ONE LOVE: A Wedding for Everyone!

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ALL IMAGES ABOVE COURTESY OF KATHY THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY    |  BOTTOM CENTER IMAGE OF KATHY COURTESY OF LEAH LANGLEY    |  IMAGES FROM ONE LOVE WORKSHOP 11-03-14

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If you live in Florida or have been watching the news, you know that Florida made Same Sex Marriage legal on January 6th, 2015! YAY FLORIDA!  I am proud to say I have always been a supporter of #Equality!  Working in the Event Industry I am connected with vendors and couples from all walks of life, and I'm here to tell you PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE. In my opinion, the thing that separates us in society is how we treat each other — not who we are or who we love. It's whether or not we are there for each other as humans. This is what builds character. This is what makes us open to love and new life experiences. 

This past November I was asked to participate and sponsor ONE LOVE: a wedding for everyone, presented by Kathy Thomas of Kathy Thomas Photography.  Of course, I jumped at the chance! It was a great opportunity to work with some amazing vendors and to connect with vendors I had yet had the pleasure of working with — all while showing my support for the LGBTQ community.

A two-day experience at the Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, the workshop featured Bernadette Smith of the Gay Wedding Institute, as well as a styled shoot and education on same sex weddings, SEO and marketing language. The brain child of  Kathy Thomas, ONE LOVE: a wedding for everyone was a huge success, photography from the workshop will be used in the marketing materials of the Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, and the workshop itself got a mention on the Channel 6 News! (watch here)

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I loved working on this project! It was great working with Kathy creating the Branding and Stationery for take away's and the styled location shoots! She is a formidable force in the event industry and her vision oozed sophistication! 

"My goal is to help educate my community by fostering an environment that continues education, growth and support, so we can be experts in the wedding community. I am a believer in equality — I created my company in support of love and marriage and couldn't be happier that Florida has legalized it for all couples."   — KATHY THOMAS

Job well done! I know she poured her heart and soul into this workshop, and it was evident by the amazing experience she created! Jealous? :)  Experience it yourself with this great trailer by Key Moment Films.

Let's not forget Lisa Stoner of E-Events, she designed the styled shoots at the Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. A beautiful modern classic ballroom set, (complete with the ladies from Our DJ Rocks!) and an elegant outdoor farm experience at Whisper Creek Farm. Thank you Lisa, for always creating amazing environments to showcase my stationery! (I kid, I kid...it's not just about the stationery!) Tipping my hat to Raining Roses  and the Chalk Shop as well for creating her amazing vision! 

Drink in the beauty of both locations below!

For a full list of participants and sponsors of the workshop, scroll down to the end of this post. You will also find galleries for both locations below! (Photography courtesy of Kathy Thomas Photography)

For more information on our event stationery or brand development visit our site!
#memyselfandi #acreativelife

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The 2u Collection, our Custom Stationery line contributed stationery designs, table numbers, brand design of the workshop as well as contributing a little photo styling of the sets with Lisa!

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Photo Galleries by Kathy Thomas Photography

I know that something this wonderful takes the work of many. Below are these amazing vendors! And the good news they are all supporters of #Equality!!

List of participants and sponsors of the workshop

Venue:
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes (and all their partner Marriott's)

Entertainment:
Our DJ Rocks (Kristin Hubbard)

Favors & Treats:
Florida Candy Buffets (Farida Wazir)

Planners & Designers:
E Events (Lisa Stoner)

Floral:
Raining Roses Productions (Jesus Rodriguez)

Stationery & Paperie:
2u Collection (Amy Morelli)

Lifestyle Design, Graphics, Illustration, Branding & Marketing:
2u Creative (Amy Morelli)

Photographers:
Kathy Thomas Photography (Kathy Thomas - Orlando & NYC)
Brandi Image Photography (Brandi Morris St. Pete)
Stephanie Dishman Photography (Stephanie Dishman - Orlando)
Rudy & Marta Photography (Rudy Montilla- Orlando)
Nick Edmundson Imaging (Nick Edmundson - Ohio available for travel)
Emily Millay Photography (Emily Cunningham - Ohio available for travel)
Jordan Weiland Photography (Jordan Weildan - Lakeland)
Banter Booth (photo booth Jason Weildan - Lakeland)

