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!

One of the millions of things I can’t wait to share with our little “Baby G” is the fun of watching hot air balloons sail nearby – sometimes directly over – our house.  They seem to be a popular sport in this corner of the world, and I can just imagine the look of wonder in our little one’s eyes as they float by our front door, so close you could almost reach up and touch them!  Thus came my inspiration for these pieces: hot air balloons + pennants + 2-dimensional geometric patterns.  And since we are waiting to find out of “Baby G” is a he or a she, I worked in a gender neutral color palette of aqua blues, pistachio greens, and burnt orange, capped off with chocolate brown accents.  Horton of Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who seems to approve.

Parting favors for shower guests: yogurt-covered pretzels with a message from Baby G.  All wrapped up in celo + baker’s twine.

“I hope you enjoy this little snack half as much as my mommy does.  She’s been CRAVING them every day.  Love, Baby Grubb”

Flat cards for a thank you message + whimsical envelopes liners.  Up, up and away!

Sweet little details: a hot air balloon seals the envelope shut, while a Mark Twain stamp keeps with the “ragtime era” vintage feel.

P.S. What do you think, bloggies?  Boy or Girl…?!