A Big Freaking Wedding Related AW Post- Just Booked Photographer

lunarsongbird

How would you feel about receiving a hand drawn wedding invitation?
Would you think it was really special/thoughtful/creative? Or would it seem childish and unprofessional?

All of the font in the center of the invitation will be done by letterpress. The invite would also be in color, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.



Maybe colors like this:



ETA:
This is the venue...which explains the neat little design on the top of the invite:



Also- I've been playing with some centerpiece ideas:

We'd use a smaller candle- and it's just sitting on the charger to see how it would go with the gold chargers on the table.






And I think I've finally settled on a bridesmaid's color:


Lapis!

ETA:
I also love these cork/succulent Save the Dates, but they would be a real biitch to send:



And favors:




Okay- We're 8 Months out to the day and today I booked the photographer.
(P.S. Photographers do really book up SOOO fast)

Photography by Jay C. Winter
http://www.jaycwinter.com/
http://www.theknot.com/Vendors/Photography-By-Jay-C-Winter/Profile/PHO/027/434758/profile
(He is a 2012 TK Preferred Vendor- whatever that means).

We were childhood friends. I was best friends with his twin sister when I was much much younger- and we lived across the street from eachother. I'm so happy he can share this day with us.

Some of the shots I am really really looking forward to:
-I've only had one person cut my hair in my ENTIRE life! She was doing my mom's hair before she was even married! She will be doing my hair for the wedding (and obviously will be invited to the wedding).
-My 17 year old sister will be doing my make-up.
-My mom had her wedding pictures taken in our Pleasanton home- so I will be able to replicate some of the exact same shots as my mom, which I'm super stoked about.
-My dad's surgery really scared me this year- I'm looking forward to having him walk me down the aisle more then ever.

Love this picture Jay captured: 

ravenray

I would think they were really cool and would really like it but I have to say Lunar most people just throw invitations away.  Seems like a lot of work for only a few people to enjoy.  But they look awesome!

EDIT: Those center pieces look really neat and I like the BM's color

AudgiePodge

Weird.

Elle1036

I think the hand-drawn thing would be cute if you kept it to just the two little birds at the bottom.  I'm not crazy about the rest of it.

I like the centerpiece idea!

cu97tiger

I like the hand-drawn look but agree that most wouldn't appreciate it. Could you turn that drawing into an image so it's easier to replicate? I really like the centerpieces!

lunarsongbird

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_wr-invitation-hand-drawn-or-stamped?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:61a6c8ad-8b1c-43c6-86cf-c23cc025722fPost:d7f20b13-63a2-4335-a520-10e1aac035f7">Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped? (And some other WR stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]I like the hand-drawn look but agree that most wouldn't appreciate it. Could you turn that drawing into an image so it's easier to replicate? I really like the centerpieces!
Posted by cu97tiger[/QUOTE]

I've thought about looking into getting it made into a printing block so that Andrew's dad could letterpress it onto the invite.

(<a href="http://www.foreverfiances.com/Blank_Plantable_Invitations_All_in_One_format_p/bfi2.htm" rel="nofollow">Clicky</a>)

<a href="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/7/4/276072a0-c240-4a89-8409-79573c202bc3.large.png" title="Click to view a larger photo" class="PhotoLink"> <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/7/4/276072a0-c240-4a89-8409-79573c202bc3.medium.png" alt="" /></a>

I don't mind hand drawing them- We're not inviting many people to the wedding- and quite honestly- I need a hobby to play around with in the evenings, but I just don't want people to get them and think..."Hm...this looks cheap/ugly."

tuarceatha

I think it looks great.

lunarsongbird

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_wr-invitation-hand-drawn-or-stamped?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:61a6c8ad-8b1c-43c6-86cf-c23cc025722fPost:3e55490c-7931-46ff-a9e7-3181a00f5606">Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped?</a>:
[QUOTE]I would think they were really cool and would really like it but I have to say Lunar most people just throw invitations away.
Posted by ravenray[/QUOTE]

I'm hoping people tear up the invites and plant them. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-laughing.gif" border="0" alt="Laughing" title="Laughing" />

Peaseblossom55

I love your centerpieces so unique and pretty!

ravenray

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_wr-invitation-hand-drawn-or-stamped?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:61a6c8ad-8b1c-43c6-86cf-c23cc025722fPost:a1b706b3-9a58-4bff-bdd9-f9d654b17f79">Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped? : I'm hoping people tear up the invites and plant them.
Posted by lunarsongbird[/QUOTE]
Lol you are so crunchy sometimes my dear it's cute.

wink0erin

It'd be awesome to turn it into a stamp or something, maybe a couple smaller stamps.

RANDOM... And that reminds me about linoleum prints and how I used to like making those. Haven't made one in years! 

wink0erin

ALSO... love the centerpiece idea and the favors are super cute!

SKP82

I like the birds at the bottom of the invite, but not really the rest. 

I don't like the centerpieces.  I think it's odd to have an empty wine bottle as part of the centerpiece.

