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

Featured Vendor: Toppers with Glitz

Sometime last year I got in touch with Sari from Toppers with Glitz, because I absolutely loved her cake toppers. I was drawn to the sparkly crystals and beautiful monograms, and I wanted to somehow tell the world about them. After such a chaotic wedding season and school schedule, I have been back in touch with Sari and the honor of my first vendor feature will go to her and her blooming business! Here are a few questions that I asked her recently to find out what is hot in her studio right now!

Do you recommend that your clients have their cake in mind before they contact you or do you find that most of your clients design their cake around their topper?

Like most of my customers, and probably not unlike other designers, I love to have visuals to work with. If I can see the cake, I typically get an immediate picture of "the perfect topper" for it. Making sure the entire cake will look good is always the top priority and most of my customers welcome the input, even if they end up taking a different direction than they initially planned. Hopefully their baker can do the same if the topper is purchased first.

With recent orders, or upcoming 2009 orders what are the most popular color trends that you're seeing?

Tiffany blue was a big color this year and I am curious to see if it will still be big for '09. I am seeing a lot of champagne and ivory,and LOVE the outcome. Swarovski has some really beautiful soft browns that blend extremely well together - Light Colorado Topaz is one of my all time favorites.

You're website is very informative, but what are a few things that potential clients frequently ask?

Hands down, the most frequent question I get asked is with regard to colors. There are so many colors and so many combinations that can be made, it's just not possible for me to address them all on the website.I welcome the questions, phone or email, and am happy to work with each bride, case by case. I also offer complimentary samples so that they colors can be seen in person and matched to their other items.

What was the most challenging job that you've had so far?

I did a table stand for a candle lighting ceremony that was 5" tall and measured almost 2 feet long (pictured above). I had plenty of time to make it but really underestimated how long it would take to crystal. It was the largest item I have taken on to date.

From a small business owners perspective, what has been your and/or your business most exciting accomplishment?

Last year Topper With Glitz was invited to participate in Swarovski's wedding showcase "Unbridaled". I didn't believe I was selected until I saw my products featured in the coffee-table book; a beautiful hard-cover book with designers like "Vera Wang" and "Fendi". The U.S. launch, a red carpet event, is taking place in New York later this year. I dare to dream big but I don't know how much bigger I can dream than this!

Furthermore, Sari goes on to say "I am always trying to expand my product line with relevant items that help complete a coordinated look. Last year I added server sets and bouquet monograms. This year I have added cake trim and toasting flutes."

Sari, Thank you for taking the time to answer all of the questions above! You offer such a beautiful and unique product that I know you will be a HUGE success! -Elva