Wrapped Couture

Gifts For Your Groomsmen

2012-11-27T01:02:00.000-05:00

It's almost always a struggle for the bride and groom to select gifts for their bridal party. Today, I wanted to talk about gifts for the groomsmen. When grooms don't know what to give their groomsmen, the first instinct is to give a flask of some sort. Because I love custom gifts, am a little partial to gift baskets, and feel men are simply overlooked when it comes to gift baskets, I felt the need to show an idea that I so happened to stumble upon.

We all know the old adage, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Why not say "thank you" by adding a little homemade goodie to go along with that flask? This DIY project can even be accompanied with a whiskey for the flask and the homemade treat can even be coordinated to match your wedding colors. Sometimes, you just have to get a little creative when it comes to saying "thank you". Besides, your thoughts and actions are often much more appreciated than your money.

Image via Floridan Weddings

Image Courtesy of Flordian Weddings

Looking to make the brownies, below is the recipe.

BLACK & TAN BROWNIES

From Cooking Light, March 2010

Ingredients

Tan Brownies:

6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 cups lightly packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Black Brownies:

3 ounces dark or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup Guinness Stout
1 cup ounces all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Place one rack in lower third of oven; place another rack in center of oven. Preheat oven to 350°. Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking pan (making sure to butter the sides), line with parchment, and butter the parchment; set aside.
To prepare Tan Brownies, place 6 tablespoons butter and brown sugar in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring well. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture, beating just until combined. Spoon into the prepared pan coated with cooking spray, spreading evenly with a knife or rubber spatula; try to get as even a surface as possible. Bake at 350° in lower third of oven for 15 minutes.
To prepare Black Brownies, melt chocolate and 4 tablespoons butter in a large microwave-safe bowl on HIGH for 1 minute or until melted, stirring after every 20 seconds until smooth. Add granulated sugar, stirring until well combined. Add 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and Guinness, stirring with a whisk until well combined. In a small bowl, combine flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring well. Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring to combine. Pour mixture evenly over Tan Brownies; avoid mixing into the tan layer.
Bake on the center rack at 350° for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into center comes out almost clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack; cut into squares.

Presentation Matters

2012-11-23T01:42:00.000-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It's Black Friday and many of you are all geared up to get your Christmas shopping started. Since I'm making custom gift baskets all year long, I'm always looking at baskets and pretty ribbon. With that being said, since many people will be out shopping, I felt that this was the appropriate time to share some beautiful wrapping paper for the all those gifts that people are itching to stand in line for.

Image Courtesy of Blog.HauteMove.com

Image Courtesy of GraceHouseDesigns.com

Image Courtesy of KelleyMaria.com

Image Courtesy of SaucySprinkles.com

Each year, our Christmas tree has a different color palette, and I let the kids alternate choosing what those colors will be. However, being in the wedding industry, I always insist that the gift wrapping and the angel on top, matches. That's our compromise. This year, it was my daughter's turn to choose and our colors are red, white, silver, and black. Our angel will be wearing a white dress with silver embroidery and we're wrapping all of our gifts with newspaper! We're putting the tree up today, so I'll post it in a follow up. In the meantime, enjoy your Black Friday and happy shopping. I'll be trimming my tree and enjoying the rest of the time with my son before he heads back to college.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2012-11-22T06:53:00.000-05:00

As we prepare our Thanksgiving meal and look forward to spending time with our families, this is a time to be thankful for what we do have and remember those that are less fortunate. Remember to keep those people in your thoughts and prayers as you pray for your family and friends.

Image Courtesy of Sherlocks.com

This is a time to just be. Just be thankful, just be happy, just relax on the sofa, or just be sitting at the table over indulging on the too much of your favorite food. Life is too short, we all work too hard, and you've earned the right to just be, today. HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING from my family to yours.

Contemporary Baby Shower Basket

2012-11-21T08:36:00.002-05:00

I know Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I'm finally getting into the spirit! I was asked if I had ever created a basket for a baby shower or if I could. Of course, I said yes. The baby is due to be born on Thanksgiving day. Although, Thanksgiving is a special day for many of us, she wanted something specifically for her friend and the baby that kept the focus on her being a new and first-time mom. I completely understood and showed her a basket that I had done last year for a contemporary mom.

