J. Ward Design Weddings

J. Ward Design Weddings

Weekly Give-a-ways!

That's right you read that correctly! J. Ward Design will be having a give-a-way EVERY WEEK for the remainder of 2010. We will announce each give-a-way on Mondays, giving you the entire week to take advantage. We are super excited about this, because it will give clients an opportunity to stretch their dollars! That's right, more bang for your buck!

This week's give-a-way is 100 4x9 programs in white or ivory linen with the purchase of ANY invitations ensemble of 100 or more. That's a savings of $250! Go to our website, www.jwarddesignstudio.com and CONTACT us to schedule your consultation.

This is an example of the style of program that is included in the give-a-way! Hope to hear from you soon!

Dillard's "I Thee Wed" Bridal Event

I had such a wonderful time at Dillard's "I Thee Wed" Bridal Event. I was able to showcase some of my work in a smaller, more intimate setting, as well as meet a few 2011 brides! Bridal shows are a great way for brides to see many different vendors in one place. It also gives bridal businesses leverage by being in a show with other reputable bridal vendors. We stood along side event coordinators, sterling silver dealers, and even a string quartet! It was a wonderful opportunity to network with other companies so that we can refer our clients with some of the best in the business.

Not JUST wedding invitations

I tend to post information mostly referring to weddings and social events. But we do so much more! Check out the business card design for photographer Elliott James of Elite Images Photography (he just so happens to photograph weddings and social events, LOL). When approached about the project, I had to ask, "why me?" Elliott explained to me that he is only one person working in his photography studio and that, "you do great work." When I presented Elliott with the proofs, his response? "I'm never doing another business card again!" This is a great example showing that, just because you CAN do something, doesn't mean that you shouldn't allow someone else to do it. This can apply to the DIYer working full time while in school and trying to plan a wedding or a work from home mom that can't get to all of her housework. Creatives enjoy collaborating with other creatives to create awesome work. For more information on Elite Images, check out his site at http://www.myeliteimages.com/

J. Ward Design Studio - Invitation Vendor on top wedding websites!

We are so excited to be shown as the ONLY Mississippi vendor for invitations on TheKnot.com! Being listed on a national website with some of the top vendors in the country is quite an honor. We look forward to working with all of the brides that allow us the opportunity to create something truly special for their big day. To see our vendor page, click on the link: http://www.theknot.com/Vendors/J-Ward-Design-Studio/Profile/INV/215/334238/profile

We are also listed as a vendor on Weddingwire.com. We've already received our 1st review, from our June bride, Ying Ma! I had a wonderful time working with her to create the perfect invitation that reflected a combination of her Chinese heritage and an American wedding. Read more of her review...http://www.weddingwire.com/vendor/VendorViewRating?mode=edit&tab=reviews&z=z

Breakfast at Tiffany

Houston bride, Evette Demas, contacted me to inquire about passport wedding invitations. When I assured her that this was not a task too great for J. Ward Design, she was more than happy to render services with us. But before the wedding is what else but, the shower! Evette chose a "Breakfast at Tiffany" themed wedding shower complete with sundresses and pearls for the ladies' attire and Tiffany Blue decor. The invitation for this upscale soiree, consisted of a crisp, white linen flat panel card with an intricate lace-inspired design. A mixture of block and script fonts in gray elegantly reveal the details of the shower. The icing on the cake was a small, yet eye catching Swarovski crystal embellishment, slightly hinting that diamonds really are a girl's best friend. When asked what she thought of them when they arrived in the mail, her response: "I got them and all I can say is oh my god! They are everything I imagined!!!!!"

Here are pictures of Evette's shower along with her invitation. Stay tuned for Evette's island inspired passport wedding invitations!

We're an Authorized Envelopments Dealer!

Anyone that knows anything about paper and stationery, knows how absolutely fabulous the Envelopments paper line is. They offer the most luscious paper in over 200 colors, 5 enclosure options, envelope liners, and even favor containers! It has been a dream for me to be able to become an authorized designer and that dream has become a reality. I am so excited to have the opportunity to present to clients all that Envelopments has to offer, as well as express my creativity through the endless possibilites that come from all of the selections available. Take a minute to look at our online studio provided by Envelopments at http://www.envelopments.com/dd/9820/default.aspx and then schedule your consultation with us!

Don't Forget the Programs!

For a long time, brides have used programs to help guests follow along with the order of service for their ceremony. Nowadays, programs have become a trendy stationery accessory not to be overlooked. It not only lists the order of service, but it also recognizes the bridal party and any special guests, notes dedications to loved ones that have passed away, and acknowledges any vendors that helped make the wedding day a success. The style of programs have come a long way from the standard 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper folded in half. Luscious colors of card stock are now used in the form of long layered panels, booklets, or even fans to make programs a fun keepsake that will remind guests of that special day.

Weddings are not the only event that can benefit from programs. Well coordinated baby showers as well as anniversary parties, christening ceremonies and Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations are perfect occasions to incorporate the look and style of your invitation into a stationery piece used the day of the event.

La Dolce Vita - The Sweet Life!

Oh what a wonderful time I had celebrating with Cecillia Nichols as she entered into her 30s! She was such a joy to work with. When Cecillia came to me, she had an idea of her big 3-0 soiree; the phrase "La Dolce Vita" which means "The Sweet Life" in Italian. Her favorite color, red, was a spicy accent to the black and white color scheme. This interior designer wanted an intimate dinner party for thirty of her closest family, friends and collegues. We incorporated the theme into her invitations and menu cards, as well as two banners that she used around the party room. With the use of black linen, metallic red and metallic white paper, the stationery had a simple elegance that nicely coincided with the entire look and feel of the party.

Celebrating La Dolce Vita! - The Stationery

Here is the menu card and invitation for the party hosted by Cecillia and David Nichols...

How Important are Invitations?

When planning an event, a birthday celebration, a baby shower, anniversary, wedding, how important is the look of your invitations? Often times, it doesn't dawn on us that the invitation is the prelude to your event. It is the first thing your guests see pertaining to your soiree. What message are you trying to relay? Depending on the event, your goal is to have your guests in eager anticipation for your big day. When they open the envelope and read about your special day, the first thing that should come to mind is, "I don't want to miss this!" Here we have a simple concept, a flat panel, created in such a way to give a "WOW" factor not to be forgotten.

We're Bloggin'!

After some time of contemplating, to blog or not to blog, I've finally decided to give it a try. I'll be posting my upscale findings in the wedding industry, as well as tips on how to help your graphic designer best convey your image for your business. I look forward to sharing the latest trends and introducing some of my work here for you to see. Feel free to share your thoughts with me as I continue to imagine creative design for you!