Congratulations New York!

{image via einvite: BRIDES fine wedding papers by checkerboard}

Congratulations to the fine State of New York, the Marriage Equality Act was passed on June 24, 2011! What a wonderful day for all.

We wanted to share our support and celebrate this momentous occasion! It's been a long road for every state who has recognized and legalized same-sex marriage, including our State of Massachusetts who passed the law in 2004. Go New England, where most of the supportive states are!  I am lucky to work for a company that has been involved and supportive of gay marriage. Our sister company Outvite.com is now featuring a new Get Hitched invitation for New York!

OutVite.com, launched in November 2003, is an online purveyor of fine stationery, invitations, announcements and holiday cards catering to the GLBT community. The site was created by a group of gay and lesbian employees from eInvite.com, a leading online stationery retailer, with the goal of offering quality stationery products to computer-savvy customers in a comfortable shopping environment for GLBT consumers.

Both OutVite.com, as well as its parent company, eInvite.com, offer same-sex partner benefits and has long had written policies barring any form of employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. For more information click here.
 

This wonderful collage was inspired by the earthy and natural colors in Suite 7 of Checkerboard's new collaborative effort  with BRIDES magazine, Brides Fine Wedding Papers. Throughout the album, introductory collages open each suite, setting the tone with amazing wedding imagery. The stunning photographs from Tinywater Photography, Corbin Gurkin, Suzy Clement, Michèle M. Waite, Mel Barlow & Co. and Terry Gruber Photographers create a ground breaking experience for the invitation shopper, as well as embody the spirit of innovation in design and support of our community as a whole.

A special thank you to Tinywater Photography, who provided the beautiful image of this happy couple!

Party Perfect!

Looking to throw a great party in the near future? Well, whether it be a holiday party, a new Year’s eve party, or maybe just an excuse to have a party, eInvite has some really fun designs available for any such occasion. We just recently released a new line of party invitations that feature, playful die-cuts, whimsical graphics and beautifully applied ribbons and crystals. Above, I’ve shown just a few of my favorites, but be sure to check out the full selection here…happy browsing!!

Butterfly Bat Mitzvah!

{Images L to R: eInvite, Linzi Events, Hostess with the Mostess, Pink Cake Box and The Knot.}

Hello and Happy Friday folks! I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite Bat Mitzvah invitations that is new on eInvite. The design, Spirited Flight, features colorful hand-layered papers and raised printed thermography. I just love the charming pair of butterflies and the vibrant combination of hot pink and chocolate wood grain. In general, I think butterflies make for such a fun Bat Mitzvah theme. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re whimsical and suggestive of nature, which makes them perfect for any size celebration - whether it be a casual affair, or an extravagant blow-out. Are you or your daughter considering a butterfly theme for her Bat Mitzvah, or perhaps know someone who is? Well here are just a few ideas to get you started…Enjoy! Not interested in a butterfly theme? Then be sure to check out our full collection of Bar and Bat invitations here…happy shopping!

Decadent Champagne and Black

Images courtesy of 100 Layer Cake, Twigs & Honey and Weddingistas.

Hello and happy Thursday! Today I've got another fabulous color combination for you. Remember last week's Shimmering Pink and Gold pairing? Well this week, it's decadent champagne and black! I just love this classic combination; it maintains that timeless feel of black and white, but with a glint of glamour. The warm shimmer of the champagne, offsets the bold black just beautifully, and makes a truly elegant ensemble that is perfect for any wedding! What’s even more beautiful is that eInvite is currently offering 40% off this Champagne Decadence invitation for a limited time. So, be sure to head over to eInvite.com and check it out! It’s a decadent deal…

Shimmering Pink & Gold

Images courtesy of Flights of Fancy and Martha Stewart Weddings

Hello and Happy Friday! Today, I've got some perfectly pink eye candy for you to start your weekend with! How beautiful is this color combination of pink and gold? The pairing of a feminine pink with a burnished gold sets a sophisticated tone that is both lovely and lush. And fortunately, for the budget conscious bride, eInvite is currently offering 40% off this Shimmering Meadow invitation for a limited time. Be sure to head over to eInvite.com and check it out! It's a beautiful bargain...

Yay, for Houndstooth!

