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Wedding Stationery Timelines - when to mail save-the-dates, wedding invitations & thank yous

INVITATION 101 || WHEN TO SEND OUT WEDDING SAVE-THE-DATES, INVITATIONS, AND THANK YOUS

Planning a wedding typically involves many moving pieces and critical decision-making. When to send out your stationery and when to start the

Forsyth Park Fountain icon on wedding save-the-date

JANELLE & RYAN || ADDY AWARD WINNING WEDDING STATIONERY

While visiting the historic district of Savannah, Georgia, the Forsyth Park Fountain is a must-see. This well-known icon is often the site

gold ink letterpress printed onto black label wedding invitation designed by Sugar Pear Design

QUYNH & CIAN || CUSTOM LETTERPRESS WEDDING INVITATIONS

Can I tell you that I LOVE this wedding stationery suite?! Although Quynh & Cian’s wedding took place in the rustic yet

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FOLLOW ALONG ON THE 'GRAM!

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Kären & Andy viewed their marriage as a joining of two individuals AND two families uniting. Escaping the midwestern winter, they fled to Costa Rica to exchange their vows, surrounded only by their five combined children. Then, they returned stateside to host a casual reception celebration.
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They put their children front and center on the reception invitation, unifying that their nuptials were just as much about their new family as it was about them as newlyweds. The typography and design's playfulness and the excitement in the photo taken on their wedding day informed their guests of a relaxed and laid-back celebration.
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@wisconsinbride magazine featured this invitation.
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Ceremony Location: Costa Rica
Reception Venue: @quiveysgrove
Editorial Feature: @wisconsinbride
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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INVITATION 101 | USPS Postage Rates
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Friendly reminder, that USPS Postage Rates Increase on July 10
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Overview of rates:
💌 First Class Mail Letter - $0.60
💌 Each additional ounces for First Class Mail - $0.24
💌 Postcard - $0.44
💌 Surcharge for non-machinable letters - $0.24
💌 First Class International Mail Letter - $1.40
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Variables that play a role in defining a USPS First-Class Mail Letters (parcels are a different game):
📫 Length-to-height aspect ratio: the length divided by height is more than 1.3 or less than 2.5
* The delivery address needs to be parallel to the longer dimension
* Square envelopes have a 1:1 ratio, therefore are considered nonmachinable
📫 Thickness: no more than 0.25 inch thick and have even thickness
📫 Weight: maximum weight of 3.5 oz
📫 Material: the exterior surface needs to be paper
* A poly-bagged, poly-wrapped, enclosed in any plastic material, or has clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices is considered non-machinable
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If ever in doubt, take your fully assembled invitation set to the post office to determine postage!!
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**Save this post for future reference**

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Cheryl & Ted came to me as they were planning their intimate wedding. Even though they kept the guest count low, they envisioned an elegant and sophisticated celebration. They also wanted an event that didn't follow the norm. To allow guests to interact and be present with each other, they opted out of a sit-down dinner for hors d'oeuvres and food stations. A cocktail reception immediately followed their late afternoon ceremony. Leveling up, a string quartet played instead of a bustling band or DJ. Their planning decisions never deviated from who they were as individuals and as a couple.
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Using their choice of florals and decor as a guide, I designed their wedding stationery pieces to have a clean and modern vibe. The square invitations set the tone in a soft ecru and gray palette, and the gold pebble belly band added character depth. In addition, line-art stylized calla lilies appeared on the invitation, subtly adding that sophisticated touch.
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Ceremony & Reception Venue: @theedgeh2o
Rehearsal Venue: @graystiedhouse
Photography: @amandalynnjones
Floral: @johnhoseksurroundings
Music: Sophisticates of Strings String Quartet
Confections: @craigscakeshop
Bridal Attire: @verasbridals
Hair & Make-up Styling: @sojoblau
Gentlemen’s Attire: @menswearhouse
Transportation: @badgerbus
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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Romantic. Formal. Traditional. Elegant.
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Descriptive words that Ashley & Joe used to define their personal style and thus their wedding day mood. Taking cues from Ashely's bridal gown, their wedding stationery pieces transpired from concept to reality.
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A laser-cut gatefold invitation folio mirrors the lace overlay from her dress. Also represented in her gown and translated to the invitation is the shimmer, silver accents. Typographically, I steered clear of the modern, handwritten look and opted for a more time-honored script and serif font treatment. Letterpress printed in two colors indicated their event would be traditional and formal. The pops of pink give the pieces an elegant and romantic feel.
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A large-format signage welcomed guests to their ceremony, and the program allowed guests to follow along during the service. At the reception, a seating chart assisted guests in determining their assigned table. Once at their table, their assigned seats were indicated by place cards. Dinner menus outlined the specifics of the celebratory meal ahead.
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From concept to completion, all of Ashley & Joe's wedding stationery pieces had a cohesive look, from the invitations to day-of pieces. Their curated paper goods were authentic ambassadors that matched their vision and overall aesthetics. In addition, their designs served as a visual storyteller by setting the tone for the occasion.
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Ceremony Venue: Salem United Church of Christ
Reception Venue: @overturecenter
Photography: @davestremikisphotography
Event Design/Planning/Coordination: Top Shelf Weddings & Events
Floral: @blooms_by_brandi
Ceremony Music: @intermezzostringquartet
Reception Entertainment: @jukeboxbandstand
Catering: @cateringafresco
Confections: @bloombakeshop
Hair & Make-up Styling: @williamjonsalon
Rentals: @eventessentialsmadison
Transportation: @preslimousa & @badgerbus
Favors: @gailambrosiuschocolatier
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign
Stationery Photography: @pete.rankin1