Photo via Mobile Phone (Pre-New Logo change)

This basket was created because, during the consultation, it was discovered that the mom-to-be was contemporary and wanted a gift basket that was not full of diapers. She wanted to put things in the nursery, which were blue and green, and she she also loved fashion

I've always felt that some gifts at a babyshower should include some for the mom to use after the baby is born, since she's often and quickly forgotten about. With that being said, this basket included a book a stories for the mom-to-be to read to the baby in the nursery, an overall picture frame with a hanger and 12 spaces for the first year of the baby's life, a picture frame, a scrapbook of baby's special moments, a teddy bear, a blue bracelet, and a silk scarf.

Have a Mimosa on Me!

2012-11-19T01:07:00.000-05:00

Aside from creating custom gift baskets for weddings, bridal parties, and other personal gifts, I also have to pleasure of creating custom gift baskets for many event professionals wanting to say "thank you" to their clients, after a successful event or simply hiring them in the first place. I began pitching the idea last year and it took off. Just like I customize my individual baskets to the clients, the thank you baskets are always customized to represent the company that it's coming from; company colors, type of company, and the like.

One of the event companies that I work with sends out two gift baskets; one for the couple when they hire him, to say congratulations and the other for the wedding planner after the long wedding day, to offer a mimosa after the long day we're all accustomed to His company colors are navy and silver and he wanted something a little masculine that represented him.

Photo Courtesy of Mobile Phone

The couples basket contains a bottle of champagne, two champagne glasses with blue square stems, and a 4-piece box of truffles from Shocolaate, including a strawberry and champagne truffle!

Photo Courtesy of Mobile Phone

The wedding planner basket contains the same thing as the other but has the truffles replaced with orange juice to make mimosas!

Either way, they always love receiving the baskets from him and I look forward to continuing to work with him!

Georgia Gives Day

2012-11-12T11:23:00.000-05:00

Many people aren’t aware that, besides being a passionate full-time wedding and event planner, I’m also very passionate about education and the future of our children and I spend my days trying to better the lives of their future. For many people in the wedding industry, it’s frowned upon to have a full-time job, especially if it’s not related to the industry. Well, today I’m coming out to say that I have a full-time day job that I love and a full-time evening job that I love just the same, but I’d like to shed some light on the daytime one.

I work for a non-profit organization where we’re determined to level the playing field for metro Atlanta youth by providing quality educational, health, and life skills programs. The programs that we provide are completely free to the students, but we depend on outside funding to keep the center running. We obtain most of our funding from the Federal programs and private donors but also depend on fundraisers throughout the year, which brings me to Georgia Gives Day.

Photo via Aliyah Abdurah-Rahman

Georgia Gives Day is a state-wide initiative where you can donate to your favorite charities. With just a small donation, you can help us enhance our programming and sustain as a community. This is an opportunity to invest in an organization that children consider a second home.

Just to put things in perspective as to why fundraising is important. As mentioned previously, our programming is free. The actual cost to run the organization ranges from $5 to $150 per student. It costs $5 for one day of tutoring and homework support for one student, $40 for one week of tutoring or homework support for one student, $80 for two weeks of tutoring and homework support for one student, and $150 for one month of tutoring and homework support for one student. Whether you give a little or a lot, it all helps towards giving our children a brighter future. Please visit https://www.gagivesday.org/c/GGD/a/future-foundation today, to help!

Cuffs To Fit His Style

2012-11-06T07:20:00.002-05:00

In many of my custom gift baskets, I often put in jewelry. Either by request or because of something that was said in the consultation. When I get the opportunity to create a gift basket for a man, I always try to find cuff links that fit his personality. I think cuff links can be fun as well as stylish and allows a man to show his fun side while still being professional. So, I've put together a few of my favorites, for those that may be looking for some grooms or groomsmen ideas on what to add with those tuxedos on wedding day.

Now what man do you know who's not attached to his iPhone? This is the perfect cufflink for him

Photo Courtesy of GreatGiftsForMen.com

Does your man have a thing for insects or knows you do? This is a great way for him to show a tribute to the fact that you love dragonflies.

Photo Courtesy of LinkYourShirt.com

Is he into music or plays the guitar? He'll definitely be rocking out with these guitar cufflinks.

Photo Courtesy of LinkYourShirt.com

If he's more into jazz and less the guitar, these cufflinks will be right up his alley.

Photo Courtesy of Etsy.com

Is he a police officer or loves to go hunting? Then what a great way to remind him of his passion than these bullet cufflinks?

