Southern Fried Kimchi

The Hill, North London's rustic-chic pub & resto

2010-07-15T03:59:00.000-07:00

I was recently approached by The Hill in Belsize Park to view their space for special events and weddings. Just a stone's throw away from my base in Primrose Hill, The Hill was a welcome afternoon break and, much to my surprise, turned out to be a really great space with the potential to be a gorgeous event space. It has a rustic-chic interior, complete with chandeliers, mossy green walls and flea market furniture. In fact, the look reminded me of laid-back rustic weddings and DIY weddings that are so popular in American weddings these days. While it does not have a civil ceremony license (nor would I recommend it as a ceremony space, really), it is a fantastic option for a reception and, to me, perfect for a rehearsal dinner.

Loving the velvet chairs and gilded mirrors.

Some of the furniture can be removed for an event, including the current outdoor furniture in the garden below (which I'd recommend). With some white or magenta loveseats + vintage occasional tables + loads of candles + fairy lights, this garden would look amazing.

The bar would come fully stocked with bartenders and wait staff, even if you hire outside catering. And with no booking hire fee and only a minimum spend requirement of £6,000 on weekends and £4,000 on weekdays, The Hill is easy, flexible, unique and supremely located. ;-)

Who's sporting a new haircut? - a baby lamb, what's who!

2010-07-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I am seriously overwhelmed by the cuteness powers of this little guy.

I know I'm 30-something + married, but I am so excited to see Eclipse this weekend. Go Team Edward!

2010-07-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

I hated high school. I just couldn't wait for it to be over. And yet - I love high school movies. Pretty in Pink (um, hello, "If You Leave" is *best prom song ever*), Clueless... even She's All That. And who doesn't love Fast Times at Ridgmont High?

Seems I enjoy reliving high school since mine sucked so bad. And tomorrow will be no exception: it's Twilight time!

Credit: Still from movie "Eclipse", Summit Entertainment

No one looked like this at my high school in Missouri.

A Photo-Tour of a Forever & Ever Floral Design Masterclass Luncheon

2010-07-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to report that this past Sunday's Floral Arrangement Masterclass Luncheon was an enormous success and everybody had an absolutely gorgeous time! It was held at Hiden Floral Design, Marco Arrichiello's beautiful Marylebone flower shop on a bright and sunny Sunday afternoon. I was incredibly fortunate enough to have the most generous partners collaborate with me on this event - don't know how to thank them enough! As you'll see in this photo-tour, the set-up was beautifully presented with the help of What a Fab Party, delectable cupcakes from Restoration Cake and stationery from Hello!Lucky. This event was also promoted with the help of the amazing Alexis, blogger-extraordinaire of OMG I'm Getting Married, who is getting married next year (who knows, maybe she'll attempt some floral DIY at her own wedding now that she's taken the basics!). Last but not least, Berna of Berna V Photography took photographs throughout the event and which we are able to enjoy now in this post! Berna is just amazing - you have to check out her work on her website.

My goal for this event was for people to have a high-end experience, but in an accessible way (read: just £15 to cover cost of materials). It was also very much focused on the DIY trend that so many brides and hostesses prefer these days, but presented in a relaxing atmosphere with help from a floral design master (that's you, Marco!). I've certainly attempted DIY projects for my own personal events and been overwhelmed by the whole 'learning' part - let's face it, teaching yourself how to do it can be stressful (and sometimes you just can't be bothered). Thus, I planned this luncheon - eat, drink, relax, learn and create something beautiful that you can do for your own events in the future. I believe this was achieved. ;-)

Now let's start the photo-tour!

Here are the work stations, prior to arrival:

The delicious spread on vintage china provided by What a Fab Party:

Bespoke 'floral' cupcakes made with love by Restoration Cake:

Hello!Lucky provided bespoke stationery for the event. Floral themed place cards had a cheeky quotation on the back that read: I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck - Emma Goldman. And each participant received a customized note card - a trifold piece cheekily entitled Tips and Hunches for Better Bunches. So cute.

