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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.

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I have asked this before, but if your wedding or event were a person, what defining words would you use to describe them? What cues can you give your guest as to their personality? If you were to define your wedding as elegant or luxurious, the color palette alone can evoke the event's vibe.
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Purple's deep jewel tone is associated with royalty and elegance. The color conveys artistry and dignity characteristics. And, when paired with pops of magenta, it is absolutely stunning.
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Likewise, this invitation suite conveys elegance. The eggplant purple and magenta floral watercolor elements give it depth, as does the sophisticated laser-cut folio sleeve.
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Venue: @cateringafresco
Photography: @michellemartinphoto
BTS Photography: @ambergarrettphoto
Cinematography: @simplelovefilms
Event Design/Planning/Coordination: @neiraeventgroup
Floral: @blooms_by_brandi
Confections: @mrsfieldscookies
Bridal Attire: @brandisbridal
Hair & Make-up Styling: @lovelyelegancehairandmakeup
Rings: @sohadiamondco
Rentals: @ido.decorating
Model:@karajeanm
Editorial Feature: @destinationwisconsinwedding
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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Today's post is a personal one.
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It has been said that the most difficult thing about having a dog is saying goodbye. I can say for certain that this is true. Last weekend, we had to say goodbye to Kairi. I knew that when her time came, it would be hard. But, I didn’t realize just how hard.
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For those unfamiliar with the Bernese Mountain Dog breed, they are gentle giants. But like most large dogs, the giant part of the breed comes with a cost. The typical life expectancy of BMDs is only 6-8 years. We said our goodbyes 2 days before her 11th birthday. I am forever grateful for having her 6.5 of those years.
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She was ALWAYS by my side, and I was seldom out of her sight. I’m so grateful that her previous owner picked our home as her forever home and that Kairi chose me to be her person. She filled my heart with so much love and joy that it’s hard to put into words. She lived up to her nickname as my 95-pound-lump-of-love.
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Rest in peace, my girl. 🐾♥️
09 May 2011 - 07 May 2022
Gotcha Day: 03 Oct 2015
photo captions
1) My beautiful girl (March 2021)
2) Our 1st hello - Gotcha Day
3) My last goodbye
4) With my son (Jan 2019)
5) With my daughter (Fall 2016)
6) My absolute favorite picture of Kairi
7) Would the real Kairi please stand up (Dec 2018)
8) The only time that she willingly went into the water bc she was so worried about me.
9) Summer 2017
10) No concept of personal space (Jan 2020)

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A morning ceremony and brunch reception wedding is an excellent option for an intimate wedding. Although a laid-back vibe, it shouldn't ever be considered less meaningful as the celebration is still full of cheer and love.
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Instead of a sit-down plated meal, foodie couples can select a menu of finger sandwiches and petit fours. Then, create the perfect mix of vintage and modern by displaying the bite-sized confectionery or savory appetizers on tiered cake stands, various platters, and vintage tea sets. Of course, bottomless mimosas are a must at any brunch and, without doubt, lend a luxurious feel. In addition, an assortment of herbal teas makes a great addition to your brunch beverage menu. Venues such as coffee houses, botanical gardens, or public libraries bestow as great venue options.
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Add extra character to the tablescape with antique keys and hand-crafted place cards. To reflect the natural morning light, bright watercolor floral elements and a modern brush-stroke script kept the invite feeling fresh and gave the design a warm romantic look.
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Venue: @mplrentals
Photography: Kas G Photography
Event Design/Planning/Coordination: @highprofileeventswi
Floral: @rootedfloralcompany
Confections: @todiforbaking
Fruit Artistry: @artesanfruit
Bridal Attire: @moments_to_cherish_bridals
Hair & Make-up Styling: @lovelyelegancehairandmakeup
Rings: @techjewelers
Rentals: @velvet_rentals
Model: Dayna Long
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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HAPPY NATIONAL SPACE DAY!
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Ever wondered what lies beyond our skies? Today, the first Friday of May is National Space Day. A day set aside to celebrate the achievements, benefits, and opportunities in space exploration, with aims to promote the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields among young people. A day to observe the wonders of the unknown space of the galaxy. What is more interesting than space? Never-ending, continually expanding, full of stars, suns, planets, and untold mysteries.
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I'm sharing an invitation that I designed for my son's 6th birthday. The glow-in-the-dark planets could later be used as mobiles. We thanked our guests for joining the fun with a goodie bag that included Mars candy bars, Orbit chewing gum, and Starburst candy.