QUOTES TO LIVE BY
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Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we'll ever do. ~ Brené Brown
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Pride Month is celebrated worldwide in June, intentionally commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City. A police raid of the Stonewall Inn sparked the riots. A series of spontaneous demonstrations led by activist groups called for establishing places where gays and lesbians could go and be open about their sexual orientation without fear of being arrested. The riots were pivotal in the gay liberation movement and the fight for their rights.
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Throughout June, Pride Month commemorates these riots and rallies support for the LGBTQIA community. Pride is a movement that celebrates sexual diversity and aims to improve societal implications and encourage inclusiveness. The movement seeks to create a space of acceptance and appreciation for the LGBTQIA+ community. It promotes dignity, equal rights, and self-affirmation and is a way of increasing society's awareness of the issues they face.

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Wanting a formal, "updated" traditional, and elegant wedding and celebration, Jessica & Robert had such a quaint, intimate wedding. The University Club provided a delectable spread for brunch, including Jessica's favorite: Eggs Benedict, and Robert's favorite: Classic French Toast; as well as made-to-order omelets, beef tenderloin, fire seared ham, and Caprese salad, not to mention two wedding cake options!
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Jessica & Robert's invitations had a mix of formal, "updated" traditional, and elegant characteristics. Letterpress printing and a clean design qualified for the formal elegance aspect. And the square shape, pebble-embossed pewter belly band, and typography arrangement lend well to the "updated" attribute. The typography treatment and an elegant scroll were carried throughout the rest of their day-of stationery pieces to complete one cohesive look for their stationery suite.
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Day-of pieces included maple syrup favors that doubled as escort cards to indicate which table each guest was assigned, table numbers, and menus. In addition, we worked with A la Crate Rentals to put together several reception signs that continued to follow this same design. The afternoon was filled with family and fun, with entertainment provided by Antics Flipbooks, which book cover also carried on the elegant and "updated" traditional look.
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Ceremony Venue: Gates of Heaven Synagogue
Reception Venue: @universityclubmadison
Photography: @yourlifeourlens
Cinematography: @moonstruckmedia
Officiant: Happily Ever After Wedding Officiants (Rev. James Engmann)
Floral: @daffodilparker
Ceremony Music: Sophisticates of String Quartet
Confections: Sweet Street Bakery
Bridal Attire: @brandisbridal
Gentlemen’s Attire: @dapperanddashingco
Rentals: @alacraterentals & @eventessentialsmadison
Entertainment: Antics Flipbooks
Editorial Feature: @wedplanmadison
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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Surrounded by the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains, The Buckhorn Inn is a beautiful, peaceful, and tranquility respite. It's home to Rachael's Labyrinth, a circular pathway in one of the Inn's meadows.
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Labyrinths represent a journey or path to our center and back again out into the world. The labyrinth circle and spiral imagery combine a meandering but purposeful journey and serve as a meditation and prayer tool. These powerful metaphors drew Ashley & Günther to Rachael's Labyrinth for their wedding ceremony location.
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The symbolism of the labyrinth lends itself beautifully to their marriage ceremony. The "aisle" is circular rather than a linear path — an accurate metaphor for the couple's journey. Ashley & Günther used the journey toward the circle's center as a time for letting go of the past. Once at the center, the sacred ground of the heart, they exchange vows and rings. After the ceremony, they exited the labyrinth circle together with a promise to remain faithful to the winding path in life, knowing that they have chosen to walk it together.
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Because the significance of their venue choice had such deep and personal meaning, they wanted to be subtle with the messaging. So I letterpress embossed a labyrinth on the front of Ashley & Günther's invitation folio. In the center - the heart of the labyrinth circle, was a single Gerber daisy with their initials as bookends. The floral image and the monogram were printed tone-on-tone to keep the messaging serene and tranquil.
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Ceremony & Reception Venue: @innbuckhorn
Stationery Photography: Gregory's Photographic Arts
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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INVITATION 101 | The Design Experience: Step 3 - Design Exploration
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Once we establish a sense of style, we will move on to the design exploration phase. Custom stationery means starting with a blank sheet of paper and designing from the ground up. You will experience a collaborative process in which we will mirror your vision and bring it to life. I will guide you through the details, including verbiage and etiquette.
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At this time, a price quote accompanies the design concept. The conceptual design process allows for refinements and typically takes two to three rounds to get the desired outcome. Fine-tune adjustments and quantity changes occur until production approval. Additional accompanying pieces are incorporated with the same cohesive aesthetic once the initial concept is accepted.

