Hittin' the beach

Beachwear is something we never really had the chance to master. Growing up in Washington & Colorado-- any opportunities to go to a beach were limited to the occasional family vacation. When we knew that a little vacay to Miami was in our future, it was high time to pull together some fun beach attire:

Hat: JCrew

Swimsuit: Anthropologie

Tory Burch Bag: Nordstrom

Roberto Cavelli Sunglasses: Bloomingdales

Clinique Sunscreen: Nordstrom

Upon arriving on Saturday we have been overwhelmed with the beauty of the coast. Now that the weekend is over, we'll be diving into some strategic planning for Paper Moss... what better way to tap into our creative outlets than to be relaxed and surrounded by God's creation? We hope you also had a lovely weekend-- get ready for a fabulous week!! Happy Monday!

*Photos courtesy of- JCrew, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom

A 1920's Vintage Chic Wedding

Melissa and Jason tied the knot last spring- it's hard to believe it has already been a year! We adored their vintage chic invitation suite and wanted to rekindle the magic of their special day by compiling this inspiration board. Picture it: a 1920's inspired affair- complete with a stunning gown, crystal chandeliers, music and mint juleps on a warm spring afternoon. Sounds like a little piece of heaven, right?

Photos clockwise from top Paper Moss; Oh How Charming; Weddings On the French Riviera; Paper Moss; Paper Moss; Ritzy Bee; 100 Layer Cake

 

Color Crush: Black, White & Beige

Black and white color combo has always and will always be classic, but add a little beige and we. are. in. love. You just can't go wrong. Below is one of our favorite invite suites - so simple & chic with gorgeous hand calligraphy by Larry Orlando.

Color Crush collage: clockwise from upper left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

*Photos courtesy of corresponding websites

*Invite photos by Laura Ashbrook Photography

La Bella Bride Magazine

Based out of Rhode Island, La Bella Bride highlights wedding trends and brings together wedding vendors from the northeast. It's so fun to flip through and get inspiration - even if we aren't brides to be :) We are so excited to have been included in the most recent issue! Take a peek at some of our Save the Date and Invitation Suites that were featured...

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{Gail & Ryan}

To order your own fabulous copy of La Bella Bride, click here.

*Photos courtesy of Laura Ashbrook Photography

Southern Living Weddings

There's a lot to love about Southern Living Magazine, after all, the South has such a distinct and irreplaceable charm. We were so excited for Alison and Chris when we heard their wedding was featured in Southern Living Weddings (among others!). From the custom printed buttons & flags to the cotton candy topped champagne, we don't know which detail we're still swooning over. {Perhaps it's the vintage stamps that appear on the invites, programs and cake..?! The list could go on.} Regardless, this couple and their gorgeous wedding will surely continue to inspire us all. We are beyond honored that they entrusted us with their stationery suite, and couldn't be happier with the end result. (Not to mention the attention it's getting ;))

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This is certainly cause for celebration... what an exciting way to capture the memories of their big day! To see more on this feature or to check out other weddings, visit Southern Living Weddings online.

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*Photos courtesy of Southern Living Weddings Magazine

Engaged!

We had to share this recent feature in Engaged Rhode Island Magazine! What a fun shout out and a fabulous way to inspire brides and event-lovers alike.  Thank heavens that the minds behind this publication see the value in having stellar save - the - dates and invitation suites. :) Take a peek at some of their top picks... And for more ideas to help plan the perfect wedding, check out Engaged RI Magazine online.

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*Photos courtesy of Engaged RI Magazine, Paper Moss invites as featured above in numbers 1, 2, 4 & 9.

1. Vintage 'Rhode Island Postcard' Save the Date

2. Katie & Dave Invite

4. Photo collage Save the Date

9. Ticket Save the Date

The best of the best

The glorious Style Me Pretty sure outdid themselves in their first ever issue of Style Me Pretty Magazine. For a blog that features over 1,000 weddings each year, we were honored {jumping, shreaking and doing some aerobic style moves for good measure} to hear that 2 weddings of beloved Paper Moss clients made the cut for their Best of 2010 E-Glossy! If this little teaser doesn't pull you to look at the whole entire online mag, just know that you are completely totally missing out. But if you think you can live with yourself, we won't judge.

