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BEHIND THE SCENES
Take an in-depth look at the design process behind one of my current projects.
chandler & jake
AUGUST 2025 - CONNECTICUT
SERVICES: SAVE THE DATE SUITE + CUSTOM CREST + VENUE PAINTINGS
The Couple
I'm delighted to work with two New Yorkers planning a summer wedding in coastal Connecticut. Ten months before the wedding, Chandler and Jake request a Save the Date suite for their destination wedding featuring a custom crest and a watercolor illustration of their venue. They are looking for stationery that balances the warmth of sharing this happy news, while also capturing the spirit of the formal wedding they are planning.
Collaboration Call
A collaboration video call puts us all on the same page regarding possible colors, the desired look and feel, and budget. The bride mentions wanting their Save the Date to feel like a letter from a friend and I already know that the other special details they share about their hometowns, how they met, and their move to NYC together will help to inform my research and design.
Mood Board
A mood board helps synthesize the ideas discussed on the call and offers some initial design direction. For Chandler and Jake’s mood board I pulled images from their favorite NYC spot (Central Park), suggested the bride handwrite a note to the guests, and offered to include their home state flowers in the crest. It is so much fun to see elements of their lives already start blending on the page!
Sketches
They officially become clients, and the next step is a sketch of their Save the Date suite! This outlines the number of elements in the suite as well as the general look and feel of the design. They love the full bleed artwork of the lighthouse, and we talk about adding another painting of both their venues on the back of the card. Specific elements and embellishments are confirmed at this stage such as white envelope addressing, the celebration blooms stamp, a tiny gold heart paper clip to hold it all together, and two vellum sheets to protect the art from transferring to the white card in the mail.
Painting
Over the next few weeks, I'm busy painting and bringing Chandler and Jake's vision for a watercolor wedding welcome to life! I text them some behind-the-scenes pics and the occasional question about the color of the dogwood tree at her parent's house (pink).
Personal Details
And the dogwood flowers are featured here! It is important that my custom crests contain subtle meaningful details as well as elements (other flowers, ribbon) that can be used in other ways throughout the event branding. Their crest is accented with flourishes inspired by the ironwork on a Central Park bridge, and their home states are represented in flowers.
Venue Paintings
I move on to the ceremony and celebration locations. This is one of my favorite parts as I love to think about the meaning these spaces have (or will hold) for the couple. It is particularly meaningful to think about how these small works of art will be an heirloom for them and their families for years to come!
Handwritten Note
We knew from the start this handwritten note had to be a main element of their suite. Chandler sent me her note which shared the news of their engagement, asking her guests to "save the date", and providing some additional information about the destination. I traced her lettering, so we were able to adjust spacing and make edits on the final version. I really love the warmth, originality, and personality it brings to the suite. It is so Chandler!
Refining Details
The bride and groom-to-be review all the paintings, and we chat about any adjustments or additions. After sharing initial designs, Chandler calls and asks for new monogram options that would make the letters feel more formal and better represent the formation of a new family unit. I redesign a monogram that intertwines the letters and brings in more of the elements from the Central Park ironwork used on the crest which they loved. Being able to work with clients to get every detail just right is one of the most rewarding things…this monogram will be all over their wedding and part of their new life together for generations to come!
Final Mock-up
After all the designs have been finalized, digitized, and are formatted to size, this final mock-up is sent for those "last looks" and they enthusiastically give me print approval.
Printing
The suite is printed with careful attention to paper stock and quality. I love using different weights and textures to add personality and dimension to the suite. The note cards are triple-thick and smooth matte, while the details card is richly textured to more authentically showcase the watercolor paintings (and fit under the paperclip and the USPS single stamp weight limit).
Concierge Assembly
Chandler and Jake send me their guest list and I take care of all the assembly details with utmost care. I ensure proper addressing for each guest and am able to flag any discrepancies I note with the couple. I'm also here for the last-minute guest additions and help to ensure that they have a stress-free start to their event.
Mail Box
There's nothing like the week your Save the Dates are mailed! If you're working with me, you already know your event begins at the mailbox, so Chandler and Jake were ready as their guests reach out in excitement:
- This is the most beautiful Save The Date I've ever seen in my whole life.
- So unique and meaningful and heartfelt!!!
- I love love love love it! Classy, informative, fun, and full of your personalities. I'm putting it all back in the envelope for my partner to open it the way I did when they come home.
- GORGEOUS! You nailed it.
- This is the most beautiful Save The Date I've ever seen in my whole life.
- So unique and meaningful and heartfelt!!!
- I love love love love it! Classy, informative, fun, and full of your personalities. I'm putting it all back in the envelope for my partner to open it the way I did when they come home.
- GORGEOUS! You nailed it.
Stay Tuned!
I'm so excited to continue working with this lovely couple! We are currently designing some bespoke toile, an invitation suite, and day-of collateral (signage, gift tags, programs, menus, thank you notes, etc.). Check back soon!
BOOK YOUR COLLABORATION CALL
LEARN MORE ABOUT SEASTRIPES WEDDINGS
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