Etiquette 101

The last several weeks I have been working with new brides and also designing many wedding shower invitations.  In these planning conversations, it's always amazing how many etiquette questions come up. Most of the time I feel knowledgeable and up-to-speed with your average etiquette questions, but every now and then I am even stumped. 

For instance:

• How do you address a couple who are both Judges, what is the proper way?
• Is it OK to start sending thank you notes for wedding gifts even though my wedding is months away?
• What range of prices should I have on my registry based on the number of guests I am inviting?

All of these are very real situations that often don't have a clear cut answer.  I decided to start a pinterest board titled, "Etiquette" in an attempt to house some of these tricky situations for both brides and everyday life.

So, do you know the answer to the above etiquette questions?  If not, check out my Pinterest board and check back as I will continue to update this.

Source

Spring has finally sprung!

Even though there is still some snow lingering in the 7-day forecast here in Louisville, I am SO ready for some light jackets, beautiful blooms, and fresh scents in the air.

Springtime in Louisville is one of my favorite times of the year.  I stumbled across these adorable kraft spring gift tags and will be using them for a few upcoming bridal and baby showers I have.  The perfect addition to a gift!

Here's to some warmer temperatures!

Download Tags Here

Freshly Minted: Mother's Day Greeting Card

Mother's Day is just around the corner.  I'm thrilled to let you know that I have a Mother's Day Greeting Card for sale on Minted.com.  Also, personalized stationery makes a wonderful gift, check out my current stationery designs in my Etsy store.  Happy Spring!

Blooms & Blessings

February Fun

How was your February?  Mine was full of fun, travel, and new projects.  I'm excited to share what I've been up to this month.

We spent a weekend in French Lick, Indiana celebrating my Aunt’s 60^th birthday.  I made some personalized stationery for her special gift.  She loves the color red, so I thought it would be fun to pair classic black polka dots and script font with a bold red envelope.  

I also had the opportunity to design a party decor suite for a first birthday party.  Happy Birthday Caiden!

Last week, my family and I spent an entire week in Cabo, Mexico.  We enjoyed lots of poolside cocktails, delicious dinners, and the highlight for me was seeing the whales up close and personal.  If you've never done this, I highly recommend it!

View from our house at Pueblo Bonito Montecristo Estates 

Yes, I took this with my iPhone as this humpback whale was breaching!

This weekend, the hubby and I are headed to my in-laws to pick up our dog, Reagan.  They were so kind to keep her for the past few weeks while we were traveling.  I'm excited to see her and hope she remembers us!

Happy Friday Ya'll!

You're engaged, now what?

First off, congratulations to all of the soon-to-be brides that got engaged over the holiday season.  This seems to be the most popular time of year to get engaged and I personally know several girls who have recently started planning.

Have you found yourself wondering where in the world you are supposed to start?  What should you do first? Should you call a photographer or venue first?  I'm sure if you asked 10 women, they would give you 10 different answers.  I spent ALL of 2011 planning my wedding and here are my top 3 recommendations for planning assistance:

1. Emily Posts's Wedding Etiquette

This book was gifted to me by one of my bridesmaids, and it became such a lifesaver.  From the formalities to planning a wedding to the different types of floral bouquet arrangements a bride can carry, this book was oh so helpful for everything!

2. Mindy Weiss Planner & Organizer

Mindy Weiss is one of the most well-respected wedding planners in Hollywood.  I enjoyed reading and following her blog to dream about the exotic weddings she plans.  This book/organizer is her newest product and would be a great addition to the Emily Post Etiquette Book above.

3. BLOGS!!

Well, I truly became addicted to the blogosphere while planning my wedding.  If you enjoy finding inspiration on the web, this is the most resourceful place to find, learn, and gain wedding tips.  It can at times be overwhelming so be sure to take everything in small doses.  Here are just a few of my
favorite wedding blogs that I still follow today.

Style Me Pretty
Grey Likes Weddings
Snippet & Ink
Budget Savvy Bride
Ritzy Bee Blog

Again, congrats to all of you planning!  I will be updating soon about some of my current wedding invitation suites available so stay tuned!

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe today is January 1st!  December was full of fun holiday parties, our much anticipated Junior League Hollydays event, designing Christmas cards, and finally a vacation to Key West.  Needless to say, I haven't had much focus on updating the blog.

Here are some pictures that summarize what I've been up to lately.  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.  Here's to accomplishing your goals in 2013!

Created lots of fun personalized stationery that made wonderful gifts

Christmas Card for a great friend who recently got married

Save the Date cards for a friend's upcoming wedding

Another Christmas card designed for my cousins

Spent Christmas in Key West, Florida with the Warren's

Sunset Cruise

Had a Cabernet Wine Tasting Party for New Year's Eve, tasting card designed by yours truly.

My sister, in town from Honduras.  Happy New Year!!

Buy Stationery = Help Sandy Victims

Through the Minted community, I have been connected with the most amazing group of designers.  They are encouraging, helpful, and all share the same passion for paper and design.  Several of the designers were effected by Hurricane Sandy, and one in particular decided to pull all of us together to help.

The etsy store, "Designers Care" will give 100% of the proceeds raised to the American Red Cross.  The designs will be stamped onto calling cards or greeting cards and shipped to you.  Most of the designs are meant to be uplifting and inspire.

I'm so happy that I could be a part of this effort.  My art card, "Lean on Me" can be purchased along with several other amazing designs.  Our goal is to raise $2,000 for the American Red Cross, it would be awesome if we could do more.

Below is my design, and here is the link for you to go make a purchase and a difference:  http://DesignersCare.etsy.com