Martha Stewart Weddings, Summer 2011 – Paulina & Walter

When we set out to design our ad for the summer edition of Martha Stewart Weddings magazine, on newsstands now, we knew we had specific goals: 1) suggest the tone of a summer wedding, 2) include a project for the DIY bride, and 3) design something yummy.

After tossing around ideas during a brainstorming session, we were inspired by the idea of light, dancing through colored glass. Using a menagerie of vases, vessels and vintage bottles, we created the backdrop of aquatic colors found in sea glass. Deborah (designer by day/mixologist by night) was tasked with the project of creating soothing shades of water using food coloring. This is a great, budget-friendly way to create visual impact for the Paulina & Walter wedding ensemble.

We expanded the concept of colored water and designed an ensemble using coastal tones from sand and sea. Naturally, we found inspiration in watercolor paints using a combination of hand-inked typography with soft brush strokes to emote a relaxing event. A collection of underwater “treasures” dresses up the shot and completes the theme.

While Envelopments Twist Cards offer an interactive way to remind guests to save the date, our signature Pocket Folds® enclosures are perfect for organizing additional information like directions, accommodation cards and response sets. Tie your whole look together with a coordinated set of Envelopments Original Postage from Zazzle.com.

We love using Pocket Cards enclosures to house menus while functioning as place cards. Get playful with table numbers and place cards; switch up the layout and colors to create visual interest. Forego the expected floral arrangements and use driftwood or manzanita branches. Fill a glass urn with inexpensive sea shells. Sporatically use outdoor lanterns instead of votive candle holders to layer the height on your table. Add delicate jewelry to table numbers and centerpieces for opulence. As long as you maintain a refined color palette, you can use any accessory. The Envelopments collection has a plethora of patterns that mix and match well together, without looking too contrived.

Many Design-it-Yourself brides want to be heavily involved in the design process, but don’t necessarily need to know what it’s like to mount 400 pieces of card stock together for their invitations. And while we love brides who have the wherewithal to adhere miniature starfish onto tags for her wedding favors, we’ve got a large network of experts who are ready and willing to take care of the rest.

Still, if you want to get your hands dirty in the design process, a great way to be involved (without having too much at stake) is to create packets for your bridal party. Let them know about important upcoming dates for fittings, dinners, hair and make-up trials, etc. Give them a sneak peek at color tones you’re considering for their dresses. A heartfelt note thanking them in advance for all their effort will keep you in their good graces, especially if you teeter into bridezilla territory. In true sea shell fashion, remember to make each packet uniquely beautiful and you’ll be sure to be treasured by your nearest and dearest.