Sometimes, yes.

“I just don’t want it to look ‘oldish’ you know?” she said. “I’m already what I’d call a ‘mature bride’…”

Then you’ve come to the right place.

Careful not to go down the road often traveled (who hasn’t done damask?), I set out to bring a fresh perspective to stationery designed with a damask motif.  I played with scale and using different sections of the damask.  I paired it with other patterns.  I reversed out the inks for an all-black out-of-town reception card.  I proposed non-traditional accents, such as a black rsvp envelope.  (Black for a wedding?!  Absolutely.  Why not?)

The result was this bold, graphic and fresh take on a traditional (and dare I say, potentially boring) damask invitation suite that even the youngest of young brides (and the maturest of mature brides) would be delighted to call their own.

My favorite card just might be the all-black Memphis reception card.  Perfect for a formal house party!

The main invitation card alone is oh.so.romantic.

And more than 600 envelopes later… They were all lined!  Including the outer, the rsvp and the thank you note envelopes. Whew!

There were many weekend details to include for guests, so we developed a multi-card invitation suite to organize it all.  And Anna wanted to communicate the feel of the party to her guests.  Wording like “Southern chic attire, y’all” and a little sketch of a Cornhole game by the reception details – these things said, “Hey, this is going to be a really fun garden party like only the South can do.”  Anna really gets the idea that an invitation can communicate so much more than just the When and Where of a party!

A brightly golden colored bellyband with the couple’s initials bound the cards together neatly. 
Recognize the ornate frame?  We used the same design element for Anna’s Rehearsal Dinner invitation.

The damask and diamond patterns hinted at the Civil War era wallpapers and textiles found at Carnton Plantation.

One of my favorite details: the RSVP wording.
“Will be there, undecided on bells…”

Southern chic attire, y’all.

And here’s a peek at how it all came together!

Event photography by Erin Lee of  The Collection. 
Head on over to A Delightful Day’s blog for even more event details and a full vendor listing.

The main card was printed front + back.  Guests were first greeted by this oak tree carved with the couple’s initials.

Invitation on the flipside.  All wrapped up in twine.

A separate card for rehearsal dinner guests.

Sweet details.  And a custom rubber stamp!

Interested in customizing this suite for your upcoming event?  Message me using the above “Say Hello” form.  To learn more about stationery design by Design in August check out the About page.  Cheers!

I was delighted to show my stationery work at HER Nashville’s Bridal Brunch this past Sunday.  We had an excellent turnout at Vanderbilt’s Commodore Ballroom and I am pleased as punch – or, should I say, mimosas!  It was such fun meeting with lovely brides-to-be (and their attentive grooms-to-be) as we chatted stationery needs and paper goods in a lively, brunch atmosphere.  I also had fun seeing which pieces caught the most attention – hello, lined envelopes & save the date postcards!  A highlight for attendees was the fashion show, featuring gown trends for Spring 2011 (ruffles! ruffles! ruffles!).  And a highlight for Design in August was not one, but TWO Studio Giveaways!  Brides entered to win either a set of custom thank you notes OR a custom return address rubber stamp.  I will be announcing the two lovely winners tomorrow.  Thanks, HER Nashville for hosting a can’t-miss brunch.  Cheers!

Stay tuned on Wednesday when I will announce the two winners of my Studio Giveaway!  Could it be you?!

I am proud to announce that Design in August will be showing at Nashville’s Bridal Brunch: A Toast to Wedding Style this January 9th!  Bridal Brunch is a champagne social featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, a bridal fashion show and the chance to mix & mingle with some of Nashville’s most elite wedding vendors.  It’s a one-stop shop to help you plan your perfect wedding.  And Design in August will be there to showcase custom stationery design.  I’m so excited!  Yet another opportunity to meet more of Nashville’s beautiful brides and chat wedding stationery & ephemera all in the setting of a boutique bridal show.  So gather your moms, your gals, & even your man, and join us for a lovely Sunday Brunch on January 9th.  See you there!

Photography from last year’s Bridal Brunch event.