Programs and Favors and Cards, OH MY!

Hello everyone! Hope you are enjoying this beautiful time of year that is the early spring! It is one of my favorite times of the year, I love to get outside and enjoy it!

Just checking in to say hello and let you all know that I have not fallen off the face of the Earth!

I have been keeping my self busy these days with a number of projects. As I mentioned in my last email, aside from the wedding stationary that I featured, I have been working on some programs for the San Francisco Chi Omega Eleusinia luncheon. I just finished those up at the end of last week and sent them off to the event. I was unable to attend the event, so I hope it was a success, and I hope everyone followed along easily with the aid of their handmade programs! I hope to have pictures soon.

I'd like to give a HUGE shout out to my sister-in-law and friend Courtney, who not only provided beautiful assistance on this project, but unfortunately suffered a badly sprained ankle in the process. I mean, what says dedication more than twisting your ankle while running to the car to get to your sister-in-law's house to help punch holes in paper? Nothing, in my book. I just hope the Chinese food we got for dinner was an acceptable token of gratitude! :)

I am also currently working on some favors for a college friend. Her daughter is about to make her First Communion on May 7th! I designed the invitations to the First Communion and was then asked to help out with the favors that will be given out at the party following the ceremony. Again, I will have pictures soon, and I want to say, "Congratulations Emily!"

Wedding season is in full swing, and I can't be more excited! I loved planning my wedding, and threaten my husband with huge anniversary bashes just so I have another great event to plan! I think for now, that will have to wait for a significant anniversary, but until then, I am happily helping others make their days special. I am very excited about a project I am working on right now. I am creating programs for a wedding that will take place in Fresno in May. The bride had some GREAT ideas, and we came up with something so simple but so beautiful, that I cannot WAIT to produce all of them! Amanda, your wedding is going to be fabulous!

Whew! It's projects galore around the Tarantino household, and life continues to swirl all around that! We have been traveling, working, and apartment hunting in the past few weeks and life has been hectic! But, we are very excited to move to a beautiful new apartment, one that has lots of storage to keep all my papers and bags and fun stuff!

I will post pictures of my latest projects in the next few days, and as always, if you need any help with a special event, just let me know! I do stationary (cards, invitations, programs, etc) and custom gifts (bridal shower favors, baby shower favors, out of town wedding guest gifts, etc.)

Happy Spring, everyone!

a-LO-haaaaaa!

...well, you might be wondering where I've been for so long! Well, before you get the wrong idea, I haven't been on vacation for this whole time, but I HAVE been busy, and I DID just get back from a fabulous little trip to Hawaii for a friend's wedding.

... I also have been extremely busy with a plethora of projects lately. I just finished some invitations for a friend's daughter's First Communion, some favors for a bridal shower, and programs for the San Francisco Eleusinia. But, the thing that has been keeping me really busy for the past few months is working on the stationary for this fabulous wedding we just went to in Hawaii! I've had so much fun working on this project, and I was very pleased with the way everything turned out.

... Kina and Zach live on Oahu. Kina grew up in Oregon, but is half Hawaiian and moved back to Hawaii after business school. Zach was born and raised on Maui. Since they live on Oahu and most of their families are still on Oahu or Maui, Kina and Zach decided to have a very Hawaiian style wedding on the island of Oahu, in an area called Waimanaolo. The wedding overlooked the ocean, and the breezes were just right. The tables were adorned with plumeria and lauae leaves. It was beautiful.

... The Lauae leaf was the theme that ran through the stationary for the wedding. I used it in the invitations, along with lines of a Hawaiian song about Waimanolo. We then brought it into the programs, table names, seating cards, and tags for the favors. Below are some pictures of the event.

... the invitations...

... response cards...

... programs...

... seating cards...

... table names...

 

... the room all set up...

... Kina and Zach saying their vows...

... in BEAUTIFUL Waimanolo...

Mahalo to Kina and Zach for introducing me to the beauty of a Hawaiian wedding, and until next time...

... ALOHA!!

Fun in the Sun... Run...

...What makes every product launch awesome? Custom-made Whoopie Pies! 

... Back in December, I was approached by SunRun to help them with some goodies for their upcoming product launch. Because I LOVE making goodies, especially Whoopie Pies, I naturally agreed to help them out.

... So, I know that you are wondering what exactly SunRun is and why exactly they would want Whoopie Pies featured at their product launch? Well I will inform you!

... In a new world where we all have to think about the not-so-lovely things we have done and are doing to our enviornment, SunRun is taking big strides make a difference when it comes to energy and how we use it. For, SunRun believes, "electricity costs too much and it's dirty to create". So, that said, they set out to "offer homeowners the opportunity to switch to clean electricity at no cost and lock in their rate for the future." Ah ha! Got it! They are a residential solar company! Cool! 

