BEAUTIFUL. ELEGANT. UNDERSTATED.

Client portal

Sugar Pear Design clients, please enter your email to access your project portal.

Need to get ahold of me directly? Feel free to call or email!

Ready to get started?

FOLLOW ALONG ON THE 'GRAM!

..
INVITATION 101 | CEREMONY PROGRAMS
..
A wedding order-of-service can be as detailed or as high-level wanted! Perhaps a single-page program with just the highlights? A ceremony program that includes every reading, prayer, and song is also an option, especially for ceremonies where faith is an important aspect. Anywhere in between are also an option! Programs can be a hand-held option for each guest or a single, large-scale version.
..
Check out the blog post for more! 👩🏽‍💻

..
Neutral colors are muted shades that appear to lack color but often have underlying hues. Striking neutral colors look elegant and romantic and are an excellent choice for those couples who prefer a natural and straightforward wedding atmosphere with depth. Colors like warm taupe, slate grey, and cream are everlasting.
..
This modern neutral color palette looks rich and classic. Grey is a major player in the color palette for an elegant affair and a great option for a modern, minimalistic look. Incorporating sleek black and copper metallic accents made the palette pop and will uniquely balance the neutral foundation.
.
.
.
Venue: @theedgeh2o
Event Design/Planning/Coordination: @florabyjamae
Floral: @florabyjamae
Confections: @curtisandcake
Artisan Cheese: @fromagination
Feature: @everafterwedshow
Rentals: @eventessentialsmadison
Event Photography: @maisonmeredith
Stationery Photography: @rankinimages1
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

..
Catherine & Joseph came to me with a dilemma. They were not sure what style of invitation they wanted. But they did know they didn't care for the very traditional. They had a vision of a design element, but nothing over the top.
..
The @overturecenter has a perfect modern palette with lots of white space. I brought this invitation suite to life by taking notes of their venue, the summer season, and the bright oasis green and pink color palette. Because of the deliberate typography layout and the use of white space, their more ornate monogram didn't feel overbearing. The subtle detailing was also mirrored to highlight the different invitation enclosures.
.
.
.
Ceremony Venue: @stbmidd
Reception Venue: @overturecenter, @overtureweddings
Stationery Photography: @rankinimages1
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

..
QUOTES TO LIVE BY
..
At Sugar Pear Design, I design custom wedding and event stationery for those who appreciate cohesive designs that mirror their unique personality and vision. As a custom-only designer, couples come to me for one-of-a-kind designs. Inspiration is always welcomed! But be prepared to be challenged with your "why". My job is to think outside the box and give my couples something specific and unique.
..
One-of-a-kind implies that I will never repeat a design. So how do I come up with consistently original designs? Creativity is the key.
..
During my initial consultations, we will go over A LOT of information. I ask A LOT of questions. Frequently they are open-ended questions. The answers I find great to spark the design concept development. Open-ended questions allow me to think divergently, the pillar of creativity. I look for solutions, create new ideas, reflect, and get new insights. In my creative process, I often take pencil to paper and use brainstorming and mind mapping techniques. Sometimes two or more conceptual ideas might initially seem unrelated but often lead me to create something extraordinary and insightful. It is a fun process for me. As Albert Einstein asserted, "Creativity is intelligence having fun".

..
Abby and Brett came to me with a clear design idea for their wedding invitations. Both are graduates of UW-Madison School of Pharmacy and have spent considerable time in the downtown area. The Madison Museum of Modern Art was the perfect venue for their guests to experience Madison as they did while in school.
..
An art deco design lent itself well to their vision and overall aesthetics — not too formal, yet not too casual, and just enough class. In addition, their letterpress printed invitation, complete with the downtown skyline, served as a visual storyteller by setting the tone for the occasion.
.
.
.
Ceremony & Reception Venue: @mmocamadison
Rehearsal Venue: The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company
Photography: @naturalintuitionphoto
Officiant: Ceremonies by Design
Floral: @daffodilparker
Music: Chris Newlin (guitarist)
Catering: @cateringafresco
Confections: @bloombakeshop
Bridal Attire: @bhldn
Bride’s Shoes: @klubnico
Hair & Make-up Styling: @alankoasalonspa
Gentlemen’s Attire: @calvinklein
Stationery Photography: @pete.rankin1
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

