...Unruly Invites...

If you're anything like me, you go through/went through literally 50+ drafts and revisions of your invitation suite. I think that my issue was that I never had a true vision in my head about what I wanted the end result to be.

Alyson from Unruly Things / Postal Press apparently never had that problem. See the inspiration for her invites here at 100 layer cake
The finished product is above and it's, obviously, gorgeous. Calligraphy, kraft paper, illustrations & creative type font!? Yes yes and yes! You must see the whole post on the wedding here at 100 layer cake .
p.s. the table settings are to die for. every. last. inch.

...Merry Christmas...

Merry Christmas to all of my bloggity blog readers & clients!
Hoping this post finds all of you well & best wishes for the new year!
Could one of you crafty-types incorporate the above advent calendar as an escort card display for a wedding?! I would love to see it!
Happy Holidays!
Display by french by design via parcel post.

...Christmas...

From the letterpress lover within me to you and yours, Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

...Yellow Table Signs & Escort Cards...

As I mentioned earlier, Allison allowed my calligraphy to grace her table names and escort cards for her September Ohio wedding. Each table was named after a place or activity that the bride & groom took part in during their time at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
You've probably already noticed that one of Allison's "wedding colors" was yellow. Yellow lemons served multiple purposes throughout the wedding day, as table decor {above} and as holders on the escort table for the table names {below}.


It was getting close to Allison's wedding day and her seating chart still was not 100% complete. So, she had me draw up an escort card for each guest, as planned, but without a table number. I then wrote the name of each table on the remaining {blank} escort cards. On the day of the wedding Allison set up her escort card table by putting guests sitting at the same table into a vertical row on the table. Behind each row was a lemon holding the escort card displaying the table name that the guests in that row were to sit at. A great option if you are afraid your seating chart won't be finalized until shortly before your wedding!

I used the Pretty Perfect style for all of Allison's escort cards. They look lovely, if I do say so myself! Thank you Allison, for sending me all of these pictures from your wedding day!

...Handwritten Wedding Program...

Earlier this year I was addressing outer envelopes for a local Cincinnati bride when she mentioned that she didn't so much care to have programs at her wedding ceremony, but her mother thought that they were a "must." She asked if I could whip something up that she could take to the printer to have copied. She stressed that she wanted to keep it simple, and I think we did. Here's a little close-up of the program which used both of Penned & Pretty's most requested calligraphy styles, Pretty Adorable & Pretty Perfect.

The bride, Allison, wanted the program to display their names & wedding date along with an order of service and the bridal party. Done & done.



Allison also allowed me to put the calligraphy on the escort cards and table signs/numbers for her reception. Those pictures should grace the blog shortly.

If you are interested in having me calligraphy your wedding program, just send me an e-mail at pennedandpretty{at}gmail{dot}com to inquire with specifics and obtain a rate!

...Snow Mountain...

The first snow fell in ohio this past weekend and the snow bunny within me has quickly come out. Snow me in {with chicken noodle soup & a bottle of wine} & I'm happy as a clam. Too bad this snowfall only topped the 2 inch mark. I'm sure the big snowfall for the year is right around the corner & I hope it's a good one.

In honor of the first snowfall of the year, I wanted to share these charming holiday card from winged wheel stationery.

Loving the empty ski lift and the little reindeer & bunny that make a cameo among the trees. Plus, I'm always a sucker for a lined envelope!

Make sure to check out winged wheel stationery as seen via the oh so beautiful paper: holiday card round up part 5 .

...Succulent Escort Cards...

Who out there doesn't love a succulent plant? At a wedding photographed by Jagger Photography, the bride & groom gave each guest a potted plant to take home after the reception as a little memento. Each little potted plant was even garnished with a little flag bearing the name of the guest.
If you too have succulents in mind for your upcoming wedding, why not go with the same idea of using potted succulents as favors and turn them into escort cards as well? Make the same little flags to display not only the name of the guest but the table name/number of where they are seated as well!
There are so many more details from this wedding & reception that just cannot be missed. Check it all out at the Jagger Photography blog {via love and lavender} in part one and part two.

...Kraft Paper Envelopes, Stickers and Cute Party Buttons...

Twig & Thistle is one of my favorite blogs, hands down. For example, these pumpkins are on my must-remember-for-next-year list for Halloween, although I just might try them out this Thanksgiving.

