Speaking of Inspirations: Amorology and Details by Ramey

I have a new found admiration for event designers.  At the top of my list is Heather Balliet of Amorology in San Diego, CA.  From a few little snippets, she creates lushly colored, bride and groom centered events, wildly imagined. I caught up with her and Ramey Ellsworth, an Envelopments Dealer/Designer, recently to ask the proverbial chicken/egg question, which comes first the invitation or event design?

In this case the answer is… the event concept came first.  Out of the inspiration of a Ferris wheel and amusement park ticket, Heather envisioned a colorful and lighthearted extravaganza, and then collaborated with Ramey, who created an invitation that embodied all of what was to come.

I have seen many lovely inspiration boards that do a fabulous job, but it wasn’t until I viewed Heather’s inspiration board, that I truly understood how integral they can be, and in this case, how spot on it was. Clearly, it was not until our phone conversation that I completely see how individualized each wedding that she tackles truly is — so much so, that the bride and groom take a personality profile (not to see if they are a good match, rather to render a motif or two)! Each event is then one of a kind and a great blend of the bride and groom. Heather also brings the venue into the mix, by focusing on anything that is particular to the venue or its surroundings. Her tips to brides on a budget are:

Use a signature drink rather than a completely hosted bar
Use a personalized venue – family home or other untraditional place
Do the tedious work yourself

Heather agrees with us, that a great invitation has a hint of what’s to come. And how much fun would you think you were in for, upon receiving this one!!!

Designed and executed by Ramey Ellsworth of Details by Ramey in Saratoga Springs, Utah, this invitation embodies every aspect of the inspiration board. In order to create personalized invitations, Ramey will also have her clients bring items of inspiration to the first appointment. “It could be anything that is setting the tone”. Our featured invitation embodies a trend that Ramey is seeing, themes or branding, the use of bolder colors, monograms or patterns carried throughout the event, “make it seem orchestrated even if it wasn’t, and gives a very upscale look”. Here are some of Ramey’s invitation tips:

Find an element that sets you apart—a pop of color, maybe with a jewel
A patterned paper
A simple wrap around the invitation body

Try to carry a design throughout the event! You don’t have to do everything, but even a  2×2 printed tag wrapped with a ribbon or twine around a simple jar of flowers will make a big difference.

Be willing to search and use some elbow grease!

Or…. you can call Ramey.

Here are more pictures from this wonderful event by Amorology.