Photo Courtesy of GadgetSin.com

Maid of Honor Gift Ideas

2012-11-01T02:34:00.000-04:00

I wanted to start a new segment, called Thankful Thursday. Since I am often called upon to create Custom Gift Baskets for all occasions, in the series, I wanted to suggest ways a couple could say thank you to members of their bridal party. Today, we'll start with the Maid of Honor.

I'm a huge fan of practical gifts. Many of us have seen these hangers for the bride's wedding dress. Wouldn't this be a special gift for your Maid of Honor to see in her closet?

Image Courtesy of Etsy.com

Another practical gift is a compact mirror. As women, we're alway needed to touch up our make-up and fix our hair. This custom compact mirror will always remind her of the role she played in your wedding.

Image Courtesy of Etsy.com

If you'd rather give a gift that's more personal and less practical, your Maid of Honor is sure to love this truly custom and personalized message that's beautifully framed and includes your wedding date.

Image Courtesy of Etsy.com

It's All In The Details

2012-10-30T00:05:00.000-04:00

It's all about the details. That's what I tell everyone when I put together a custom gift basket. That's what, I believe, makes my custom gift baskets so special and so unique to the individuals that I'm putting them together for.

Photo via Smart Phone

What details do you come up with when you have a workaholic that loves diet Coke, the colors pink and green so much that she even made then the colors of her company, M&M candies, flip flops, is always jotting down notes, and is such the girlie girl? This custom gift basket contained everything that would represent all of that; pink and green fuzzy flip flop note pads with pens, and M&M candy container filled with pink M&Ms, several cans of Diet Coke, and of course the basket was adorned with a pink, green, and tan ombre ribbon. The basket was feminine, girlie, and perfect for this workaholic!

A Gift Basket For A Former NBA Player

2012-10-29T00:30:00.000-04:00

Many people don't associate giving baskets with men when it comes to giving the perfect gift. That's one of the reasons why I love getting orders for a male basket. Gift baskets don't have to be all frilly with big bows and full of spa-like items. The gift basket for today's Men's Monday post was put together to celebrate the accomplishment of a former NBA player.

Because he had everything, his sister wanted it filled with all of his favorite things (a gift card for his favorite smoothie place, his favorite lotion, a night to the movies and his favorite candy). I'm always trying to think of ways to think outside of the box and in ways that others may not. Since he started a non-profit organization for at-risk youth, here in Atlanta and lives in California, but always tries to make ways to remain active in the organization and the lives of the students. I suggested that I get a journal and have all of the current students write a note to congratulation him on his accomplishment and thank him for all that he's done for them through the center that they come to every day. I had even gotten some of the parents and past students to sign the journal as well.

Image via Mobile Phone

I shipped the gift basket to California in time for the celebration and it was a huge surprise to him and his family. The "gift basket" was even chosen because it looked like a little treasure chest so he could keep up with other treasures that mean something to him.

An Elegant Men's Gift Basket

2012-10-22T12:45:00.001-04:00

Custom gift baskets is what I do and that’s what Wrapped Couture is all about. Many people have told me that it’s more of a DIY kinda thing! What I do is totally different than putting things in in a gift basket. What makes my gift baskets custom, you might ask? They are custom because I take the time to find out about the person, through a one-on-one consultation with the gift giver. This allows me the opportunity to design a custom gift basket; with a specific theme in mind. Every item is hand-picked to fit that theme, with my client in mind. Today is Men’s Monday and I’ll be showing you how one of my favorite baskets came to be.

I was contacted to create a basket for Father’s Day. What I discovered during the consultation is that this man loved chocolate, tea, and silver jewelry. He was also tough and rugged but simply preferred tea over coffee, which surprised most people. When asked “What one thing must be included in the gift basket?” I was told that there must be his favorite cologne because “he loved it so much.” Like most of my clients, I’m trusted to create whatever I’d like, based on the consultation alone, and she was no different.

Photo from my Personal Camera Phone

When she presented the gift basket to him, I got a call from her saying how much he loved it and that he had had a cup of chocolate tea with his breakfast (chocolate tea was in the gift basket). She also told me that he had cleared off the coffee table and used the gift basket as the new centerpiece for the day! I am always pleased to get responses like that!

Fireworks on the 4th!

