- February, 2010 (1)
- January, 2010 (3)
- November, 2009 (1)
Weddings
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Feb 1
2010More Stellar Stationery from Markham Bailey
BY ALICIA K. CLAVELL | PHOTO BY JEAN ALLSOPP
Keep
all your invitations and wedding information organized and within arms reach in
an elegant, personalized folder or box in the Marguerite line of "fine
tools for organizing" from Markham Bailey LLC. Founder Anne Bailey, is a
Birmingham entrepreneur, book artist and poet who says she has been dubbed "the
Kate Spade of office products." The Marguerite line is acid-free, water
resistant and makes beautiful use of the swirl pattern of DuPont Tyvek, which
Anne says mimics Japanese paper in style, but is ruggedly durable.
Anne grew up in her father's printing business, Southern Label Company. Anne remembers looking at her father's ink-stained fingers when she was a girl. "And that was after he scrubbed them!" she says. Anne helped grow his business into a flourishing national industry presence in flexo printing and converting. Her mother, a librarian at The Altamont School, shared her love of books, paper and words with Anne. After graduating from Barnard College at Columbia University in New York, Anne attended the M.F.A program in Book Arts at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Throughout her career in business, Anne has imagined new possibilities in niche markets, and in 2009, she saw an opportunity to meld the creative aspects of her interests and personality, through elegant design and proven manufacturing techniques. So she founded Markham Bailey LLC, housed in the Innovation Depot in Birmingham's Entrepreneurial District. Markham Bailey is set to launch two lines of products in May 2010 (Birmingham brides who want to order products prior to the May launch, may contact Anne or Ruby Begonia). Marguerite ™ is a line of fine organizational office product tools for women, being offered in several elegant colors and styles. On the second Markham Bailey product line, Percival™, Anne has teamed up with The G Brand's, Chad Martin (thegbrand.com). "Chad has designed a number of ornamental patterns, working with metal panels all the way to wall stencils. There is a strong synergy between our two companies," says Anne.See more Markham Bailey products at markhambailey.com or call 205.907.7347 for more information.
by Abigail Millwood
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Jan 1
2010You're Invited ...
to explore the fine craftsmanship of four extraordinary Birmingham wedding invitation and stationery designers.BY ALICIA K. CLAVELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN ALLSOPP
Your wedding invitation sets the tone for the entire event, so you want to choose the look that suits your personality best. But sifting through the countless options can feel like searching for a stylish needle in an otherwise bland haystack. Lucky for Birmingham brides, several sought-after stationery experts are based here in town, so you can find the perfect invitation and support local artists. Which one’s right for you?
Stacy Claire Boyd
Like something out of a Hollywood movie, stationery and invitation designer Stacy Claire Boyd was “discovered” while working in the stationery department at Henri Bendels in New York City. “Luck was on my side when Maria Shriver came in and needed an invitation for a bridal shower that she was giving for Caroline Kennedy,” remembers Stacy. “The store couldn't design it for her in the time in which she needed it, so my manager suggested that because I dabbled in this kind of thing, I should design something for her. I did, she liked it, word spread and I began designing more and more invitations. The rest is history.”
Though this successful business owner and mother of three began with a bridal invitation, she quickly expanded to keep up with customer demand for what she calls the “whole package.” “By this I mean a wedding suite, which includes a save-the-date card; the invitation; a reception, response and direction card; as well as a coordinating thank you note,” explains Stacy. She also offers albums, favors, party and holiday invitations, and more.
Stacy takes inspiration from every nook and cranny in her life. “It might be one of my daughter's drawings or the rings that my iced coffee leaves on the table. Nothing is off limits,” she says. “I like to think that great design and a good sense of color sets my company apart from others. I love what I do, and I hope to grow the business by providing fresh designs in all of the areas where I see that there is a need.”
Prentiss Douthit
What makes Prentiss Douthit different from other stationery and invitation designers? He believes in old-school design aesthetics. Prentiss offers flat printed or engraved invitations, but he doesn’t do work on a digital press. “Wedding invitations were always engraved in the past, and we want to keep to the traditional method,” he says.
Prentiss worked in the advertising business for 10 years before launching his first line of birth announcements in 2002 at the National Stationery Show. “People wanted more, and we grew quickly,” he says. In January, Prentiss moved his business from a spot at Pepper Place to a bigger building just across the street that houses his printing press, assembly room and offices for seven employees, including his wife, plus two dogs. “My design aesthetic has always been clean, sophisticated and simple—but with an edge. We want the bride to be excited,” he says.