Our lovely "students" begin to arrive and enjoy wine, sandwiches, fine cheeses and cakes.

Sammy and I make some opening remarks. :-)

Then Marco began teaching.

Students begin working on their arrangements:

Including Sammy:

Students working with their vases, attempting to follow Marco's criss-cross assembly trick:

Marco checking the progress of each individual creation - such a fastidious teacher, he is!

Wow - this one's stunning! See what you can learn from just one class? {Marco, she may soon become a competitor!}

One of the last steps - tucking in the leaves around the bouquet:

Some finished pieces:

Our baker-extraordinaire Charlotte of Restoration Cakes (centre) + other finished bouquets:

Here's the lovely Sam of What a Fab Party and her pal Niki with their finished bouquets:

Some more finished centerpieces:

Mine:

This might be my favorite:

And at the end of the day, what more could you want than a floral designed cupcake for the road:

Thank you, All (collaborators and most especially the 'students') for bringing so much fun to the event! {and thank you to those who fed Sammy bits of their sandwiches - he was a happy dog}.

xoxo, Forever & Ever Events

Credits: all photos courtesy of Berna V Photography

Completely Sold Out! Floral Arrangement Masterclass + Lunch this Sunday, with Hiden Floral Design, Hello!Lucky Stationery, OMG I'm Getting Married Blog, Restoration Cakes and What a Fab Party

2010-07-02T02:06:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for this Sunday's event! We're hosting an intimate masterclass event over lunch + cakes at Hiden Floral Design in Marylebone. It is the perfect relaxing and affordable way to learn a few DIY tricks which participants can later use to create floral centerpieces + bouquets for their own hosted events, weddings and celebrations - or just to spruce up their homes! We've got an awesome photographer who will take photos, which I'll post here as soon as they're available - and the lovely Alexis of OMG I'm Getting Married will get those babies posted on her blog as well. It has been a real learning experience putting this showcase together - the best part was the unexpected generosity and enthusiasm of my partners, all of whom contributed so much of their time and resources to make this event happen. Thanks to Marco, Alexis at OMG, Charlotte at Restoration Cakes, Hello!Lucky and Samantha at What a Fab Party. They are absolute pros - it is such a joy to work with such supportive vendors in this industry. Hooray! x

SFK is thinking positive

2010-07-01T03:08:00.000-07:00

This week has been very dramatic - thus explaining my absence from blogging the past few days. No worries, all's fine with me! Sometimes life just throws a few unexpected punches and you just have to take it, accept it and move on. (I know - I'm getting scarily close to sounding like a motivational speaker! But isn't it strange how even though we do think motivational speaking is cheesy, we also know that it actually is important to actively practice positive thinking? Hey, I'm no new age guru and am known to scoff at that airy-fairy stuff, but I just know that when thinking happy confident thoughts, happy things come to you...). Here's a great article on confidence, taking risks and pursuing life to the fullest. And I totally heart Suzannah Scully's blog where she interviews successful entrepreneurs and career-changers who didn't give up and just went for it. If there are any budding entrepreneurs out there who actually read my blog (!), Suzannah's blog is so inspiring - it will give you that lift you need to keep forging ahead with that big learning curve that is your business. I really think so much of success depends on your frame of mind.

If you want to see happy/positive in manifest, look no further than Samson... He makes me smile all the time. {I know... I'm obsessed}

So-Frickin-Kute Friday Faves - early morning start today, so looking forward to weekend!

2010-06-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

It was an early 7am start for me today with back-to-back meetings, so needless to say, the weekend had better be nigh!

One of my meetings today solidified my love for blue hydrangeas - what a romantic, feminine and summery flower. Makes me wonder why I didn't go with hydrangeas for my own wedding! The colors are muted, almost vintage looking. Just think: blue hydrangeas with white calla lilies, tied together with a draping satin bow... you wouldn't even have to think about finding a 'something blue'.

