Thursday, June 7, 2012

9 Years and Counting

Happy 9th Wedding Anniversary Honey!


To my darling wonderful husband who has more than been there for me. Thank you for loving my Dad like your own and for being such a wonderful "son-in-law". For being beside me and my Dad and Mom over the past year. For all the trips to Kingston, for stepping up to the plate, for all the visits to the DR's and lunches at MacDonald's with my Dad. 

For the numerous hours at the hospital as my father cancer took over, and for being with us in those last moments when we needed your strength. My Dad truly loved you like a son, and knew that he could count on you took look after me.

I love you for the man you are today, loving, funny, and someone who I can count on in my darkest moments and when the sky opens up and the sun shines.

You are truly one-of-a-kind. I love you more each day we are together. 

Dad walking me down the isle.

Thinking you today
Today would have been my parents 54th Wedding Anniversary. With the passing of my father two weeks ago it is still so tender, thinking of him not with us breaks my heart. But I can't imagine how it is for my Mom. For 53 years she has had Dad at her side, with her on this special occasion. Mom will be coming to dinner to our house today, so she isn't alone and we will celebrate even though Dad is not with us in person he is in our hearts.




Happy 54th Wedding Anniversary Mom and Dad!






Wednesday, June 6, 2012

LAUNCH OF UNIQUELY YOU NEWSLETTER


LAUNCH OF UNIQUELYYOU NEWSLETTER FOR 
TODAY'S UNIQUE BRIDE

With the launch of my new website www.studiononoeight.com and uniquelyyou Newsletter for the DIY Bride things have been very busy here at the studio. 
My focus over the next 6 months will be DIY weddings, from monthly wedding invitation designs to what's new in the industry. I will be exploring local vendors from photographers, wedding planners to DJ's and of course food. Join me as we discover together the wonderful things offered locally and by DOING IT YOURSELF (DIY).


Get your FREE subscription to UNIQUELYYOU NEWSLETTER just send us an e-mail uniquelyyou@studionoeight.com




COMING JULY 8 DIY WORKSHOP JOIN US


Come craft with owner, Jo-Ann Pullen while she highlights some of her favorite techniques and ideas, perfect for use in weddings.

We will be demonstrating:
  • wedding invitation package
  • thank you cards
  • favours.
  • wedding decorations made of paper
  • cake toppers
  • seating plan
  • lights mason jar, paper bags, etc.
  • unique wedding programs 

WHEN:  Sunday July 8, 2012

TIME:    1 - 3:30 P.M. 
WHERE: TBA, Carleton Place, ON K7C 4P3
COST:    FREE
LAST DAY TO REGISTER: Friday June 29, 2012
Light snack, tea, coffee and water will be provided.
Receive a WELCOME bag of goodies and a chance to win one of my workshops for FREE! 
Register today! Limited seating!
Hope to see you there.
 

OUR FEATURED WEDDING STATIONARY

Red Elegance


Today we are featuring a hybrid design that was done using Stampin' Up's My Digital Studio. I love the retro look of this invitation, so clean and crisp. The invitation is a ticket style with matching belly band and pocket. 
Coming next month Digital e-book 4 different Hybrid designs. News about my 2 day workshop coming this fall. 

Stamp Set: Spiced Paisley - Boarder Digital and Artistic Etchings Digital
Digital Punches: Top Note Shape
Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler Basic Grey, and Whisper White
Digital Ink: Basic Grey and Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Basic Grey 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Jewels Basic Rhinestones
Fonts: CG Omega
RGB Colours:
Basic Grey R: 118 G: 124 B: 124
Cherry Cobbler R: 165 G: 30 B: 44
Envelopes
Invitation: No. 10 4 1/8" x 9 1/2"
RSVP Card: A-2 4 3/8" x 5 3/4"
Save-the-Date: A-2 4 3/8" x 5 3/4"
Tools: Computer, MyDigitalStudio (MDS) Software, Cutter, Crop-a-Dial, and Scissors
Supplies: Glue Dots, Snail tape, or similar

HYBRID WEDDING
What is Hybrid Wedding Stationary?