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We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the folks at SMP for giving us something else to obsess over!

*Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty, of course.

Favorite posts from 2010: No. 3

Here's a look back at another one of our faves...

The Evolution of an Invitation

Anything custom requires more time and attention than something mass-produced. In fashion-speak, it's the "haute couture" of stationery, while pre-made designs are equivalent to the ready-to-wear. Paper Moss has been custom since its first breath. There is something so satisfying about working with clients to make their vision a reality. The design process goes through many "renovations" to finally achieve the look that our brides and grooms are dreaming of.

When we first sat down with {bride to be} Mary Jo, she mentioned her love of Paris and the time she spent abroad. As the conversation evolved and we learned more about her and her honey, it only seemed natural to aim for a "Vintage Parisian" look for their invitation suite... without being cliche. Since we all needed a little inspiration, she sent these photos to inspire designs:

After identifying their color palette, discussing fonts, deciding on the type and weight of paper and getting a general idea of what they wanted, designs for Mary Jo and Paul began. In the first round, we included several options that the bride and groom evaluate and give feedback on. We pulled characteristics from one and add them to another, flip things around, make one design smaller or another less detailed... the list goes on! Here are some of their initial designs:

Sparing the details of the back and forth, the questions, the answers, the tweaking, the perfecting, the printing and yadda yadda, you get the point... their final product fit the bill! PUN intended! Our bride and groom both adored their invitation suite and we were gladly able to accommodate the budget they were working with.

And here is their final "Vintage Parisian" wedding invitation...

And that friends, is how a custom invitation evolves!

*Invite photos courtesy of Laura Ashbrook Photography

Favorite posts from 2010

2010 has been quite the year for Paper Moss! We are giddy about all that has happened and want to wrap this year up just right. In honor of the last week of the year, we thought it was only appropriate to do a throwback of our {personal} favorite posts.

Throwback #1: Monograms Galore

Needless to say, life wouldn't be nearly as pretty without monograms. That being said, take a peek at some that were designed for Paper Moss clients for their invite suite and beyond!

Here are a few favorites... some have stories behind them, and others are just pretty stinkin' cool looking if we do say so.

Enjoy!

Louisa and Frank are nature lovers who got married on a farm in lush Georgia. The bird on the left is meant to represent her and the trout on the right (both are avid fly fishers) for him.

The inspiration for this monogram came from the engagement ring. Adam had a custom band designed to have the Texas star on the side since his bride, Stacy, was originally from Waco...!

Rachel and Adam got married in beautiful San Diego, CA. The little 'beach shack' seen in this monogram is an actual representation of a famous one on the beaches in San Diego. The groom loved to surf so we had to squeeze a surf board in there...

A Bahama Beach monogram is not complete without a palm tree and the bride's favorite shells!

How can you not fall in love with this little bird? Holly and Greg's style was perfect to incorporate a bird and swirls.

Paisley. Classic. Unique. Formal. Kristen and Brian's monogram was a detailed version of a paisley pattern that the bride loved.

You simply can't go wrong with a custom monogram... and best, you don't have to wait for a wedding to create one! Perhaps a special anniversary or a big birthday calls for some monogrammed stationery, towels, totes or dishes. The possibilities are endless!

Winter Inspirations

A few weeks ago we contributed to the Fall Inspiration series on She Said Yes. Well, it was so  much fun that we were thrilled when Jacin asked us to put together a little something for the paper portion of her Winter Inspiration series. So grab your hot bevie and take a peek at our suggestions for how to "winterize" an invitation suite - just click on the teaser photo below for more! Oh, and let us know what you think. ;)

Be sure to check back throughout the week as others in the industry guest post more winter inspiration!

Real Weddings: Selene and Rich

You asked for more Real Weddings, so the following is from us, to you! Selene and Rich married each other on October 9th of this year. They are a prime example of a gorgeous, seasonally appropriate {but not cliche autumn} invitation suite.

With a nautical influence laced throughout their big day, this precious couple tied the knot at a fitting location: Latitude 41 at the Mystic Seaport, a nautical museum in Connecticut. The day could not have been more perfect... from the weather to the wedding & reception details, it was a magical day!