Video:
Key Moment Films (Mary Angelini)

Hair and Makeup:
Kristy's Artistry Design Team (Kristy Alonzo)

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A Creative Life. . .#memyselfandi

If you follow me on social media, you know that design infiltrates every aspect of my life, and it's not just my love for paper and stationery that inspire me. So I've decided as of today, my blog will become a little bit more like a lifestyle blog!  If you don't follow me, be sure to start! You won't want to miss what's to come!

If you missed it over the holidays, my partners (Lisa Stoner & Robyn Dixon) and I launched a full lifestyle blog: Me Actually! I developed the Brand, logo, design of blog, etc. And will continue to contribute content from the artist perspective as well as Creative Direct all of our activity as we grow. 

Me Actually is the categorical online resource for men and women alike to reference independently or together the art of living abundantly. You'l find everything from gardening and fashion tips to movie reviews and recipes,  I invite you to learn more about all three of us, check out our first post! (And of course all the posts from December!) To find my contributions to Me Actually search for #memyselfandi.

Because of my partnership with Me Actually, I have decided to cover some of the same topics here on my own blog. After all, my artist perspective and design style is who I am, I invite you to follow me both here and at Me Actually. You'll learn all kinds of things about #memyselfandi! 

And don't forget to check out my partners Lisa Stoner & Robyn Dixon, they are two of my closest friends, as well as strong women! There is something for everyone at Me Actually! Be sure to follow me at the links below!

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Anne & Scott say I DO with Simple, Romantic, Elegance

Onsite Prep Photography:  The 2u Collection     Event & Studio Photography:  Liga Photography   Invitations & Stationery:  The 2u Collection    Venue:    Loew's Portofino Bay Hotel        Videography:  Imprint Cinema     Floral, Decor & Linens:  Botanica International Decor & Design Studio     Officiant:  A Beautiful Ceremony     Cake: The Sugar Suite      PhotoBooth:  Click! Photo Booths   Entertainment:  The Buzz Cats      Design & Coordination: E-Events Design by Lisa Stoner     Draping:  Swag Decor

We always love to tackle a project, where there are no design limitations. It's every designers dream! And I am no different! It's extremely fulfilling to my creative brain, when I get to present out of the box unique ideas and the client not only trusts my judgement but is open to the non traditional. When I met Anne and Scott early in 2012- it was a breath of fresh air!

From the first design brainstorm meeting over skype with the bride, her mother and Lisa Stoner from E-Events to the last minute pieces we pulled together at the end- this couple (and family) was a joy to work with!  We were hired for full service Stationery and art direction of all media (printed pieces, logo projections, etc).  I am often asked what full service custom stationery entails. And this is the perfect wedding to explain it. Basically, I am at the clients beckon call for anything and everything in regards to graphics, stationery, websites, staging, etc, from the moment they book me to the day of the event,  and any last minute designs or pieces that may be needed as the event grows near.

This also includes being there during the event set-up to support E-Events and other vendors with regards to the graphics, stationery, etc. Many times the designs I create can be elaborate and often include various working parts and pieces. In these cases, we offer full service as to not burden the coordinator and other vendors with the tasks of having to set up our complex pieces. I always love it, because then I get to see the bride and grooms reaction to our work... we often don't see their reaction first hand, because most of the time the stationer isn't needed onsite during event set up.

So here we go! Let's start enjoying these details! When I first met this couple, I was told... NO FRILLS, and Nothing TOO FORMAL or  GIRLY. The bride and groom both play soccer and are pretty laid back -- and wanted their wedding and wedding stationery to reflect that, creating a mood of close-knit, family warmth and comfort.

Since their wedding was over a holiday weekend, they wanted to ensure that guests weren't shut out of booking rooms due to the holiday weekend. So we sent the above eblast to the guest even before invitations when out!

