Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope that everyone has the best day today filled with turkey, family, and good times! Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday, and at this time each year I start to become very sentimental and reflect back on the events of the year and all that I am grateful for. Here's my top list (in no particular order):

• Christopher for always keeping me in check and putting all of daily crisis' into perspective.
• My two big brothers and parents, for being more supportive of everything that I do than anyone else. I'll throw my nieces and nephews into this one too....
• I am grateful that I have a job, and work with people that I absolutely adore!
• The movies, that will be a nice distraction later when we all get sick of each other :)
• For my little business, that has given me confidence and so many wonderful opportunities and clients that keep my on my toes by challenging me in so many different ways.
• My oldest favorite friends who have been my personal cheerleaders since forever.

Have a great day everyone, and please be safe!

Real Wedding: Jeanette and Brandon

I knew when I met Jeanette that I would be in for a treat! Not only were invitations on the "to-do" list, but so were Save the Dates. For those, we designed a fantastic postcard that was made to look like a black and white newspaper classified ad. We used some of the couples engagement photos that where taken by Laura Kay Photography, and each ad was a real life event that occured between them. The picture was posted earlier on the new website sneak preview blog. The invitations were also featured before in a previous blog called "green splendor." This design was the brain candy of Jeanette. She found a picture of an invitation on the knot that she adored, but wanted to change it to make it her own and that we did. Jeanette and Brandon were married in late October at a world reknown golf course in the Sandia Mountains of New Mexico. After getting to know the bride, I knew that each detail of her wedding would be absolutely unbelievable, and I was right. She sent over these pictures the other day, and the took my breathe away. Here are the details, with some in the brides words:

• Colors - Shamrock green, black, and white
• Ceremony and reception venue - Paa-ko Ridge Golf Course
• Photography - Laura Kay Photography

We used Laura Kay Photography for pictures. She is based out of Washington, DC/Virginia and shoots local photography (in/around their area) and travels for special event photography. We chose her because she doesn't just take traditional pictures, her photography is art and captures all the special moments at different angles. Plus, we are related! She is fantastic!

• Flowers - The Flower Gallery

I worked with Judy who was so creative and knowledgable about floral arrangements. We did not want traditional arrangements, so she worked with us to create something unique. They will work within any budget.

• Invitations - Elva Marie's Fine Paper

For invitations and save the date cards we used... well... you! We could not be more pleased with the invitation and save the date! We got soooo many compliments on the creativity and uniqueness of both. Elva worked with me endlessly until she created the perfect invitation. I found an idea online, and Elva recreated it. Plus, she worked within my budget, and I saved money by assembling the invites myself. Thank you so much for setting the tone for my guests so perfectly as to what to expect during the wedding.

• Cake - Cakes by Lisa

I was fortunate to have a friend who bakes and creates wedding cakes! Lisa, at Cakes by Lisa, is so creative and will create anything you ask! I wanted a cake with white fondant. On top of the fondant and down the cake, Lisa recreated the floral design that was on the invitations. She even used the same color scheme as the invitations. Each tier was a different flavor, our favorites, red velvet, lemon poppyseed, and oreo. Not only was the cake delicious, the design was perfect.

Congratulations again, Jeanette and Brandon! I hope that you have a life time of joy and hapiness. Thank you for letting me play a tiny role in your fantastic celebration.

Real Wedding: Laura and Matt

I have finally recieved some photos from one of favorite weddings this year. I previously wrote about Laura and her mom Joanne, and showed a picture of their "Pretty in Pink Polka Dots" invitation design. When all was done their order included invitations, programs, table names, escort cards, thank you cards, favor bags and custom seals, candy signs, and rehearsal dinner invitations. I had so much fun working with these two, and even had the oppurtunity to work at the actual event by setting up table names and escort cards. I even stuck around to help guests find their seats. Take a look at these beauiful wedding photos, that are compliments of Joanne.

Here are the details:

• Colors - beige, champagne, and various hues of pale pink
• Reception Venue - Hotel Albuquerque
• Flowers - Melba's Floral Studio
• DJ - Complete Music
• Photography - Kevin's Photography
• Cake - Patisserie C
• Decor - Distracted by Decor
• Invitations and paper details - Elva Marie's Fine Paper

Matt and Laura, you had such a beautiful wedding, and I'm sure that your marriage will be even more so. Congratulations!

If you are a bride or coordinator who wishes to have a wedding featured on this blog, please forward pictures and details to info@elvamariesfinepaper.com for consideration.

Personalize this!

My boyfriend is a Pringles fanatic, and while I was putting groceries away yesterday I saw that you can create a personalized custom label from their website. So I started wondering what else I can find? I've seen a lot of these before and different weddings and events, but some are pretty unique. What have you seen?

• Topps Trading Cards


• Sharpie


• Pringles


• M & M's


• Hershey's Kisses and Chocolate Bars


• Bottled Water


• Wine


• Chocolate Business Cards


• Stamps

Real Wedding: Ally and Colin

I am so excited to finally post my first real wedding from New Mexico. I met Ally and her mom, Jan, in the early part of this year, and was fortunate to be able to add some special touches to their big day. Since Ally lives and works in Denver, Jan ended up doing most of the planning. Everything had to be just right, so we spent a lot of time making decisions on designs, colors, and fonts and we ended up making invitations, programs, escort cards, menus, and table signs. Since we started so early in the design process, Jan had enough time to do all of the assembly herself. Which was awesome because it gave me a little break, and it saved Jan some serious dough!


All of these beautiful photos were taken by Dry Heat Photography. Rick and Deanna knew exactly what to do to capture the exquiste details of this formal affair. Speaking of exquisite affair, did I mention that Karen from Celebrations! Weddings and Events was the day of coordinator? After working with her on this event, I can tell you that she goes way above the call of duty for a day of coordinator. We worked together on the programs, seating chart, etc. Here are the details that I know you all are dying to know:

• Colors - Mocha and white
• Ceremony and Reception Venue - Hotel Albuquerque
• Flowers - Nobhill Flower Shop
• Photographer - Dry Heat Photography
• Cake - ABC Cakeshop
• Invitations and paper goods- Elva Marie's Fine Paper
• Dress and accessories - David's Bridal
• Linens - Celebrations! Weddings and Events
• Day of Coordinator - Celebrations! Weddings and Events

Thank you Ally and Colin for give my little company a chance to make such a classy impression for your wedding! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, health, and good times!


If you are a bride or coordinator who wishes to have a wedding featured on this blog, please forward pictures and details to info@elvamariesfinepaper.com for consideration.

Simply Unique Accessories

Did you know that Elva Marie's Fine Paper is the only authorized vendor of Simply Unique Accessories for the state of New Mexico? This means that I can offer my clients the most luxurious couture invitation accessories from silk invitation boxes and folios to silk covered favor boxes. If you are trying to create an alluring and lasting impression for your event believe me this is the way to go! If you'd like more information on these amazing accessories, contact me directly at info@elvamariesfinepaper.com or check out the Simply Unique Accessories website here. Photo credit: ©2008 Simply Unique Invitations, LLC. All Rights Reserved