Hybrid wedding stationary combines the tools and techniques of both digital and traditional (paper) wedding stationary. Hybrid Wedding Stationary allows the most creative freedom because it is not limited
to just one source of materials. It involves the same elements as paper and digital design, but any aspect of the wedding stationary can be generated digitally or by physical application.


How is Hybrid Wedding Stationary Accomplished?

Once the basics of paper and digital scrapbooking are grasped, and providing you have access to the right tools (paper supplies, computer, digital software and printer), you can use pretty much any combination of tools and techniques together to design your ideal wedding stationary. The only "rule" is that some aspects of the page were created on the computer, and others weren't!

What Supplies are Needed to Get Started in Hybrid Wedding Stationary?

Because hybrid wedding stationary utilizes the most resources, it also requires the most tools. The basic supplies for the digital aspect of hybrid wedding stationary are a computer and a printer (although you might use printing services rather than printing at home). The basic supplies for the paper portion are, of course, paper, digital software and of course digital stamp set(s), and fonts.

Finally, add embellishment(s), such as ribbons, bling or pearls.

NOTE: Red Elegance Wedding Stationary feature in this newsletter was created digitally using Stampin' Ups My Digital Studio.   

Favours that will Make You Smile
Wedding favors are little gifts and the perfect way for the bride and groom to express their thanks to guests for participating in their wedding. Wedding favors are not required and are often replaced with Thank You notes, pictures of the happy couple, or a donation to a charitable organization.
  
How to Choose Your Wedding Favors
  
Wedding favors can be anything, so be creative and express yourselves. The best wedding favors are memorable and have a personal touch, that reflects you as a couple. Wedding favors can be used as part of your table-setting decorations, by placing on each place setting or in front of each guest. Using your wedding theme as a launch to the type of favour you purchase can also help.
  
Athletic Theme
  
Bells are Ringing for Two
If you and your groom are avid cyclist why not order bike bells with your monogram on it.
  
 

 
Crazy Golfers
Personalized Golf Towel
This is a great wedding favour, customize with your monogram, and wedding date. I have done one for hockey theme "Woo Who Towel" which was using to bring on the wedding party and bride and groom.

Miniature Backpack 
For Outdoor Enthusiasts  

The Garden Wedding
  
Plant a Tree in Our Honour 
For a garden party style wedding you can give miniature trees that can be planted in your honour.


You Light Up Our Lives
Getting married as the sun goes down then sparklers are the best way to help celebrate, and who doesn't like a little sparkle. 

 
  
Why not light up the night with some sparkles with these made to match sparkle kit with match box.

Bird Seed
Love isn't just for the birds why not give each guest some bird seed so they can feed the birds.

Keeping Your Cool
Fans for keeping you cool and your guests.
  
Mini Honey Pot Favours
Adorable and sweet, you could even make your own.

 

Delicious Honey made by Staud since 1845. Naturally blossomed goodness for a treat your guests will love.

For a Winter Wedding
  
Mistletoe Love
Spread the love with mistletoe, give your guest a little bundle of mistletoe so they to can celebrate the love.
  
Candied Snowflakes
How about candied snowflakes, that site on top of their napkin with a thank you tag.
  
Winter Snow Globe Place Card Holder  
Add an extra touch of nostalgic childhood fun and whimsy to your winter wedding using snow globe favors and place card holders. Shake them and gentle flakes of snow drift sweetly across a delightful image of man and wife snowpersons. 

 

 Snow globes winter wedding favors
(source: http://www.creativeweddingfavors.com/)


Sweet Couple  
Do you love cappuccino? While here then, is the favor for you. An authentic miniature cup has been filled to perfection with a mocha- scented candle topped with the mandatory froth and chocolate drizzle.  
  
