There is nothing I enjoy more than helping two individuals express themselves as a couple through their wedding stationery. I am engaged myself and our big day is fast approaching (only 2 months to go, eek!). Being in this type of work, you’d think I’d have it all figured out but I’m learning it feels very different to have the tables turned on you. Fortunately, coming up with our save the dates was a fun process that started as a conversation over breakfast one Saturday morning and resulted in a rough sketch on paper a couple hours later.

Having a destination wedding (hello, Santa Fe!), we thought it would be fun to die cut chipboard in the shape of a luggage tag that our guests could then pop out. The playful yet modern format pretty much set the tone for the rest of the design. We used a map to visually tell the story of our journey together. And on the back, we injected some of our random humor by adding blank fields to enter your Twitter feed and Myers-Briggs personality type. With everyone’s help at the studio I was able to get all of the details just right for printing. And like all of the invitations that come off the press, the final result far exceeded our expectations. We were so excited that we even threw in some string for good measure. You can bet we will be eyeing our guests’ luggage as they arrive! 

Who doesn’t love a brand new notebook? I can never resist lovely, smooth papers bound together with a deliciously printed cover.  The white pages just scream to be filled with notes, to dos, ideas, plans, and mindless doodles. And, for us type A’s out there, you feel super organized by keeping all of your thoughts in one place. A pretty notebook makes the day that much sweeter as I jot down a reminder to grab a gallon of milk or sketch a new idea for a design. Practical, yes, and eye candy too!

In case you didn’t guess, I’m super excited to report that Smudge Ink is launching a notebook line! Below is a sneak peek of some of the covers coming off the presses. Stay tuned as the line is set to launch in August…just in time for the fall to get organized!

There is something about Cape Cod that makes it such an idyllic destination for weddings. Talk about inviting backdrops—the open waters on one side or breezy shore dotted with whitewashed cottages on the other. Even more than the beautiful scenery, however, I am always taken by the thick salty air and sounds of lapping waves which surround me like a well-worn quilt. I guess what draws me to the Cape is how it assumes a classic air but makes everyone feel right at ease. For some, like Kate, it is home (and where Smudge Ink was born!) and for others like myself, it reminds me of everything that home should be. So perhaps now you know why our Chatham wedding invitation suite is also one my favorites!

top row : bridal party shot by GH Kim Photography, from Style Me Pretty / wedding invitation by Weddings by Smudge Ink /// 2nd row: bouquet by Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design, shot by Simple Bloom Photography, from 100 Layer Cake / matchboxes shot by Lisa Rigby Photography, found on Style Me Pretty / clams and oysters shot by Sarah Bastille Photography /// 3rd row: rowboat romance shot by Bryce Covey Photography / escort cards shot by Elizabeth Horne Photography, from Style Me Pretty.

Usually I find myself on the Cape for the 4th of July, but this year I’m excited to stay in Somerville and enjoy a day in the city. Instead of heading to the beach and watching the local parade, I think we’ll take a family bike ride on the Minuteman Bikeway, hit Christina’s on the way back, maybe visit Conway Park, and then get our grill on with friends later in the day. The Cook’s Illustrated Grilling book is our summer bible — we cook from it almost every evening and this Wednesday is no exception! One of our favorite recipes is the Sweet and Sour Chipotle Sauce. We eat it with flank steak, wrap it up in a corn tortilla and add a few avocado slices…yum!

Once the sun goes down, and provided our little guy cooperates, I’m hoping to head up to Prospect Hill Park to watch the Boston Fireworks. I hear the view is incredible. What are your plans to celebrate the 4th? Whatever they are, hope it’s happy!

“I love bikes” by Susana Parada, available on etsy.com; Ice cream cone image by Jackie Rueda via Lushlee; Yellow grill illustration by Smudge Ink; Cook’s Illustrated Grilling and Barbeque; Flank Steak Tacos via Tasting Table; Fireworks photograph by Jodi Miller Photography