Enjoy the photos, courtesy of Zenobia Studios... and be sure to check out the other fabulous vendors listed below, one of which is our beloved florist, Christina of Studio 539 Flowers!

Stationery: Paper Moss

Flowers: Studio 539 Flowers

Photography:  Zenobia Studios

Favors: Shop Alli Online

Venue: Latitude 41 at Mystic Seaport

Calligrapher: Hillary Cannon, Featherletter

{ Invitation photos by Laura Ashbrook Photography }

For the Rhody's

For all you Rhode Islanders, be sure and pick up the December issue of Rhode Island Monthly for a list of fabulous holiday cards {featuring yours truly} and pages of gorgeous winter coastal scenes. Big thanks to the editors for their support of local designers! Order your holiday cards from Paper Moss & receive 10% off when mentioning our feature in RI Monthly!

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*Order your monthly subscription at rimonthly.com.

She Said Yes!

The lovely Jacin from She Said Yes {one of our blog-friends} asked us to guest blog for her Fall Inspiration series. The entire series has been fantastic so far- she covers all bases from decor to favors to festive drinks and fall cakes. Check it out, even if you're not planning an Autumn wedding... you'll find fun, unique ideas that might lend an excuse to host an impromptu party!

Paper Moss decided to share some ideas to gracefully side - step the stereotypical fall wedding invitation. There are countless ways to create a seasonally appropriate motif without being confined to a fall color palate or standard fall designs {pumpkins, leaves or scarecrows}. Tracy and Kevin's invitation suite is just one of our examples that we share for our part in the Fall Inspiration series.

See the rest and learn how we arrived at each of the final designs. For the full effect, check out our guest post. Thanks She Said Yes, for letting us share our love for paper and design. Blog to you soon! {hahahah, bad joke?}

*Photos courtesy of Laura Ashbrook Photography

Vendor Profile: Calligrapher Extraordinaire

We hate to brag, but it's true that Paper Moss often receives compliments on the extraordinary calligraphers we work with. We'll just say, there's a reason we search far and wide for the best of the best vendors - they constantly "wow" us too!!! That being said, it shouldn't come as a surprise that one of our beloved calligraphers had the honor of working on Chelsea Clinton's wedding. {We're still jumping up and down over it!} Meet the lovely, Megan Chapin Calligraphy, and enjoy a few photos from 2 of our favorite invite suites that we had the pleasure of working on with her. (It was tough to pick our favorites!) Be sure and visit her website for more!

Name & Profession: Megan Chapin, Calligrapher

Years in profession: Forever...I made my mom teach me how to write my name in cursive when I was 5, but technically I've only been in business for 3 years.
Based out of: Little old Uxbridge, MA. I mostly work with brides in the New England area, but I have done weddings for people in many other states including the state of Washington.
What's your favorite part about doing calligraphy for an event? My favorite part is working with the bride (and groom). I get caught up in their excitement and joy and can't wait for them to come and see what I've done for them! The reaction that I get is absolutely priceless. I had a mom cry when she saw her daughters envelopes. It really doesn't get better than that.
Do you have a favorite style? In calligraphy we have the broad edge pen and the pointed pen - among others.  I learned lettering with the broad edge pen starting with the Italic hand and for years was very satisfied with it. But I had always admired the work of the pointed pen so when I got the chance to take classes in 2003 I went for it. I have never looked back. Using the pointed pen is like coming home to me... I feel like I belong with it!
How did you get into the business? I've always loved drawing, art in general and lettering. When I was in high school I never thought that I could possibly make a career out of loving letters, so I became a bookkeeper and had two children and just lived my life. However, I was constantly taking calligraphy classes and looking at any book I could about lettering. In 2002 I took a year long class with Reggie Ezell. He taught me more in that one year class than anything I had learned in total about lettering. When I finished that class I realized I could make a career out of doing what I love, and it took me a bit, but I got up the courage to make up business cards and started networking.
What do you do to unwind while working on a big project? Ha, I don't!  I'm very intense when working on a job and focus completely on it until it’s done. Though I do listen to the television while I work...  I guess that must calm me in some way.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? An artist.  Even though I did other things I never saw myself as anything else.
The most inspiring person you know? Maria Thomas. She is an artist and a calligrapher. Her work is AMAZING and she is so grateful for all that she has and for her talent that I often find myself saying "What would Maria do?" I guess that is how you know you admire someone.
In high school you ........ ? {fill in the blank}  This is kinda funny. I wanted to be a punk rocker! Actually I sort of still do.
Do you have any advice for brides? Hmmm...don't wait ‘til the last minute to hire me! Everything I do is done by yours truly and I need plenty of time to insure it’s up to my standards. Last minute jobs are difficult because of that. Another thing: if you have taken the time to get beautiful invitations and had them hand addressed, put some thought into the stamps as well. You're creating a wonderful presentation with the arrival of your package. Make sure that it’s saying what you want it to - using beautiful stamps just finishes that off perfectly. I always say...Invite your guests the way you would want to be invited!
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*Photos {Red & Blue Suite} courtesy of Laura Ashbrook Photography

