Real Weddings: Ashley and Carlos

It's funny how social media can connect people everywhere, even in the same city. Ashley had reached out to me after finding us on Instagram. She was looking for a stationary vendor that could design something different and new. Ashley had scoured the internet and local businesses but couldn't find exactly what she was looking for. 

We came up with a simple, elegant design that would compliment her color scheme. However, we both felt that there was still something missing from the overall design. Ashley visited the studio and we began discussing ideas that would make her design complete. I asked about any personal touches she would be adding to the ceremony or reception. Maybe using that same element or something similar on the invitation would do the trick. Immediately, she replied, "Can you draw a bike?". It turns out that Carlos, her fiance (now husband), loves cycling. So to celebrate this part of his personality, she found a cake topper from a shop on ETSY called Simply Silhouettes. Since we had already planned to include a belly band for her order, we added a simple adornment with the silhouette of a groom cycling with his bride on the back with her veil in the wind.

I think it was the perfect touch she was looking for in her design. We used a cream-colored, metallic card stock as a base for the invitation set and printed a gradient of Sangria and Violet for the printed design. The belly band adornment used the same card stock for the invitation and the belly band itself was an amethyst colored card stock. 

Check out some of the photos from Ashley and Carlos' big day! You'll also find a set of Mr. and Mrs. signs that we created for the event as well. ;D

Photography by: N&M Photography

Venue: Renaissance at the Gables

Cake Topper: Simply Silhouettes

Until Next Time!!

Event "To Do" List

Planning a huge event can prove to be no easy task. Often, clients seem frazzled when responding to questions through email. At Only One Mark, we really try to make our services as simple and clear as possible. If you are finding yourself in this position, here are some tips that may come in handy.

1. BREATHE - Yes, you heard right. Take a deep breath in and breathe out slowly. The world will not end if everything you plan for your event does not go off with a hitch. Mentally prepare yourself for the unexpected. As long as you don't lose your poker face during the event, no one will notice there is something missing or wrong. 
2. Make a List - Grab your mobile device or go old school and grab a small notebook. Write the date on the top of the page and list the tasks for the day. You may not finish them all in one day, but at least you can check off each task as it is complete. Worse case scenerio: move the unfinished tasks to the following day's list. This will quickly help you prioritize important tasks.
3. If help is needed, ask for it - That's right. Ask for help. You would be surprised at the amount of help that could be supplied if you only asked the right people. Don't drown in misery as your plans begin to flop away in the wind. Ask those around you for help, even if it is just to vent. They may remind you that not all hope is lost...or even better....help you figure out a solution to the issue.
4. Be thoughtful and ask tough questions -  Do It Yourself (DIY) Projects can be fun and even rewarding when enough time and effort are put towards a task. However, if that Pinterest Pin is just not coming out the way you hoped, its time to ask some hard questions.Take into consideration whether or not you need the item you are agonizing over or not. Will your event drastically deflate if you don't have that huge Step and Repeat Poster? Will guests snuff at you for not having little note tags on each of your event favors? Answer truthfully and proceed.
5. When all else fails, call in a professional - If there is something that is a huge need for your event, call in a professional. We at Only One Mark want to make your event as successful and memorable as you imagine it to be. If you can imagine it, we can make it a reality. Need small "Thank You" gift tags for your party favors? We can design and have them ready for assembly. Have no idea how you are going to display your menu or create place cards for your guests to find their seats? We got you covered. 

So what are you waiting for?! Start getting organized! 

What's still on your event "To Do" list?

Real Weddings - Danny and Monica Part II

As I had mentioned in the prior post, Monica and Danny wanted to celebrate their Cuban heritage by 

Instead of a sign in book, Monica had purchased a small briefcase from Imagine Weddings and Events. In this vintage looking briefcase, Monica wanted to have some postcards so that guests could individually write their well wishes and drop them off in the brief case. We used some old photographs from famous spots in Cuba during the 1940's and 50's. We were also able for find some old stamps from the time frame and input Monica and Danny's Wedding date as the stamp date. We also created a bilingual frame with instructions to guests to leave their well wishes.

Photography: J. Garcia Photography

Venue: Douglas Entrance

Favors: Imagine Wedding and Events

August: Let's Get Creative

A new month for new adventures. This month, I really want to focus on being more creative with our designs. I've been experimenting with shapes, cutouts, and even sketching out designs from scratch.

 I'm excited to share some images and stories from Real Brides that we've had the pleasure of bringing their ideas to life. I'm also happy to be sharing some new designs and items to make your event and living space unique.

What about you? Do you have any plans this month? Throwing a special event this month?