Thursday, October 20, 2011

Welcome to Mo's TOWN

This is by far one of the COOLEST design projects that has ever come my way! First I have to thank Jen Hansen of Gracious Events for recommending me to Elisabeth Accardi owner of Upon A Star an event planning company that specializes in theme events for children. Ten minutes into my two hour phone consult with Elisabeth I knew we would be a perfect fit....she dreams big and her ideas are anything but generic!

Timing wise I was coming on board later, so the invitations where already done but OMG what I would have done....maybe next time:) The event was for an adorable little boy named MO who was celebrating his 2nd birthday. The party was held at RUMOR Night Club in Boston........the perfect setting for this record themed party. First order of business was to design a logo for the party that would be used throughout the event. Elisabeth came up with the idea of Mo's TOWN......SERIOUSLY  I could not wait to get started! The color palette was bright turquoise, lime green and black. Elisabeth wanted the use of the Boston Skyline in the logo which is was brilliant seeing that the party was being held in the city. I truly LOVE how the logo turned out, it sets the tone of this party perfectly. One Bite Sweet of Cambridge did a stunning job incorporating Mo's logo on the cakes and push pops. I love how she was able to display the Boston Skyline around the base of the cakes!





So about a year ago my paper company came out with some new papers one of them being BLACK VINYL........and I remember thinking "when I would ever be able to use that"! Each guest would receive a party favor that was a CD of Mo's favorite songs, in keeping with the theme I designed a custom sticker to put on all the favors. To give the feel of a how real vinyl records were once packaged I ordered portable pockets in the black vinyl card stock to insert the CD's into......so perfect!




Elisabeth wanted a way to display fun facts about Mo so guests could read at the cocktail tables.......they would act like confetti. She wanted the front of the card to read "did you know" but because she is truly talented and has vision she changed it to be "DID YOU MO"......so stinking creative! I had mini cards produced that guests could flip over to reveal a fact about MO while they stood at the tables. Custom tent cards were also made for the food which was served on REAL vinyl records.......how COOL is that!








The last item Elisabeth needed were posters, the night club had some large windows she thought it would be perfect to display them there. The first was a "welcome" poster that displayed Mo's logo and a night skyline, the next poster by far is my favorite. For the design we wanted to keep with the whole vinyl record, chart topping music theme. I designed a vinyl record and thought it would be clever to include fun information about Mo in the spots that normally would list record information. The four songs listed are actually Mo's favorite, if you click on the photo you can read all the record info that relates to the birthday boy! I had a blast working on this project and can't wait until Elisabeth calls me to be a part of another one of her FABULOUS events.




I would like to personally thank photographer Andrea of Open Shade Studios for taking such great pictures of my work and allowing me to use them in my blog!

Friday, October 7, 2011

A Venue....... fit for a designer!


A few months ago I received an email from one of my brides asking if I would design the invitations for her upcoming bridal shower. She had attached some photos of the venue........OMG I just could not believe this place, Upstairs on the Square located in Harvard Square is by far the coolest establishment I have ever seen. I recognize the name but honestly never new what a fabulous GEM this place was. Emily's shower will be held in the UpStairs Soirée Dining Room reminiscent of a glowing and colorful jewel-box-like supper club. I truly was over the moon that I would be designing the invitation....I started with a color palette of lilac, aqua, pink and gold which I used to design a custom plaid that would mimic what is used in the venue. I LOVE the design of UpStairs on the Square and whoever designed their identity is a PURE GENIUS. Emily wanted her invitation to have a similar feel but reflect that fact that is was a bridal shower. Once I created the plaid it was framed and accented by an umbrella and hand embellished with glitter. I continued the use of the plaid in EMILY'S name and the name of the venue.



We continued the use of the design for the table numbers and custom drink sign. It has become very popular at weddings and showers to offer a signature drink. Emily went with Hits of Sunshine which is an Elderflower Liqueur with Raspberry Puree and Bubbly...........YUM! We took the logo and replaced the umbrella with a champagne glass......of course glittered. Considering the seating at UpStairs on the Square was unique Emily decided a seating chart would be best. We used her logo with the glittered umbrella on two signs that would be mounted in 8x10 frames where guests would be able to find their names and what table they would be sitting at. I honestly LOVE everything about this invitation......the design, the palette and how the overall feel sets the tone for a truly exceptional and unique venue. I know when guests arrive that the design will come full circle for them as they step into this jewel boxed room.




Stay tuned..........Emily's Wedding theme is "Winter Wonderland" I can't wait to share her Save-The-Date and Wedding Invitation designs with you.............so stunning!