wedding planning during COVID-19 crisis

Are you a bride or groom trying to plan your wedding during the Corona Virus scare in the United States? I understand COVID-19 is not something you want to be dealing with right now! I want to take a few minutes to tell you about how it is affecting my business and how I am working with my clients.

Business has slowed down, I am sure because it is hard to plan a large event when we are uncertain of our futures. I understand and sympathize with that!

But business is not dead for me. I am currently booking and creating wedding invitations for clients with weddings planned in July and later….even into 2021, even if you are not sure if you will need to re-schedule your wedding due to COVID-19

For clients whom I already made invitations for, that unfortunately had to reschedule their weddings, I have been designing “Change the Dates” for them to mail to their guests. I am also offering these at 30% off the usual costs, as I don’t feel good profiting off this, but I do still need to make a living :)

Here is an image of a Change the Date I designed along with the original invitations.

This custom “change the date” invitation will be printed on a champagne pink pearlized card stock.

This was the original wedding invitation, it was printed with silver foil and dark gray digital ink on a champagne pink card stock….with a transparent vellum belly band!

So…..if you are planning a wedding anywhere in the USA, including where I live in Greenville, South Carolina, and are unsure about when it will be, if it will be rescheduled….just know that I am happy to work with you on your wedding invitations every step of the way!

Furthermore, I create almost everything in-house. This means that the only limitations you may currently face with me if you hired me today is if I can obtain a very specific paper stock for your wedding invitations. And right now my major supplier is still open….AND I also have plenty of paper stock and envelopes in my studio.

Thanks for reading everyone! Stay healthy, stay happy!

Vineyard Wedding Invitations

Our cork belly band wedding invitations are perfect for a vineyard or winery wedding! Check out how one of our invitation designs can appear completely different depending on the colors used….

This wedding invitation features natural colored paper stocks with a real cork belly band.

Blush Pink is still a beautiful color for weddings, and this cork themed wedding invitation is perfect for a wine lovers wedding.

We customize every invitation suite, the fonts and color can be changed to match your wedding. This vineyard invitation features a nude blush metallic color and modern fonts.

Here you see our same cork themed vineyard wedding invitation paired with a rich red color, like the color of wine!

Dusty blue is a gorgeous color theme for 2020 weddings. We love how our cork themed vineyard wedding invitation looks in this elegant blue color.

Acrylic Mirror Wedding Invitations

Acrylic Mirror Wedding Invitations are so chic and luxurious!

Sofia Invitations has been designing and laser engraving custom mirror invitations for our clients since 2016.

Rose Gold Mirror Wedding Invitation by Sofia Invitations and Prints

There is no doubt that mirrored invitations make a beautiful statement. We are happy to design and make mirrored invitations for you in rose gold, silver, gold, or a custom color (like bright pink mirror!). Our mirrored invitations are engraved (not printed) for the most luxurious look…..the light can actually shine through.

Our minimum order for just the invitations (not including other items such as rsvp cards, envelopes, etc) is $500. Each mirror invitation will cost $12 to $15 depending on the quantity you need, the size, and amount of detail.

Silver Mirror Invitation by Sofia Invitations and Prints

Mirrored invitations can be shipped safely in different ways. Our most popular method is with a petal folder as seen in the image above, enclosed within another envelope for extra padding. We have also designed mirrored invitations inside boxes, or wrapped in vellum or layers of tissue paper.

Each and every invitation we make is custom and unique for our clients.

Please contact us today with a quantity you need to receive a price quote using this link.

About Sofia Sayer of Sofia Invitations

Hey, What’s so funny Sofia? Learn more about Sofia Sayer of Sofia Invitations and Prints….

Some fun facts about me (Sofia Sayer):

• I can quote The Lost Boys better than you and all your friends.

• I’m awesome at guessing the price of things and my life goal is to be on The Price is Right

• I am most proud of the fact I pushed two human beings out of my 105 lb frame

• I was devastated I got cut from my volley ball team in high school. I’m 5 foot 2.