And how beautiful would these hydrangeas look with a bridal gown like this Vera Wang, featured by the ladies of 100 Layer Cake:

{image courtesy of 100 Layer Cake}

Then add a unique wedding band like this one from Me & Ro:

All this talk of fields, flowing silk chiffon, hydrangeas, yellow gold eternity ring... what would be a signature scent to accompany all these romantic pieces? - the organic lavender and eucalyptus scents from Bamford products are shouting out to me! These are all organic skincare products made from the Daylesford farm in England. At a recent site visit at the Connaught Hotel, I was so impressed that this local company had scored a huge coup with the Connaught! Makes you want to stay at the Connaught just for the free Bamford products. My personal favorite is the camomile heart-shaped soap.

Finally, a very happy pup says Happy Friday!

xxx

Jealous of the MacBook

2010-06-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

Demanding attention. With the cutest, guilt-tripping look ever.

Alumni spirit!

2010-06-24T02:17:00.000-07:00

Me and Dean Fitts, like old chums after all these years! Many of you know that my law degree is from the University of Pennsylvania. I went to my first alumni reception just the other night at the Charlotte Street Hotel. I was impressed that they chose one of my favorite venues for the night (go Penn!). Felt all proud to hear about Penn and the different administrators there who are still making it a great familial place for its students... Much to my surprise, I was getting all nostalgic thinking about Samson Street, La Terrasse, Rittenhouse Square and that maybe I should think about attending that 5-year reunion next year. Even better was hearing what people have done with their careers since law school. Lots of interesting segues from private practice to the business side. I will also be much more involved in the event planning side for Penn alumni going forward. One potential event already in the works is a fundraiser for the Royal Shakespeare Company with a notable American writer (sorry - can't say who just yet, but it's exciting!) as guest speaker where the invitees will be alumni of various prestigious US universities. Stay tuned...

Grosvenor House - flexible event space

2010-06-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

Home of the BAFTAs every year, Grosvenor House definitely knows how to turn its spaces into a spectacular fete. I met with the lovely Carine at Grosvenor House last Friday and was really impressed with the flexibility that the venue offers (and the friendliness of the staff). The BAFTAs are held every year in the Great Room, which, when seen empty, you can hardly believe the transformation it takes to become a seated black-tie event for up to 2,000! This place really knows how to cater to the event! I could just imagine the red carpet... and me on it...

But, to be perfectly honest, what I found most impressive was not the grandeur of the Great Room, but the smaller in scale Spencer Suite. It is perfect for an intimate wedding and the discerning sophisticate. Unlike so many London historical venues that are dark and windowless, this suite is light + airy - loads of natural light, with windows facing out onto Hyde Park, and light creamy walls, clear chandeliers and sage velvet chairs. Add the Stratton Room just next door and you've got yourself three rooms that can be used for lounging, dancing, eating and, of course, drinking... I'd say, setting up a special martini bar in this space is key...

{image courtesy of Grosvenor House}

For a bigger wedding of 50+, there is the Ball Room, though it does not have windows in the main space, it does have its own private entrance off Park Lane, an indoor welcome terrace and grand staircase:

{image courtesy of Grosvenor House}

Additional shots of Grosvenor House, starting with the private entrance and staircase down into the Great Room:

The bustle of Mayfair from the Park Lane entrance:

So-Frickin-Kute Friday Faves - despite ruinous forecast for tomorrow, keeping the happy thoughts flowing...

2010-06-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

Another week draws to a close and I know what I'm looking forward to already - glass of vino + chicken enchiladas tonight! I'm also going to be a little reflective and think about steps taken this past week and call some of them 'accomplishments' - (a) I began actively scheduling in bit of meditation each day (starting with easy instructions from Goop - thanks, Gwyneth: people who know who you are but of whom you haven't the faintest clue will still benefit from your blog entry on this helpful exercise) {hopefully my inner voices will stop screaming soon - ha!}, (b) progressing catering + design details for the floral event coming up in a couple weeks, (c) progressing vendor selections for a client wedding, (d) [nearly] finishing thank you cards, (e) finishing Eclipse in the Twilight Saga {can't wait for the film! Go Team R-Pattz!}.

