Paper Bloom :: Invitation + Design Studio: May 2012

I got to be part of 3 amazing inspiration shoots this past week. They were all made up of incredible Portland wedding professionals and I learned so much from each of them. I've gotten to see a few sneak peeks of them all, and all I can say is... HOLY SH*T. I figured these things would turn out awesome. But WOW! I am just blown away. I'll leave you with images and a link to the sneak peek from Bryan Rupp Photography.

Floral + Coordination + Scene Styling: Stephanie Major of petalos
Clothing Stylist: Amy Allen
Hair + Make up: Terri Reece
Paper Goods: Paper Bloom
Models: Anna + Max (my sister and her boyfriend– so proud!)

www.bryanruppphotography.com

A few weeks ago, I hosted a baby shower for my childhood best friend. Katie and I went to school together from Kindergarten through 8th grade, and remained great friends over the years to come. She has always been a constant friend in my life. You know that friend you can go weeks without talking to, and you just pick up where you left off? The friend that doesn't question why you haven't called or where you have been? The friend that hangs on during those weeks, months, years, when you are trying to find a new normal after having a baby and understands that you aren't trying to be a horrible friend, but you are anyway, and still loves you? That's Katie.

That's me on the left (with the "wedge" haircut), and Katie on the right

When I heard the news that she was pregnant, I immediately offered to throw her a shower. I have had ideas brewing for some time and was excited to get to work. I quickly settled on a theme inspired by the goods around K's home: vintage, rustic and reclaimed goodness.

I knew I would need rentals from Something Borrowed, an amazing company in Portland started by Lane' after her own wedding last summer. She has some incredible inventory that would be perfect for any event. Vintage and retro mismatched plates, wire baskets, vintage sewing boxes, tissue paper garland, milk glass, and mason jars galore. How perfect for my friend?

Next, I enlisted the help of floral friend Liz of Fleur:ology. Liz has great style and so fun to work with and I knew she'd create some amazing arrangements for the shower. And I had the perfect stationery already designed for the new line of invitations for Champagne Paper.

Next up, games. Instead of typical shower games, I thought activities would better suit this crowd. But I HAD to play the clothespin game. You know, when someone hears you say the word "baby" they take your clothespin and whoever ends up with the most gets a prize? Well, I put my spin on it and used pretty copper bangles instead.

Instead of a traditional guestbook, I set up a "Palanca Station", where guests could write Katie letters of encouragement that she can open on days when she needs some love and uplifting.

While searching Pinterest, I saw this amazing DIY string heart artwork on Green Wedding Shoes blog. It's such a fun and unique piece, and thanks to their instructions I saw how easy it would be to put together. Knowing Katie, I thought this might be a fun addition to the baby's nursery. I left instructions for this piece of "heartwork" (mehehe) for guests to help put together, that way everyone had a hand in it.