• I’m a sci fi and horror genre nerd. My favorite book is Fahrenheit 451. My favorite author is Stephen King

• I try my best to be understanding of everyone. But I draw the line if you don’t think Seinfeld is funny.

• In another life I was a drummer for a rock band.

• I had a part in saving Seth McFarlane’s life (from Family Guy). No joke.

• I don’t watch any sports.

• I’ve had the nicknames long leg Liotta (maiden name), Sopafia, and Sof (but never Sofi)

• My celebrity crush is LLCoolJ. I was once in line next to him at Best Buy.

• I would most like to learn how to do the robot, like really good.

• Star Trek not Star Wars

13 Stripes Brewery Collaboration

We did a fun collaboration with our Taylor’s Mill neighbor, 13 Stripes Brewery for a visionary founders meeting called “All Good Things”. The founders meeting is for a large event they host called “Hymns and Hopps”. It is a huge event that attracts hundreds where people gather to drink beer and sing Hymns. Sofia Invitations made a unique invitation for the visionary founders dinner that is hosted before the event to organize the event, bring the founders together for fellowship, and to discover ways to carry the movement forward together. Pinpoint custom made a puzzle with the pieces pertaining to the event for the founders to engage in together.

All Good Things Invitation

The invitation is printed on cream card stock and features an engraved cork circle in the middle to give it the invitation a rustic unique feel.

Puzzle

The “All Good Things” puzzle contains reflective gold and silver acrylic pieces plus more displaying a guitar, paint brush, beer mug, music notes, paint tray, leaf, and SC. Engraved on the inside of the puzzle is the founders goal, “The purpose of All Good Things is to foster international gospel connections in unconventional ways”.

The Event

Check out this amazing event and brewery that we are stoked to be able to be apart of!

Less is More: The Best Simple Wedding Invitations

Simplicity

Simplicity is one of the founding and never failing rules in the design world. It is encouraged in graphic design, photography, interior design, painting, drawing, really any aspect of art or functionality. But as a wedding designer, it ends up being harder to keep invitation design really simple. There are so many fun ways to add in cute and eye catching elements so it is easy to go overboard sometimes. As brides scroll through Pinterest they are bombarded with a abundance of patterned envelope liners, floral arrangements, ribbons, belly bands, foil, vellum and your brain is over stimulated and overwhelmed. Although all those elements can be beautiful and elegant, sometimes the best way to get there is through a more simple design.

Check out this beautiful French invitation that embrace simplicity. This invite is called “Fleur 1” and was a collaboration with an artist in Paris named, Laura Horrocks by the PAPER/PAPER company. Beautiful work!

Acrylic Vellum Invitation

Here are the acrylic invitations that I had more of a challenge with because just how simple the bride wanted it. The RSVP and envelopes are digitally printed gold with a plane vellum wrap and neutral tissue paper wrap. The acrylic invitation were done in both Spanish and English for her guest. I think they turned out very elegant despite my urge to add more colors and design elements!

Here is another beautiful example of a simple design by the design studio, Graphikkart. This font is more dramatic but the colors and other design elements keep it elegant and natural.

Jennifer Egan, Sofia Invitations, and New Cannon Library Collaboration

See how the award winning author, Jennifer Egan, the beautiful historic New Canaan Library of Connecticut, and Sofia Invitations all have in common.

Let’s talk about Jennifer Egan for a sec…

Jennifer Egan, is a award winning novelist and short story writer. Her first major successful fiction book was A Visit from the Good Squad, a set of thirteen interrelated stories with a large set of characters all connected to Bennie Salazar, a record company executive, and his assistant, Sasha. The stories shift back and forth in time from the late 1960s to the present and into the near future. Many of the stories take place in and around New York City, although other settings include San Francisco, Italy, and Kenya. The book was awarded the National Book Critics Circle Award and the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2011. HBO wanted to make a show out of her novel but she turned it down because of how complex and difficult it would be to portray the time line and characters. Although that book did not make it to the screen, her first novel, Invisible Circus did. Invisible Circus stars Cameron Diaz, Jordana Brewster, and Christopher Eccleston and is about a teenage girl who travels to Europe in 1976 in search of her older sister’s suicide. She has published short fiction in  The New Yorker, Harper’s, Zoetrope: All-Story, and Ploughshares. Her other periodicals and journalism appears frequently in The New York Times Magazine.