Here are some Friday faves that make me smile:

Working on various Forever and Ever Events projects on my can't-live-without-Mac and enjoying coffee out of my new wedding china! How cute is this teacup/saucer pair? We've got 12 of them, but 4 different designs of chairs. From the Barbara Barry Musical Chairs collection with Wedgwood.

In my other life, I have a house with white-washed hardwood floors like this below, chandeliers in charcoal grey and pinks and lounge chairs like the Gibson from Designers Guild.

I've got this red + white gingham summer dress and am dying to wear it to a summer wedding with this Bambi hat by English milliner Zara Carpenter.

I finally saw Coco Before Chanel. For a brief moment after we shut off the DVD player, I actually wondered if I should chop off my hair and go for art deco waves like Coco Chanel herself, but then the sudden image of me with a pumpkin-head came to mind and I accepted that I am no Audrey Tatou with long neck and skinny limbs. Long hair stays. Anyway, it also made me think we need to see more Chanel wedding dresses at actual real-life weddings that we plan or attend - like this breathtaking one with black accents from the 2010 collection shown earlier this year {image via Style.com}.

And, of course, a morning walk up Primrose Hill with the pup...

The Langham: newly refurbished and ideal reception venue with an All Souls wedding

2010-06-18T05:21:00.000-07:00

I had a site visit at the Langham yesterday and was not only impressed by the elegant interior and the very light and feminine space of the Landau, but was also excited to hear about the planned works in the terrace outside the ball room (to be called the Middleton Garden), where they will have a permanent canopy over the outdoor space - can't wait to see its opening in Spring 2011!

The Langham's location is perfect for a medium-to-large wedding and with Regents Park so close by, you're sure to get fabulous outdoor portrait shots (weather-permitting... don't even get me started on weather today...).

And for a wedding that starts at All Souls...

Just hop right on across the street, with no need for guest transport!

The Langham's Grand Ball Room is perfect for a large wedding (70+) and has loads of light streaming in from large glass doors and windows in the back, separated by beautiful pillars. With it comes the Portland Foyer - also a newly refurbished and glittery space for cocktail receptions prior to a seated dinner. When their outdoor terrace is renovated, this venue will go from merely great to highly sought after. The private function rooms downstairs are better suited for smaller private events and corporate meetings. But, the newly refurbished main ball room is tops and will only get better when the Middleton Garden is finished!

And the Landau - perfect for the night before festivities and rehearsal dinner. {probably my favorite space overall at this hotel}

Post-Wedding Photoshoots

2010-06-15T13:14:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons why post-wedding photoshoots are growing in popularity among couples and newlyweds. It could be that:

* there wasn't enough time for portrait shots on the day itself
* it rained
* too much craziness/adrenalin on the day to really enjoy yourself

Or, you realized later that you wanted something different from the lovely photographs you've already got.

One thing is definitely certain: you will not feel the pressure of playing host/hostess. This means in turn: you can have loads of fun on the photoshoot! Maybe take some risks, be more creative.

And - if you want those outdoor shots, then you can be flexible with the photographer, who often will make a call the day before based on forecasts and reschedule with you if Mother Nature decides to act out.

In fact... this will be the case pour moi this weekend! With the lovely and talented photographer Polly Alexandre. Stay tuned for a post with those post-wedding images!

Officially an idiot.

2010-06-15T10:36:00.001-07:00

Right. Apparently I didn't realize that I had somehow selected the wrong tab in Blogger and was in some strange HTML code world... It was right in front of me. Sorry, Blogger, my bad.