Next on the agenda... Rehearsal Dinner, again an eblast was sent inviting guests to the night before the wedding festivities. In this case it was a down home cookout!

The invitations were next to arrive in the post and give the guests a bit of excitement for the event ahead.

Super thick 130# felt paper with 2 color letterpress bound together with a white satin ribbon and silver flat charms with their initials punched into them. We developed a monogram for the bride and groom, that you will see throughout the whole event! 

Take in some of the details of the invitation below.

We did all kinds of wonderful stationery for the event itself. Below you can see the whole group, and 

I'll discuss each detail below as I share the amazing event with you.

I am always amazed at how an ordinary ballroom can be transformed into an amazing oasis, and this wedding is no different. Lisa Stoner from E-Events outdid herself this time!! (and every other time.. lol) And of course the full team that was pulled together all did their part to create this amazing event. (see credits in the top of the blog)

BEFORE (above): Loew's Portofino Bay Hotel  --Venetian Ballroom. This is event day around 10am. Vendors are starting to arrive, the room has yet to become it's destiny! 

 AFTER (above): Loew's Portofino Bay Hotel  --Venetian Ballroom. This is event day around 6pm. What an amazing transformation! Props to Swag Decor and Swank A/V at Loew's Portofino Bay Hotel, 

 the draping and dramatic lighting really changed the room!

Loew's Portofino Bay Hotel  --Citrus Piazza. The couple exchanged vows under the stars.

Lisa created a divided room, with drapes and dramatic lighting, so there was a dinner area and an entertainment dancing area. Beautiful White Leather Furniture surrounded the ROUND dance floor- that's right.. ROUND.. What an amazing touch!

The room also had a large movie screen for a slideshow during dinner. We created our monogram graphic for both, to carry the stationery and monogram theme throughout. Below you can see the light projection on the dance floor above, with a close up below, as well as the screen projection graphic.

Before I go too much further, I have to give props to Ian Prosser and his team at Botanica International Decor & Design Studio, his decor and floral really made this event romantic and elegant!  Checkout some of my favorite details of the 

decor below.

These crystal candle sticks... SWOON.. I told Ian at the event he needed to keep an eye on me, because I wanted to take them home!!  As you can see his floral and decor design, really added romance and elegance. Creating the warm and cozy family feeling the couple were looking for.

 Lisa and Ian! On Event day.. working hard, but always time out for a little vendorly love!

 Lisa (center) with her E-Girls! On the Left her future sister-in-law, Jessie Carr. (Soon to be Stoner!) And on the right, her beautiful daughter, Sara Konency.

Now, Back to the stationery! I wanted to set the stage for the remaining pieces we created. As I mentioned earlier, the couple and the family of the bride, were a joy to work with, and they trusted the vision of all the vendors involved and handed us the reigns to do the best job we could! With this in mind, I did some creative thinking and created some pretty unique pieces. 

Guests were greeted when they arrived after the ceremony to cocktail hour, where they found this escort card/favor table.

Because the bride and groom are both avid Soccer Players, we created Dusty Rose Vellum Pendant escort cards. And once the guest took they their pendants, the mercury glass vases were cleared leaving the center of the table filled with 

"Gifts From Home" as take away favors. 

Dusty Rose Vellum Pendant escort cards with letterpress monogram button tag and white satin ribbon, on metallic silver 

dowel rods! Below:Details of the Gifts from Home!  The groom is from Traverse City, Michigan. A place know for Kilwins Fudge and Salt Water Taffy. The couple decided to share a bit of home with the guests with these great snacks! Assorted Fudge and Salt Water Taffy in a brown kraft bag adorned with a letterpress monogram button, white satin ribbon and a small note from the bride and groom, also on Dusty Rose Vellum.

We also created signage that sprinkled throughout the event for various things, The Photobooth, the Bar, Directional Signs, etc. We even created yard signs for their day after brunch, which directed guests where to park! These signs were on Dark Grey Paper- with white felt mounted with the message.