Her most recent novel, Manhattan Beach, takes place during the World War II era and tells the haunting and propulsive intertwined stories of heroine Anna Kerrigan, the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s only female diver, her father Eddie Kerrigan, who works for both the union and the mob, and nightclub owner Dexter Styles, Eddie’s complex and charismatic boss. The book went on the to on New Yorks Times Bestseller. It was also one of New York’s “One book, one new York” pick, named one of the best books of the year by NPR, Esquire, Vogue, The Washington Post, The Guardian , USA Today, and Time.

Needless to say, she is a big deal. OH, and she also dated Steve Jobs in college.

Library of My Dreams

New Canaan Library

is located in Connecticut in the adorable town of New Canaan, Connecticut. It has been the towns intellectual center since 1877. As the town grew, the people and leaders knew the importance of a center for reading and learning and so in 1913, they built the building that it still is today, letting its legacy and inspiration live on. This library is not just a building of dusty books and old people, it is a vibrant community resource for learning and innovation, offering an extraordinary print and digital collection, dynamic  programming, reader’s advisory services, up to the minute technology, technology assistance, and maker spaces. Through their art exhibitions, musical performances, documentary film series, workshops in robotics and coding, and wellness seminars, New Canaan is a place for much more than just learning. It is a place for community, connection, and culture.

Sofia Invitations

As I wrote about in my previous blog, I lived and worked in New York for over ten years. There, I cultivated and crafted my work as a wedding designer and my business grew. Having New York City as my backyard is how I created the New York Skyline wedding invitation, which is one of my best sellers. This invitation caught the eyes of New Canon Library.

I moved to Greenville, South Carolina to be closer to family and grow my business and start a family of my own. I have been here ever since!

Check out my website and etsy shop to see my other invitations and to see if I have designed your city skyline yet:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/sofiainvitations?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

How we all Connected!

One might be asking by now, how does this small wedding invitation business from South Carolina associated with a New York Times Best Selling Author and historic mecca of learning and innovation?

New Canaan Library, the booming place that is is, needs major donations to sustain and grow. Back in 1877, they started from volunteers, donated books, and money they raised together. They still are a donation based facility, which also means elite events and luncheons to keep those checks coming. They have various events throughout the year, and last year their 11th Annual Literary Luncheon featured (you guessed it), Jennifer Egan. She attended and read from her new book , Manhattan Beach. They need unique and creative invitations to invite the right people and right wallets to come and donate to the event and library.

So they contacted me to see if I could design a custom invitation that incorporated the setting of Egan’s Book, Manhattan Beach. I looked at vintage pictures of Brooklyn to base the buildings after. I decided on a horizontal gatefold to have more room to combine the Brooklyn Bridge, which was a major setting throughout the book. I wanted to do a dusty grey color to highlight the dark time period in New York where the war loomed, mobsters ruled, and grey smog was everywhere. The submarine hat was a reference from the book that is placed on the donation cards. Check out the results below!

I am honored to be apart of this event and loved how we all connected through the love of New York, innovation, design, and learning.

References:

https://newcanaanlibrary.org/about/

http://jenniferegan.com/books/manhattan-beach/

https://www.instagram.com/newcanaanlibrary/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Egan

http://www.hojaenblanco.com/jennifer-egan-y-el-arte-de-la-escritura/

Southern Charm

Being originally from Boston and New York City gave me immense hesitancy when my husband wanted to seriously start discussing moving and taking our business to South Carolina. Although in the south, the wedding industry is abundant and thriving, I was worried about how much I would have to change my invitation style and aesthetic to fit the Southern style. Was I going to have to add palm trees, pearls, and bible verses to all my invitations from now on? We decided to make the move to be closer to our parents and family since we wanted to start a family of our own. And of course the idea of having a back yard and more than one bedroom was super appealing as well. We have been here ever sense and it turns out the embracing Southern style and culture has been much more than just monograms and stale tradition. Check out some of my favorite designs I have done that have Southern style and charm that I have come to appreciate!