As of late, I’ve been noticing houndstooth everywhere and on everything. The lovely duotone pattern is no longer limited to woven wool or the Scottish Lowlands; instead, it’s become rather international. It’s been spotted everywhere from the runways in Paris, to the households of America, and everywhere in between. It's also shed its traditional color palette of black and white, opting instead, for more adventurous hues such as fuchsia, purple, green and pink.

Houndstooth really is one of those classic patterns that will never go out of fashion. It’s the perfect accent to any attire, whether it takes the form of a scarf, wallet, dress, or a pair of shoes, you can wear it anywhere and anyhow; it will always look classy. It’s also a great design element to work into any party theme. Oh, so perfect for a wedding, bridal shower, or even a corporate holiday party, it will add that special panache you’re looking for.

Above, I’ve featured just a few of my favorites that I came across while on the hunt for houndstooth. I especially love the Toffee Pumps by oh! DEER. That little touch of yellow patent leather, is oh so yummy! Also beautiful, are the invitation designs by Checkerboard. They would be perfect for a 30th birthday bash, or even a bachelor party, the possibilities are endless! Yay, for Houndstooth...now go get yourself some!

{Images L to R: Resonate Invitation by Checkerboard, Alexander McQueen Houndstooth Tote, Alexander McQueen Large Houndstooth Sweater Coat, GUESS? Black Houndstooth Split Dial Watch, Alabama Crimson Tide Houndstooth Cufflinks, oh DEER! Toffee Pump and Vogue Invitation by Checkerboard}

Thanksgiving Table Setting

I love the idea of using natural elements for a simple Thanksgiving table setting. Previously, I found these cute ideas from Martha. This holiday, Sunset Magazine has me wishing we had kids coming to dinner. Too cute!



{Sunset Magazine}

Eat Cake Be Merry!

I came across these beautiful cakes by Liz Shim of Eat Cake Be Merry on Brooklyn Bride today! Aren’t they just wonderful! I totally love the crisp colors and simple yet modern designs that adorn each cake! Here is just a small selection of some of my favorites, but you can see more of these luscious beauties on the Eat Cake Be Merry website. Also, be sure to read Liz’s blog where she documents baking behind the scenes…it’s oh so fun!

You are all invited...to Cirque Du Noir

Inspired constantly by the people I work with and faced with the fact the my house could no longer contain the amount of people showing up for my annual Halloween festivities, we decided to host a fundraiser Cirque Du Noir at a local hot spot, Bocado. My thoughts were that we are celebrating anyway and taking the time to costume up, why not kick it up a few notches and do it for The Worcester County Food Bank? I proposed the idea to all my amazing artists friends, whose wheels started spinning as fast as mine. We included a live art fusion, a silent auction, live music and a costume contest.

Another very memorable inspiration came from an incredible night at the Louie Awards at Capitale in New York City back in 2008, chaired by Fern Gimbelman. I was so blown away by the drama and depth of the platform, that I kept thinking of a Halloween party, instead of the "Academy Awards" of Greeting Cards, that is the Louies.

The family of people here and the Worcester community got involved, from our right hand florist extraordinaire, Cathy Walsh from Sprout, to our neighborhood sandwich shop, Vivian's that we all visit. The evening was incredible, beginning with deep, dark violin music and ending with an incredible array of prizes donated by generous friends and colleagues, and a killer art auction.

{scott boilard in action, image by andreea waters via flickr}
{image of Fusion art and guests by Scott Holloway via flickr}
images of Cirque Du Noir 08
and below live art fusion practice session pieces:

{our Jessica Burhans and Derek Ring, also see him here and here}

{payal kripalani}

{our scott boilard and cynthia woehrle}

{click image to enlarge}

Cirque Du Noir (click here for pix) came to be and now we are in our second year! Having friends that are dreamers and doers make anything happen!

Halloween Cards & Invitations

Here is a round-up of my favorite Halloween cards and invitations on eInvite.com. Perfect to set the mood for a great costume party or share a photo with friends and family.

{ L to R from top: Flying Witch & Warlock from Inviting Co.; Spirited Party by Starfish & Dreams; Zorgi by Marmalade Ink; Boo Radley by Marmalade Ink; Wicked Witch and Halloween Moon by Starfish & Dreams; Bats! by eInvite.com}

Paper-licious!

So excited about these new paper delicacies from Paper Orchid. They are exquisitely laser die cut and so delicate and festive. They make you want to bake, even if there is no occasion at all!