..
Invitations serve as a wedding's peephole. They set the tone for the event and give guests a sense of what to expect. For example, they give them an idea of their attire, how formal the event will be, and create an atmosphere that enhances their experience and wows them.
..
Designing with the correct typography is vital. Pairing fonts with the rest of the event design takes the wedding invitations to the next level. I always strive for the perfect mix of elegance and style. Starting with the essential invitation component — the couple's names — I chose a fun and energetic typeface for Michelle & Steve. The hand-drawn feeling gives a personal touch, which was perfect for them. A bouncy script font, but not to the point where it looks too messy or casual. The smooth and relaxed sans serif font, with no extra flourishes, compliments the script font rather than taking away from their names. Their invitation is packed with personality yet is still clean and modern.
..
Knowing that curated paper goods act as an authentic ambassador, what signature elements will match your day's vision and overall aesthetics? Comment below! 👇🏼
.
.
.
Ceremony Venue: North Point Community Church
Reception Venue: Chenequa Country Club
Photography: @front_room_studios
Cinematography: @front_room_studios
Floral: @belaireflowers
Reception Entertainment: @midwestsounddj
Confections: Tasha Crawford
Bridal Attire: @verasbridals
Rings: @condonjewelers
Stationery Photography: @pete.rankin1
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

..
An Aviation-Themed Wedding
..
Today is the first day of @eaa, an annual air show and gathering of aviation enthusiasts held each summer in Wisconsin. Organized by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), an international general aviation group, the AirVenture show is the largest of its kind in the world.
..
The week-long aviation celebration attracts more than 500,000 people, including more than 2700 international visitors representing 87+ nations. Over 10,000 recreational, commercial, and military aircraft, as well as aeronautics and astronautics, are on display.
..
An airport hangar is an incredible backdrop for any #aviationenthusiast.
A sleek reception transformed the space with an infusion of green, black and white color palette. Copper accents completed the elegant lounge area. A private jet was the element needed to leveled up the event to first-class, giving it a sophisticated and modern touch.
..
Invitations were sent out in a copper and black custom-made box, letting guests know that love was in the air. A modern geometric pattern and contemporary-polished typography tied all the pieces together. The design appeared on the wrap-around shipping label, the menus and place cards, and as a custom fabric for favor gifting.
.
.
.
Venue: @wiscoav
Photography: @timfitchphotography
Event Design/Planning/Coordination: @eventessentialsmadison
Floral: @florabyjamae
Confections: @creativeconfectionsbyalicia
Rentals: @eventessentialsmadison
Editorial Feature: @wedplanmadison
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

..
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
~ Leonardo Da Vinci
..
Da Vinci's words reflect many aspects of life. A simple, elegant wedding is no exception. So Krista & Cody came to me with just this request — to design their wedding stationery pieces to be refined and romantic, with simple undertones.
..
Knowing that the invitations will convey the atmosphere of the wedding, I design their wedding invitations and day-of elements to lend a nod towards a timeless celebration. In addition, the simple purple tonal color palette and the victorian-style antique design have a richness that enhances their evening's luxurious vibe.
..
Simple, yet sophisticated.
.
.
.
Ceremony & Reception Venue: @heidelhouse_weddings / @heidelhousehotel
Photography: @kgcweddings
Floral: Endurance Floral
Reception Entertainment: @jukeboxbandstand
Confections: @gigis_cupcakes
Bridal Attire: @davidsbridal
Hair & Make-up Styling: Evensong Spa
Gentlemen’s Attire: @dapperanddashingco
Rings: @kesslersdiamonds
Stationery Photography: @pete.rankin1
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

..
QUOTES TO LIVE BY
..
This past Saturday was "National Toss Away the 'Could Haves' and 'Should Haves' Day".
..
"Could haves" and "Should haves" are often perfectionistic, unrealistic, and unhealthy. They diminish life rather than enhance it. So the next time you feel anxious, frustrated, upset, or depressed, question what is really going on. Take the time to dig deep. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! Instead, uncover — with grace, self-honestly, and patience — the steadfast belief that has led to the feeling.
..
Only then can you begin to change it, or at least change your view on the situation. It's essential to move forward, not backward. Remember, you can't change the past — you can only control the here and now, and how you proceed towards the future. Understand that staying in the past will only prolong these feelings. Sure, you can get mad, and at the moment it feels good. But it's short-lived and only brushes the deeper meaning under the rug, just waiting to re-surface again.
..
Author and motivational speaker Martha J. Ross-Rodgers, dedicated this day to observing letting go of the past and live for the present. This exercise applies to how you view your own path and the path that others have taken. It's about acknowledging that the past can not be changed and focusing on the present and future instead. It's time that we embrace this, not just today but every day.
..
Live in the moment by:
☮️ Removing past resentment by forgiving others — and yourself.
☮️ Appreciating every moment.
☮️ Stop worrying about things out of your control (such as the past).