The Pineapple

The pineapple has been a southern icon for centuries. It represents hospitality, what the south does the best. In the colonial times, pineapples became so hard to come by because of the war and trading was limited. The hostesses of southern homes wanted pineapple at their dinner table for guest because it was known that pineapples were so rare and hard to find at this time. The guest would know they are valued and welcomed by the simple presence of fruit. The pineapple symbol still stands today!

Monograms

Monograms are a Southern tradition that will probably never die. Rather that is a good thing or not, I wanted to find a way to embrace the monogram into my invitations in a fun and creative way. See how these monogram belly bands enhance and give all these invitations a extra special and eye catching touch.

Fancy Fonts

So many modern designs are based around simple, clean, sans serif fonts. While that style is very beautiful and popular, the south has never stopped loving the fancy feminine fonts with all the curls and twirls that go along with it. Its fun to work with a bride who loves and appreciates the slightly over the top but oh so fun fancy fonts.

Doilies

While doilies are not originally a southern invention, they represent tradition and style; something the south values very much. This beautiful letterpress invitation features a blue foil doily design, a modern way to embrace tradition!

Magnolias

Magnolias are a southern icon through and through. They are grown only in the south and are even the state flower of both, Mississippi and Louisiana. Probably more popularly associated with the movie Steal Magnolias, a film about the strong bond and friendships of six southern women despite their eccentricities and complex lives. The film features Julia Roberts, Sallie Fields, Shirley Maclaine, Olympia Dukakis, and the queen and legend of the South, Dolly Parton. Take a look at how we incorporated the magnolia in this brides invitation!

100 % a Belle

This invitation includes all the big ones: monograms, pink, fancy fonts and letterpress. This bride wanted all the components of a traditional southern invitation and she got it.

Greenville Wedding

I had to post this invitation even though I did not design it. This bride, Meagan, had already had a design previously made but needed me to letterpress print it. I loved this design she made because it is modern and simple but still pays tribute to her city and where she is from. Greenville has little mice statues hidden throughout the city and has become a quirky trademark of the city that its businesses and locals have come to love. At the bottom of her invitation and RSVP, she has a little mouse illustration; as well as a map of Greenville on the details card!

Working With Sofia Invitations

As an invitation designer, I like to keep educated about where my clients may be looking to purchase wedding invitations. Online wedding invitation companies like Minted or Zazzle may seem like the best/cheapest way to go. These companies may be perfect for some couples, but if you are interested in a higher quality product (we care deeply about paper and are design sticklers) I encourage you to consider working with a custom invitation designer like myself.

As a designer, the most frustrating part to me is the misconception that working with a real person/designer is way more expensive than these popular online printers. In fact, there is no extra cost to discuss with me your visions and ideas for your wedding! That is all part of the process of working with a designer from the beginning. You get to talk about your ideas, color options, and sift through options till you have exactly what you want. And we work with all kinds of budgets, it is actually possible to get a completely unique invitation design without breaking the bank. Take a look at some of the custom invitations I have done in the past!

We are all indecisive and that is ok!

Look at all the different options that were given to this bride. She knew she wanted some sort of pink and grey but did not know what shade and how to combine those. She also wanted something traditional but feminine, and did not know exactly what that would look like. We only use the highest quality paper stock and products. Her invitation was letterpress printed on white double ply card stock. See how she picked and chose from different colors and fonts until we got to her beautiful final creation below!

“I want it, I got it”

This bride and groom were visionaries. They knew they wanted copper combined with handmade paper and a loose calligraphy font for their wedding invitations. We introduced the lace, the wax stamp, and the shimmery card stock…..to create a completely unique and memorable invitation suite. Take a look at the results below.