Night Owl Paper Goods
Night owls Jennifer Tatham and Alan Henderson met at Birmingham’s Slaughter Hanson, working in their respective advertising/design careers by day and teaching themselves how to run a letterpress by night. “At first we designed, printed and assembled cards and invitations for friends and family. Now, we're thrilled to say that our friends and family print and assemble cards for Night Owl Paper Goods,” Jennifer says.
Inspired by the creations of Swedish and American folk artists, as well as Mother Nature, Jennifer and Alan’s works feature cute critters such as birds, otters and—of course—their signature owls. One of their most popular pieces is the eco-friendly sustainable wood wedding invitation. "Alan was working on an architect's logo identity to include a wood business card," says Jennifer. “And I was concepting a wood direct mail piece for Habit for Humanity." The two talked about their respective projects, and so the wildly popular wedding invitations were born. Now more than 700 stores worldwide carry the pair’s “modern yet folksy” designs.
Fabulous Designs
Amy Kendrick, new owner of Fabulous Designs, trained under Stacy Claire Boyd before pursuing a career in design and antiques. When she had the opportunity to purchase Fabulous Designs from Beth Picard in August of last year, Amy jumped at the chance. “It would be my greatest dream to be able to grow to be an established and large company like Stacy Claire Boyd,” she says.
Fabulous Designs carries invitations, holiday cards and stationery lines, including popular wedding items. Amy says her wedding line differs from others in its hands-on construction. “Most of the designs are done using exquisite papers and ribbons that are hand-cut, tied and placed on each piece,” she notes. “My staff is so patient and particular about the exact way the ribbon is to be tied or placed. They are perfectionists in every way.”
The company also offers a wide range of options, so the bride can design an invitation tailor-made for her event. “We have a large selection of papers, fonts and attachments to choose from,” Amy says.
by Abigail Millwood
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Jan 1
2010Ladies Who Lunch
Dress up your outdoor bridesmaids’ luncheon with fine china and all the trimmings.PRODUCED AND WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH BEELER | STYLED BY NANCY BEELER & MARTHA DAVIES | PHOTO BY EMILY HOOTEN
On your wedding day, the party is all about you. But before you take that stroll down the aisle, be sure to thank the friends and family who will make the day so special. Follow PORTICO’s simple tips to treat your friends to a stylish luncheon that they’ll never forget.
Pick a location.
Whether you choose your backyard or a park setting, select a spot with plenty of shade. Even in nice weather, a hot sun can put a damper on the occasion.
Choose a palette.
For cohesion, it’s best to select a single color and stick within three shades of the chosen hue. A simple scheme allows white, gold and silver accents to blend elegantly. Consider flowers, food, china and accessories before deciding on a color. For this event, we selected shades of pink. From soft, delicate shades to bold, snappy hues, anything goes!
Mix and match.
Similar to decorating a home or putting together an outfit, a tablescape is more interesting when details coordinate but don’t necessarily match. We opted for muted green china and simple porcelain edged in gold, and we varied each setting by combining salad and dinner plates from the two patterns. A similar effect may be achieved by alternating patterns at every other seat. Combining sets is a sensible solution when hosting large parties where the number of guests exceeds the number of plates in a given set. Ask to borrow china from family; your mother, grandmother and sisters will appreciate being included.
Combine formal with fanciful.
While fine china, sterling goblets and floral arrangements lend formality, we kept the overall mood of this soiree light with a few unexpected touches such as the tissue flowers strewn overhead. On the table set for 14, dainty pink champagne flutes complement traditional goblets.
Add personal touches.
We selected white grosgrain frames and used guests' photos in lieu of the standard name card to designate seating. To adorn the bride's chair, we asked the florist to outline the bride’s initial with a laurel of greenery topped with sweetheart roses.
Go all out.
Whether hosting a casual luncheon or something more elaborate, details are key to any successful event. We placed colorful silk petals underfoot to create a soft, welcoming atmosphere. Tablecloths in varying lengths and colors add depth, and satin bows dress up even the most basic chair. Strands of pearls, tantalizing candies and bridesmaids’ gifts wrapped in silver complete this sumptuous tablescape.