..
Are you thinking about a black and white wedding? It's a stunning and gorgeous combination. The monochromatic palette has the perfect level of formality — it is both simple and sophisticated. An uncomplicated black and white palette is an excellent choice if you desire a look that is upscale and classic. It's a bold combination that will work for any time, location, or season. A black and white wedding is both traditional and modern.
..
Danielle and Vinny's invitations hinted at the glamorous experience that awaited their guests. The remaining day-of elements gave way to the cosmopolitan sophisticated reception.
.
.
.
Ceremony & Reception Venue: @thelegendclubsweddings
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

..
Whimsical flowers. Need I say more?
.
.
.
Ceremony & Reception Venue: @olbrichgardens
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

..
INVITATION 101 | The Design Experience: Step 4 - Execution
..
Approval and 80% down payment will move your project to the execution phase, with the remaining balance due upon delivery. I will expertly manage the production of your stationery with trusted print houses and partners.
..
I will execute each project with meticulous attention to detail and flawless hand-craftsmanship. Orders can take 4 to 8 weeks to produce and are determined by the design's complexity and production methods.
..
Directed by our timeline, we will revisit our initial conversation and discuss day-of coordinating pieces. Maintaining consistently designed details ensures a cohesive message for your guests. In addition, we can arrange for on-site delivery and set up for day-of events (based on availability).

..
I worked with this team of vendors to create wedding stationery pieces for an industrial-inspired style shoot. The Lone Girl Brewing Company, built on the site where Koltes Lumber had operated since the 1880s in a small south-central Wisconsin village, served as the backdrop. With 129 years of history, industrial-inspired elements were a natural design direction.
..
The light-colored, textured paper goods balance the darker tones of the tablescape and overall scene. In addition, bold industrial serif font typography designed in a contemporary manner ties the modern with the delicate elements in the shoot. Finally, galvanized clipboards were used for the dinner menus and favors packaged in mini-paint buckets — also galvanized — circled back to the industrial vibe.
..
The dark undertones paired well with the curated arrangements of texture, dimension, and elegance to this coordinated scape. The candlelit affair combines the rustic and elegant to create a space with the perfect atmosphere.
.
.
.
Venue: @lonegirlbrewing
Photography: @theweddingflashers
Event Design/Planning/Coordination: The Flower Studio
Floral: The Flower Studio
Confections: @carlscakesmadison
Rentals: @alacraterentals & @eventessentialsmadison
Editorial Feature: @wedplanmadison
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

..
You are not weak
Just because your
Heart feels so heavy
~ Andrea Gibson

..
QUOTES TO LIVE BY
..
"A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step" is a Chinese proverb originating during the 6th century.
..
The proverb teaches that even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point. Therefore, the experience must begin with the first step. Dreams and goals are achieved by formulating a plan and taking action. However big or small, the journey must materialize to reach the goal or destination. This expression encourages us to commence to achieve the great things that lie ahead.
..
A 'thousand miles' shows the longevity of a journey, while a 'single step' is an initial move. In other words, no matter how ambiguous the task is, how long the journey is, or how laborious the work is, action is always required to begin it.
..
If your wedding or event's goal is to enhance your guests' experience, interject your personality, and express your vision, take the first step towards curating paper goods that will act as your authentic ambassador and visual storyteller. Contact link in bio. 📞

..
It's Independence Day in the US.
..
As a female in the US, after Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, I have to ask, “What independence do you speak of?”
..
We dissent.
.
.
.
Stationery Photography: @pete.rankin1 & Krakora Studios
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

..
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.
..
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.
..
@wisconsinbride magazine featured this invitation.
.
.
.
Ceremony Location: Costa Rica
Reception Venue: @quiveysgrove
Editorial Feature: @wisconsinbride
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

..
INVITATION 101 | USPS Postage Rates
..
Friendly reminder, that USPS Postage Rates Increase on July 10
..
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
..
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
..
If ever in doubt, take your fully assembled invitation set to the post office to determine postage!!
..
**Save this post for future reference**

..
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.
..
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.
.
.
.
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

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