Vision Boards

Here is a lovely invitation done for a local bride with great taste. She had a hard time putting into words exactly what she was looking for so she did send over a little vision board for me to work from. This is never a problem with me, I love when a bride has a specific vision for her invite as well.

A Favorite

This is one of my favorite collaborations I have done with a bride. She wanted some of the popular invitation elements like a vellum wrap, floral accents, wax seal, and modern fonts but wanted something extra to make her invitation unique. So I thought of adding this leather band around the invitation with the wax seal on top. A fun twist that made the invitation stand out.

Reviews

“Communication was great. Product was on time. Price was spot on. Quality was exceptional. Overall, a wonderful experience. Everyone who received a basket with the labels was impressed! Thanks!!

”

— Joe Givens

“Beautiful work. One of a kind.”

— Chantel Sparks

“Sofia was extremely helpful and easy to work with. She made sure our invitations looked exactly like we wanted before sending them out. We are obsess with our invitations and can’t wait for everyone to see them!!”

— Sydney Hiles

“Absolutely loved these for my invitations! It was the perfect unique touch I was looking for! Everyone has been complimenting them since I sent out my invites! Thank you so much for your responsiveness and professionalism! Highly recommend!!”

— Christina Castronovo

The Best Girl's Birthday Invitations

Lets Be Honest,

it is pretty satisfying knowing your daughter’s invite is way better than the rest of the dozens and dozens of invitations you have gotten this year. The print outs and Hobby Lobby stock invites get real old real fast. And sending out the same old princess unicorn cupcake clip art invite kinda makes you want to scream. It is time to step it up a notch, check out these girl’s invitations that will take you there.

Holographic Unicorn & Rainbow Invitation

This is one of my favorite girl party invitations I have done. Beautiful holographic paper that reflects different colors every second you look. It is rainbows, butterflies, unicorns, and stars but done in a new innovative way!

By Sofia Invitations and Prints

See pricing details for this colorful unicorn invitation here.

Frozen Princess Birthday Invitations

We loved designing this silver glitter caste gatefold invitation with an icy blue acrylic snowflake detail. A fun twist to the oh so many many Frozen themed birthday parties. Elsa would be pleased.

By Sofia Invitations and Prints

See pricing details for this silver glitter frozen birthday invitation here.

Gold Glitter Fairytale Castle Invitation

This gold glitter castle invitation was originally designed for a sweet girl’s birthday, but it is so lux looking it would also look beautiful for a wedding! The gold glitter castle, gold linen paper, and mirror pink acrylic crown make this invitation much different than the Frozen invite but still cute, fun, and full of princess vibes.

By Sofia Invitations and Prints

Check out pricing for this gold castle invitation here.

Harry Potter Birthday Theme Invitation

Last but very not least, a Harry Potter Invitation! This is for the cool little girls who thinks Hermione deserves to be a princess over Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. This invitation is less girly for sure but the magic of Harry Potter excites all genders. Bring on the Harry Potter themed parties all day long, they will never get old to me!

By Sofia Invitations and Prints

Check out pricing for this laser cut Harry Potter invitation here.

Acrylic Wedding Invitations

Acrylic invitations have been trending for the past few years in the invitation world. During that time, amazing variations and different designs have been created throughout the wedding industry and sparked bride’s eyes and pinterest boards everywhere. I have had the honor of creating several different types of acrylic invitations for those brides who want to step out of the box and create something truly unforgettable, modern, and high quality.

Clear and Mirror Acrylic!

Clear and mirror acrylic invitations are very popular because they accomplish that modern but simple style perfectly. We laser engrave all of our acrylic invitations which creates a higher quality product because it is totally permanent. Many designers print on acrylic which is cheaper but often causes issues because they scratch off.

Clear Acrylic Invitations Designed and made by Sofia Invitations

Contact us for any acrylic invitation request!

