One

And just like that his first year is over. Somehow our little 7 pound baby Benjamin has become a toddling, giggly Big Ben. 

To celebrate his birthday (and that we all survived the first year!) we threw a low-key party at the playground with his buddies. I drew up some invites and mailed them to his people calling them to an afternoon of cake and swing rides. 

Our neighborhood park is tucked into a quiet side street with a single picnic table nestled in the back, surrounded by ivy. The setting is already pretty enchanting, but to add some extra birthday magic I sewed a table cloth with scraps from his baby quilt, strung up some fabric garland, and, lest anyone question his age, I embroidered a birthday "one"sie.

Despite the cold and foggy San Francisco day, it was the perfect afternoon marking the milestone. Happy Birthday Benjamin Bruce.

Invited

Illustration and design by Mikayla Butchart // Calligraphy by Flourish & Whim

Way back when we threw a little fête for our favorite newly-engaged friends...well, their big day is fast approaching and the invites just went out. Ta da!

I had the awesome privilege of working with the insanely talented Mikayla Butchart. Mikayla illustrated and designed the invitation suite and nestled my calligraphy sweetly in—aren't her colors perfection? and illustrations so beautiful? I'm loving the whimsical combo.

My count down to their big day is officially ON.

That's Amore

After sending the final calligraphy to Kristine at Presshaus LA, she beautifully designed and exquisitely letterpressed this bride's invitaiton suite for her Tuscan nuptials.

Kristine just sent along the final invitation (shipped in the mail with a hand written note, be still my heart...snail mail lives on!). I'm still swooning over the earthy color palette, twine enclosure, and deep letterpress impression.

Look, even the RSVP card plays along—the bride nixed the formal Accepts With Pleasure/Declines With Regret convention for a very Italian Si, Si/No, No. Perfecto!

F&W style: Tuscan

Sweet/Suite

The latest for Mel's wedding—the completely calligraphed invitation suite! Don't the black stripes and gold wax seal just complete the package? 

PS I recently wrote a little piece for The Quarterlette on my journey from the corporate to creative world...you can read it here.

Printed by On Paper // Photographed by Sara Ewalt of Pinyadayada

Logo Love

Such fun working with bride-to-be Mel again (you'll remember her engagement party invitations...)

Now that she has squared away her super classy venue, picked out a stunning gown, and selected colors—black and white with a touch of gold—we began creating a look and feel for her paper goods to complement all of the above.

Mel loved the idea of having a logo or crest that would carry throughout the wedding, so after drawing up three different designs we landed on this winner. You see it here in the save the date (complete with a sassy striped back!), on her custom return address stamp, and wedding website. It's both modern and formal, sweet and fun...much like this bride and groom.

Put A Sombrero On It

For Nikki's upcoming quinceañera inspired 30th birthday weekend, we nixed Portlandia's put a bird on it in favor of a sombrero. Feliz cumpleaños!

Let's Toast

5x7 flat invitations // engagement photo by Sarah Shreves // F&W calligraphy and design

Beautiful couple, stunning photo...

I loved working with Mel on her engagement party invitations and am smitten with the final product. The calligraphed banner coupled sweetly with the natural beauty of Mel & Austin and their woodsy surroundings. I love the radiant glow and intimate moment photographer Sarah Shreves captured along with the touches of hand drawn whimsy.

Cheers to Mel & Austin, Happy Engagement!