Creative Escort Cards and Original Wedding Invitations

“I am only as good as my tools!”

Ana Dolan says she is not an artist. This is arguable, but instead she refers to herself as a creator. She has an eye for putting colors, textures and type together. Growing up in a military/IBM family she moved a lot. Among other places, she has lived in Hawaii, Guam, Vermont, Connecticut and is now happy to reside in New York City. She draws inspiration from all of her life experiences. After 14 years in financial accounting she realized it’s impossible to make balance sheets look pretty.

Ana is having a very good week. Saturday she changed her facebook status to announce a two page spread featuring photos of her escort cards in the fall/winter issue of The Knot, which just hit the newsstands. On Wednesday, theKnot.com aired a live webcast featuring Ana's designs. Her assignment was to create “wow factor” wedding invitations.



We work together for Leslie Price and Eyal Tessler of In Any Event and the pages in The Knot were their designs.

I met Ana years ago at a bat mitzvah at The Yale Club. She was hired to guide the young guests through a project of writing letters to the troops. Later she was overseeing the creation of a guest book using Polaroid pictures. The next time I saw her she was dropping off hundreds of boxes of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at Gotham Hall. I worked a wedding with In Any Event at Tribecca Rooftop and was blown away by the design of menus, programs and escort cards, all layered with gold-flecked cork. I later learned these were Ana’s creations.

She creates: Save the Dates, Invitations, Programs, Place cards, Escort Cards, Favors, Welcome Packages, Logos, Monograms, Sign in Boards, Guest Books, Baby Announcements, Stationery and Web Designs. If you have a specific, original or crazy idea, I have a feeling Ana would love to hear it and help you make it a reality. When not creating, she may be rooting for the Yankees or listening to the latest from David Gray or ColdPlay.

With a tasting of Cafeteria’s three mac & cheeses (Gouda & bacon was the winner!) in front of us and a blackberry lemonade in hand, we got started.

T: Congratulations on your recent spread in The Knot, please explain the process of having your worked featured in a magazine and what inspired these escort cards specifically?

A: Thank you! Eyal Tessler of In Any Event, called me and told me he had a unique opportunity to showcase two original escort cards in The Knot. They had to be black and white and priced under $350 for 50 cards. Eyal found the black and white tile, and we talked about personalized checkers. The chairs I had used before for various weddings. The photo shoot took most of the day and I loved every minute of being "behind the scenes.”

T: What was the assignment for the recent webcast on theknot.com?

A: They wanted three original invitation ideas not on paper. I came up with five using a shadowbox wood frame, velvet, a cylindrical clear box and more. With the box, I was contemplating filing the box with tulle or shredded paper. I asked Eyal for his input on this and he suggested candy. They wanted the invitations to be bright, so I ended up using a colorful collection of candy.

T: In a city of wildly talented Graphic Designers, how would you describe your design style?

A: Artistic, Antique, Architectural. Traditional with a flare.

T: What is the creative process with clients generally like?

A: I meet with clients in person so I can try to create something they will love the first time. I create three samples for the client to choose from. Many of my clients are visual and need to be able to see, hold and touch an invitation before deciding which one is right for them. They appreciate this personalization. Seeing their names printed on beautiful paper in inspiring fonts, using colors coordinating to their wedding is powerfully enticing.

T: What is your favorite store, blog or website that gives you inspiration?

A: I like Luxurious Weddings. While the paper stores on 18th street (in Manhattan) are great, there is one on 12th Street in Manhattan called New York Central Art Supply that I love. I was creating invitations for a 25th wedding anniversary and needed unique silver paper. They had five different silver papers for me to choose from. There is also the Japanese beads and findings store call Toyo, where I find unique pieces to adorn my paper items with. It’s also very convenient since M&J Trimming (a great ribbon store) is on the next corner!

T: Is there someone who you idolize or look up to professionally?

A: I should say Martha Stewart, as obviously she is a great business woman and I have been fortunate to meet her in person. But to be honest, I get more inspiration from architecture, water, sand, and the sky. Places inspire me more than people.

T: What advice would you give to someone who is contemplating making their own wedding invitations or tackling a DIY graphic design project?