Very confused with Blogger.

2010-06-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

Where oh where has the image button gone so that I can upload images with my blog posts? I am very confused by this disappearance. Hopefully, this is a temporary glitch and it will re-appear when I return here next... at which point, I will attempt to blog about post-wedding photoshoots {and my upcoming one this weekend!}

Boo, Blogger!

Husband feeding Sammy water out of bottle cap on train

2010-06-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

So-Frickin-Kute Friday Faves! Hooray another sunny weekend in London!

2010-06-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that calling it "summer" feels a bit dubious here in London {I froze my butt off this morning!}, I insist on wearing flip flops nonetheless and fully expect a sunny weekend so that I can sit out in Primrose Hill with my husband + dog + Adam Straw + bottles of chilled white vino + olives/cheese/hummus/usual bourgeois nibbles. Other personal goal for the weekend: put in 20 minutes of meditation a day and, without tapping into New Age absurdity, channel my mind with positive thoughts of all the things that make me a grateful, lucky woman...

Let's kick off the weekend with a few things that made me smile today:

An ever happy dog.

A unicorn hat for a cat by XMoonBloom. {Howie, consider this a warning...!}

A Built By Wendy studio jumper. Why oh why, are you not in London, Wendy Mullin? I still treasure that Kelly-green coat that I bought from you in '99...

I think I'll do my hair like this over the weekend - I've got the long hair, though no Hermes scarf... yet...

Marco of Hiden Floral Design and his modern arrangements {yeah, he also hand-crafts the pottery he uses, like the white bowl below, to complement the flowers for a completely unique and contemporary interpretation}. You can learn how to do this too at the Sunday Floral Event hosted by yours truly + Hiden Floral Design + Hello!Lucky + Restoration Cake + professional wedding blogger OMGI'mGettingMarried on July 4th. Tickets are first-come-first-serve but you have to RSVP to info@foreverandeverevents.com.

Shu Uemura fake eyelashes. This one makes me want to sleep and dream of cuddles.

Cath Kidston picnic cooler bag with delightful cherries {perfect to keep cool those bottles of Riesling!}

Thank You Cards - the last item to tick-off on your wedding marathon

2010-06-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

Thank You, Guests

At the moment, our kitchen table is strewn with stamps, 'air mail' stickers, address lists, gift purchase reports and half-completed thank-you cards. We are still within the 3 month period since the wedding; thus, within the acceptable etiquette parameters. Slowly but surely, the process is getting completed... {one page of guests completed!}

My friend's husband, a lawyer, once likened writing thank-you cards to taking the bar exam - that is, just as you think you've finished this behemoth feat in completing your Juris Doctorate and celebrating that graduation with any and all intoxicating beverages, you tend the hangover and then dread seizes upon you: it's not over just yet. There is still one more thing to do (in his and my case back then, it was indeed the bar exam). I guess he has a point - all the planning and stress leads up to that (hopefully) euphoric event known as your wedding - just as grooms are breathing a huge sigh of relief that their new wives will no longer ask them to pick a canape or veto a boutonniere or tie another ribbon around favors, there it is: he's got to personalize those thank-you's. He's got to hand-write those notes and mention the specific gift that was purchased for them (regardless of whether he and his wife have opted to use the value of the gift on another item on the registry). And he's got to make sure that those pesky guests haven't moved house since he sent out those invitations 4-5 months back.

It is a task, especially if you're lucky enough to have over 100 cards to write. But, hey, that just means that you had over 100 gifts purchased for your newly married life! Thing is, guests came all the way out to see you get married and paid for their hotels + travel, and maybe even their own booze, depending on your wedding budget, and then they may have even gotten you a wedding gift. That's really nice... so sitting down for about 30 minutes a day to write out quick thank-you's isn't such a big deal, right? Believe me, they will be happy to get something cute in the mail.