Navy Wedding Invitations: 2019 Wedding Trend

Navy is a beautiful wedding trend for 2019.

A sample of navy wedding invitations from Sofia Invitations and Prints

Navy has always been a classic color. We noticed navy showing up more as a trend for 2018 weddings, especially in men’s suits. For 2018 weddings navy seemed to be more of an accent color to other colors like blush pink. But for 2019 weddings we are seeing navy as being the main focus, with other colors helping to accent navy.

Our laser cut city skyline wedding invitation, featuring Boston, in navy blue metallic card stock.

Here are a few of our favorite navy wedding invitations we have custom designed for wonderful couples the last few years. Sending your guests a wedding invitation that matches your wedding theme, in this case navy, helps set the stage for what they can expect on your big day, and gives a cohesive feeling to your wedding.

A client requested this modern navy letterpress wedding invitation featuring a beautiful floral vellum invitation wrap.

The navy letterpress wedding invitation was wrapped in a digitally printed navy botanical vellum sheet, kept closed with a cognac leather belly band and white personalized wax seal.

Navy is combined with antique gold in this letterpress wedding invitation suite.

Shades of navy are letterpress printed into a lace doily design for this elegant wedding invitation.

The Best and Most Creative Wedding Photographers in Greenville, South Carolina

Sofia Invitations and Prints has been based out of Greenville, SC since 2011. In that time I have gotten to know many local wedding photographers. And while there are many wonderful photographers that may be perfect matches for your special day, the three Greenville photographers I am highlighting here....I believe are the most artistic, and professional, in the area. When looking for a wedding photographer, I suggest meeting with them in person. Personality is VERY important, there certainly is a perfect match for everyone.

Angela Zion

Angela really knows how to push the envelope when it comes to beautiful, but unique, photographs. She clearly has a talent for capturing amazing moments in a gorgeous way. The above photograph is taken with the bride's veil in front of Angela's lense. Absolutely stunning. Angela is also sweet as can be, and has a super cool sense of personal style. Check out her website at http://www.angelazion.com

Daydream Lane Photography

Daydrielane Osorio (originally from Jamaica) and her husband Lucas Osorio (originally from Vermont) are the perfect photography duo. They will take the time to get to know you, and are so fun to be around. They have a wonderful talent for capturing unique and engaging moments. But most importantly, they specialize in kallitype photography. Kallitype involves working with chemicals to create beautiful black and white prints, which show amazing brush strokes on the print itself. In result, each image is one of a kind. If I got married all over again, I would want at least one photo made like this to hang in my home forever. Check out the image below, and view their website at https://daydreamlanephotography.com/

Sposa Bella

Sposa Bella....what can I say about Craig and Lindsey, also a husband and wife team? They are so, so, so nice! That's the first thing that comes to my mind. But also, they are so, so, so professional! Sposa Bella has won awards for being the best wedding photographers in South Carolina, and that is certainly for a good reason. I have had the honor of letterpress printing their business cards, and they have photographed me professionally. I think they are just super awesome people. But don't just take my word for it, check out http://www.sposabellaphotography.com

Top Wedding Invitation Trends of 2018

Handmade Paper

There is no denying handmade paper has made a victorious comeback. Handmade paper started showing her face again a few short years ago with a whole new look to follow. We are seeing trends with gorgeous, flowing calligraphy, vellum overlays, and compiled textures. These pictures here show an example of the style of invitation that goes with handmade paper that everyone cannot get enough of.

All Photos below are Sofia Invitations and Photos are by Amanda Perry 

 

Vellum

Vellum is one of the biggest of 2018. It is being incorporated in so many different ways. The invitation can be printed onto the vellum along with beautiful designs (usually floral). There are vellum envelopes, belly bands, and menus. Because of the light opacity of the paper it gives invitations sets that perfect soft whimsical feel. Check out what I mean in these pictures below.