A: It’s special when people want to make their own invitations. I suggest you invest in the right tools. “I am only as good as my tools!” Without the right tools and professional printing they will look crafty and homemade, so unless that’s the look you are going for, make the small investment. Also, take your time and make everything as neat and even as possible.

T: What's next in your horizon?

A: I am looking forward to a Marie Antoinette-themed wedding that is coming up in September at the Lake House Inn in Pennsylvania. The bride, Jen is so enthusiastic, which in turn, inspires me to try and make everything as elegant and as exquisite as possible. I don’t want to give away all the fun details but of course the favors are petit fours. “Let the guests eat cake!”

T: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

A: For a long time, I thought I had my life planned out. But you never know where you’ll wind up. If you are fortunate to have something you love and are passionate about, it will hopefully guide you where you should be. In my case, my passion for designing and creating has brought me much happiness. I am very grateful for the life that I have.

The pages look great and I look forward to the webcast. Thank you for your time. See you at the Indian wedding on Friday.

Fabulous Opera Singer

Elizabeth Nicholas Synott is amazing!

Elizabeth has single-handedly changed my life. I would not be where I am today without her influence. I sincerely know this in my heart. I want to write about her singing and her talent as a performer, but it’s difficult for me to discuss that without first acknowledging the woman, the person and the friend.

Beth goes above, beyond and out of her way for strangers. Nine years ago, I had a temporary assignment at an insurance company. Beth worked at the company and passed by my desk and immediately suggested I call her friend at The New York Times. From her initiative I was hired by The New York Times. I was employed there for seven years, up until the time I was prepared to leave and start my own event planning business. While the job paid my bills, exposed me to much and introduced me to dear and lifelong friends, having that job enabled me to research, develop and dive into a profession I am passionate about!

She asked me the simple question: what do you do? I remember this day so clearly and thinking what do I do? At the time I answered catering, followed by question marks. From that moment my life shifted.

Beth hosted a monthly Performance Series for years. She gathered like minded and talented individuals to practice their art. Comedians, writers, musicians and vocalists entertained us for hours. She invited me to caterer these events, which brought me joy and really allowed me to test my culinary skills.

Beth’s vocal performances at these events were unbelievable. Her vocal range and capacity is unmatched and her voice sends chills through my body. She has a gift and I treasure any opportunity to hear her sing.

Beth rocks the stage as well. Four years ago Valentine’s day she performed off- broadway on a stage in Manhattan. My valentine (a professional classical musician) and I left thoroughly entertained.

Her organizational skills, generous spirit, big heart, enthusiasm, energy and sense of humor are also in the forefront of my mind. She has organized talent shows that are hugely successful. Last fall Beth hosted a yard sale to raise money for Artists Striving To End Poverty(ASTEP). Beth is one of the most remarkable women I know. I am thrilled, proud and honored to call her a friend. She is the first person I would think of if I needed someone to entertain, perform, sing or initiate a musically inspired project or collaboration.

And can she ever sing, listen to Elizabeth sing here.

Wedding Dress Designer

After hearing about her dresses, seeing her sketches and meeting her clients, I finally got to see a Samuelle creation in person. Sam is an amazing designer from the United Kingdom and has a personal approach to designing non-traditional wedding dresses. She invited me to an event at The Wedding Cafe, a beautiful midtown spot, where her dress was being modeled.

When Sam initially contacted me last year, she introduced herself by saying:

"I offer a very personal and bespoke service, for the discerning bride who is wanting a more creative and custom made experience for her wedding.
I work very closely with the bride over a period of 6 months to create her perfect wedding dress. Initial consultations provide a creative arena for her ideas, as a designer I then make and present drawings, which then are translated into a custom made pattern,and a muslin dress. Highest quality fabrics are sourced, for the final dress to be created to perfection, personalized detailing ensures an exclusive one off garment."

Sam is a true joy to be around!