Tip: space it out - don't try to finish in one go. Oh, and if the guest is your friend but not really your spouse's friend, it's alright to have your spouse just sign his/her name without a full-on personalized message (so long as you wrote that personal message to your friend).

Here are some really pretty thank-you cards that I like:

Cutie from Smock Paper.

Send this to your dear ones by Ink + Wit.

Or send your hello from Hello!Lucky.

Who is this woman and how come I just found out about her???

2010-06-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

Michelle Mason, where have you been all my life. Her work is so cute and so needs to be in my home right now!

I just love this throw pillow with its illustration of the Columbia Road Flower Market. My best friend Barbara took me there a couple years ago for the first time. It is one of my favorite spots in London, but one which I have missed of late due to {ahem} a certain tendency to sleep in on weekends... It is a dynamic, super cool spot, oozing with hipness. {B, we've got to go again soon! x}

The colors of the townhouses in this London night pillow remind me of Primrose Hill, my neighborhood. If only it had a little white morkie dog - it would feel like it was made especially for me! This illustration also comes in tea towel form, which would be a fantastic idea for a London wedding favor {mentally filing this idea away...}

Ah, the Gherkin and the Tower... with 2 dogs... Funny how the simple things make me instantly happy...

Felt decals - cute idea for favors and hangings in the kitchen.

The Mandarin Oriental + a little shoe lust

2010-06-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

Today I had a meeting at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park - ostensibly the most impressive and dramatic hotel in London. It just seems to ooze luxury, wealth, English sophistication... and I admit: I like to pretend I have those very same qualities when I walk inside! Anyone who has a wedding at this ridiculously decadent venue is bound to have an absolutely jaw-dropping event - and I can't wait to plan one there!

Now, onto some snapshots.

You get your very one Knightsbridge entrance to the Ball Room:

During the summer months, cocktail receptions can be held outside in the terrace. {This entrance, when not used for your wedding, is only ever used by Queen Elizabeth II. Apparently this is serious.}

Imagine sipping a dirty martini out here {with that bespoke millinery adorning your hair, of course...}

Then there's Hyde Park, just behind you...

For a look at a wedding in action at the Mandarin Oriental and for much much better pictures than the ones my iPhone could muster, look no further than the amazing shots by Polly Alexandre.

Of course, I couldn't be in Knightsbridge and *not* stop by my favorite shoe shop. That just wouldn't be right or loyal... So, I naturally found myself at Christian Louboutin. It was an innocent visit - pure visual indulgence, with a little of 'trying on of the shoes'... {Husband, if you are reading this: I did not buy any thing on this visit, I swear}

Lusting over these beauts. Alas, a glass pane separates us at the moment... be still my heart...

*Le Sigh*

Baking + Vino = Perfect Exercise Substitution

2010-06-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

As my sprained ankle heals, what better way to fill time than making cupcakes with a glass of red wine. It's my sure-fire relaxation technique, guaranteed to get body + senses in synchronized harmony. {cheers dahlings}

SFK's So-Frickin-Kute Wrap-up!

2010-06-04T04:48:00.000-07:00

I love the blogger tradition of giving shouts out to inspirational internet finds at the close of the week, so I am going to do the same with an "SFK So-Frickin-Kute" series every Friday. Here's my first!

OMG, if I were getting married again, it might have to be in a Junko Yoshioka dress. {the one with the huge kimono bow and the one with romantic tiered one with gold colored trim are my faves!}

Need to wrap presents with Japanese masking tape!

The perfect gift tag for a bottle of wine.

Could really use a massage here. {I'm planning a wedding at the Dorchester and just have to say that I could live in their spa.}

Why hasn't J Crew set up shop in London?? Modern mums-of-bride could use their help here! {I used J Crew for my girls, but coordinated shipping in the US with my girls there... J Crew just really need to get across the pond...}

Calligraphy Address Stamps!