I love that bridesmaid color!

Also, I think the favor is awesome.

lunarsongbird

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_wr-invitation-hand-drawn-or-stamped?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:61a6c8ad-8b1c-43c6-86cf-c23cc025722fPost:0c082bac-0f1f-4180-ad58-5b2d85587973">Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped? (And some other WR stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]  I think it's odd to have an empty wine bottle as part of the centerpiece.
Posted by SKP82[/QUOTE]

It's difficult to put a candle in a full bottle of wine. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-tongue-out.gif" border="0" alt="Tongue Out" title="Tongue Out" />

We're contemplating a single pillar candle in the bottle- or something like this:
<a href="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/1/9/6182a560-d639-4065-899d-b4ff269a8b1f.large.jpg" title="Click to view a larger photo" class="PhotoLink"> <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/1/9/6182a560-d639-4065-899d-b4ff269a8b1f.medium.jpg" alt="" /></a>

ETA: SKP- Have I missed some of your AWing? What are you doing for centerpieces? I checked out your bio, but I may have missed them.

lunarsongbird

Also- It's interesting when you AW wedding related things...
You're not necessarily soliciting opinions on the items that you have chosen, but in this type of forum- you can expect it.

It would never occur to me to tell someone I didn't like their centerpiece, or dress, or really anything wedding related- unless they specifically asked for my advice. I just wouldn't comment if I didn't like something. ::shrugs::

It's innately easier to dwell on the negative over the positive.

Have other people not AW'd wedding details in fear of people not liking their ideas?

Swazzle

I agree with PP about the invitations. 

I really like the centerpieces, I think they look great! 

I love the BM dress color & the favors too!

Regarding not posting WR things, I didn't AW when I asked my BMs, I posted about it within a thread briefly but I didn't start my own thread because I knew people would mention that my wedding is far away & I shouldn't have asked so early.  I already know everyone's opinion on that & I did it anyway, I didn't really need the reminder.  

csousa1

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_wr-invitation-hand-drawn-or-stamped?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:61a6c8ad-8b1c-43c6-86cf-c23cc025722fPost:24bc6774-66ed-449d-ab38-b5966a27ff8c">Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped? (And some other WR stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]Also- It's interesting when you AW wedding related things... You're not necessarily soliciting opinions on the items that you have chosen, but in this type of forum- you can expect it. It would never occur to me to tell someone I didn't like their centerpiece, or dress, or really anything wedding related- unless they specifically asked for my advice. I just wouldn't comment if I didn't like something. ::shrugs:: It's innately easier to dwell on the negative over the positive. Have other people not AW'd wedding details in fear of people not liking their ideas?
Posted by lunarsongbird[/QUOTE]


I agree, I probably wouldn't say I didn't like something either, I'd probably just breeze past it. Although, I'm guessing that because another opinion was asked, and different options on the centerpieces were offered, people may have thought opinions were being asked on that as well? *shrug*

I LOVE the lapis - I was so hoping my sister would go with that for her wedding haha. That is also a gorgeous BM dress, if you end up going with that one.

I love the drawing - the grapevine and the birdies are my favorite :) I would seriously consider it, especially if you can turn it into a stamp or printing block. Then it could be the decoration on your thank you cards and other stationery as well :)

I like the themes of the centerpieces as well, and I really like that candelabra type thing!

SKP82

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_wr-invitation-hand-drawn-or-stamped?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:61a6c8ad-8b1c-43c6-86cf-c23cc025722fPost:24bc6774-66ed-449d-ab38-b5966a27ff8c">Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped? (And some other WR stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]Also- It's interesting when you AW wedding related things... You're not necessarily soliciting opinions on the items that you have chosen, but in this type of forum- you can expect it. It would never occur to me to tell someone I didn't like their centerpiece, or dress, or really anything wedding related- unless they specifically asked for my advice. I just wouldn't comment if I didn't like something. ::shrugs:: <strong>It's innately easier to dwell on the negative over the positive</strong>. Have other people not AW'd wedding details in fear of people not liking their ideas?
Posted by lunarsongbird[/QUOTE]

I don't think I was dwelling on the negative.  I commented on each of the items you posted.  Two I liked, one I semi-liked, and one I didn't.  I didn't say that to hurt your feelings.  I thought you were asking opinions, and I don't see the point in only saying, "I like your favors!" and not comment on the rest.

To answer your question, I haven't decided on centerpieces yet, but they will most likely be a combo of hydrangeas/roses and small candles.

lunarsongbird

Thanks, cousa!

I'm not offended at people offering opinions...it's just an interesting risk you take when AWing. And for me...it's good practice at putting what I want first sometimes. I'm really good at changing things when people don't like it.

However- I ADORE the invitations and how it integrates the venue architecture. And the centerpieces remind me of having a picnic in the redwoods. Andrew loves the ideas, as well. So I think we're good to go!

SKP82

TK ate Sousa's and my posts.

ETA:  Nevermind.  They're back.