As you read above I am gushing about the design, decor and floral of this event. With that being said, the pieces I designed for my contribution to the decor were Acrylic Table numbers and Vellum Belly Band Menus. I didn't want to disappoint, as I knew these pieces I created would be showcased on the tables with all the other amazing decor. To this end, I wanted to design elements that were strong pieces on their own, as well as lending to the overall atmosphere that Lisa was trying to create. These pieces needed to be not-too-showy, while still complimenting the other elements in the room.

                   Dusty Rose Vellum Belly Band Menus- wrapped around the silver silk napkin resting on the plate.

 One of my favorite things from this entire event... Acrylic Table Numbers!! We created these beautiful Acrylic Table numbers for each table, the bride and the grooms sweetheart table got one as well, as a nice keepsake for years to come!

These great Letterpress Monogram Buttons we created for various applications throughout the event.

 Because this couple was so NON-FORMAL, we did a fun program, that gave a fun overview of the ceremony. I also want to give some love to The Sugar Suite as this is one of my favorite cakes from ALL OF LAST YEAR!!

Last minute, the family decided they wanted to put a brochure and map cards in the hotel rooms for guests, so they knew of holiday events around town, dates, times, phone numbers, directions etc. Below is a 8 Panel Accordion brochure that gave the guests all the information the needed for holiday events, shows, etc. happening locally.

 The Thank You: Dusty Rose Vellum Belly Band with Letterpress Monogram Button mounted, inside, letterpress thank you message from the bride and groom.

In Closing- we are proud and thankful to have been involved in this event from the smallest detail to the large! This is what the bride and groom had to say:

"Well what can we say?  The wedding was amazing and everything we could've imagined!  Thank you thank you thank you. All of your ideas were creative, fun, and also personal to us."

--love anne and scott

2012 Holiday Season Series- New Years Glam, Old Hollywood Style

To read the first blog post on the invitations click here.

Event Photography: Wings Of Glory Photography     Studio Photography:  Liga Photography   Invitations & Stationery:  The 2u Collection    Venue:  Ronnie & Will's home on Lake Brantley       Videography:  Key Moment Films     Tent:  Classic Tents & Events     Floral:  Lee Forrest Design & Pink Flamingo at Petals     Officiant:  A Beautiful Ceremony    Chairs: A Chair Affair      Linens:   La Tavola Linens       Furniture:  Hitched Event Rentals       Hair / Makeup:  Kristy's On-Location Makeup Artistry & Hair Design      Cake: Anna Cakes      CupCakes:  Pink Pig Bakery     PhotoBooth:  Click! Photo Booths   Entertainment:  Carrara Nour      Design Collaboration & Execution: E-Events Design by Lisa Stoner      Desserts:  RW Couture Chocolate Fountains     Dress: Solution’s Bridal, Orlando     Tuxedo: Absolutely Fitting      Caterer: Moore Fine Foods     Draping & Chandelier:  Swag Decor

We at The 2u Collection we have been reminded how fun it is creating wedding stationery for one of our own in the industry! What you may not realize is that working in the wedding industry doesn't necessarily make planning and executing your own day much easier. In fact, knowing the ins and outs of your vendor's capabilities can sometimes create option overload! Such is the case with fellow vendors Ronnie Renaud and Will LaValle of RW Chocolate Couture Fountains & Decadent Desserts! and Click Photobooth Rentals. This wedding was a while in the making, as great business owners, they kept postponing to put the needs of their brides weddings ahead of their own. 

   

The original inspiration was driven by the fact that the bride hadn't really decided what kind of wedding and experience she wanted to create. So we brainstormed and thought her invitation could be her "something blue"! And of course we didn't want to ignore new years, so Pale Blues & Dazzling Golds, Gleaming with Glitter and a Sprinkling of Iridescent Confetti are just some of the ideas we landed on! Then as her dream wedding design started to take shape. Thanks to Ronnie's collaboration with Lisa Stoner of E-Events Design this amazing Old Hollywood Glam Wedding started to materialize. Ronnie had underestimated her guest list, and once the "Something blue New Years Concept had gone out, she realized she was going to need about 50 more. So we took the existing design and turned it Hollywood Glam. 