Cakes by Teresa Scott
205.356.1749
teresascott123@yahoo.com
Flowers by Flowerbuds
3114 Cahaba Heights Vlg.
Birmingham, AL 35243
205.970.3223
flowerbudsinc.com
by Abigail Millwood
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Jan 1
2010Shades of Green
Brides can walk down the aisle guilt-free with these environmentally thoughtful wedding options.BY JEAN MCLEAN | PHOTO BY BLUE MOON STUDIOS
Carol Griffin, a former model and classical dancer, loves to get her hands dirty. A longtime potage gardener, Carol joined the composting ranks years ago. She began recycling after organizing an Earth Day celebration in the ’80s as a special events coordinator for Parisian department store. So, when Carol decided to expand her recycled stationery/invitation business into a full-fledged wedding service named Wedology, it was only natural that the company be green.
“I went back to something I loved,” says Carol, who combined formal training from the Association of Bridal Consultants with her product design, event planning and fashion background. While helping brides realize their dreams, she also makes reduce-reuse-recycle recommendations that simplify planning, trim budgets and lessen environmental impact.
Here are some of Carol’s ideas on incorporating what she calls “shades of green” into established traditions.
Colors: For Carol, this is where every wedding starts. She studies the fashion industry’s Pantone color chart to create color trio suggestions based on the bride’s favorite hues, choosing in-season tints. The primary and secondary colors dominate, while the third adds an unexpected accent or modern twist. How does a particular pink shade make a wedding “green?” Pantone-selected colors ensure flowers, fabrics, ribbon and other materials’ availability nationwide. That reduces carbon emissions, dyes and effort.
Papers: Colors also determine whether you can order post-consumer waste invitation cardstock because not all colors are available in 100-percent recycled paper. Carol’s stationery company, Ink Stationery Studio, uses recycled envelopes and high-percentage recycled cardstock, depending on the color. She encourages brides to only use the paper necessary, eliminating enclosures when possible and using both sides of the paper.
Venues: Historic and outdoor venues have special green appeal, Carol says. Birmingham is blessed with architecturally interesting buildings that were constructed long ago. “And gardens just feel good,” she says. To save fuel, Carol suggests brides either have their wedding and reception at the same location or provide a bus to take guests to the second event.
Power: Electricity is another consideration. Timing the wedding so that buildings will not have to be overheated or overcooled or have lights run continually is a healthy environmental choice, as is having “unplugged” music. Green choices must be balanced, Carol says, with guests’ needs. Will elderly relatives be able to sit in the sun or walk far from a parking spot?
Catering: Carol recommends caterers who offer vegetarian and organic options, along with real china, glass and silverware. “It’s always better to rent, wash and put away. Plastic barely breaks down in landfills,” she says. Carol also seeks caterers who use organic cleaning products and try to “green up” their business practices in general.
“Brides’ food choices are often made by the trends they’ve seen. The tide goes in and out on menus,” says Carol. “But it doesn’t have to be elaborate to be special.” She explains that using local or traditional foods leaves a smaller carbon footprint than using foods that must be shipped. And she urges brides to eliminate waste. According to Carol, two meats should be adequate, along with limited appetizers and alcohol.
Photography: “The biggest bang for your buck in the wedding is your photographer,” says Carol. “Cut back on anything to get the best photographer possible. Never use a family member or friend. A good photographer can catch so many moments.” Digital photography is all “basically green,” Carol says, because the industry has lessened waste associated with old-time proofs.
Gown: “Wearing a dress that’s already been used is very environmentally thoughtful,” says Carol. A bride might have her mother’s wedding dress altered and updated or borrow one from a friend. Resale shops are another option. Choosing a “pre-loved” gown is one of Carol’s favorite “reuse” principles.
Decorations and favors: “Start with what you have,” says Carol of wedding décor. Years ago, brides borrowed candelabras from the church closet. Now Carol sees mothers buying dozens of vases or lanterns they’ll never use again. Carol offers her storehouse of retail market finds she’s bought in quantity. Her brides borrow from “my old church closet,” she says, and they create matching or eclectic decorative elements to complement their themes. Wedding favors may be earth-friendly, such as seed packets or seedlings planted to mark the day.
Floral: November tulips will not only be costly to your budget, says Carol, but also to the environment, as they must be flown in from afar. Focus on in-season cut flowers, preferably locally grown. Seasonal potted plants are excellent alternatives, as they can be after-ceremony gifts or planted in the newlywed’s landscape. Carol works with florists that seek to reduce their carbon footprint through locally grown flowers and those that also boost local economies. Some florists work with organic vendors offering pesticide-free products.
by Abigail Millwood
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