Fall Inspiration Board by Sherri Weese

Credits: Simply Unique Invitations, Jessica's Country Flowers, Adeline and Grace Photography, THE WEDDING PLANNER, Boyfriend/Girlfriend, Chelsea Nicole, Chelsea Nicole Photography, Love Life Images

Romantic Soft Pink Inspiration Board by Sherri Weese

Credits: Simply Unique Invitations, Corbin Gurkin, Corbin Gurkin Photography, Carla Ten Eyck, Karen Wise, Kristin Vining Photography (3), Twin Lens, Raya Carlisle Photography, Ariel Yve

Spring Lavender and White Inspiration Board by Sherri Weese

Credits: Michael Oppenheim Photography, Suthi Picotte (3), Robert and Kathleen, Jubilee Events (2), Simply Unique Invitations, Rochelle Mort, Blooms by Martha Andrews

How to Create the Perfect Balance When Incorporating 2 Cultures Into 1 Incredible Wedding Invitation Design

Recently, I was asked by a luxury bridal magazine to answer some common questions from their readers wanting to incorporate their family heritage and cultural traditions into their custom invitation suite. I thought it would be helpful to share here as well!

1. What are some of the most compelling ways a couple can incorporate their family heritage and cultural traditions into their custom wedding invitation suite?

The use of colors, patterns, and textures is the most compelling ways a couple can incorporate their family heritage and cultural traditions into their wedding invitations. All of these elements combined in the right way can invoke a mood or feeling that will instantly resonate with your guests. The invitation suite is the perfect opportunity to debut your theme and set the tone for the entire event.

2. What are a few things to know or keep in mind when striving to do so?

First, try to keep the design concept as simple as possible. It's very easy to become overwhelmed from trying to incorporate too many themes or ideas from two different cultures into one design. Second, even if you are very familiar with your own background or culture, it's also very important to spend a lot of time extensively researching both cultures prior to coming up with a design concept. Start by compiling a list of your most favorite traditions, rituals, national icons, and color schemes from each culture. Then, select the top 1 or 2 from each culture that are most important to each of you, and that can easily be incorporated into the invitation design.

3. Can you give some examples of memorable invitations you’ have created for couples in this regard?

I created a custom design for a couple wanting to combine Southwestern and Irish cultures into their theme. Both sides of the bride and grooms families were very concerned about 2 completely different cultures and traditions coming together in 1 breath-taking invitation suite. We found the perfect Southwestern style brooch that had the perfect colors to match the Irish inspired plaid ribbon. Although the bride had originally wanted to use her family crest, the final design ended up being more perfect in the end. It was most important to her to make sure that we included the Irish Wedding Blessing somewhere on the invitation. In the end it really was the perfect blending of 2 completely different cultures represented in the way that the bride and groom had originally intended. They were amazed that such a simple-looking invitation suite could capture so many aspects of both cultures without becoming too complicated in appearance.

4. What are some great ways to incorporate such heritage and traditions subtly?

For example, use a family crest as the main design element that can be the theme weaved throughout the entire ensemble. Even the most subtle design element, such as a traditional wedding prayer watermarked onto the background, can be another thread used in the weaving process.

5. What are some great ideas, inspirations and tips for couples combining dual backgrounds and wishing to represent both sides of the family in their invitation ensemble?

Remember that coming up with a design is a process and a journey. It's important to keep an open mind when starting out on the journey. Many times, the invitation design that you end up with in the end is the one that has culminated over time. You may begin the process with doubts or apprehensions. However, with some thoughtful planning and honesty about what is most important to each of you, it will come together perfectly in the end. Sometimes you will need to compromise and sacrifice certain design elements representative of your culture in order to have the perfect invitation suite in the end. Have patience!

Look for the invitation design mentioned above, in the next issue of "Weddings by Ritz Carlton Magazine!"

Fabulous Navy ~ The New Black!

Without a doubt, navy blue is the hottest color trend for weddings right now. More and more brides are requesting navy for their wedding theme. However, I have encountered two common concerns from brides and thought I would try to address them by creating an inspiration board that shows just how stunning it can be.

The first common concern?... "I want to do a navy and white wedding but how do I do it without it being too nautical?" As you can see from the inspiration board above, a navy and white can be very sophisticated and traditional without giving a nautical feel. The second most common concern?... "I want my bridesmaids dresses to be navy, but will it look good with my grooms men's black tuxes?" YES! Want to take it to the next level? ...navy bridesmaids dresses, and the guys in navy tuxes! HOT!!

Navy can be paired with anything from apple green, soft pink, blue, or lavender, to vibrant yellow or gold, blue, fuchsia, and even orange. Navy attire with any of these will make for an amazing ambiance, not to mention incredible photographs that will last a lifetime!

Adorable Couture Cupcake Wrappers!

Who doesn't love cupcakes?! We came across these adorable and chic textile-inspired cupcake wrappers recently and because of their unique qualities, we just had to share them with you! Designer & Founder, Carrie Middlemiss of Bella Cupcake Couture followed her passion when creating her exclusive line of couture cupcake wrappers.

According to Carrie, she wanted to design something fashionable for the bottom portion of the cupcakes and has always said, "Why should the frosting have all the limelight?"

Each wrapper is sized perfectly to hide the crinkly, translucent paper in which they are baked. Once inside, each cupcake becomes an adorable and trendy eye catching design that will add sophistication and elegance to any occasion.

Each wrapper is made of recycled paper and is printed with soy inks, adding the additional benefit of a "green" cupcake! Carrie envisions her wrappers at weddings, bridal and baby showers, and as birthday gifts, or even a little treat for yourself!


All images copyright Bella Cupcake Couture.

Limited Edition Luxury Handbags

"Marcelle" Bridal Handbag ~ $820.00

White & green velvet leaves adorned with small white roses & large pink silk & velvet rose.

I am often asked where I find my inspiration when designing couture invitations. The truth is that I never know where I am going to find it! It could be anything from the fashion runways, to another artist within the industry. One such artist whom I've found as a great source of inspiration for a long time has been couture handbag atelier, EJ Stern. Perfect for weddings or any special occasion, I thought I'd share a few pieces of her work with you!

"Pink Poppy Pyramid" ~ $595.00

Green leaves adorned with pink & black poppy. Semi-precious pink pearl handle.

Designing magnificent one-of-a-kind and limited edition luxury handbags from her studio in Boca Raton, Florida, EJ Stern has been featured on Oprah and in numerous publications such as Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine. Her creations have even been exhibited in museums and art galleries.

"Darcy" ~ $890.00

Purple orchids & spider orchids dance above white orchids & green tropical leaves. Swarovski crystals add sparkle.

Using only the finest European couture silk and velvet flowers and leaves, each design is made to order and is exquisitely fashioned by hand - leaf by leaf, petal by petal. Many of the silk and velvet flowers are adorned with Swarovski crystals. All bracelet handles are made with the highest quality pearls and semi precious stones. Stern demands that the craftsmanship be meticulous and flawless.

"Pink Rose Pyramid" ~ $595.00

Green leaves adorned with pink velvety rose. Semi-precious light green pearl handle.

Choose from an existing design - make color, flower or design changes. For those with truly discerning tastes, the EJ Stern Studio will work closely with you to create the perfect handbag for your special occasion.

"Cameron" ~ $750.00

Green & brown bearded irises dance above yellow & brown orchids & green tropical leaves. Swarovski crystals add sparkle.

To view more designs and for more information visit the EJ Stern web site.