Story-telling with Stationery

My initial consultations with wedding coordinators and clients often include a conversation about my love of story-telling. I usually share about how I like to get to know my clients, understand their stories, and help them express them. I love subtle details and wacky romances. I want to hear about the proposal, how my couples met, and what they are most excited about for their marriage. Some might think I’m sappy but I find connecting with people to be the most meaningful part of my work. Expressing these personal details in bold and understated ways is why I do what I do.

When I met with Gloria McCune of Grand Engagements about our upcoming photo shoot, I was delighted to get to know her story a little better. As we talked about her inspiration for the stylized tablescape and decor, I began to connect the dots. She described an urban vibe with an eye for fashion and something a little unexpected. Her vision included a striking palate of black and silver with accents of purple. It wasn’t just an arbitrary concept however. Gloria wanted to infuse part of herself in this shoot.

When I discovered that she is Hungarian, grew up in Germany and the US, speaks multiple languages, and has a rich Eastern European heritage, I knew we were getting somewhere. The crown in her logo isn’t there just so she can connect with brides who want to feel like a princess; she has a very regal sensibility about her. As she shared about her childhood and the aesthetic & cultural influences that have made her who she is today, I knew we needed to tell this part of her story.

Gloria’s love of chess, languages, romance, and fashion came together at this fabulous photo shoot at The London West Hollywood.

To top it all off, the fabulous girls over at The Wedding Chicks featured the photos on their blog.

The incredible professionals involved in this shoot included:
Event Design: Gloria McCune - Grand Engagements
Venue: The London Hotel West Hollywood
Photography: Jasmine Star
Floral Design: Carissa Jones - JL Designs
Cakes: Melody Brandon - Sweet and Saucy Shop
Chairs + Settings: Classic Party Rentals
Hair + Makeup: Janelle Contreras for Nirvana Salon
Bridal Veil: Linda Ly - Whimsical Designs
Linen: Wildflower Linen
Stationery: Allison Howell - The Innovation Companies

Featured Project: Erica & Pethan

We just got the beautiful pictures of Erica & Pethan’s wedding and had to gush over them with you. The talented Ira Lippke graciously shared them with us.

This stylish couple knew that they wanted killer invitations and stationery for their wedding. Timeless, classic yet contemporary, and quality were the words for the day. We designed a handmade box with an oversized satin bow, a steel invitation, and complementary stationery to match.



We asked Pethan to share a little bit about his wedding planning experience.
What inspired the design elements of your wedding day?
When we were planning our wedding we wanted never to look back twenty years from now and be disgusted by choices we made. Instead of choosing trendy we opted for a more classical style with a contemporary flair.
What made you choose steel for the invitation? What drew you to that material?
When we were looking at invitations, Erica knew for sure she wanted a well constructed box with clean edges and a large classic bow. On the inside we wanted something to create style and drama so that our guests could anticipate what was in store for them. When Jon showed us the metal invite we knew that was the element that tied our classic/contemporary theme together. The metal was clean, sharp, bold without being overbearing.
What was your favorite moment of your wedding day?
My day was filled with favorite moments from start to finish…it was a night of transitioning from one favorite moment to a newly created one.
You seem like a pretty involved groom. What advice do you have for grooms out there who are interested in planning their weddings alongside their brides?
Erica and I have similar tastes and inspirations when it comes to style. I truly believe the wedding should be equally for the groom and it should have elements that reflect both people involved. It requires strong communication, trust and compromise…just like marriage.

Event Planning by Kimberly Bradford Events

Jennifer & Earl

What fun it was to work with actress Jennifer Freeman and NBA guard Earl Watson on invitations and a website for their big day. This tuscan-inspired ceremony took place at the home of a family friend with a reception to follow at the Montage Beverly HIlls.

The invitation used etched steel, fabric-wrapped backers, and satin ribbon to introduce the decadent celebration. We also created a chic website for the couple where guests viewed pictures, event info, and were able to respond online.

We were so glad that Jennifer & Earl allowed us to be part of their day!

“Jon and his team at the Innovation Companies did an amazing job with our wedding invitations. A well known event producer spoke very highly of him, so we knew we were in good hands from the start. Their portfolio was so diverse and impressive, we had a hard time making a decision! Given the fact that we had three weeks to mail them, he gave us the guidance we were looking for. Weeks after the wedding, our guests are still talking about the invitations. Everything was just perfect” - Jennifer and Earl Watson

Photography courtesy of Triple Cord • Event Planning by Kimberly Bradford