Edible Favors
Edible Favors which include cookies, mini cakes, cake pops, candies or chocolates.
  
Practical Favors
practical favors like bookmarks, bottle stoppers or coffee cups.
  
Fun Favours
  
"Love is in the Air" Gliders
Each glider wedding favor comes in a fun envelope that can be personalized with three different sticker options (stickers additional). Perfect favor for the adventurous couple or destination weddings.

 
   Quirky Favours wedding favors  

Personalized Plantable Magic Bean Favours  
"Love" magic beans. These are wonderful as garden or eco-friendly wedding favors. Each bean is laser engraved with your wording. When your guests plant them they will grow with your message intact. 

Inscribe the word "Love" on them, and present them in a minimature terra cotta pot. Wrap ribbon around the pot for a picture perfect presentation.
  

Quirky Favours wedding favors  
Decorative Favors
Decorative Favors, there are photo frames, ornaments, candles or vases.
  
Go Green
Go Green, you can try the Eco-Friendly Favors that are made from recycled materials.
  
Make sure to budget your wedding . No matter what your budget is, you can always find wedding favors that can match your wedding theme. Just try to search for your wedding favors ahead of time and you will be surprised to know that wedding favors today can be as low as $ 0.99, but has high as $5.00 or more, so look around. Happy favor Hunting!

The Countdown Is On!
Just engaged? Starting to envision your wedding? Wondering about all the things you'll need to do and when? This month-by-month snapshot of all your wedding to-dos will steer you in the right direction.

