the Slatterys
Let me kick off by saying that Stephanie and I share a college connection; she was a couple of years ahead of me, and I always looked up to her. Effortlessly cool, hardworking, and kind – she was an it girl on campus. So, you can imagine my flattery when she reached out to me to design her wedding invitations.
Stephanie and Geoff, the dynamic duo, have been together for a solid decade – the epitome of "made for each other" and best buds. Stephanie, a fashion industry maven, and Geoff, a former BMX-er turned glazer in the union. How cool is that? Their journey as individuals and this super cool couple has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of our collaboration.
Our first video call was a blast, catching up and delving into Geoff and Stephanie's love story. They were seeking simplicity with a classic, high-end touch – lush paper and letterpress were on the design docket. Things were shaping up perfectly until they dropped a surprise bomb – they were eloping! Cue my enthusiastic cheers.
They hesitated a bit, fearing disappointment on my end or maybe an unsupportive reaction. Little did they know, my husband and I eloped too, so I was all in for their decision. I believe weddings should reflect the couple, not societal expectations. After all, we didn't get married for others’ happiness; we did it for ours and i believe everyone else should, too.
Fast forward to the big day in November, on the beaches of Cape May, New Jersey – the perfect setting for their intimate elopement. Their week-long stay in a beach bungalow was the prelude to the beautiful moments that unfolded. A custom set of vow books, hand-bound with a cottony cover and adorned with their embossed initials, added a personal touch to their private vow exchange on the beach.
Post-elopement, the next project was in the works – an elopement announcement with a twist. Stephanie and I brainstormed, collaborated, and created magic together, we landed on a full on booklet to announce their nuptials . One standout detail was a sunset photo captured on their wedding day, painted for the envelope liner to be the first thing their loved ones see. A visual treat from their photographer, Madi Pere, who nailed the intimate, candid moments and bursts of personality from Stephanie and Geoff. another personalized detail was on the last page of the booklet, i left room for a personal note that stephanie and geoff could write to their loved ones.
And now, the plot takes a twist as we delve into the intricate process of bringing this vision to life. Binding the books turned into a rollercoaster ride. Initially, my attempt to bind the books with a sewing machine hit several snags. my old sewing machine stopped working and An upgrade to a heavy-duty singer seemed like a solution, only to bring tears during test runs. The thick thread and paper proved too much for the machine, leading to a pivotal decision – i would be hand binding all of these books. Stephanie, ever graceful, embraced the change.
Armed with coordinating colored thread and an unwavering determination, I set out to hand-bind a total of 100 books. Hours turned into days, and a few hand cramps later, the assembly was complete. The pages, carefully curated to showcase the essence of their special day, were ready to unfold.
The finishing touches were not without their own intricate dance. hand ripping deckled edges and Addressing the envelopes became a labor of love. Opting for white ink on dusty blue envelopes created a cohesive, beachy vibe that harmonized with the overall aesthetic. Stephanie's preference for a full scripted option saw me hunkering down with my calligraphy nib, a therapeutic process despite the toll it took on my hands.
As I pen down this journey, the books are still in my possession, awaiting the finishing touches. But with a few more details to attend to, these bespoke creations will soon find their way to Stephanie and Geoff's home, where they can write their notes and share the joy with their loved ones, and i can share some pictures of the finished product!
This project fills me with immense pride, and I'm grateful for the Slatterys' trust, flexibility, and grace. Congratulations once again to this incredible couple!