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INVITATION 101 | Deckled vs. hand-torn edges
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There is a difference, and it is often confused. The two terms are often interchanged, but they are not the same. So, what is the difference?
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DECKLED-EDGE = is the natural and organic edges resulting in a soft, irregular feathery edge gradually becoming thinner. The name “deckle” comes from a tool called a deckle, which is the wooden frame in the handmade paper-making process. It was once considered an imperfection as the byproduct of handmade papermaking.
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Swipe ⬅️ to see the deckled-edge dinner menu.
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HAND-TORN EDGE (or faux deckle edge) = mimic the look of deckled edges but is manually or machine produced. This characteristic can be achieved on almost any paper stock (handmade or machine-made, matte or metallic).
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Swipe ⬅️ to see the hand-torn edge favor hangtag.
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Favor Hangtag Photography: @janellerosephotography
Dinner Menu Photography: @janellerosephotography
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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If your wedding were a person, what would their personality be? What defining words would you use to describe the vibe of your celebration? For Stephanie and Kurt, their defining words were classic and timeless. Knowing that your paper goods serve as a gateway to your day, I design with the intention that they should act as an authentic ambassador.
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Ceremony & Reception Venue: @theedgeh2o
Photography: @svheartphotography
Stationery Photography: @twigandolive
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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Lilacs stand for renewal and confidence because they are early spring bloomers. Each color has its specific meaning, such as violet symbolizing spirituality and white representing purity and innocence. If the blooms edge more on the blue side of the color wheel, they symbolize happiness and tranquility. Magenta lilacs symbolize love and passion. In the language of flowers, purple lilacs symbolize the first emotions of love.
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These have also held different meanings in different cultures throughout the centuries. For example, the Celtics saw lilacs as magical because of their sweet scent. Representing old love in the Victorian age, widows often wore lilacs. In Russia, holding a sprig of lilac over a newborn baby was thought to bring wisdom.
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What has meaning to you? Let’s work together to incorporate the significance into your stationery and paper goods.
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Venue: @sunborngardens
Photography: @blumoosephotography
Coordination: @blumoosephotography
Floral: @sunborngardens
Bridal Attire: @marahselegantbridal
Hair & Make-up Styling: @hairmakeupmh
Rings: @sohadiamondco
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign
Model: @raewillow

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QUOTES TO LIVE BY
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I believe that a cohesively put-together celebration brings meaning to your event. It is a means to interject your personality and express your vision. Cohesive events set the tone for the occasion by serving as a visual storyteller.
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At Sugar Pear Design, custom means creating unique and significant designs. It means delivering wedding and event stationery pieces for those that value purposeful and intentional design. This purpose and intent will create an experience for the event and its guests. Knowing that curated paper goods act as an authentic ambassador, I design elements that match your day’s vision and overall aesthetics. In addition, I strive to create an atmosphere that enhances your guests’ experience and wows them.
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Shouldn’t your visual story be told to your guests in a personal, unique, and non-cookie-cutter manner? That’s good design. And, should be looked at as an investment.

Have I mentioned that details are an essential and intricate element when I start designing? Using the venue as a source of inspiration, I played off its polygon shape. This shape three-dimensionally highlights the couple's name on the wedding invitation, as it does on the dinner menu and the table number.
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Yet, the details don't stop there. #customdinnernapkins incorporate the polygon shape as a repeat pattern — this pattern continues on the cloth #weddingwelcomesign and reception "Where Love Grows" signage. Creating that cohesiveness essential in #weddingbranding, the polygon pattern appears on the response card, table numbers, envelope liners, and cloth bags used for favors.
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Nestled in the scenic Driftless Region of southwest Wisconsin, the organic, earth-tone color palette mirrors the 1892 rustic venue, kissed with copper foil for a modern romantic touch. Artistic, timeless, and unique.
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Venue: @octagon_barn_weddings
Photography: @theweddingflashers
Event Design/Planning/Coordination: @tararrel_events
Floral: @modbloom
Confections: @the_looking_glass_bakery
Bridal Attire: @verasbridals
Ring:@victoriasterlingjewelry
Rentals: @eventessentialsmadison & @alacraterentals
Editorial Feature: @wedplanmadison
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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HAPPY EARTH DAY!
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Advocating for change to protect our environment, Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin politician, founded Earth Day on April 22, 1970. It launched a new wave of activism and national demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues. The impact of the first Earth Day led to the legal or regulatory mechanisms to protect our environments, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act.
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Earth Day is now celebrated annually around the globe to demonstrate support for environmental protection and honor our planet earth. It's a means to educate people about conservation and protest against climate change and global warming to make our world a happier, healthier place.
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What measures will you be taking to celebrate Earth Day? Comment below!👇🏼