Walk through

A walk through usually takes place the week of your wedding or event. It's a meeting where the client, the planner or day-of coordinator and venue representative review the day-of schedule, physically walk through the property discussing the floor plan and layout of tables, chairs, cake, dance floor, entertainment and all logistics in general. Knowing the number of guests at each table will allow the captains to accurately set the tables. Providing the venue and coordinator with an alphabetical list and a list of guests by table will enable everyone to assist your guests in finding their seats. The seating charts/table assignments are typically complete by now. This is an excellent opportunity to make final payments if anything is due.

This is also the time to drop off:
-escort cards
-place cards
-table numbers/stands
-menus
-favors
-card box
-toasting glasses
-cake server
-cake stand
-decor or details
-anything else the venue will need before your wedding

(You will have a separate list of drop off items for the ceremony site, for example: programs, guest book, unity candles)

Be sure to label everything with your name and wedding date and pack your things as compact as possible. Your venue may be getting similar items from other couples.

Of course none of this is necessary. It is entirely up to you. Often the venue can provide most of the items mentioned, but these are all areas where creativity can come into play, if you plan to personalize your wedding day.

Today I have a walk through at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, New York for this weekend's wedding.

Bridal Shower Traditions

Twenty women gathered to honor and celebrate our dear friend, as she prepares to get married on Sunday!

We had a lovely brunch in a private room at Metro Cafe & Wine Bar in Manhattan. I love bridal showers and I am a sucker for the traditions.

I like the games. There, I said it. While I don't consider myself a competitive person, I do like to play on occasion. And of course I much prefer to win. We played "How well do we know the bride?" (I did do remarkably well!) Then we put the bride in the hot seat and found out how well she knows her groom. Her bridesmaid got his answers. He answered each question with a funny answer, then a sincere answer. His funny answers were SO funny, the whole table erupted in laughter, at least twice. My mom always tells me how important sense of humor is in a partner, my friend is a lucky lady!

Paper plate ribbon bouquets are tradiiton! (I love/can't believe there is a how to article online to support this notion.) We were getting into making it with each ribbon from every package. This is the bouquet she will use at her wedding rehearsal. It's said each broken ribbon equals a child for the couple.

The last thing they had that I LOVED, is a vintage Polaroid camera. In a pool of digital cameras, this classic tool is a fun alternative!

This was an excellent opportunity to get to know everyone a little bit before the wedding. My friend is clearly loved by many and was so touched by the beautiful efforts of her bridal party.

BoltBus

Taking a blogging break today, as a domestic project needed my attention. Now I am busy assembling invitations for a bridal shower my mom and I are throwing for my future sister-in-law. I had a huge weekend of three amazing events, a beautiful wedding at Chelsea Piers, a Citrus and Sunshine bridal shower on a garden rooftop and yesterday I took the efficient, clean and modern BoltBus to Philadelphia for a business launch party at a beautiful estate. There is so much to write about, please check back later this week.
Meanwhile, congratulations to my dear friend Rebecca and her family and a big welcome to her new son Ben! Happy Birth-day!

Thanks to all of you for reading my blog! I really appreciate your support.

Foodie Friday: Red Velvet Cupcakes

Cake is not my calling. I love to entertain with miniature cupcakes, but cookies and brownies are how I prefer to consume my calories. The bridal shower I attended a few weeks ago was co-hosted by a graduate of the pastry program at the French Culinary Institute. She so modestly said she worked for a caterer in Westchester. Later her sister in-law informed us it was Abigail Kirsh, a leading caterer in New York. She hasn't baked professionally since her children were born, but it must be like riding a bike. Her red velvet cupcakes were AMAZING. They could easily land a place on my top 10 dessert list for 2009. The frosting (again not a frosting girl, typically) was delicious! Cream Cheese. MMMMMMMM.
I asked her if the recipe was secret, she uses Martha Stewart's recipe, but then added that she substitutes one ingredient. She did not offer it up, so I did not want to pry (Well, of course I wanted to, but I didn't think it was polite.) Maybe I'll see if my friend can find out.