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So many personal elements came through in Doreen & Dan's wedding stationery pieces! From the day of the month to the venue choice and their floral picks to Doreen's gown.
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They decided on the 17th for their wedding date as the 17th was the date of their first date. As self-proclaimed oenophiles, a winery was a fitting venue. A single red rose was displayed at each table — another favorite, simple yet elegant.
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Knowing that the invitation would set the tone for their wedding, Doreen & Dan wanted a design that would tie in elements that held these significance and told their story. A red laser-cut gate folded invitation folio mirrored the lace of Doreen's wedding gown and the day's floral details. In addition, the letterpress printed invitations nodded towards the traditional and formalness of their day. The laser-cut rose elements from the folio are repeated in illustration form on the invitation — adding a pop of red for subtle interest.
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Each guest received either a long-stemmed glass or a Belgian tulip glass to enjoy a wine or beer during their cocktail reception. Since Doreen & Dan chose not to have a plated dinner but instead served hors d'oeuvres, cocktail napkins kept with the overall vibe of the evening.
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By setting the tone for the day, Doreen & Dan's wedding stationery interjected their personality. Elements of the day served as visual storytellers, encompassing subtle details that held special meaning to them as individuals and as a couple.
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Ceremony Venue: The Chapel at Saint Dennis Catholic Church
Reception Venue: @cambridgewinery
Photography: Joe Le Boube Photography
Floral: @madison_hyvee
Catering: @cambridgewinery
Confections: Tipsy Cakes
Bridal Attire: @verasbridals
Hair & Make-up Styling: @rocknglamsalon
Gentlemen’s Attire: @dapperanddashingco
Rings: @kayjewelers
Transportation: @preslimousa
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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Anita & John came to me for simple yet classic wedding stationery pieces. Being drawn to all things handmade, letterpress printing was the preferred production option for them. Anita's bridal gown was also handmade following a family tradition that incorporated "something blue" with lace and an overlay. This invitation suite came to life by taking inspiration from Anita's dress and including purple in their color palette.
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The design elements used the same motif, in varying uses, throughout their pieces: invitation suite, welcome signage, ceremony programs, dinner menus, table numbers, escort cards, thank you notecards, and other reception signs. Mimicking Anita's gown, a transparent purple overlay enclosed the components of their invitation suite. The motif pattern on the backside of the invitation and visible through the purple overlay, is a great way to set the tone for their wedding day.
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Ceremony Venue: @holywisdommonastery
Reception Venue: @blackhawkcountryclub
Photography: @romuloueda (Ueda Photography)
Floral: @danecofm
Confections: @blackhawkcountryclub
Bridal Attire: @monirose
Stationery Photography: @pete.rankin1
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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QUOTES TO LIVE BY
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There are benefits to marrying your best friend — you tend to have similar values, better communication skills, and a deep understanding that they will always have your back. Having a strong bond is the secret to having a long-lasting romantic relationship. Researchers found that lovers who are also close friends have a greater commitment to each other and enjoy better sex life. Values, communication, and trust are keys to a successful marriage that is built on friendship. So today, on National Best Friends Day, appreciate the person who never fails to catch us when we fall.
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Are you married to your best friend? Comment below! 👇🏼