2012-07-04T10:40:00.000-04:00

It's the 4th of July and it whether young or old, fireworks has a way of bringing out the kid in all of us! If it's your wedding day, fireworks can also have an element of excitement and romance. Many couples that have chosen to get married around the 4th of July have opted to incorporate fireworks into the festivities.

Image Courtesy of WeddingsByDesign.Blogspot.com

Image Courtesy of Denver-Weddings.Blogspot.com

Image Courtesy of TravelersJournal.com

Whether it's during the reception or a sparkler send-off, I have to admit that I always get a little excited when a bride chooses to incorporate a bit of fireworks into her wedding day and the guests always seem to love it too!

An Event for the Community!

2012-06-26T11:21:00.001-04:00

As a wedding and event professional and one who's often enamored by the beauty and romance that's captured in a wedding , it's always great when the opportunity to plan an event for children comes around; the chance to be a kid again! That opportunity came when I was contracted to plan Future Foundation's 2012 "Let's Move" Family Field Day, for 200 kids and their families.

Future Foundation has a mission to level the playing field for youth in the metro-Atlanta area by providing education, health, and life skill programs to the students that they serve in their comprehensive after-school program. The purpose of the field day event was to engage the kids and their families in various fitness activities that were also fun, provide a great meal that was also healthy and refreshing in the blazing Atlanta heat, and also bring awareness to the organization.

The kids enjoyed playing on the kickball tournament, tug-of-war, games of sack races, balloon tosses, and hula hoop contests, where they had a chance to win ribbons and medals at the end of the event. For the little kids, there were the inflatable obstacle courses and bounce houses, along with face painting and an arts and crafts station. All around, the kids of Future Foundation and the community had a great time! We look forward to the 2013 Family Field Day.

The Vendors that made it all possible:
Event Planner: Enraptured Events
Photographer: Darryl Speed Photograhy
Caterer: Louis Kingsley Catering
Tent Company: Classic Tents & Events
Face Painter: Face Painting by FANCY
Inflatables: Jumptastic
Urban Line Dance Instructor: Mr. Cardio Tone

Elegant & Dramatic Event Drapery

2012-06-04T01:36:00.000-04:00

In the event industry, we all know that lighting and drapery can really transform a room or an event space. However, when it comes to event drapery, we often see it used as a method of dividing an event space or creating a backdrop to the ceremony. More often than not, event drapery is used to create a more "ethereal" event space or hide outdated wall decor.

Image via RevelryEventDesigners.com

There aren't too many times where we consider draping the ceiling as a viable decor option. If you can, your room is sure to be transformed into one of elegance and grandeur. It will create the dramatic look and feel you may be going for and leave your guests with something to talk about, long after your wedding day is over.

Image via RevelryEventDesigners.com

Whether you choose to drape the ceiling of the full event space or just a liitle, I hope the photos provide you with some inspiration to push the boundaries with your event drapery. Happy Planning!.

The Invitation Sets The Tone

2012-05-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

When deciding on the style of invitation for your wedding or event. Regardless of its style, shape, or color, your guests will be looking forward to an event that that will be just as unique as the invitation you chose.

With that being said, the latest trend in invitation design is the circle and rotating style invitations. They are different, they are unique, and they are totally non-traditional and almost bear no resemblance to the basic style of invitation from those days when I dreamed of getting married, which is almost 25 years ago!

Image via WeddingInviteLove.com

If you've chosen a round invitation for your wedding or event, what should your guests expect? They should expect something different. They should expect something different in your design, in your decor, and maybe even your color palette. They should be expecting to see your style and personality throughout the event because you've decided to do away with tradition.

Image via BlueEyeBrownEye.com

What does it say about you as an individual or couple? It may say that you love to think outside of the box and love to dance to the beat of your own drum. What's more outside of the box than having an interactive invitation, such as the one below? You can invite guests to your event and have them get excited about spinning the wheel to find out the pertinent details of the event, rather than just simply reading them, all at the same time.

Image via Burning-House.com

Your invitation is the start of your event. When sitting with your stationer or designer to create your custom and personalized invitation suite, make sure it's one that speaks to your style and personality. Happy planning!

Birthday Inspiration Board

2012-05-08T11:46:00.000-04:00

I've decided to live a little and celebrate the big 4-O! I'll be turning 40 in just over three months and I want to throw myself a party. Below is the color palette for it and I want to tell you the reason behind it.