And to make the project a bit more challenging, due to the need for quick turn around on the second round design, we weren't going to have enough Glitter Die Cut Letters. So we took the challenges In stride and created the above "Mix and Match Idea of the same invitation!"

Side by side the invites are reminiscent of one another, but when you take a closer look the individual delights of each begin to stand out. It even becomes a playful way to engage your guests and get them talking! Without competing these pieces have managed to create a "Which one did YOU get?!" buzz while lending the same feel to the overall creative concept of the wedding event.

Abby Liga of Liga Photography, the fabulous bride Ronnie Renaud, Amy Morelli of The 2u Collection and Lisa Stoner of E-Events Design

It's always fun working a wedding for a "Friendor" because getting to be a guest and a vendor is a good time! Blowing off steam with the people you have been working hard with for months  makes for a little personal connection with people in the industry.

As the decor and the Old Hollywood theme started to reveal itself, I dove into the Paper Design using sparkly linens, our glitter invitations, chandeliers, beading and drape as inspiration. I tried to imagine a New Years Eve party, circa 1940s-50s old hollywood movie. We started by finding old Hollywood movie quotes from movies that would be appropriate for some of the pieces we were creating. These quotes were peppered throughout the stationery on various tags, signage, etc. 

Having worked with almost all of these vendors before, we all are accostumed to each other's design style, so as I was designing I was trying to image what the wonderful Lee Forrest would do, Swag Decor, etc. How would my paper add to the overall design of the event?  Enjoy some of the details that sparked my creativity. Above: Disco Balls by RW Chocolate Couture Fountains & Decadent Desserts sparkled in the Signature Gold and Silver of the Event. 

Die Cut Gold Glitter Letters shined in candlelight on these unique layered paper Menus we created. Black Soft Touch Paper layered with Gold and Champagne Metallic added another luxurious detail to the table centerpieces. 

Disco Balls Hung from the Bar and Dancing Tent, While Chandeliers hung from the trees and Dinner Tent. Guests were WOWed at every turn of Ronnie and Will's lakeside yard, From the silk and beaded drape, to the details below. New Year's Eve was in the Air!

During Cocktail Hour, the guests used silver and gold paint pens to sign Ronnie and Will's keepsake magnum of red wine. We created a Gold Foil Label for the magnum, Raffle Tickets for a "Singles Game" were also found on the welcome table. There are also some sparklers for the guests to pick up and use at the exit of the ceremony, but more about those later.

While the above magic was being created, Ronnie and Will were hidden away getting ready for their big moment. I want to give a quick shout out to Kristys On Location Makeup Artistry and Hair Design. They made the bride look gorgeous, and as a special thank you for my part in her special day Ronnie had them make me look fabulous as well! And did they ever, I felt like I stepped right out of one of those Old Hollywood Movies myself.

And here comes the bride...here comes the vows.

Working with Ronnie we came up with a Sparkler exit after the announcement of Mr. and Mrs. , it kept the New Year's feeling while adding the Glam factor! The back of the tag prompted guests to light the sparklers and make a wish at the couples first kiss.

Traditionally at a wedding when you clink your spoon against your glass the bride and groom should smooch. With this in mind on each plate was a gold, black or silver noisemaker, with the old Hollywood Movie Quote "Put your lips together and blow".

Traditionally at a wedding when you clink your spoon against your glass the bride and groom should smooch. With this is mind on each plate was a gold, black or silver noisemaker, with the old Hollywood Movie Quote "Put your lips together and blow".

I'm going to leave you with a few more of the amazing details from the evening below, and of course Ronnie and Will's dog Murphy made an appearance! He's just too adorable to leave out. 

Above flower cake details. Below an amazing brooch embellishment for the bridal bouquet.

Table for Ten - New, Intimate, Niche Networking!

