Perhaps unlike other American girls, I did not have a vision of my wedding. Oh sure, I perused Martha Stewart Weddings and fell victim to extravagant fantasies, but over my shoulder I would hear sweet mom's voice saying, "by the time you get married all of this will be out of style." Touché Mom. But you know what? I wish I would have had a vision. It certainly would have lessened the load that suddenly accrued when I said "yes" (while laughing. It's a funny story, ask Paul about it.) I have discovered that I am extremely indecisive. I think. Part of that stems from the fact that a wedding is a designer's dream. I liken it until being the First Lady. She gets to choose her own dinner ware and party themes, create guest lists, pick out a fancy dress, mix and mingle. Mind you she has a East Wing committee. I come in (thankfully) three: Mom, Caitlin (thanks to a hip replacement surgery giving her an extended vacation at home), and me. It's also like going to Prom with all the nervousness and anticipation that surrounds it. But, you're not just going; you're putting on the whole show too.
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| Dad checking out the work |
That said, a wedding is the culmination of everything that I love: men, music, crafts, people, creativity, fashion, interiors, exteriors, gardens, flowers, paper, invitations, etc. etc. etc. And for the first time in my life it's a great excuse to spend money on it so I'm taking the opportunity. For example, the invitation. Sean remarked, "you've probably spent more time on that invitation that most people do on their whole wedding." Yes. And who wouldn't when you love paper and letterpress and color?! So, after months--no seriously--of deciding the theme, format, the paper choice, the process...I decided to go with the theme of Scandinavian Garden for the reception which meant lots of bright colors with a touch of rustic...we'll call it Rustic Technicolor. I worked with Leland Rowley of
Rowley Press in Provo, UT because Caitlin is good friends with him. What an absolute gem! Such a delightful and helpful person. I couldn't have asked for a better person to work with. He understood what I wanted to do from the get go though figuring out how to do it was a bit trickier.
For the lettering I wanted letterpress but for the painted flowers part I wanted it printed in some other way. I had no idea what that other way would be. Enter Leland. After some begging and pleading he convinced some brave soul to take on the project. It meant a small order (wedding orders are not a printer's dream apparently) with lots of color processes. He found someone who does giclee printing in Provo. They rushed the order then sent it off to Leland who letterpressed in one day then overnighted to this squealing bride. What you are holding in your hands (I know you can't let go of it right?) is a two step printing process. That combined with a Kraft paper envelope from
Jam paper and customized stamps for the front of the envelope and return address that I made via
Rubber Stamps.net based off of elements from the invitation and a
kraft paper label to secure the glassine envelope holding the photo and you've got one checked item off the to do list. More later, once I actually finish something else.