As many of you know, I was in a major car accident a year ago. Not to rehash it, but so many material things were lost afterwards, yet so many things were gained. The black represents the dark and rough year that I've had rebuilding life after the car accident and the yellow represents the sunshine that I am enjoying and anticipate having going forward. I hope that you like it and hope that many of my friends will share the day with me!

Elegant Sweet Heart Tables

2012-04-23T10:09:00.002-04:00

On wedding day, we all know that the bride and groom are the star of the show and is the center of attention. Although some couples prefer to sit with their families or the bridal party at an estate table, some actually love the spotlight. An elegantly decorated sweetheart table can provide the perfect showcase for the happy couple.

If you're thinking of doing a sweetheart table for your wedding, here are a few for inspiration:

Image via Designs By Hemingway

Image via LeBonne Fleur

If you'd like a little lounge area for the two of you, here is an awesome "love nest".

Image via Maharani Weddings

A Wedding In A Winery~Pomar Junction

2012-04-09T00:02:00.001-04:00

Who doesn't love a gorgeous scenery? Combine that scenery with your wedding and you get the magical venue of Pomar Junction, which is nestled on a 100 acres of land in Templeton, California. Many couples have their wedding under the giant oak tree, but you can also choose to have yours on top of the hill that overlooks the vineyard.

Image via Sam Lim Studios

One of the favorite attractions for the guests of Pomar Junction is the tractor pulled gondola rides around the vineyards. This attraction is most popular during the fall season, when the the colors of the vines are in full bloom, but it's equally enjoyed during the spring and summer.

Image via Sam Lim Studios

For the reception, you can celebrate by erecting a tent and installing a dance floor. When night falls, you can hang lights from the large oak tree or the tent that's housing your reception celebration. Aside from that, you're able to use their full-service kitchen or choose your own. If you'd care to have your rehearsal dinner there, you can do that too with the use of their large oak pit barbecue grill.

No matter what direction you choose to go in, your wedding is sure to be one full of simple elegance with amazing scenery!

Spring In Your Step

2012-04-05T08:56:00.000-04:00

Are you looking to add a pop of color or a spring in your step during this spring wedding season? Springtime is all about the beautiful colors coming back to life after the cold winter temperatures and the grey, white , or pale blue colors palettes! Although many brides are keeping with the traditional ivory or white wedding gown, their shoes, as of late, have been something fun, festive, and bright. Here are a few shoe options that are sure to be a conversation piece for your spring wedding.

Image via Cheap Wedding Shoes

Image via LookBuys

Image via Squidoo

Spring Inspiration

2012-04-02T00:11:00.000-04:00

I've been gone for a while, but I'm back!! April is here, Easter is a week away, and Spring is definitely in the air and this week, the blog is all about Spring.

Spring is my favorite season of the year. It a time when life is rejuvenating with chirping birds and blooming flowers. Tulips and cherry blossoms are my two of my favorites, by the way! Being in the wedding industry, there is so much inspiration that can be gotten from the colors that have been "tucked" away all winter long. I've put together an inspiration board that includes two of my favorite flowers, some classic elements, and of course a little bling! Hopefully, it'll give you a little inspiration too!

Image Sources: Bridesmaids Dress, Pink Margarita, Cupcake, Pink Lemonade,
Tulips, Save-the-Date, Hat, Shoe, Straws, Wedding Cake

Gazebos & Tents At Your Wedding

2012-03-11T19:42:00.000-04:00

Spring has sprung and it’s time to get geared up again for some amazingly beautiful outdoor weddings. Whether it’s an event under the sun, under a gazebo, or under a tent, the imagery can be quite stunning. When I see an outdoor wedding, I love to see a greatly decorated gazebo or tent to house the festivities. They can be simply decorated or very ornate in design, yet still be a source of wonder and elegance. In the event you’re looking to have your event under a gazebo or tent, I’ve found some beautiful sources of inspiration.

Image via Designs By Indy

Image via St. Louis Wedding Insider

Image via God's Best Gift

Image via Best For Wedding Day

Image via My Wedding Decorations

Tasting Of The Four Elements

2012-02-29T07:30:00.000-05:00

In honor of Black History month, and since this is the last day of February, I wanted to touch on an African American ritual that's not often seen or heard of at the alter; tasting of the four elements. We're accustomed to seeing the lighting of the unity candle or the sand ceremony, but not much else in African American cultural traditions or rituals. Tasting of the four elements is a representation of how a marriage can have its ups and downs and the vow to love "for better or worse, for richer or poorer, and in sickness and health."