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INVITATION 101 | USPS Postage Rates effective July 10
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**Save this post for future reference**
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Heads up, folks! US postage is increasing on July 10.
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A quick overview of changes that will likely affect wedding couples:
💌 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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As I work on designs, one vital thing to me is looking at the whole picture. To me, it's not just the invitation that I am designing. It's the overall vibe and what is driving that vision. It's then creating a cohesive look for all the pieces. It is not piece-mealing the celebration. In industry terms, it is branding. How can EVERYTHING point in the same direction? The designer in me cringes when I see a hodge-podge of elements thrown together. (Please don't do this. 🙏🏼)
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This project was no exception. An event's design details have a vital objective, and they are not the icing on the cake. Instead, the paper goods are meant to inform, from the invitation to the thank yous. These pieces should use the same design look and feel to create a cohesive look. The design details, colors used, and typography should flow from one piece to the next.
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The invitation is the first glimpse guests will get of the upcoming celebration. Mirroring the invitation, the welcome sign has the same branding elements. As we move into the reception, the same color palette and typography are used on the table number and the individual named placecards.
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Design/Coordination: @eventgal_wi
Floral: @madison_hyvee
Confections: @sandykakeswidells
Bridal Attire: @premierecouturevip
Rentals: @eventessentialsmadison
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign
Stationery Photography: @pete.rankin1
Feature: @wedplanmadison

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My calendar says spring. But does anyone know when it will officially arrive here in the midwest? So, until Mother Nature decides, I’m reaching into the archives for some fun and fresh color to get us by.
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Inspired by a cat café concept, this offbeat “Getting Meowied” photoshoot is full of whimsy and play. Bright colors (so needed right now with all the grey), cannolis (who needs cake anyways?), fish food for a favor (purr-fect!), and 2 cool cats in love (ha! get it? Cool-cats!)
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Venue: @revelmadison
Photography: @blumoosephotography
Event Design/Planning/Coordination: @destinationwisconsinwedding
Floral: @blooms_by_brandi
Confections: @taylors_cakes
Hair & Make-up Styling: @betabluebeauty
Models: @raewillow & Tristan Mentz
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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QUOTES TO LIVE BY
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You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.
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~ C.S. Lewis

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Saurabh and Murrel's intentions for their wedding festivities included the things they held dear to their heart: their values, their culture, and their friends and family. The original plan was to celebrate in Goa, India. But, as many Covid couples had to do, they pivoted. Still longing for what could have been, they brought the India-inspired festivities closer to their now home.
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The day started with celebratory live music and a dancing procession to Blessed Sacrament Church. The Baraat is a wedding parade that traditionally accompanies the groom to where the wedding occurs. In both Hindu and Catholic traditions, it is a festive event where the groom's friends and families dance and celebrate the upcoming wedding. In Punjabi traditions, the Baraat is received by the bride's family in a Milni ceremony, where corresponding family members exchange garlands.
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Colorful and dynamic saris, lehengas, and sherwanis played tribute to their Indian culture. Bangles have always been an integral part, signifying good fortune and prosperity. Saurabh and Murrel offered bangles to their guests upon arrival at the reception. Devotional traditions were made complete with dhol drumming and henna hand painting by Mehendi artists.
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The reception brought their cultural roots to play by way of an Indian Night Market, rich with plenty of lights, food, and dancing. The celebration reflected their Indian roots and New York love story and included delicious and authentic cuisines from Indian to Israeli, Vietnamese/Thai, and Szechuan/Chinese-inspired dishes. The dinner experience was unique and tasteful. Guests made sure to leave room for dessert — Tiramisu Cake specially prepared by Murrel's father!
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Reception Venue: @garverfeedmill
Event Design/Planning/Coordination: @elevate.events
Photography: @paperantler
Floral: @bird_and_bumble
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign