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When you have your wedding in the heart of the city, you bring the city's heart into your wedding invitations.
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Madison Museum of Contemporary Art was the ideal venue for Erin & Bryce — it was the location of their first date! The sophisticated and modern space, with its stunning views of Wisconsin's capital city, inspired this invitation suite. Looking up State Street, the MMoCA is a contemporary glass building with a view of the state's Capitol (Swipe ⬅️ to see the photo).
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This suite minors the view with its laser-cut folio and use of white space and most definitely intrigued their guests. As invitations are often the first sneak peek for wedding or event guests, Erin & Bryce wanted to set the tone with a "wow" factor.
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This invitation suite was modern, clean, and contemporary and took home an ADDY award.
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Ceremony & Reception Venue: @mmocamadison
Catering: @cateringafresco
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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Autumn & Philip - To Havana hold from this day Fedora-ward.
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The event planners with @elevate.events make a good point, why party for just one day when you can stretch it out to two?! They brought me on board to design Autumn and Philip's super fun post-wedding celebration elements.
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Staying on property at Montage Palmetto Bluff after their formal I Do's the day before, Autumn and Philip welcomed their guests to a "Havana Nights" themed festivities at Moreland Landing. Moreland Landing is an unrivaled destination in coastal South Carolina, along the scenic May River, between Hilton Head Island and Savannah. The perfect stage for a truly unforgettable gathering bursting with Southern charm.
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As guests disembarked a Hinckley Yacht, they were quickly engulfed by the theme of the evening. A large-scale installation piece displayed fans and fedoras party favors.
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The signage and linens' bold, vibrant colors and patterns and the passed hors d'oeuvres transpired the guests to Havana, Cuba. The flavors and heritage of Cuban cuisine, Latin music, and salsa dancing extended the multi-day celebration.
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Venue: @montagepalmettobluff
Photography: @jakeandersonphoto
Event Design/Planning/Coordination: @elevate.events
Floral: @blossombaydesign
Entertainment: @emeraldempireband
Autumn’s Attire: @ratandboa
Hair Styling: @montagepalmettobluff
Make-up Styling: @makeupbyjami
Rentals: @beachview_event_rentals
Linens: @bbjlatavola
Transportation: @oldsavannahtours
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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INVITATION 101 | The Design Experience: Step 2 - On-Boarding
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After our Discovery Appointment, you will receive a Graphic Inspiration Board along with a preliminary estimate. It will include a color palette and inspiration images that convey design aesthetic, mood, textures, or patterns. It is our rough roadmap for the design direction and aesthetic for your event and will serve as our design style guide. A non-refundable creative design fee and a signed contract are required for the Design Exploration to continue past this point.

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Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a federal holiday in the United States. It was established to honor and mourn U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. It is marked by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, religious services, parades, and speeches nationwide.
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As a form of remembrance during your wedding day, it is common to honor your loved ones who are no longer here to celebrate with you. Below are a few ideas to pay homage during your ceremony or reception:
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⭐️ Toast to him/her
⭐️ Hold a moment of silence
⭐️ Incorporate a prayer or quote
⭐️ Leave an open seat
⭐️ Light a candle or lantern
⭐️ Wear a momento
⭐️ Create a memorial table
⭐️ Donate to a charity