Here is Martha Stewart's recipe for Red Velvet Cupcakes:

* 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans
* 2 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising), sifted, plus more for pans
* 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 2 cups sugar
* 3 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 one-ounce bottles liquid red food coloring
* 3 tablespoons lukewarm water
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 tablespoon white vinegar
* Cream Cheese Frosting for Red Velvet Cake

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-by-2-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, and butter again. Dust with flour, and tap out the excess; set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together cake flour, cocoa, and baking powder; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar, and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 15 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla, salt, food coloring, and water; beat, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until well combined. Add reserved dry ingredients in additions, alternating with the buttermilk; beat on low speed until well combined.
3. In a small bowl, stir together baking soda and vinegar; add to batter. Beat on medium speed for 10 seconds. Be sure not to over beat. Divide batter between prepared pans, and bake until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove pans from oven, and transfer to a wire rack to cool, about 15 minutes. Turn cakes out onto rack; let stand until completely cool.
4. Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes so surfaces are level. Place a layer on a cake stand or cardboard round, and spread about 1/3 of the frosting over top. Place the second layer on top, and spread with the remaining frosting over the tops and sides of assembled cake. Transfer to refrigerator, and chill until ready to serve.

What do you think she substituted?

Abigail Kirsch is the exclusive caterer to the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. I am working a wedding there this evening. I am excited to sample her savory cuisine.



Photo credit: Flicker © 2005 Cheryl Porro

Korean Weddings

My dear friend is getting married next Sunday. She's having a traditional Korean American wedding. I thought this was going to be my first. Then the fabulous Eyal Tessler of In Any Event called to request my help tomorrow. This wedding will be at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. I met him there yesterday for the walk through, met the couple and guess what, they are also hosting a traditional Korean Wedding. While the weddings will be similar, it's clear that they will each be very personal and distinct. The couple next week has family traveling from Korea and decided to print their invitation in English and Korean. These beautiful invitations were designed by Judy Ko.



Did you know that in Korea yellow roses are sent to funerals?

Inside an Event

Flowers by Topaz

Last month I was invited to a lunch at the Harvard Club. Jamie K Photography has been kind enough to share her photos from this day. Take a peek inside this Wedding Salon hosted event. Carley Roney co-founder and editor in chief of The Knot.com spoke to a room of wedding planners. It was a lovely afternoon.

We sip wine and mingle with industry friends.

The Harvard Club's interior is classic and regal.

The Club's team sets a stunning table.

Carley speaks!

We all listen carefully.

We eat and chat.

The beautiful music of Lliquid fills the room.

A Scottish Wedding at Belvedere Castle in Central Park

While it's hardly original for women to swoon over men with British accents or kilts, I feel like my affinity towards men wearing kilts is more justified. I lived in Scotland for a year after college and being there truly is a life altering experience. Fast forward 10+ years and I coordinate weddings of couples traveling from England and Scotland who want to Get Married in New York. It's truly poetic justice.

Last week, I had the pleasure of working with the A+ team of Jonathan Hefter and Christopher Duggan. These gentleman are a joy to work with and make my job easy. Jonathan is an officiant and coach who creates sole-based ceremonies. He was the person who referred me to Get Married in New York. Christopher is the creator of these beautiful images that I can't share fast enough.









Rachael & Scott

Location: Belvedere Castle in Central Park
Photographer: Threshold Visions
Officiant: Witness Circle
Flowers: Flowers by Richard
Reception: Above

Get Married in New York was established in 2002 by British born Lorraine Ellis and specializes in arranging weddings for couples in the United Kingdom who want to get married in New York. I am so happy to be their New York representative and day-of coordinator.

Thanks to Christopher Duggan for sharing his beautiful photographs.

Foodie Friday: South India

I had never had South Indian food. I did my normal Zagat search before Wednesday night's dinner with an amazing event planner. My criteria for a restaurant was: location (I wanted something close to our pre-dinner event, excellent food (life is too short to eat bad food), and reasonable (value makes good food taste better). Sometimes I sacrifice vibe and decor for value and a culinary adventure. This search led me to Saravanaas

Chicken Tikka Masala or Saag Paneer are not South Indian, instead they serve Dosas. I did not know what a Dosa was.

Dosas are a Southern Indian delicacy. It is basically a crepe made from rice and black lentils. It is a typical South Indian dish, eaten for breakfast or dinner, and is rich in carbohydrates and protein. (From Wikipedia)

The food is interesting, delicious, SPICY and flavorful. Go this weekend, you will not miss the meat and the vegetarians in your life will thank you.