Eblast invitation by The 2u Collection

(all photography is courtesy of Liga Photography)

As many of you know, I not only work a lot with Lisa Stoner and Abby Liga, but they are both also very close friends of mine. The three of us have spent many a lunch, happy hour and dinner, discussing and brainstorming small morsel ideas, and we nurture them into BIG GIANT IDEAS!  Table for Ten is one of those ideas! So before I give you all the fun insight into our fun event. Let me first give you a little background of how it was born!


Quote from Lisa Stoner:

"A few months ago, I decided I'd had enough.  It was a week that had three local wedding industry networking events scheduled, and as much as I love my industry peers, it was getting to be too much.  I mean, I have a family…! ;)"

On the drive home with Jeffrey (Stoner), I commented that what I really enjoyed at those events was finally getting to spend a few minutes in conversation and getting to know someone I'd been wanting to meet, but with hundreds of people in attendance, those moments rarely presented themselves.  In that moment, inspiration struck.

I spent the next few days putting together an idea that seemed radical in its simplicity – I presented the idea to my friends Abby Liga and Amy Morelli – two like-minded industry friends who shared my sense of style – and asked if they thought it was a viable idea.

Table for Ten is born! (watch this charming video by Jeffrey Stoner Video)

We created a comfortable, intimate niche networking evening to get to know our fellow wedding professionals. What makes them tick? What inspires them? 

A crazy, rainy first attempt, but our first "Table for Ten" was incredible!  We've gotten such favorable feedback from our guests, and we plan to continue!  Check it out!

The three of us Hostess' acting silly and trying to take our own photo! Lisa Stoner, Amy Morelli, Abby Liga

Our beautiful tablescape...before the rain!

Amy Morelli opening some wine so the festivities can begin!

Details of the Evening. Wonderful Appetizers by Abby Liga. Amazing Disco Balls and Chocolate Covered strawberries by Ronnie Renaud of RW Chocolate Fountain Rentals, and of course some Paper Accents (place cards) by yours truly here at The 2u Collection!

Jeffrey Stoner screams WHY.... as the sprinkles start!

The sprinkles turn to DOWNPOUR...

All of our guests are gracious and wonderful.. Thank goodness we had color caps on hand! (Thanks Marjorie!) They made for a fun photo op! back row, l to r: Lisa Stoner, Gina Ricci Ward and Tali Gallo of Solutions Bridal, Lee Forrest of Lee Forrest Design, Marjorie Robinson front row, l to r: Amy Morelli, Ronnie Renaud of RW Chocolate Fountain Rentals, and Kristin Hubbard Wilson of DJ Rocks!

Plan B: indian style slumber party vibe in the office of E-Events and Liga Photography!

Kristin and Lisa sporting "glitter glaze" from the Amazing Disco Balls provided by Ronnie!

Hope you enjoyed this recap! Stay Tuned, our next one will be toward end of summer, and we'll have a new group of fun guests to get to know!

Behind the Scenes-International Prostate Cancer Foundation Gala

Well as most of you know my blogging regarding my work with the International Prostate Cancer Foundation's Gala has been focused on the stationary I produced for the event. Today I would like to let you in on the behind the scenes work that went in to producing this event. There were obviously some key contributors that made Dr. Patel's dream and vision for the Gala come to life. 

Like with any event the day started with formulating a game plan. Once I got some direction from Lisa Stoner of E Events on when things needed to be staged on tables my assistant Jules and I got to working! The tree seedling favors shown below all had to be individually placed in glass vases for presentation at the dessert reveal and as I worked on getting those ready Jules (pictured below) was hard at work sorting all the place cards. For any of you that have done this before it is no easy feat. Place cards have to coincide with the guest list and then be strategically placed at each place setting so they are both functional and a contributor to the overall table design. 

Jessy Rivers of E Events Design (pictured below) was busy doing A/V testing with Ben Lawless of Kaleidoscope Event Group. All the video, sound and lighting elements were coming together once piece at a time. It was great being in the room because as more lighting is introduced you really begin to see the room transform. 