July 4th Celebration

The fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. Each year, it is spent at my parent’s beach house with family and friends, in a weekend celebration. In the morning, coolers are packed and the boat is loaded with towels, bocce ball and fishing poles. We make our way to the island and enjoy a day in the sun filled with many laughs. Upon returning to the cottage in the late afternoon, we enjoy one of the greatest summer pleasures—an outdoor shower, then settle on the front porch with snacks and a cocktail to watch the sun set. The evening is spent grilling, visiting with neighbors and watching the seemingly endless fireworks.

{L to R: Star Medallion from Martha Stewart; Glory by Checkerboard, Ltd.; Berry Vodka Spritzers from Real Simple}

This year my dad turns 60, so the celebration will be extra special. We will all pitch in with the planning and lucky for us the internet is bursting with inspiring ideas!

{Lto R: Let Freedom Ring by Starfish and Dreams; Seaside Cookies from Women's Day; July 4th Pom Poms from Martha Stewart}

Cause a Riot

{images via joie de vivre's hotel pheonix, fashion by alix malka @ chris boal artists, and ehow}

Today, the sun came out here in central Massachusetts. I think I am a little over-anxious for blissful summer days and parties by the pool. We all know the flowers and veggies need the rain, but there are graduation parties, cookouts, wedding fetés, and baseball games to be had. Black is a staple in my wardrobe, and I end up wearing it most days.

It takes certain palettes for me to react and get excited about, like clifftowns in Italy on the shore, or the facades of little villages all over Europe. The riot of color in these selected images make me feel brave and adventurous, ready to celebrate! I can't image painting my stairs bright orange with hot pink ballisters, but it seems to work here. On a good day, you never know what I may try. Here in New England we look to nature for color. Nature throws riotous colors of flowers into green backdrops of foliage, bringing the same philosophy into your everyday sounds "natural".

Enjoy the summer sun this weekend and punch up your parties, homes, and wardrobes with color and excitement!

Key Details

Readily available at flea markets and antique shops, old keys are a great way to bring a bit of vintage flair to any party or wedding. Decorate invitations, boutonnieres, or even bride’s maids with antique keys. Hang them from your bouquet, give them away as favors, or dangle them from centerpieces and place cards. Keys are small enough to put almost anywhere but charming enough to make a statement. Best part is, they won’t break the bank either...except for maybe the ones at Tiffany's!

{Images Top L to R}
5 Porcelain Keys available at The Curiosity Shoppe
Acanthus Antiqued Brass Vintage Skeleton Key Necklace Collectibles by urbanheirlooms
Large Key invitation by Checkerboard Ltd. available at eInvite
Flea Market finds with Branch Floral as featured by 100 Layercake
Whiskey Brown Leather Saxony Clutch with Antique Skeleton Key by urbanheirlooms
Tiffany Keys available at Tiffany & Co.
Flea Market finds with Branch Floral as featured by 100 Layercake

An Easter Epic

{image via allposters.com}

Once upon a time in a small old New Eggland town
called Sunnyside up over the hill from Omelet . . .

A town meeting was called by the
town mayor, Mayor Benedict. The
residents were hard-boiled to stop the
invasion of epic proportions, but it
was too late. They came over-easy by
land and sea. The residents scrambled
to stop them - but . . .
Oh, no!

It was tooooo late - the Peeps
have arrived in droves!
{The End}

by Marcia Boucher

Today, we had a little contest to keep our creativity level high, and our Good Friday spirits up. The contest was of the Easter egg decorating variety, one especially stood out, as this little tale accompanied the presentation.

Although we were eggstatic, we should not forget our friends that celebrate Passover! Lots'a matzah ball soup and a wonderful holiday to you!

{image via paurian on flickr}

And to everyone, enjoy the Spring weekend! We are a little softboiled around here. {wink}

Outdoor casual elegance

{images of Kristina and Brock's wedding by Michele M. Waite, via Lovely Morning}

Casual elegance at it's finest for a lovely soiree in the desert! I am loving Lovely Morning and the lovely perspectives of Kristina, writer and recent bride. A Palm Springs evening complete with succulent centerpieces and swaying palms reflected in blue waters. Every wedding photographer should have the eye and patience of Michèle M. Waite. Capturing the essence of people and the aura of the day is intuitive. Retrospective visits to those wedding photos should be celebrated years after the event...and photos like these will take you back to that day and the people you shared it with. Visit Lovely Morning here to see more photos.