Saravanaas
81 Lexington Ave. (26th St.) Manhattan, NY 10016

How will you choose your next restaurant?

Thoughtful Wedding Favors

Do your guests a favor and avoid favors that may fall under the category of trinket and tchotchke. These run the risk of being left behind or thrown out at home, They are not a good use of your wedding budget.

An edible favor is always a good idea and rarely wasted. Personalized cookies,
nuts, a favorite snack or a family recipe is often very well received.

Choose something that is a nod or unique to the location. Share something meaningful or significant to you as a couple.

For example, I recently suggested a Milwaukee, Wisconsin couple offer her guests:

Coffee from Alterra. Alterra is a popular local coffee shop on the lakefront in Milwaukee. This will give guests that jolt they need the day after celebrating at your reception. Attach it to a cool coffee mug or travel cup if your budget allows. Take it a step further and include a miniature loaf of bread or a muffin and you can package it as breakfast in bed.

Milwaukee is famous for beer. Send each guest home with a bottle of local brew with a note that reads “Cheers to you for coming to our wedding!” Add on a bottle opener if you want to add on a keepsake.

Wisconsin is the Dairy State. Give guests a gift certificate for frozen custard if people are local and if you think traveling guests will have time to try this local specialty.

Here are other thoughtful wedding favor ideas I like.

Making a donation to a cause in honor of a loved one is lovely sentiment.

Sharing a family recipe for cookies, jam or tomato sauce that you love and want to pass on. Attach the recipe to a jar of jam, sauce or a bag of homemade cookies.

Create a CD of your favorite songs. A couple married in Rochester, Minnesota a few years ago did this and I still love the music they introduced me to. The had a winter wedding and hung the cd’s from a Christmas tree. Some songs were played at their wedding and other songs were their favorites or had significance to them as a couple.

Holiday ornaments. Being sentimental, I love decorating my Christmas tree and my ornaments have significance. An ornament from your wedding will encourage me to remember you and your wedding each year as I hang your favor on my tree. I attended a wedding on Block Island and their ornament, a house on Block Island, has earned a special place on my tree each year. I love remembering the beauty of this lovely New England treasure.

Lottery Ticket. We are so lucky to have you in our lives!

Candy Stations and Photos Booths both add life to the party and are built in favors.

Whatever you choose, keep it simple, present it well and people will appreciate it.

Personalize the favor with a well-designed label, creative packaging, a personal message or note, your names and the date.

Do me a favor, what is the best favor you ever received at a wedding or event?

Invitation Alternatives

Sending save the dates and invitations for showers and parties via e-mail is growing increasingly popular. Having just printed paper invitations for a friend’s shower I am co-hosting, I understand why people would opt to go the electronic route.

Sending traditional invitations require:
-A guests list with salutations and mailing addresses.
-Invitations and envelopes.
-Return address labels.
-Stamps.
-Sufficient ink for your printer.
-Patience and perfect proofreading skills.
-Time.

Be prepared to design, align and practice. I love beautiful paper so I applaud those attempting to print traditional invitations. A creative invitation sets the stage for a lovely event.

However, the advantages of sending an invite by e-mail or evite are undeniable:
-Speed.
-You can change the information easily if necessary even if the invite has been sent. This is especially nice if weather plays a role in your event.
-It’s environmentally friendly: no paper, no envelope, no postage.
-It’s more economical.
-It also encourages interaction between guests who can share comments and start conversations among themselves before the event.

However you decide to corral your guests, be creative, check your spelling and verify the accuracy of the information provided.

Not convinced? If an evite is a bit too casual for your event, but you don't have time to mail paper invitations, Paperless Post has created a stylish and wonderful alternative. Their electronic invitations are delivered by e-mail and present guests with a digital envelope to be opened. The presentation is excellent and hosts can track the invitations online.

Want a paper invite but you are happy to leave the printing to the professionals. Wedding Paper Divas have been getting rave reviews.

You are cordially invited to visit my blog.