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Writing about my wedding has been something I have been meaning to do on the blog for some time now. I was reminded of this when I came across these photos from our very first trip to Santa Fe. John and I were married there last fall. It’s funny how it came to be. We had put off any sort of wedding planning for as long as possible and then in a freak out moment we set our sights for New Mexico, a place we had never seen and about which we knew very little.

I knew it was a good sign when we began to talk about the wedding so excitedly as we drove from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. The desert surroundings and small town feel really spoke to use, and suddenly we began seeing all of the possibilities. Then we tried our first huevos rancheros at a local diner and the location for our destination wedding was set. In the coming posts, I’ll share more about our wedding and what I loved and learned along the way. I thought it only proper to do introductions first. Say hello to Santa Fe!

Photography by Sabrina Garber

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Wow, I’ve really hit a record here with how long it’s taken me to post. Truth be told, this blog fell off my radar for a while as I was having another baby, moving, helping to release the 2013 holiday line — our best yet, and getting to the Stationery Show. One thing I won’t be slacking on this year is Father’s Day. Now that we have another little boy in our family, taking the time to worship dad feels that much more important. Plans for the day are still up in the air, but I can tell you that we will let my husband sleep in, we will make him pancakes and bacon, and he will be free of diaper changes for a 24 hour period. Does it get any better? Oh wait, it does! We’ll give him a card too.

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Hello, folks! We have been busy with a lot of projects, and it’s about time that we catch up and share some of the behind the scenes with you. First up is a modern take on a seaside wedding affair with lots of unexpected touches and sass.

This photo shoot was the brainchild of Brea McDonald and Azalea Events with whom we were very excited to work. Red and white stripes, a vintage tandem bike, and a magnificent home off the rocky shores of Maine were some tidbits that were described to us — it sounded like way too much fun to pass up! We were immediately inspired by the meaning and playfulness of the tandem bike and kept this as the focus for the paper details. Using bright red and gold inks, we paired the imagery with clean type going at an angle for a bold statement. We designed and letterpress printed everything from the invitation suite to the escort cards, menus, signage, and coasters.

I sadly could not make it to the shoot but the photos say it all. Seeing all of the creative elements come together from the bike wheels turned chandeliers to the champagne bar on the beach made me smile in glee. And lucky for us, the talented Meg Simone worked her magic and caught the highlights of the day on video. To top everything off, this oh-so-pretty shoot made its way in the first issue of WellWed Maine and New Hampshire. We are thrilled not only for the opportunity to work with such inspiring wedding professionals but also to be in the pages of Well Wed Magazine!

photography by Brea McDonald Photography // event design by Azalea Events // cinematography by Meg Simone Wedding Films // catering by Kitchen Chicks // floral design by Blooms Flower Shoppe // dress by Madeleine’s Daughter // props by Day Trip Society // letterpress stationery by Smudge Ink

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We are excited to be a part of the Seaside Wedding Show taking place at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate. I’ve heard wonderful things about the Crane Estate from our brides and grooms who have gotten married there, but I have not had the pleasure of going myself.  So when the opportunity came to participate in the event, I was elated! I have no doubt I will be drawn to its grand architecture and ocean views as so many have. 

If you’re dreaming of a regal backdrop for your wedding and want to meet some wedding experts in the region, I highly recommend that you come join us. And or course, we’ll be there ready to show off our work and talk about invitations! Details are as follows:

Sunday, April 21 at noon

The Crane Estate
290 Argilla Road
Ipswich, Massachusetts

Tickets are available online today for $10 or on the day of the show at the door for $15. 

Photo credit: Schippert & Martin

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We love the new year at Smudge Ink. It’s the perfect time to shake things up and start fresh, and for us, this means coming out with brand new products and designs.

So what are we loving the most about our most recent release? NOTEPADS. The new line pops with bright and playful designs, and there is something about gridded paper that makes us want to start list making right away. We’ve also added 16 new boxed notes to our collection. It’s such a treat to write a note on a card you just love. With a growing variety of patterns and florals you are sure to find a few designs you can’t resist. Not to mention there are a whole bunch of new everyday cards hot off the presses. Stock up now and you will be so proud of yourself when you are card-ready for your mom’s birthday, your sister’s new baby and your friend’s engagement.

All of this and more will be making a debut at the upcoming NYIGF. Eek, there is still so much to do to prepare! Has anyone seen my notepad?

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