*Photos {Grey & Sage Suite} courtesy of Public Image Photography

Tis the Season

Well it's true... the holidays are fast approaching... AHH! Naturally, we've got stationery on the mind and have been working hard these last few weeks to get a few fun and festive designs together just for you!!!  This is our first year offering select "ready-to-order" cards that you can still personalize with your names, message, and even photo. We've chosen our top 4 favorites and showcased below. If the designs included don't suit you, FEAR NOT! We of course love doing custom work {duh} so if you're interested in something completely original {or want to splurge on letter press}, please contact us!

If you'd like to cross something off your list, and send your loved ones a chic, stylish and unique holiday greeting, follow these easy steps:

1. Pick from one of the designs below.

2. Email us {holiday@papermoss.com} with your choice & quantity, along with personalized requests: names, wording, photos, color, etc.

3. We will email you back with detailed info and a proof. Upon your approval we will be off to print!

*All orders are printed on partially recycled heavy cover stock. Colors on screen don't always represent what is printed due to monitor variation. Samples & change of colors are available upon request. Orders take about 1.5-2 weeks to process, print and receive. Rush options are available.

*Photos courtesy of Laura Ashbrook Photography

Meet Mr. & Mrs. C

Over the summer, we blogged about a fabulous wedding we went to in Watch Hill, RI. Since then, we've been waiting in anticipation for the day that we can share more about this chic affair at The Ocean House... and today is that! Ms. Abby Shaughnessy {of Life in the Superburbs} married the man of her dreams, Andrew Capalbo after meeting him 6 years prior at the very venue where they tied the knot. This couple is stunning - inside and out - and we were so happy to be a part of making their day as magnificent as it was!

To lure you over to the full feature on Style Me Pretty, we are only giving you a glance at some of the gorgeous stationery and other goodies that Paper Moss created to help "brand" the wedding.

The guests were invited with stationery letter pressed in the vibrant blue and yellow that was throughout the wedding. What a perfect way to set the scene for nuptials and an elegant party to follow, in a beach mansion.

Out of town guests each received a custom made welcome tote {with Abby & Andrew’s monogram} filled with lots of goodies, one of which was a beach pass for the weekend!

You MUST see the other pictures of this wedding! Seriously, we are requiring it. NOW! But after you're done, come back and tell us your thoughts.

Photos courtesy of Olive Juice Photography via Style Me Pretty

Shopping for a cause!

It's that time of year again... there is pink around every corner! In light of October being such a special month {breast cancer awareness} we wanted to pass along some of our favorite finds that are being sold to support the cause. The following designers and/or stores are donating a portion of profits from these products to benefit breast cancer research, outreach and education. Who knew that shopping could help so many people??! Ladies, we must do this to help out everyone we know that has ta - ta's! {yes, we can rationalize just about anything}

1. {Vera Wang for Kohl's}

2. {David Yurman}

3. {Lilly Pulitzer}

4. {Hayden Harnett}

5. {Vineyard Vines}

6. {Shiseido}

Share THIS link and help Paper Moss reach 1,000 Facebook "fans". If we can do this by October 31, we've agreed to donate $1,000 to breast cancer research! Check out the details here.
*Photos provided by respective companies.