My husband is about to turn 30, so I've been browsing for invitation and party ideas. So, naturally, I loved this little invitation that Kathleen from Twig & Thistle whipped up for her husband's recent 30th.
The detail that went into each invitation is really both ridiculous & fabulous. You can read about it here.
The envelope/packaging is probably one of my favorite parts of this whole invitation suite. I would have never thought to have simply fold kraft paper to make an envelope! Only savvy DIY-ers can be that creative!
These little stickers sealed the kraft envelopes. Too cute.
Kathleen wanted the addresses to look like a stamp so she printed each recipient’s address
right onto the kraft paper using great typography fonts. And now, for the real reason that I wrote this post....the buttons. What a fun addition to any party!!! You can read more about these invitations here on the Twig & Thistle blog!

...Pretty Perfect Brown & Blue Bat Mitzvah...

This past summer I had the opportunity {thanks to April of April Foster Events} to address these shimmery blue envelopes with brown ink for an upcoming Bat Mitzvah.
I really liked how these envelopes turned out & the client expressed her love for the "Pretty Perfect" style when she received these in the mail. I can only hope that all of the guests felt the same way!

...Happy Halloween...

I may be a day late, but i wanted to wish all of you a Happy Halloween! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and below is one of my favorite Halloween cards that I stumbled upon recently. I just might have to stock up on these for next year!! I hope that your Halloween was filled with fun little trick-or-treaters & plenty of leftover candy!

You can find this card at the paperhounds shop!

...The Perfect Fall Color Combination: Plum and Gold...

As fall settles in, I thought it would be appropriate to share an invitation envelope that my calligraphy graced for a fall bride. Plum envelopes with gold ink were quite popular this year, and I am sure that you can see why!I have always loved these colors together, especially for a fall wedding! Rich and warm and not your typical brown and orange fall wedding. You just cannot go wrong with this color scheme.

...An Invitation with Classic Stripes...

Looking for an invitation suite that is customizable and semi-DIY? Check out this lovely little invitation adorned with classic stripes. For the tech-savvy and/or crafty brides-to-be out there, invitation sets are sold as digital files for at-home printing. What makes it even better?! You can customize this invitation with your wedding colors and personalized wording. Each set includes the invitation and an RSVP card.

If you're loving the classic stripes and eye-catching fonts in this invitation, visit the etsy shop of JessLehry Designs right here!

...Stripes, Dots, & a Wrap-Around Label...

This suite has it all. Stripes, polka dots and a wrap around label. Who wouldn't be in love!?
Wrap around labels are such time savers that are so easy to use! Rest assured, they always look great wrapped around the envelopes. Always.
One of the things that I love most about this suite would be the different patterns that are used, throughout the suite, which create depth and texture to the paper.
I've never paid too much attention to the rsvp cards before, but this one caught my eye. Instead of demanding that they respond and come to a day that is essentially all about you, this card lets the guests know that you are looking forward to being with them. That struck a cord with me. I'm a fan.
Just a little peek at the invitation itself.
The entire suite was banded together with a transparent patterned wrap.
I told you that this invitation suite had it all! For more lovely invitation suites check out seamless paperie where all of the invitations are pretty to look at! seamless paperie can be reached at seamlesspaperie {at} gmail {dot} com.

...Paper Lovely Note Cards...

A few months ago I stumbled across the etsy shop of paper lovely press in my search of some new everyday thank you cards. You see, prior to this point, I had purchased all of my thank you cards {with the exception of the thank you cards we sent out after our wedding} from Target. I literally believe that I have purchased every boxed set Target has sold, at one point or another. It was time for a change. I could not pass up these folded thank you cards featuring an adorable little ferris wheel.
Naturally, I caved and bought these happy birthday folded note cards. I couldn't resist the cupcake.
Everyone needs a practical and adorable set of note cards and I have been loving these. It's almost time for me to re-order! I hope that you have just as cute of a set up your sleeves! If so, do share!
p.s. i loved the packaging of these sets as well. bakers twine will never get old.

...Wedding Programs with Calligraphy...

This past weekend a penned & pretty bride named Allison tied the knot right here in Ohio.

Earlier this year Allison sent me her outer envelopes to address in brown ink using the font Pretty Whimsy. Pictures to come, for now you will just have to trust me that they were pretty beautiful.

Fast forward to about a month before her wedding. She told her Mom that she wasn't really planning on having programs at the wedding ceremony. Her Mom wasn't really having any of that so they turned to me to whip up something simple to give the guests something to look at. Here's just a little sneak peek for you to look at before Allison's photographer sends in some professional pictures.

Allison wanted one side of the program to list the wedding party & the other side {not pictured} to list the order of the wedding ceremony. She was able to take the pages I wrote on to a local printer for printing. I cannot wait to see the professional pictures!

p.s. if you are interested in having me write out your wedding programs {or other wedding paper goods}, please contact me at pennedandpretty {at} gmail {dot} com. Prices for custom pieces will vary based on number of words, time to complete, etc.

...Keep Calm and Carry On with Pretty Perfect...