SKP82

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_wr-invitation-hand-drawn-or-stamped?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:61a6c8ad-8b1c-43c6-86cf-c23cc025722fPost:b4a6607e-5a39-45f6-ba25-a6a6903dc17a">Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped? (And some other WR stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks, cousa! I'm not offended at people offering opinions...it's just an interesting risk you take when AWing. And for me...it's good practice at putting what I want first sometimes. I'm really good at changing things when people don't like it. However- <strong>I ADORE the invitations and how it integrates the venue architecture. And the centerpieces remind me of having a picnic in the redwoods. Andrew loves the ideas, as well. So I think we're good to go!
</strong>Posted by lunarsongbird[/QUOTE]

If you like it, that's all that matters.

lunarsongbird

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_wr-invitation-hand-drawn-or-stamped?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:61a6c8ad-8b1c-43c6-86cf-c23cc025722fPost:f492317a-31a8-4fe2-a195-76595305d751">Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped? (And some other WR stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped? (And some other WR stuff) : I don't think I was dwelling on the negative.  I commented on each of the items you posted. 
Posted by SKP82[/QUOTE]

I meant it's innately easier for ME to focus on the negative. If dozens of people come on here and say, "Oooh- your centerpieces are great!"  I have a bad habit of focusing on the people that hate them.

SKP82

In Response to Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped? (And some other WR stuff):
[QUOTE]I love the flowers that look like newspaper a LOT. I love Liv's idea of embossing and watercoloring!
Posted by hellotarra[/QUOTE]

I really like those, too.

lunarsongbird

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_wr-invitation-hand-drawn-or-stamped?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:61a6c8ad-8b1c-43c6-86cf-c23cc025722fPost:f492317a-31a8-4fe2-a195-76595305d751">Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped? (And some other WR stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped? (And some other WR stuff) : I don't think I was dwelling on the negative. Posted by SKP82[/QUOTE]

TK ate my response. Drat! Mod Liv- FIX THIS. ;) Hehe...

You totally weren't focusing on the negative...I was saying that<em> I</em> do. For example- dozens of people could come on and say- "Yay! Those centerpieces are great!" But I would be mulling over those that really disliked it.

It's something I need to work on....which was another reason I posted the AW.

SKP82

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_wr-invitation-hand-drawn-or-stamped?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:61a6c8ad-8b1c-43c6-86cf-c23cc025722fPost:25fbef65-94d3-4398-b46c-2962a23f2cb2">Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped? (And some other WR stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped? (And some other WR stuff) : TK ate my response. Drat! Mod Liv- FIX THIS. ;) Hehe... <strong>You totally weren't focusing on the negative...I was saying that I do. For example- dozens of people could come on and say- "Yay! Those centerpieces are great!" But I would be mulling over those that really disliked it.</strong> It's something I need to work on....which was another reason I posted the AW.
Posted by lunarsongbird[/QUOTE]

Ah, I see.  :)

Elle1036

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_wr-invitation-hand-drawn-or-stamped?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:61a6c8ad-8b1c-43c6-86cf-c23cc025722fPost:24bc6774-66ed-449d-ab38-b5966a27ff8c">Re: WR: Invitation- Hand drawn or Stamped? (And some other WR stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]Also- It's interesting when you AW wedding related things... You're not necessarily soliciting opinions on the items that you have chosen, but in this type of forum- you can expect it. It would never occur to me to tell someone I didn't like their centerpiece, or dress, or really anything wedding related- unless they specifically asked for my advice. I just wouldn't comment if I didn't like something. ::shrugs:: It's innately easier to dwell on the negative over the positive. Have other people not AW'd wedding details in fear of people not liking their ideas?
Posted by lunarsongbird[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I know what you mean.  I talked myself out of an STD design I liked based on the opinions of several people on here.  No big deal, though.

In this particular case, I don't think you would have gotten any negative feedback if you had presented your post as a simple AW and not asked for opinions at the top.  I know you weren't looking for opinions on the centerpieces or favors, but still.  If you had just said "Look at this WR stuff I've been doing", I don't think anyone would have said anything negative.

lunarsongbird

ETA:

Photogapher:
Also just booked our photographer:
http://www.jaycwinter.com/
 
http://www.theknot.com/Vendors/Photography-By-Jay-C-Winter/Profile/PHO/027/434758/profile

He's really pleased that he was picked as a "Best Of" on TK: 


Florist:
I think I will also call the florist that did ALL my prom flowers- and the funeral arangements for Marianne today.
http://www.lpfflorist.com/wedding/occasions/display

It's fun to be getting married near home and use vendors that I adore.

bethsmiles

I really like your photographer!

NurseyK

I love it! How exciting is it to be having letterpress invites?! I think the hand drawn idea is great, especiall if it reflects who you both are and your styles.

prbright

Lunar, I  stalked your photogs page and I just have to say that I absolutely LOVE him. Your wedding pictures are going to be so awesome!!!

ravenray

I love your photographer love!