The Crafy Craziness Begins: The Invitations May 2018

I told my niece, Amanda, I would create the invitations for her wedding as her wedding gift. As it turned out it was one gift of many. I really did get carried away but enjoyed every minute of it.

I knew immediately who I wanted to contact and work with, it was Katie from Madison Stationery. She is the daughter of a  colleague and I can't say enough great things about her. From my original contact, until after the I do's, Katie has been an absolute pleasure to work with. We emailed back and forth so many times. I thought I was being a PIA, but Katie responded personally and professionally.

The invitation she designed for Amanda and Eddie was just a bit outside of her norm. She didn't mind at all; she is totally a customer pleaser.  You can follow her on FB and Instagram. You can contact her for any type of special occasion you need an invitation for.

When I received the printed invites from Katie, I went to work on the finishing touches. I knew Amanda liked bling and was partial to gold and sand dollars. Coral and teal were her colors. I decided on coral glitter cardstock for the background, teal ribbon, and a sand dollar charm. I used a mock-up that Katie sent me to show her what I had in mind and gave Amanda a few options Katie sent. 

Eventually, they chose the bold version of their names and place of the reception.

This finished product below.  

My, not so innocent Charlie, decided he wanted in on the action and decided to leave his mark on a few of the invitations I had completed. 

Don't let the doggie cuteness fool you, Charlie frequently lays by me when I'm sewing or working on the computer. He is waiting to put his mark on whatever I'm working on.

A few of us in attendance during Amanda and Eddies's wedding week took various pictures of the invitation. These are the photos I took.

These are from Desiree Chavez, a good friend of the bride and groom. I really love the color of the ocean and the sky in the background. 

I definitely have to give a shout out to the professional: Hannah Ruth Photography. She really knows how to capture every moment of an event. She may not post these shots on her site because of the vast amount of business she has, but we can certainly print them from the pictures she sent us. 

This was a fun creative project for me. It took some time, but none the less I enjoyed it. 

Lessons Learned: 

1. Be flexible when working with a professional graphic artist. I was and she, Madison Stationery, was. 
2. Candid, non-professional photos can add real-life touches that the professional photographer might not have time to get. 
3. Have your guests take many photos. 

The invitations were a pleasure to make. Thank you, Amanda, for the chance to do this for you. 

It All Started Here: Amanda and Eddie Engagement 2018

The beginning of the End (for Eddie, the groom) LOL

I can just hear my nephew-in-law laughing at this because he understands the humor in anything and he doesn't judge if it's "politically correct" or offends others.  In our posts on social media, he laughs and we laugh right back at him. 

A little over a year ago the proposal was made in their favorite beach place: North Myrtle Beach at the Avista Resort.  They have been going there for many years.

My late brother, Frank, loved this place and hanging out with the family there for their yearly April vacation. I wish he was here to celebrate this union. He would have been so happy.

Eddie texted me to show me the ring he was going to get my niece, Amanda. I felt honored he did that.  He did a  really good job selecting something she would treasure. 

Here are some pictures of their engagement in Myrtle Beach in  2018. 

I'm so glad my daughter was able to meet up with them for the announcement. 

Most of my family was able to attend too.

I made this simple banner for them announcing the date of their nuptials. 

I was so happy they chose to place the banner on the cake table at the wedding reception.

Lessons Learned: 

?????? 

I wish you this much fun for special occasions in your family. 

Mary and Peter's Wedding in North Myrtle Beach, SC and Celebration in Middleburgh for Extended Family

Mary, my niece, and Peter. Wedding on the beach in 2014.







I wasn't able to attend but was able to Skype. Thank goodness for the evolvement of technology.

Mary and her cousins: Thomas Jr., and significant other at the time: Kristina.  Amanda and her significant other at the time: Eddie; and my Shannon.

Cousins. :) 

Gram and Mom.

Female cousins.

Gram.

Mary and Peter.  

Uncle Rich and Aunt Sam.

Girl Cousins who need to be closer in geography. Amanda and Shannon.

 Dad and daughter.

 Thomas Jr., he's a clown and knows how to work it.

Thomas Jr. and my Aunt Sam.  I really want her to take part in many more family events, but right now, it's difficult for her to get around. 

Celebration in Middleburgh, NY for the Extended Family

The guests of honor. 

Proud Gram. 

Bringing the beach to the country. 

Original cake topper designed by The Little Posy Place in Schoharie.
Little known fact: I used to work for her mother at Evelyn's Posy Place in Duanesburg years ago. I loved her quaint flower shop and truly enjoyed designing flower arrangements with her for her customers. Diane has the same creativity style as her mom: one of a kind. 🖤 

So glad Aunt Sam was able to attend.

 Lessons learned: ??????? Not sure there is any with family.
Can you relate?