12+ months before 
  • Envision your wedding and draw up a budget.  
  • Assemble your "planning team." Consider hiring a wedding consultant.  
  • Pick a wedding date and time. Select several options, then check with your venues, officiant, and important guests before finalizing.  
  • Start planning the guest list.  
  • Look for and book ceremony sites and reception sites.  
  • Ask friends and relatives to be in the wedding party.  
  • Optional: Have an engagement party. You may want to register beforehand for gifts.
8-10 months before
  • Bride: Think about, shop for, and order your gown.  
  • Envision reception food.  
  • Decide what type of entertainment you want. A pianist for the cocktail hour, strolling violinists, a DJ, or band?  
  • Think about your floral decor.  
  • Research and book your wedding professionals. Interview vendors: photographer, videographer, reception band or DJ, florist.  
  • Research a wedding insurance policy to protect your deposits.  
  • Research and reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.  
  • Register for gifts.  
  • Contact rental companies if you need to rent anything for ceremony/reception, such as chairs, tables, and tent. 
6-8 months before
  • Book ceremony musicians.  
  • Order bridesmaid dresses.  
  • Start planning honeymoon.  
  • Send save-the-date cards. This is a particularly good idea if you're marrying during a tourist or holiday season or having a destination wedding.
4-6 months before
  • Attend prewedding counseling, if required.  
  • Shop for and order invitations and wedding rings.  
  • Shop for formalwear.  
  • Renew or get passports, if necessary.  
  • Envision your wedding cake and research, interview, and book a cake designer.
3 months before
  • Order wedding cake.  
  • Hire a calligrapher, if you want your invitations professionally addressed.  
  • Attend your shower. (It may be earlier, depending on when hosts decide to have it.)  
  • Groom: Rent the men's formalwear.  
  • Hire wedding-day transport: limousines, other cars. Look into transportation sooner if you're considering renting streetcars or over-the-top travel. 
2 months before
  • Mail your invitations.  
  • Write your vows.  
  • Purchase gifts for parents, attendants, and each other.  
  • Book your stylist and try out big-day hairstyles.  
  • Book a makeup artist and go for a trial run.
1 month before
  • Apply for a marriage license. Check with the local bureau in the town where you'll wed.  
  • Bride: Have final gown fitting. Bring your maid of honor along to learn how to bustle your dress. Have the dress pressed and bring it home.  
  • Call all bridesmaids. Make sure they have their gowns ready for the wedding.  
  • Make last-minute adjustments with vendors.  
  • Create a wedding program to hand out to guests.  
  • Order and plan in-room welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.
2 weeks before
  • Review final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet sent a response.  
  • Deliver must-have shot lists to photographer and videographer. Include who should be in formal portraits and determine when portraits will be taken.  
  • Deliver final song list to your DJ or bandleader. Include special song requests and songs you don't want played.  
  • Bride: Get your last prewedding haircut and color.
1 week before
  • Give reception site/caterer final guest head count. Include vendors, such as the photographer or band members, who will expect a meal. Ask how many extra plates the caterer will prepare.  
  • Supply location manager with a list of vendor requests such as a table for DJ or setup space needed by florist.  
  • Plan reception seating chart.   
  • Print place and table cards, or finalize list with the calligrapher you have hired to do so.  
  • Call all wedding vendors and confirm arrangements.  
  • Give ceremony and reception site managers a schedule of vendor delivery and setup times, plus contact numbers.  
  • Groom: Get your hair trimmed.  
  • Attend bachelor/ette parties. 
2-3 days before
  • Bride: If you need to, have your gown pressed or steamed.  
  • Groom: Go for final fitting and pick up your formalwear.   
  • Groom: Ask the best man to make sure all groomsmen attend fittings and pick up their outfits.  
  • Determine wedding-party positions during ceremony and the order of the party in the processional and recessional.  
  • Hand off place cards, table cards, menus, disposable cameras, favors, and any other items for setting the tables to the caterer and/or reception site manager.  
  • Reconfirm final details with all vendors. Discuss any necessary last-minute substitutions.  
  • Call the limousine- or car-rental company for pickup times and locations.  
  • Arrange for guests without cars to be picked up from the airport or train station. Ask friends, attendants, or relatives to help.  
  • Deliver welcome baskets to the hotel concierge; make sure to include names and delivery instructions.
Day before
  • Provide all wedding professionals with an emergency phone number to call on the day of the wedding.  
  • Write checks and/or talk to wedding hosts (usually your parents, if not you) about any final balances to be paid at the end of the reception.
Night before
  • Rehearse ceremony. Meet with wedding party, ceremony readers, immediate family, and your officiant at the ceremony site to rehearse and iron out details.  
  • Bring unity candle, aisle runner, yarmulkes, or other ceremony accessories to the site.   
  • Give your marriage license to your officiant.  
  • Attend rehearsal dinner.  
  • Present attendants with gifts at the rehearsal dinner. You'll want to do this especially if the gifts are accessories to be worn during the wedding.
Day of wedding
  • Present parents and each other with gifts.  
  • Give wedding bands to the best man and the maid of honor to hold during the ceremony.  
  • Give best man the officiant's fee envelope, to be handed off after the ceremony.  
  • Introduce your reception site manager to your consultant or maid of honor for questions or problems during the reception.  
  • Assign a family member or attendant to be the photographer's contact so he knows who is who.
Postwedding
  • Prearrange for someone to return any rentals.  
  • Preplan for attendants to take the bride's gown for cleaning and return the groom's tux to the rental shop.  
  • Write and send thank-you notes to gift-bearing guests and vendors who were especially helpful.
Keep track of what you have done with your own Count Down Form simple down load the PDF and print. 


Company Highlights 
  • All our invitations are completely customized for your day. We don't order from a book, so each wedding package is uniquely yours.
  • Take advantage of a FREE 1 hour consultation.
  • All our sample designs can done in a variety of colours.
  • We offer more than just invitations including many other ideas that can be used at your wedding.
  • Now offering DIY classes that can be custom designed for you and your wedding party.
We are a design studio specializing in wedding planning
Sincerely,
Jo-Ann Pullen
Owner and Designer
uniquely you. from studionoeight