For Japan with Love

The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the country’s ongoing and seemingly endless struggles have been on my mind this week and I feel an overwhelming sadness for the people affected by this disaster. The images are heartbreaking and I constantly am asking myself ‘Why?’ The fact that all I have to do is turn off the news, for my life to be unaffected by this disaster seems so unfair while the lives of those living in Japan are forever changed. I feel silly rushing around preparing orders, going to work, printing and designing with these ordeals happening simultaneously on the other side of the world. It just doesn't seem fair.

Even though it seems like a very small thing, this Friday, I will be participating in the ‘Bloggers Day of Silence for Japan’ in memory of the victims and those struggling with the ongoing disaster. It is hosted by Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours, who have created a donation site called ‘For Japan with Love’. Check out their site for information and to donate. You can also donate to the American Red Cross, which I have done, and a variety of other organizations to help the people of Japan. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to give whatever you can. Give donations. Give time. Give prayers. Every little bit counts.

Real Wedding: Laura and Will

Will is my brother-in-law. He met Laura on Match.com and they got married in February at Barr Mansion in Austin. I was so honored when they asked me to design their wedding invitations and paper goods and I loved getting to help in the best way I know how. Their wedding was on the most beautiful Texas day and I can't tell you how deserving they were of the gorgeous day they had. Last summer, the barn, where they hold all of the receptions, was struck by lightening and burned down. Laura handled it with such grace and humor (she blogs and it's a fun read). At the last minute, it all came together and they were able to hold the reception in the slightly unfinished barn and you never would have known. I am so happy they got the wedding of their dreams.

This week, their wedding was featured on Ruffled (!!!!), a gorgeous wedding blog. I was so excited for some of my designs to be included in the feature. I designed her programs, wine menus and wine bottle table numbers. The photos were taken by Jackie Ray Photography. She was such a find and truly captured the beauty of the day.

My Design Style

Lately, I've been wanting to put into words what my design style is... what to call the type of work people can expect to see from me. I am not making any progress coming up with these words (I'm an accountant, not a writer), but I have noticed lately that there is a style that I don't do particularly well and it's bugging the heck out if me... and that's 'cutesy' (this is indeed a word by the way). Not 'that is so cute' cutesy, but 'children's illustrations and themes' cutesy. I am currently trying to come up with some children's themed birthday invitations and having a really hard time with it. I'd like to embrace the fact that this is just not my forte, but I will probably have keep trying my hand at them.For now, I am much better at the elegant style invitation, and I think I am okay with that. And that doesn't mean you can't hire me to design your child's invitation, because maybe my non-'cutesy' style is just what you are looking for. My friend, Viv, says that I 'design for the parents, not the kids.' She's so wise. Maybe someday when I have kids, I'll learn how to design for them...

My Assistant

To say that I own an awesome dog would be an understatement. I've had monetary offers. Seriously. Carter was tempted... but that was before he married me and officially adopted her. (You can't sell your child.)She doesn't bark, she sleeps like a cat (you know 22 of 24 hours), looks like a puppy, and cuddles like no other... oh and the other night she helped me design too...

What if Anthropologie did weddings?

I got an email a couple of weeks ago announcing that Anthropologie is coming out with their own wedding line. The promo photos on their website are beautiful and I finally got my hands on some photos of their gorgeous dresses. This is no doubt going to make some brides very happy. I have a love-hate relationship with anthropologie. Their stuff is so pretty, but so they are so expensive, but still so pretty, but not always the best quality... but so so pretty. See?

I am fresh off a recent fail, because the belt that I bought (with a gift card, therefore guilt-free) kept popping off every time I took a deep breath. I got to return it (they do have great customer service because they did it with no receipt and no questions asked), but I was bummed and kind of irritated because it was a $50 belt! It's the kind of item you are embarrassed to tell someone how much it costs.  I know it wasn't just my belt, because my bff got the same one in a different color and has the same issue. If I am going to spend that much on a belt, I want it to stay snapped dang it. But, I digress.

What was I talking about? Oh yes. Anthropologie does weddings.... The line is called BHLDN, which you pronounce 'Beholden' (so says google), and it debuts on February 14th. I think it's super smart of them to do this, and am sure it will do awesome, regardless.  I mean look at them. They are so gorgeous...

and so my love/hate affair continues.

sneak peek photos from glamour.com.