genius photos below. Special Arrangements provided the linens and chairs for our display. RSL Theatrical made our floral centerpiece pop with some specialty lighting.

Before I get to the eye candy, I should let you know that you can see this display in person this weekend January 16 at the Bridal Expo at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel and Conference Center at Grand National from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Also, on January 23, we will be at the Bridal Show at Oakhurst in West Point, Ga. from 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM and at the Quantum Bridal Show at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

The over all booth (still in the process of being set up) - flipflopfoto.com

White Chocolate Mousse - flipflopfoto.com

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Beet Soup and Carrot Soup - flipflopfoto.com

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Jan 5

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Open Invitation – Carnivale

I recently had a wonderful meeting with one of the most creative people I’ve met in a long time. Doc Waller is the Executive Director for The Layman Group in Auburn, Ala. The non-profit arts organization is hosting it’s first grand scale social event – Carnivale Valentine’s Masquerade Benefit Ball. As Doc described the event to me – their creative take on Cirque du Soleil with a little southern charm – I knew I had to be involved!

This event will be fusing a social ball with performance art. Doc told me that he wanted people to walk into the event and not know where they were. Challenge: accepted!

In general, I like to think outside the box when it comes to design. But, I will reign things in so that it is just different enough to make a statement, but not so different that my client wouldn’t recognize the event as theirs. This event is different. Thinking outside the box at this point is just a cliche. Full theatrical design is needed. This type of event just doesn’t present itself very often. Knowing that I’m not going to scare my client by any outlandish ideas that I might have is amazing. And, really fun!

The best part of all of this is that this event is open to all who want to come. Absolutely anyone is welcome to come and enjoy a different way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. See the event invitation on Facebook or visit their website to find out more. Tickets can be bought from TicketLeap.com. I better see you all there!

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