... But what about this gathering? What were they celebrating? Well, back in December, SunRun introduced a new tool to assist their customers in their pursuit of solar power. SunRun launched their new solar calculator and map. The map, according to SunRun, "allows you to learn about sustainability efforts going on in different states, energy use, and find 'Solar Stars'". It seems pretty cool, and if you want more information about it, you can learn more at www.sunrunhome.com.

... So, then, WHY whoopie pies?? Well, it all has to do with SunRun's current demographics. You see, SunRun operates and has thousands of customers in four states: California, Arizona, Colorado, and Massachusetts. They decided to theme this launch as a nod to their locations and incorporate the solar theme at the same time. Since whoopie pies are a good old fashioned New England sweet treat (and I'm from Massachusetts and have a recipe for these little goodies), it was decided that they would be the dessert of choice to honor the customers from Massachusetts. I was happy to supply some New England pride to the party!

... Therefore, for this celebration, I made about 4 dozen Whoopie Pies, and then colored the filling in a range of yellows and oranges to evoke a feeling of the sun's colors and rays. I packaged the pies in batches mixed with all the colors. I had a ton of fun making them, and they went over really well, according to my friends over at SunRun. SunRun then set them up at their shin-dig and provided their own little tags to put by the treats to tell everyone what they were.

... Thanks to Allana Helland and SunRun for letting me share my goodies with your fabulous people!

... If you want to know more about SunRun, check out their website, www.sunrunhome.com and see them "in the news" at these links:

http://www.sunrunhome.com/downloads/pdf/sunrun_offers_a_new_deal_for_solar.pdf

http://www.sunrunhome.com/downloads/pdf/weak_economy_makes_solar_panels_more_affordable_to_homeowners.pdf

http://www.sunrunhome.com/downloads/pdf/accel_partners_offers_solar_start_up_more_than_just_cash.pdf

"Welcome Advice"...

... that is what I was asked about when Brides Northern California contacted me to be in their Spring/Summer 2010 issue.

... Brides Northern California invited Woods&Company to talk about what is important when welcoming your guests who have traveled to your wedding from out of town. I cover the basics and there is an example of one of my projects featured in the column.

... If you are in NorCal and are interested, pick up a copy and take a look at "Welcome Advice". Also, there is a great interview with Kathryn Kalabokes of Dream A Little Dream Events about Creative Ceremony Ideas. Check it out!

... Enjoy!

5 Important Ways to Make Your Guests Feel Welcome...

... so you are throwing a party. Your wedding. It's gonna be BIG. Perhaps the most important celebration you'll ever plan. You have lots of friends and family attending. Some from afar. You love your guests.

... OMG your guests.

... You've been so focused on the ceremony, the dress, your bridesmaids, the food, the cake, the first dance, the invitations, that you almost forgot about how your guests will feel coming into town for your big day.

... Now that you are thinking about it, the thought of how you are going to be able to talk to all of your guests during the reception is making you break out in a cold sweat. How will you ever have the time to spend with all of them?

... Well, you can sit back, and take a deep breath, because it is not as overwhelming as you might think, your guests do not expect you to be able to devote hours of time to them at your wedding. BUT,  it IS important to make your guests feel welcome. You want them to know you are happy that they are there to celebrate this most important part of your life. But how to do that? Well, one popular way is to provide a little gift or goodie bag they will find in their room upon arrival. Great, check, you've got that down. You have bags, bottles of water and tissues all ready to go.

... Whoa! Wait, it's a little more involved that that. If you really want your guests to feel special, take a look at these 5 tips:

• PERSONALIZE! Sure, it's going to take a little bit of extra time, but providing your guest with a gift bag that actually has their name on it lets them know that you are acknowledging their presence and the lengths they have traveled to be with you. You can make fun tags to tie to the bag or basket. You can incorporate your wedding colors or theme.  

• A GOOD, OLD FASHIONED NOTE. In this day and age of technology, the art of the note has been somewhat lost. Remember when you'd come home from school or soccer practice and there was a note from your mom, telling you she loved you, she'd be home at 6, and by the way could you put the cassarole in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes? Well, I'm not saying you have to go so far as to HAND write a note to your guests, but type up a note welcoming them into town. Tell them how thrilled you are that they are in town. Tell them to relax and enjoy the goodies you've provided. Tell them how much fun the celebration is going to be!

• GIVE THEM A PLAN, STAN! Nothing is worse than feeling uninformed. Especially in a place you may have never been. Although we have access to the web pretty much everywhere we go and can get information quite readily these days, it is nice to give your guests an itinerary of the weekend's events. Note where the rehearsal dinner is going to be, what time the ceremony starts, oh and what about that brunch on Sunday morning? You can also include information such as shuttle pick up times and places and notes, and any info on transportation you might want to include. I always like to format this in a size that can easily be slipped into a suit jacket inside pocket, or maybe fit into a cocktail purse. That way, your guests can take it with them when they head out for the weekend's events.

• WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO DO? You, as the bride (or groom!) know the area of your wedding better than anyone. Gather brochures or make a list of your favorite restaurants, spas, golf courses, and shopping areas to give your guests a real flavor for the area. You can do this via a list, or you can bundle the brochures with a fun ribbon or string. Include a fun tag telling them these places are your faves. When guests travel for weddings, they sometimes like to make a mini vacation out of it and want to explore the city or town when not involved in wedding activities. Show them how fun and cool your area is!

• NO JUNK IN THE TRUNK! Be thoughtful when gathering items fill your welcome gifts. Your guests might not want a bedazzled foam coaster in the shape of the Space Needle just because you are getting married in Seattle. Let your guests know that these are things that you think they'd like, and also show a little bit of you. Water and tissues are a staple your guests will appreciate. How about a piece of gourmet chocolate from that little chocolatier you love? I had a client who had her wedding in the wine country. Knowing her guests might go out wine tasting upon arrival, she included fresh baked bread from a local bakery, local gourmet cheese, almonds, and fruit in her welcome bags. Her guests loved that they had something yummy to nosh on after all that wine, and didn't have to rely on the vending machine down the hall for a snack. Be thoughtful, incorporate the weekend's theme, or fill it with usable, practical things that are a reflection of you as a couple.

... Whew! That sounds like a lot! Well, it's really not, if you just plan it out. Make a mock up, and see how you like it. Make a plan for writing the note, making the gift personal, and how you will purchase the ingredients of the bag. Then, it's assembly time!

... Happy Planning!

Random Things...

... ok, so Martha has her "Good Things". In my life, I have a series of "Random Things". I know what you are thinking, "Um, yeah, so does everyone!"Well, that is true. However, as my good college friend Liz said, I often have these really odd coincidences and small world experiences. Particularly when it comes to college people (which, you have to understand, is significant because I went to school with only about 2000 people and it was in  the middle of nowhere in New York state).

... That being said, it is not often that you see people with St. Lawrence sweatshirts or see a sporting event on television. It is even more rare, PARTICULARLY in San Francisco, that you SEE anyone that you might have known at school walking down the street.

... Anyway, as you know, I was back east for a good long visit with family over the holidays. I went to the grocery store in my sister's town to get some food for New Years Eve. Now, since I probably have adult ADD, I got distracted when walking by the magazine section. I wanted to see if the latest issue of Brides magazine was on the shelves (that is a whole other story I will tell in the coming months). Alas, it was not there. However, being in Massachusetts, and not in San Francisco, there were some magazines on the shelf that are not available in California. My eye landed on Southern New England Weddings. I thought I'd take a look to see what is "in" in New England weddings these days, and to maybe get some inspiration for gifts and favors to try out.

... As I was flipping through, I noticed that they did a series of "Real Wedding" features in the magazine, highlighting weddings from Rhode Island, Cape Cod, Boston, etc. I was looking at it and thinking, "wouldn't it be funny if I knew one of these couples" (I am from New England, after all, and have lots of friends still in the area). Well, I turned the page, and sure enough, staring back at me from the page was a girl with whom I graduated! It was such a small world!

... Why am I writing about this? Well, I just thought it was a funny story, and I also thought that her wedding was really beautiful. It had some beautiful details and the bride looked really happy. I thought any of you out there who are planning a wedding or in the wedding business might find it interesting to look at.

... Although I don't think that she will ever see this blog entry, I just wanted to tell Tiffany congratulations on her beautiful wedding, and how exciting to be featured in this publication. Best wishes for a happy and healthy life to Mike and Tiffany!

... to check out her big day, see the link below:

http://www.southernneweddings.com/images/p234.pdf

... Happy 2010! All about the family...

 Happy New Year everyone! It hardly seems possible that we are already at 2010!

...well, this new year has started with a real celebration! On January 1st, we welcomed my baby nephew into this world. I was thrilled to be able to be there and meet him in person. It was an exciting day and everyone is really happy. I was also very happy to be able to take care of my nieces while mommy and daddy were at the hospital with "Baby Brother" as he was affectionately named while in the womb. We had a great time, playing, doing art projects, and having a special lunch at Friendly's (believe me, it was special for them, but the food isn't the greatest, I was more interested in the ice cream!)

...speaking of my nieces, while I was at my sister's, I finally was able to get a picture of the invitations I made for Amelia's birthday party in December. Amelia just turned six and has a great interest in both science and history. She is particularly interested, at the moment, in history of colonial America. It's good for my sister that they live in Massachusetts -- lots of historical stuff all around! Therefore, this year, she decided that she wanted a pilgrim/colonial themed birthday party. Of course, I volunteered to make the party invitations!

...to create the invitations, I found an image of a pilgrim girl and used it to model a "paper doll", layering the different papers and pieces of clothing. I chose the font because it reminded me of old fashioned calligraphy done with a quill. Finally, I lined the envelopes with a matching paper that made me think of old block printed wall paper.

...here is the invite for her "Colonial" birthday party. (I blurred out the RSVP before posting this image) Enjoy!