Image courtesy of Nsdia D Photography via BetsyWhite

The four elements are often placed in small bowls or glasses for tasting. They are:
~Sour (Lemon)- The couple tastes a bit of lemon that represents the individual sacrifice that each have to make within the marriage to be as one, which may cause sour feelings.
~Bitter (Vinegar)- The couple tastes a bit of vinegar that represents the bitterness that may develop within the relationship.
~Heat (Cayenne Pepper)- The couple tastes a bit of cayenne pepper that represents the heated arguments that a couple may have.
~Sweet (Honey)- The couple tastes a bit of honey that represents the sweetness in a marriage. More than that, it's a showing of how the couple can "weather the storm" of the sour, bitter, and heat of their marriage and remain in love (the sweetness).

I don't often get to see it performed myself, but I do get excited when I suggest it to my couples and they love the idea and what it represents. I think more couples should focus on the marriage and understand it takes work. After all, the wedding is just one day!

Non-Traditional Wedding Venue-Thacher Winery

2012-02-27T00:49:00.001-05:00

Shortly after the engagement, the date is set and a location is chosen. When the couple is more non-traditional and unique, finding the perfect venue can be challenging. If you’d rather strut in cowboy boots, see your guests in big floppy hats, or spend an evening tasting great wines, these things should somehow be incorporated into your wedding day; to be shared with your closest friends and family. I was contacted about the Thacher Winery, and I was impressed with its rustic elegance. The venue, captured so nicely by Peer Johnson, is located in Paso Robles, California, and has the perfect combination of rustic and elegance and the charm of a Southern Belle.

For your wedding, you’ll have exclusive use of the 52 acre property, which includes their 1920’s barn, the winery, the tasting room, and the vineyard, all providing amazing opportunities for lasting photos. Don’t be surprised if a cute little four-legged animal stops to join in. If you’re looking for a venue that’s different, rustic, elegant, and unique, ThacherWinery is a great place to consider.

By the way, what an amazing way to showcase the style of a Southern Belle, than to have your guest show up in a big floppy hat? I'm so loving it!

All photos courtesy of Peer Johnson.

Valentine's Day Wedding Inspiration

2012-02-08T01:11:00.000-05:00

February has been deemed the "love month" and Valentine's Day is fast approaching. For many of us, we're tying to plan the perfect evening and gift for our mates, while others are planning to marry their loved one in a Valentine's Day ceremony, which very well may be atop of the Empire State Building.

For Valentine's Day, we're often stuck on red being the dominant color for the festivities, but it doesn't have to be. I saw this photo and felt that it screamed love and romance with the delicate pink, cherry blossoms, ethereal drapery, and heart detailing on the aisle runner. I've seen plenty of Empire State Building nuptials broadcast where the ceremony is outside. This would be a great change of pace with the same sense of overlooking the city, especially if you're not the outdoorsy type. This is definitely a win-win.

Image via Manhattan Weddings

What are your plans for Valentine's Day?

Your Wedding Invitations

2012-02-01T00:58:00.000-05:00

The invitation sets the tone. How many times have you heard this? Whether you've heard it once or a thousand times, it's true. When it's time to announce to the world that you're getting married and request their presence, the invitation lets them know what kind of celebration to expect. Is it a formal affair, casually laid back, or somewhere in between? Those days where all invitations were white in color with a colored liner inside the envelope have all but disappeared and people have come up with more creative ways to express their personality while inviting guests to the wedding of their dreams.

Image via 1420 DeZigns and Alexis Sweet Photography

Instead of choosing your invitations and wedding day stationery from a catalog, it's so much more personal to have a face-to-face consultation to discuss the vision you may have for your wedding with someone like the very talented Valerie of 1420 DeZigns. You get the chance to play with color combinations, see various paper styles and types, see what might work, and make adjustments to those things that might not work so well. You get to customize something that will give your guests a little peek into the wedding that is to come and have them eager with anticipation.

Image via 1420 DeZigns and Anne & Spencer Photography

Customized does not always mean more expensive. There are options to fit every budget. Your guests get to see an invitations that's uniquely yours vs. one they may have seen a dozen times before. Add ribbon, add sparkle, or incorporate your favorite fabric. The thing to remember is that having a hands on approach allows you to create something that's one of a kind and totally you!