Just checking in to show you a couple of envelopes that I addressed for a client with the Pretty Perfect font in black ink on white envelopes.

I would just like to take this tiny sliver of a moment to thank each of my clients for allowing me to play a little part in their special day. I am so glad to be a part of it. xo.

...Unique Invitation Suite Designs...

Looking for a unique invitation suite to call your own? One that bride's won't see over and over again in the magazines? One that isn't your typical pearl white with black ink in a copperplate gothic-esque font? Look no further than maemae paperie.
I am smitten with this suite that she created for an smp photo shoot. The die cut shapes are gorgeous. As are the patterns used throughout the suite and the pretty little color combination.
If you sent these to your guests, expect some sorrow from them in having to part with their RSVP card....its just too pretty.
See the whole suite here. See the inspiration for this suite as well as the smp shoot this suite is featured in here.

...Rustic Rehearsal Dinner Invitations...

Fall is officially here and I am quite giddy about it. These rustic rehearsal dinner invitations foot the bill when it came to posting something fall-ish to ring in the cooler breezes that I am welcoming with open arms.
Molly of paisley quill has been assisting with the paper products for her brother-in-law's upcoming wedding. She wanted to deviate from their pink and black wedding color scheme and went for an Indian Summer theme that Michigan is known for and incorporated the Groom's love for the outdoors along the way, by incorporating a deer with a rack.
Loving the various stamps used on the neutral envelopes! Not to mention the acorn design and the twig frame for the addresses!
You can see the whole post and inspiration behind the invitations on the paisley quill blog right here.

...Sea of Love...

How did I not show you these pictures yet?! These white envelopes were adorned with my "pretty adorable" calligraphy and propped up against one of my cute little nautical tote bags to have their pictures taken.

Clients often ask me what the best way is to address an envelope to a couple with children that are all invited to the wedding. The easiest way is just to address it to Mr. & Mrs. John Smith & family.
Happy labor day and congrats to all of my lovely brides that tied the knot this past weekend!

...Vintage Inspired Escort Cards...

A few months ago, I took on a little project at the request of Katie Saeger of simply and forever. I was thrilled to receive images of the finished product... a vintage inspired wedding shoot with photography by untamed heART photography.
These distressed tags, complete with my pretty adorable calligraphy, were used as escort cards and displayed on an old {vintage} shutter. They looked fabulous!
The shoot was quite a success! You can see images from the shoot on the untamed heART photography blog here. Thanks for letting me be a part of the shoot!

...Cooking Themed Bridal Shower Invitation...

One of my favorites, Molly from paisley quill created this cooking themed bridal shower invitation for the shower of a soon-to-be family member! I love the invitation and I love the theme! The suite even included a recipe card for guests to write their favorite recipe on to give to the bride-to-be.
Per usual, I love the envelopes. Molly used an over sized font and printed everything on an angle. Just a creative detail that the recipients will love. Even the stamp is cute! As Molly put it, "Who doesn't love Katherine Hepburn?!"
One last detail that I just have to mention because I love it so. The fork and spoon background on the invitation and the return address on the envelope flap is just too cute!!
Molly, thanks for sharing this cute and creative shower invitation!

...Escort Card Idea for a Country Wedding...

I know there are a lot of Midwestern brides out there planning a full-out country wedding. A large barn, bales of hay, drinks from mason ball jars and a playlist full of country music. Since cowboy boots would be welcome and encouraged I would assume these stamped escort cards would be as well.

This would be a perfect little DIY project. Head out to your local craft store to find a country/farm stamp. Use different colors of paper to denote guests different meal choices or reception tables. Names can be handwritten or find a fun font on your computer and run them thorough the printer!

As seen here on the ruffled blog. Check out the whole wedding here.
Wedding Vendors (Sacramento, CA):Photographer: Emily Heizer Photography / Venue: Family Orchard Farm / Tents, lighting, and tables: Zephyr Tents / DJ: Big Fun DJ / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals Sacramento (lounge furniture, chairs, linens) / Caterer: Buckhorn Catering / Save the Date and Invitations: Lulu Paper / Flowers: Organic Flowers and Farmers Market.

...Seaside Fete...

Have you seen the nautical Seaside Fete wedding invitation over at wiley valentine?! I am loving the golden yellow and navy color combination!The save the date announces "we're tying the knot" and includes a little knot illustration at the top of the announcement.
Even the envelopes are adorable! Loving the over sized type font used for the name{s} of the guest{s}.
As if you didn't love the invitation enough already, Lauren from rock paper scissor has used the Seaside Fete invitation as inspiration for nautical vacation must haves! If you love yellow cardigans, navy blue polka dot bikinis and white canvas bags, you must check out the post right
here!