When looking for visual inspiration I often pull out my back issues of Vogue (I have, uh, a LOT) and the December 2003 issue of US Vogue is one that I always pull first. My favorite childhood book was Alice in Wonderland (it’s still one of my favorites – definitely top 3) and while there have been many visual interpretations of Lewis Carroll’s classic story, I never cease to be inspired by this spread by Annie Leibovitz.

If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn’t. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn’t be. And what it wouldn’t be, it would. You see? – Alice

Of course, I’m excited to see Tim Burton’s interpretation this coming weekend – and, if that wasn’t enough, new Penguin clothbound classic titles will be released this month, including Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. It’s definitely on my wish list!

We had the immense pleasure last year of working with Sacha and Will on their save the dates, invitations, and day-of items for their September 2009 wedding. Sacha has been one of the dearest brides we’ve worked with – she came to us with enthusiasm (which we LOVE) and a clear vision for her big day. After our first in-person meeting, when she and Will stood up to leave, she immediately hugged both Jonathan and I, exclaiming “oh, come on! I’m a hugger!” – and I knew we were going to have a blast working together!

I’ve shared their save the dates and invitations on the blog in the past – but when their photographer, Kelly Chandler, shared these gorgeous wedding day photos, I knew I had to pass them along!

Their ceremony was held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and then the festivities continued by the waterfront at the Edgewater.

Sacha compiled a rock-star team of professionals to help her execute her vision of the perfect day: Janel Schlitt with Occasions Weddings and Events coordinated the event, Athina Athan of Athena Flora created stunning floral designs, and Bonnie from New Renaissance Cakes created their cake.

I LOVE that the motif and monogram we created for their invitations is recreated so perfectly in frosting!

Congratulations again, Sacha and Will! Hugs!

An essential part of any well-appointed bar is a bar book – but I’d be tempted to ditch the whole book idea in favor of a stylish option like these classic cocktail bar cards by etsy seller neilhubert. Screen printed and packaged neatly in newsprint, these would be a fun gift to any cocktail enthusiast (or to yourself!) I’m tempted to order two sets – one to frame, and one to use.

One of my favorite parts of the Seattle Wedding Show this year was collaborating with Woodland Flowers on paper products for their tabletop display in their booth. This year their booth was draped in gorgeous shades of gray, creating a rich ombre backdrop. The floral was spectacular shades of pinks with touches of natural grays. We created menus, placecards, and a table number for their display in shades of gray and bright white, accented by Swarovski crystals.

Woodland Flowers shared the booth with La Votre Bridal Couture (formerly The Bridal Garden) and the dresses and flowers complemented each other perfectly.

The booth was beautifully captured by Tania from Azzura Photography – head over to their blog for highlights from the show, including more booth photos and a fashion show recap!

I always love sharing real weddings with you all – and this wedding is no exception! We had a great time working with Caitlin and her fabulous coordinator, Shannon Lassen of Sublime Events. Caitlin had a clear vision for her summer wedding: modern yellow and gray, with botanical imagery. We created these clean and simple invitations featuring white modern type and dandelions on a rich gray background. The bright yellow rsvp envelopes added a surprising pop of color when guests opened their invitations.

Seattle photographer Laurel McConnell captured the wedding and celebration at Olympic Sculpture Park and when she sent these photos over I was immediately dreaming of blue skies, bright summer flowers, and warm Seattle weather.

One of the items we created was a booklet-style program, which allowed space to provide explanations of the Jewish traditions included in Caitlin and Dan’s ceremony. Caitlin had the brilliant idea to also include a crossword puzzle on the back of their programs so that guests could have something to do while waiting for festivities to begin – they were a hit!

Thank you so much Laurel, for sharing these gorgeous photos with us and our readers!

Event Coordination: Sublime Events
Photographer: Laurel McConnell
Floral Design: Elements in Bloom
Photobooth: Photobooth Services

Join us this Sunday, January 31, at Weddings in Woodinville! Guests will be transported via luxury transportation between 6 different venues, where they will enjoy wine tasting, chat with wedding vendors, sample delicious food, and gain inspiration. The list of participants and venues can be found online at weddingsinwoodinville.com.

According to the website, it looks like tickets are sold out – but if you email info@weddingsinwoodinville.com there may be day-of tickets available.

We hope to see you there!

Paperpalooza starts bright and early at 9AM tomorrow (unless you’re one of the lucky 20 that will be coming for the preview hour – doors will open for you at 8AM)!

If you are a DIY bride hoping to score some supplies for your wedding invitations, please feel free to ask any of us your questions – we are more than happy to share our knowledge and even can demonstrate how to use supplies if needed.

Here are a couple of reminders:

CASH ONLY please!

Location: Real Card Studio 117 First Avenue North, Seattle (enter from the alley between 1st Avenue and Queen Anne Avenue North).

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

These images are just a few of the incredible collection of photos Kim and Adam of La Vie Photography posted on their blog recently of dance collaborative Whim W’Him. You simply MUST head over to their blog to see the entire post – I teared up while viewing them. The movement, passion, emotion, and energy of these beautiful dancers literally leaps (pun!) off the screen.

Absolutely breathtaking.

What happens when three stationery designers obsessed with all things paper join forces?

Our 2nd annual, can’t miss PAPERPALOOZA!

Our studios are (literally) overflowing with luxury envelopes, rolls and rolls of ribbon, fine papers from India, Italy, and Japan – and so much more! This is a great opportunity for DIY brides, scrapbookers, crafters, and paper lovers to get some fantastic goods at prices at or below wholesale prices!

NEED TO KNOW DETAILS:

Date and Time: Saturday, January 23 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Location: Real Card Studio 117 First Avenue North, Seattle (enter from the alley between 1st Avenue and Queen Anne Avenue North)

pssst… The first 20 people to email info@bsdstudio.com will receive an invitation to our EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW HOUR from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM! Get first pick of all the goodies! Coffee and yummy treats will be served. (Hurry, there are only a few spots left!)

Hosted by Brown Sugar Design, Ephemera, and Real Card Studio

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Once again, it’s  time for the Seattle Wedding Show. Join us at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center (we’re in booth #1428) this weekend and check out some of our favorite work in person!

We can’t wait to meet you!