And as you know, what would an event be without stunning floral and decor. Jesus from Raining Roses was able to design life size trees as focal points of the stage. Being that we built the whole marketing campaign for the IPCF around a tree you can imagine why these pieces were so key. 

Crates of chargers were stacked waiting to be placed at tables as pipe and drape was being installed. Just behind Lisa and I you can see how Kaleidoscope is doing pin-spot and perimeter light testing. PS. I love this shot below as it shows us as the super-heros in the shadows, which is what we must be to pull off something this amazing and grand with so many moving parts and pieces.

Planning sessions went on throughout the day with Lisa Stoner and Jessy Rivers from E Events and Jane McLean from The Waldorf Astoria Bonnet Creek, our host venue. Topics of conversation according to Lisa; when the choir should begin singing, when dinner service should begin and most importantly for any dessert lover like myself when the dessert reveal should be scheduled. 

Dr. Patel was able to pop his head in during the afternoon and see the set of the room in full swing. With him there Ben Lawless was able to test and get final approval for all videos, voice commands, slides and music cues that were happening during the evening. 

The IPCF Gala was a complete success and went off flawlessly thanks to the key players I mentioned above. Special thanks to Jeffrey Stoner of Stoner Video who took all the amazing above images and Over-the-top Linens that provided all the table linens. Patel and his team were overjoyed by the attendance and overall success of the event. I was honored to be part of such a dedicated and talented team and look forward to the next one! 

International Prostate Cancer Foundation Gala

If you are a frequent reader of my blog you are well aware that a good portion of this month's efforts have been dedicated to the success of the International Prostate Cancer Foundation's Gala. I was first approached by the foundation to do all their marketing and our 2u Creative division had the pleasure of not only developing their foundation branding and website but I was able to hand over the next portion of the responsibilities to our stationary division, The 2u Collection. Having a stationary division is particularly beneficial for projects such as these where a client needs a vast array of marketing services including print materials, website design and brand conception and also stationary needs for a social event. Being able to work within my two divisions allowed for a seamless execution for all print materials, website and marketing materials to be unanimous with the stationary for their Gala.


The average person does not know that prostate cancer is actually a genetic familial disease. That is why from the very beginning of the design process the tree was such a focal point. With the design of the Gala materials we wanted to keep the tree as a focal point, but obviously with any social gathering, items should look more formal and have a different aesthetic value than that of marketing collateral.

The first design decision was choosing a color palette. The monotone array of greys, silvers and charcoals really made for an elegant statement. I was able to incorporate the tree in a more formal way by using silver and white foil stamping on a Neenah classic linen charcoal paper for the programs, place cards and menu cards. The tree was used on the cover of the IPCF program as well as inside the program, that paired with a stripe corner border were the two design focal points of all the stationery pieces. All the items were classic and timeless and although appealing to the women's eye were designed with a masculine look in mind. We really wanted to keep it masculine so the materials suited the overall goals of the foundation in who they are reaching.

 The design collaboration with Lisa Stoner of E Events really brought out the beauty of what we had created. The tables were dressed in green table linens, each had a lush floral centerpiece and clear glass gold beaded chargers. When menu cards, place cards and table numbers were placed on the tables, paired with the individual table pin-spotting the details of the pieces really came alive.

The grand finale of this event, like any were the favors. The foundation selected to hand out individual tree seedlings that each had a tag designed by The 2u Collection describing the meaning behind the seedling. Each guest was invited to take this seedling home and plant it in their own yard in honor of someone who has or is currently battling prostate cancer. This touch really put a memorable emphasis on why the tree was the focal point for the event and the foundation itself.

The event was one of the most rewarding I have ever had the opportunity to work on. Not only were both of my divisions contributors to the overall design and success of the event and the IPCF brand itself but I personally am continually touched by the efforts of Dr. Patel. I am honored to be part of the journey IPCF has begun and look forward to all the projects we work on together in the future!  