First Photo: Sofia Invitations Photos: Amanda Perry 

Second photo:  TAMARA GIGOLA PHOTOGRAPHY; CALLIGRAPHY BY OKSANA MIKE

Third Photo: Plume Calligraphy

 

Vintage Stamps

This is a trend I see increasing more and more this year for those customers who like every detail to be consistent. Vintage anything is usually awesome, and these stamps do not dissapoint. It aids in giving those handmade paper invitations an extra vintage, look but with a modern feel through the more trendy colors. Take a look at how cool these stamps look on these wedding invitation sets.

First Photo: SAINTS IGNORA

Second Photo: Photo by Gia Canali Invitation by Tine Pine Press

Third Photo: Photo by The Love Studio and Calligraphy by Post Calligraphy  

Laser Cut

Lasercut has pretty much moved on from a trend to a classic. Lasercut is so advanced and powerful that it really does not put any limit to your imagination.  From invitations, to belly bands, to engraving wood or cork, the laser can do it all. Here are our most requested lasercut invitations this year.

All Invitations below are by Sofia Invitations and all photos are by Amanda Perry. 

Wax Stamps

This is my personal favorite trend so far. It mixes the old with the new perfectly. Wax stamps have been used for hundreds of years: it used to be used in almost every letter to seal an envelope, as well as prove who the letter is from. If it had the kings' seal you knew it was legitimate and really from him.  Now the old custom has come back around and is one of the top wedding trends of 2018. It combines the new because you can easily custom design your own logo or names in the stamp. And there are special glue guns to place the wax where it needs to go. There are even sticker wax seals if you do not feel like dealing with the wax yourself. It is easy, beautiful, customized, and the perfect addition to your invitation set.

First Photo: Sofia Invitations design and Amanda Perry Photography

Second Photo: Paula Lee Calligraphy

Third Photo: A Fine Flourish

Hand Made Paper for Wedding Invitations

I receive many requests for wedding invitations printed on hand made paper. I love this trend, and I am happy to share with you my experience with hand made paper.

There are a handful of wonderful small businesses that make beautiful hand made paper. I will talk about three of my favorites here.

But first, let's talk about printing on hand made paper. Many hand made paper companies will say you can print on their paper using a home printer. While this may be true, this really works best for text weight paper (like typing paper)...and not thick, invitation thickness paper. You should also be aware that it can be tricky. The paper is naturally irregular, which means it can get stuck in your printer, cause strange printing streaks, or even worse...ruin your printer (the component of the printer that "grips" your paper and feeds it into the printer can get worn out and stop working).

Therefore, I highly recommend letterpress printing on handmade paper. This is what I have been doing for my clients, and the results are stunning!  I will share photos later.

Here are the hand made paper companies I recommend, with a few notes about them (in no particular order):

1) White Dragon Paper. www.whitedragonpaper.etsy.com

Rocky, the owner, is sooo nice to work with! Rocky is extremely responsive, and answers any questions you have about their paper stocks. The papers are all recycled, made in Ohio. For this reason, turn around time can be a few weeks, so plan accordingly. My favorite paper is the white with small black specks (I believe from recycled copy paper). The thickness is luxurious.

2) Artfull Messages. www.artfullmessages.com

This paper is also extremely luxurious. I love the assortment of different colors, all very natural, and some a bit different....which will surely impress your wedding guests. These papers are also made by hand in America, and made to order....so also plan accordingly.

Silk and Willow Hand Made Paper

3) Silk and Willow. www.silkandwillow.com

If you are in a rush, Silk and Willow is probably the best option for you. Their papers are in stock, imported from Asia. If made in America is important to you (as it is to me) one of the other companies I recommend may be best for you. Silk and Willow's colors are also limited to a neutral white, but the quality is very beautiful.

Vote For Us: Fed Ex Small Business Grant Competition

Vote For Us! Our laser cutting business, Pinpoint Creative Studio, has entered a competition to win a grant. Every vote helps, and it only takes 10 seconds to vote. If we win, we will use the grant money to purchase new equipment (a new laser cutter, router, or 3D printer) to expand our production capability, in turn...enabling us to make more awesome products and hire more employees. Help us expand! Please vote by clicking here.