Lastly, I have to plug my own event - it is going to FABULOUS and you'll learn something PRACTICAL for your own events/weddings/parties. Floral Luncheon, July 4th, Marylebone, London. Make your own centerpieces that won't break the bank with a floral design master! Cupcakes, fizz, cheeses... brought to you by Hiden Floral Design, the always-with-it blogger OMG I'm Getting Married and Restoration Cake. RSVP at info@foreverandeverevents.com.

Happy Friday from the happiest dog in the world... xxx

Happy Birthday, Husband!

2010-06-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

OK, so I'm clearly no Nigella Lawson, but they tasted good, aroit? {ps: they were carrot cake with some crushed pecans + vanilla buttercream frosting}

Calligrapher Paul Antonio: the art of penning that perfect invitation

2010-06-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

So what if computerized programs can create beautiful script? - the penmanship from a seasoned calligrapher's hand just cannot be replaced. It is such a delicate art form and the end product is pure luxe, sure to 'wow' any recipient and get them excited about your event.

Here is an example of a full hand-calligraphed invitation {so so so stunning}:

I wish I could write like this for my daily mail! Imagine writing checks with this kind of penmanship - you may actually enjoy paying bills! {okay, maybe that's a stretch...}

I have had the pleasure of working with Paul Antonio for a client's wedding invitations recently. His penmanship {as you can see above} is modern + sophisticated, truly unlike the stuffy calligraphy of yesteryear-medieval-esque folio. I especially love seeing calligraphy in white ink on dark cardstock, like the invitation above. It instantly evokes luxury and black tie. But put that white ink on soft mossy green and you evoke a light summer's day. If only the entries in my Hermes diary were this pretty...

Not really aware of all the steps involved in creating each penned envelope, invitation or place card, I got the inside scoop from Paul. Did you know that the cotton fibers of the paper or the size of the envelope or card can dictate what kind of calligraphy you can do? In fact, the super-scripty one below - the Spencerian - is referred to as 'lateral script' and always picks up more space on the paper. This means that envelopes that are smaller than 8x6 or A5, or even square envelopes, will typically not accept the script, unless it is written very small (which is more difficult, more time consuming and, unfortunately, more costly).

Here is the calligrapher hard at work in his studio on my client's invitations:

Typically, Paul will have a 'text sheet' (a sample paper, card, envelope) so that he can see what styles and ink will (and won't) work. You can see such in the bottom envelope above. He also utilizes a 'ruling sheet' (see graphic sketch in image above) in order to see where the top line would start. This varies with each job, as envelope sizes come in different sizes and shapes, and can also be affected by the choice of script and the size of the address. The size of your guest's address is also critical in establishing the vertical height (that is, number of lines) on the envelope and will determine whether the calligrapher would start higher on the page. The lateral length (that is, the width of the name + address) determines how far to the left he would start or whether he would split the text over two lines.

As you can tell, it can be quite technical and there are loads of steps involved in getting that calligraphy to look stunning on your stationery! Not only that, it takes time for the ink to dry - don't want all that work to smear after all those painstaking steps. Check out the drying rack - each and every envelope is carefully dried for you.

And then: the finished product delivered by post - was such a delight to receive this among all my dismal bills!

Hopefully this post illustrates how much work goes into a single envelope/invitation/place card... each piece is bespoke and carefully crafted... and the result is so worth it!

You're Invited! Learn how to make your own flower arrangements with a pro!

2010-06-01T05:20:00.000-07:00

This is going to be so fabulous! Ever wonder why your store-bought flowers from M&S or Sainsburys just doesn't seem to look stunning when you plop them into a vase at home? At this luncheon, Marco will teach you how to take those ordinary flowers and arrange them into something spectacular (without ever breaking the bank!). Food is also going to be absolutely divine - fizzy drinks, cupcakes by Restoration Cake, savouries from La Fromagerie and professional photography to document the class {your flowers will even be featured on OMG I'm Getting Married!}.

Space is limited, so RSVP to info@foreverandeverevents.com today!