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An Open Letter to Wedding Pros
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The lack of inclusive language is something I have noticed across the board in the wedding industry. I see this in Facebook groups that I am a part of and from industry educators. In this post, I am referring specifically to sexual orientation and the language used.
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I was at a @weddingwire conference about six years ago when Kathryn Hamm (@mbkinsights), one of the founders of gayweddings.com (now a division of Wedding Wire), spoke. She described her personal experience of planning her own wedding. Her presentation was a big 'ah-ha" moment for me. I had no idea that the language I was using - such as "bridal shows"- could be offensive to those LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals. Like literally, no idea! An unintentional mistake. Kathryn's presentation had such a profound impact on me. As a result, I see it soooo often in our industry! (You know, kind of like when you are pregnant. All of a sudden, all you see are other pregnant women — they are everywhere!)
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How we market to our audience that is welcoming is something we all can learn. A first step would be to review your marketing and advertising materials. Is inclusive language being used? For example, instead of "bride" and "groom", use "couple" or "newlyweds". Instead of "bridal party", use "wedding party"; instead of "bridesmaid" or "groomsmen" replace with "attendants".
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In your contact forms, add the option for the inquiring couple to list their pronouns. Also, include your pronouns on your social bios, the about me section of your website, and your email signature. These acts will help potential couples see that you are taking those steps to make them feel accepted and respected for who they are. In addition, being open-minded will elevate your business. These seemingly small shifts are significant steps that help remove the barriers.
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Can we collectively make an effort to welcome all couples? I know we will make mistakes, but ignorance or continuing without change is not the answer. Consider the impact of your language and actively move to be more inclusive. Comment below on the steps you will take to make your couples feel more welcomed. 👇🏼

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INVITATION 101 | WEDDING STATIONERY TIMELINE
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You should follow key dates and timing when planning a wedding to ensure that your stationery is distributed on time and in order. It is equally — if not more — essential to pay attention to the duration required for the design, proofing, revision, and production process.
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As a general guide, I have outlined these timeframes below. Check out the blog for further explanation and a few pro-tips! #linkinbio 👆🏼
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📅  SAVE-THE-DATES
• Phase Allocation: 11-14 months before your wedding
• Design and Production Process: 8 weeks (minimum!)
• Mail: 9-12 months prior
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💌  INVITATIONS
• Phase Allocation: At least 6 months before your wedding
• Design and Production Process: 13 weeks
• Mail: 8-12 weeks prior
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💍  DAY-OF ELEMENTS
• Phase Allocation: 3-4 months before your wedding
• Design and Production Process: 10-12 weeks
• Response Request Date: 5 weeks prior
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🙏🏼  THANK YOUS
• Mail: within 2 weeks (for gifts received before your wedding date) or 1-3 months after nuptials
• Design and Production Process: typically done in conjunction with the Day-of Elements

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Sleek and artistic.
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Dark and mysterious.
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Vibrant and tropical.
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The stunning contrast between the modern black and white details and the adventurous pop of metallic copper make this editorial style scape breathtaking.
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Can't you just feel the sleekness of the copper and matte black? Stemming from the tactile textures of the floral, I designed this laser-cut invitation sleeve. The copper sleeve juxtaposes the modern black and white invitation and response. In addition, the casual typography treatment gives in to the mysterious and albeit playfulness. And the escort cards were also laser-cut and displayed on an installation display stand, creating a coherent design.
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Venue: Private Residence
Photography: @twigandolive
Event Design/Planning/Coordination: @eventessentialsmadison & @alacraterentals
Floral: @florabyjamae
Confections: Creative Confections
Rentals: @eventessentialsmadison & @alacraterentals
Stationery & Paper Goods: @sugarpeardesign
Editorial Feature: @wedplanmadison

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