Of course there are so many people involved in helping execute this, but I want to give so much thanks to Lawton Printers. Not only are they amazing at what they do, they treat their customers like family and will move heaven and earth (if needed) to turn my designs and ideas into beautifully printed finished pieces! Another big thanks to Jeffrey Stoner of Stoner Video for supplying all these beautiful images!

Inspiration Series-Lisa Stoner of E-Events Design!

I am often asked how I fight through creative block and what inspires me. So, here is an installment of my Inspiration Series to start the new year off right! 


I've found that sometimes to break out of a NON-creative funk, it's best I go look at some work of other artists I admire. Being a traditional artist as well, It's fun for me to see what other artists use as their outlet, although I paint, and sketch my primary outlet for my art is through graphics, type and paper.  Sometimes to see how other creative minds put out their ideas, and the creations they create will jostle my own creative juices.

Thanks to Abby Liga, Damon Tucci, Garrett Nudd, Jen Larson, Rhette Pyle, Mark Pennington and Thom Larussa

For this post I chose Lisa Stoner, of E Events. I am lucky to not only call Lisa a good friend, but to work with her on regular basis.  Her work is inspiring and trend setting. She has a style that is un-rivaled and all her own. Her eye for details makes every event she touches classy and spectacular in every way. Not only is she amazing in her professional life, but in her personal life as well, she has 2 wonderful daughters, and one of them I'm sure will be the first woman president. (and I'm being serious!) Just proving further how inspirational she truly is. Take in some of the beautiful imagery below from some of the events she has designed!

You can see what I mean about the eye for details. Romance is carried through, even in the cute heart shaped pat of butter!

 Whether it's transforming an existing venue or creating a venue in great wide open with a tent. Lisa really knows how to pull it all together.

 One of my favorite things that is evident in Lisa's work is the use of the ORGANIC.. She takes, natures most beautiful textures, colors and shapes and incorporates them in her events with modern flair.

If you aren't familiar with Lisa Stoner, of E Events, then it has been my pleasure introducing you to her. If you are familiar with her, then you understand why she is inspiring.  

Fun, Funky and Chic at The Ritz!! Part III

I so loved this couple, and their whole project. I've written about them many times before, now I wanted to share this highlight montage courtesy of the amazing Jeffrey Stoner Video.

Read Part I or Part II.


Vicky & Danny's Wedding Highlights from Jeffrey Stoner Video on Vimeo.

Fun, funky and Chic at The Ritz!! Part II

Read Part I

all studio product photography by Liga Photography

all wedding and venue photography by Thom Larussa

Couple Vicky and Danny, happy on the day!

I hope you enjoyed part one, Save the Dates and Invitations out of the way, it was time to get down to it and create an amazing stationery package that would gracefully yet boldly work into the event design. From Flower Structures by Lee Forrest to the overall event design by Lisa Stoner of E-Events, it was a challenging and fun task! 

Tell us what you think, how did we do?

One of the unique things about this wedding was they did all kinds of personal things, and had little areas of  flower structures and defined areas! This I always love, so it was fun that I got to create all kinds of signage for the event, from tray passed drink cards, to bar signage and escort table signage! Check out all these pieces in their environment at the reception!

The Escort Card table was one of my favorite things, as you can see Lee Forrest did an amazing job above, and my signage worked right in and another great little touch was we added a orchid blossom to each escort card, which rotated between 2 designs (see below in studio)

Tables look amazing! Props to both Lisa and Lee! Loving the Table numbers worked into the flowers! And you can see a peek of the menu, see detail shots below. Also note, the gorgeous centerpieces (by Lee) below, as well as the cooliest cake ever by The Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes Orlando!

LOVED the die cutting of these.. It was such a fun way to incorporate the original graphic shape from the invitations.  They really work well, with the orchids and linens below!

Oops, and I can't believe I forgot to mention the Programs. Vicky and Danny educated their guests on the traditions incorporated into their wedding ceremony.

Here's what Vicky had to say after it was all said and done!

Amy did an excellent job transforming my unconventional invitation requests into amazing pieces of art. Her work is truly spectacular and one of a kind.