I admit it. I have had to say goodbye to many a wedding favor. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the time, money, and thoughtfulness that goes into them, but in a tiny apartment, there is only so much I can hold onto. Now give me something edible and I’m gleefully saving my keepsake for late night hunger pangs or inevitable snack attacks. Today, April brought in the best s’mores you can make without an actual smoldering firepit and I thought why not a favor like this? Of course, it doesn’t surprise me that another food-obsessed bride out there had the same a-ha moment, and I loved it even more! Below is “s’more love” and other yummy ideas!

top row : marmalade jars by Andy Baron, from Design Work Life / la vie hard candy shot by Chelsea Fuss from frolic / s’more love shot by Meg Perotti, from Elizabeth Anne Designs /// 2nd row: pepper plant from Oh Happy Day / coffee blend from Emmaline Bride /// bottom right: caramel apple by Blake Farms from Ruffled

Last week we arrived home from seven days in New York City at the National Stationery Show. We are still recovering from this crazy adventure, but wanted to take a few minutes to report back. First and foremost, the booth really came together! The walls, the shelving, and the pinwheels we made out of our wrap added so much color and 3 dimension, just as we’d hoped. Once the show started, we spent quality time with our reps (that we had homemade treats in our booth helped!), caught up with current customers, and met some new folks as well.

We also made time to reconnect with some of our friends in the industry: Smock, Night Owl Paper Goods, 9Spotmonk,  Albertine Press, Chewing the Cud, and Tiny Prints. And, we met some new stationery nerds like us at the party hosted by Oh So Beautiful Paper and Delphine Press.

It was a great success, but I must admit I’m breathing a sigh of relief now that it’s behind us. Below is a peek at our set-up process — lots of measuring and glue gunning involved. To see further coverage of our booth, check out these round-ups at Oh So Beautiful Paper and Sweetest Occasion (Thank you Nole and Cyd!).

With so much going on in preparation for the National Stationery Show, our wedding blog had to take a little time out. But now that we’re back, I’m excited to jump back in the saddle. First up is a field trip to visit with the photography phenom, Liz Linder!

Kate and Liz met as participants of a small business program and become fast friends who now consult one another for advice and support. Sitting down with Liz at her studio, we got to rifle through her striking photo books and pick her brains about ideas for new projects. After 20 years of taking photographs, Liz is continuously pushing the envelope. She shoots documentary style—a reflection of her start capturing the gritty and fast-paced world of musicians. It is this same approach which results in her honest yet approachable take on weddings. And lucky for us she has plans to expand her wedding business with the help of occasions and associate photographer, Mary Flatley. Needless to say, it was quite intimidating to take photos of the studio in front of both of these experts! Read on below to learn more behind what makes Liz and her team tick.

What inspires you the most in your work?
We are inspired by clients who seek us out for our unique vision and let us really push the conceptual envelope. We love crafting stunning visuals and one-of-a-kind heirloom objects to capture our clients’ most important celebrations.

What do you do when you hit a creative block?
We get creative and consider ways to break through it. Depending on the situation, one or more of these ideas can help: shift the energy or the focus; revisit from a different angle; take a break; go around, under, or above it. There are many ways maneuver, and if you want to hear more, contact us…

What is the best advice you can offer a bride?
Your memories are a worthwhile investment. At the end of the day, the pictures are what you have to tell the story and ignite the emotions of what is (quite possibly) the most important celebration you’ll ever chronicle. Some things to consider when you’re selecting a photographer: find someone you click with (pun intended) and whose vision matches yours; good chemistry with your photographer on the day of your wedding makes for a better celebration and allows you to relax and live ‘in’ your day. On your wedding day, let go of the production and enjoy the celebration. You’re in the good hands of trusted professionals—from planners to florists to entertainers and image-makers who are there to elevate your spirits and create significant memories for your families.

What is your current obsession?
Exceptional goat cheese. Love, affection and travel. Playing with color. Music.

Things are positively hectic as we prepare for the National Stationery Show. The stress keeps mounting as we think to ourselves how in the world will we finish everything on time?  There are press kits to mail, cards to print, furniture to assemble, the list goes on! Amidst the craziness, I decided to take a walk to clear my head and came upon a local girl’s high school softball game. I stood there for a good 20 minutes, taking in the intensity of the match up and remembering my own days on my high school field hockey team — the hustling, the strategy, the team work. Even though I am light years away from that hockey field, I am part of a different sort of team today. And as we pull together the final details for the show I am reminded that the same intensity, team work, and determination applies here — just as it does on the field. Smudge Ink is comprised of such a fun, talented, creative group of people, and it’s our collective efforts that make us an effective team. I have no doubt we will make it to New York successfully.