Cool Wedding Venues in Downtown Greenville, South Carolina

The Old Cigar Warehouse as an amazing original Coca Cola mural on it's facade.

Are you getting married in Greenville, SC and looking for a cool and unique event space? Here are a few that I recommend.

Zen. 

Zen offers the perfect array of stylish options for your big celebration. The space is open and unique, with rice paper lanterns hanging from the high ceilings.

Bonus: Japanese Bamboo Garden. The facility's outdoor ceremony space sits within an exciting Japanese Bamboo Garden that includes water sculptures, decorative statues, and unusual plants.

Zen in Greenville, SC.

The Upper Room.

A newer space to Greenville, The Upper Room is located just off of Main Street downtown. They have modern and unique seating, great for photos.

Bonus: There is an amazing rooftop, open when the weather is nice.

Don't forget to check out the rooftop of The Upper Room.

Revel 

Revel is the only event venue located on Stone Avenue, between downtown and the Historic Earle District. The facade is modern urban, but the inside appears open and a bit rustic. It's also located next to a hip bowling alley!

Bonus: It has a cool outside promenade, artistic signage, and old whiskey barrels to add to the ambiance.

Revel has amazing decor that makes for unique photo ops.

Avenue 

The newest event space to Greenville, Avenue was designed by the celebrated architect, Keith Summerour. If you like modern design, this place is for you.

Bonus: Avenue has an amazing view of downtown Greenville.

Avenue in Greenville SC has a tastefully designed rooftop.

Old Cigar Warehouse

Built in 1882 and originally used as a warehouse to store cotton and cigars, the Old Cigar Warehouse was renovated in 2013 as an event venue.

Bonus: You can get some really great photos in front of the old Coca Cola mural on the side of the building.

You can't beat the old charm of The Old Cigar Warehouse.

Wax Seals for Wedding Invitations

A floral wax seal from Stamptitude

You may have noticed wax seals have made a comeback. We love this! Wax seals are so elegant and memorable. Wax seals are also a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding invitations, making them stand out from the crowd. And they are surprisingly affordable! Embossing stamps for wax seals can start at $30. Wax sticks usually cost about $5 each, and are available in a huge assortment of colors. A few of our favorite companies for buying wax seals are Wax Seals, Stamptitude, and Nostalgic Impressions. Wax seals can even be used on escort cards or business cards.....just think of the creative possibilities!

A white modern calligraphy place card wax seal from Wax Seals

A blush pink wax seal from Nostalgic Impressions.

Oprah's Favorite Things 2017: Gifts Ideas for Wedding Guests

Harbour Sea to Table Meal Kit: So Yummy!

Oprah's Favorite Things is an annual list of items that Oprah considers to be wonderful gifts for the holidays. I checked it out this year, and I noticed that many of the items on her list are excellent gift ideas for wedding guests. Are you having a tough time thinking about what you should give your wedding guests? Check out her list on Amazon, and see what we recommend here. At the very least, Oprah's list is great for inspiration.

Bellocq Chai Tea set. I bet this smells wonderful! And check out their BEAUTIFUL website!

Montes Dogget Cheese Trays. Works of art to serve your cheese.

Ordering Letterpress Wedding Invitations Online

Does it seem scary to buy letterpress printed wedding invitations online? Are you worried about the quality of the printing, types of paper used, or just feeling overwhelmed with options?

Whoever you choose to work with for printing your wedding invitations, we recommend ordering a sample pack of papers and previous invitation samples. If the business you are considering using has enough work and experience "under their belt" they will be happy to send you samples. If you let them know what more about your wedding inspiration, they should also be happy to include samples that may fit your style.

You can order a sample pack from us for $20. Email us today to request one!

P.S. It's also important to think ahead when ordering letterpress wedding invitations. Letterpress printing is an art form, and printers will always have a number of jobs to do. Most companies will print letterpress invitations in approximately three weeks. If they are designing for you too, you have to allow at least a week for this process.