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Ericka and Tylor wanted a subtle romantic feel to their wedding stationery pieces. They also recognized that taking a chance on love would pay off.
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I translated these two very personal details into their stationery pieces. I foil-stamped country music star @keithurban lyrics that eloquently portrayed their love onto the cover of their wedding invitation folio in a subtle gold foil-stamped tone-on-tone manner.
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Better than I was,
More than I am,
And all of this happened,
Because I took your hand.
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Foil stamping uses a similar production method as letterpress printing. However, instead of applying an ink color, it stamps a foil film into the paper stock. As a result, foil stamping produces opaque and vivid results. Available in many colors — white, gold, silver, and copper are the most commonly used. In addition, foil is available in metallic, pearlescent, holographic, and matte finishes. I love utilizing foil to focus on subtle elements and create more visual interest in focal artwork or typographical call-outs, as I did for Ericka and Tylor.
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Ceremony & Reception Venue: Glacier Canyon Lodge @wildernessresort
Rehearsal Venue: @monksbargrill
Photography: @twigandolive
Event Design/Planning/Coordination: @neiraeventgroup
Officiant: Father of the Groom
Floral: @neiraeventgroup
Ceremony Music: Krystal Flores (harpist)
Reception Entertainment: @midwestsounddj
Confections: Neat-O’s Bake Shoppe
Bridal Attire: @verasbridals
Gentlemen’s Attire: @bridesnbellesbridal
Editorial Feature: @wedplanmadison
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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Today I have a very different post than initially planned. Writing is not my forte, so I am struggling with words.
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I'm flabbergasted, in shock, furious, ashamed, concerned, and pissed off, just to name a few. If you are not living underneath a rock, you are likely well aware of what happened yesterday in Uvalde, Texas. Yet another mass shooting. WTAF! Why is this keep happening? Why does any civilian need to have an assault rifle?
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As a parent of school-age children, watching them grow and become their own person has been a joy. Going to school has played a significant role in that. Yet, my stomach is in knots when they have a lock-in or lock-out. Just a few months ago, my high-schooler would text me multiple days in a row - "we're on lockdown", "we had to go to a school down the road because there was another threat to the school", "still in my classroom with the lights off on the floor". I should NOT be receiving these types of texts from my kids!
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THANKFULLY these threats have been unsustainable — for my kids and their classmates and teachers. But unfortunately, this was not the case for the students and teachers in Texas. In the words of Sen. Chris Murphy, "What are we doing?" In 2022, there have been more mass shootings than days in the year. Think about that!
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As I see it, we are failing our children. We are failing the citizens of our country. No child should be in danger in school. No parent should be in fear when they say "have a great day" as their child walks out the door on the way to school that it might be the last time they say that. No grocery store patron should be afraid that they won't be coming home when they are picking up a few groceries. No churchgoer should have to say an extra prayer asking for guidance not to be shot.
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WHAT ARE WE DOING?? We need policy and change. And we need it NOW.

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Spring is a lovely time to get married because of the season’s meaning. Spring is a time for rebirth and brighter days. A perfect time to coincide your new beginning with the season of sprouting blossoms. Vibrant peach, coral, and teal combinations are an ideal color scheme for the transition between winter and summer. The bright colors reflect the floral feel of the season.
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With the cold weather [hopefully] behind us, the flowers bloom and the trees come alive. The season’s natural beauty is so romantic. There’s nothing prettier than that nature bursts of spring-associated floral for a romantic pop of color. What more reason to incorporate floral into your wedding invitations and day-of elements?
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Venue: @themadisonclubwi
Photography: @twigandolive
Event Design/Planning/Coordination: @thedarlingweddingco
Floral: Fleurishes Floral Artistry
Confections: @idocakesbybetty
Rentals: @eventessentialsmadison
Editorial Feature: @wedplanmadison
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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Megan and Mark's invitation was a perfect balance of lux and radiance. Letterpress printed and adorned with a single Swarovski crystal.
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Less is always more. Never gaudy.
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Ceremony Venue: Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish
Reception Venue: @mononaterrace
Photography: @meirphotography
Event Design/Planning/Coordination: @mksocialco & @tailoredengagements
Ceremony Music: Lucido Felice Quartet
Reception Entertainment: @jukeboxbandstand
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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INVITATION 101 | The Design Experience: Step 1 - The Discovery Call
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The creative design process with Sugar Pear Design begins with a conversation.
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For the initial consultation, I recommend allowing about 2 hours. Before we meet, I will have you complete a Stationery Questionnaire to gain an understanding of you and your vision. Then, we will dive deep into what inspires you, your story, color palette, design aesthetic, and the overall feel of the event. Finally, we will chat about ideas, stationery styles and options, and the timing specifics. The end product will be a one-of-a-kind design that tells your story.

Based in southern Wisconsin, USA | Designing for couples and events worldwide.

Based in southern Wisconsin, USA

Designing for couples and events worldwide.

Inquire about on-site delivery and set-up for day-of events!

COPYRIGHT © 2006-2022

SUGAR PEAR DESIGN LLC

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

COPYRIGHT © 2006-2022 | SUGAR PEAR DESIGN LLC

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

TERMS AND CONDITIONS