Merci Michèle for your permission to use your amazing photos. Your perspective and the way you capture the realism of the event is so clear. Your images convey the moment. We are so excited to share them.

Social Butterfly

It’s amazing how you can gain a new appreciation for something when you see it out of its normal context. When I saw this photograph that my friend Manya took in France, I gained a whole new appreciation for the monarch butterfly. As a dress, the wings of a monarch became more about pattern and color than about a flying insect that feeds on flowers. The black and white dots, bold orange patches, and powerful black lines inspired me to think outside the insect box. I thought wow, what a fantastic combination, so bold and fun, perfect for that social butterfly looking to flutter her way through a party!


Images from Top L to R:
Timeless Butterfly ring from Free People
Soutache Pebble Dot Top from Charlotte Russe
Kenneth Cole New York Black Elastic Tiered Tooth Bracelet available at Kennethcole.com
Chinese Laundry Woman’s Nuance Pump available at endless.com
Blank Skinny Classique Jeans in Orange available at tobi.com
Blu Bijoux Orange Lucite Circle Earrings available at maxandchloe.com
A Surprise Party Invitation from Checkerboard Ltd., available at einvite.com
Beaded Clutch in Black by Santi available at Urban Minx

SUPERBOWL in Style

Celebrations are pretty much what life is all about.

Having family and friends gathered together, eating food prepared from family recipes, sharing the spirit of the moment, and creatively preparing the festive cocktails for the occasion are fun, fun, fun. Life is full of events like these. That is why I just love working for a company whose business is all about life’s events, big and small. Everyday is about making your events start with a perfect touch.
We live in New England, as a resident of Massachusetts (and in the Patriot zone) I feel obligated to know something about football. I don’t. It’s just a social thing for me…that I participate in once a year. (Shhh, it’s the party.) The Superbowl Party with friends, neighbors...extended friends and neighbors, gathering together. In New England there may be a blizzard that day and you can bet, party people across our six states will find a way to unite. It’s the collaborative effort of bringing your culinary specialty and sharing the afternoon with friends.

Inviting company with a fun invitation makes the event that much more special and remembered. It's sure to be the beginning of a memorable day.

{images of invitations: Stadium Invitation by Oddballs, VIP Pass Invitation by Checkerboard, funky Olive Invitation by eInvite}

{images of party provisions: guacamole, chili and citrus champagne punch via the foodnetwork}

Shimmer, Shake and Celebrate!

What better way to bring in the New Year than with a touch of gold. Symbolizing wealth and prosperity, a shimmer of yellow gold, honey, or bronze can set a positive tone to any New Year celebration. Whether it be an intimate gathering at home, or an extravagant gala atop a high rise, here are a few touches to make the evening sparkle!


From L to R:
Sparkling Setting, Martha Stewart
27 pc. Dark Chocolate Gift Box, Godiva
BR Monogram ombre T-shirt dress, Banana Republic
Linea Paolo 'Glamorous' Sandal, Nordstrom
Golden Fêtes, Moët & Chandon
Sequined Carolyn Jacket, J.Crew
Contemporary New Year's Eve Centerpiece by epicurious.com
Bubble elastic bracelet, Banana Republic
Sparkling Spirits Invitation, Checkerboard Inc. available at eInvite.com
Aldridge three-button suit, J.Crew Weddings & Parties

Keeping it Simple

Getting down to the fundamental features, creating original aesthetics with punch and pizzazz is always striking. I found the image of the pears via Sweet Paul who I admire for his originality and eye for style, and fell for the simplicity and the unique presentation. The colors pop and leave you looking for more sweet touches. I love the whimsy inclusion of the vintage leaves and the combination of deep red and this funky blue.

Continuing the color palette, I found this great handmade ornament on etsy by skychica, an internationally recognized glass artisan. All of these elements compliment the simple and elegant holiday greeting, echoing sophistication and originality. The red foil elements glow on the paper and your text is eloquently printed.


{Beautiful red pears with vintage velvet leaves via Sweet Paul; Sussical Holiday Ornament by skychica via etsy; Crimson Mistletoe from Checkerboard via eInvite}