linzmarie designs

Sneak Peek!

2009-10-19T15:08:00.001-07:00

Here's a little preview of a new invitation suite I'm working on using an orchid illustration... I'm loving it so far and the bride has great feedback and suggestions. I can't wait to finish it up and share the rest!

Molly & Greg's Save the Dates

2009-10-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

I posted a sneak preview of a graphic being used for a Save the Date project and am so excited to share the final piece! Molly, the bride, is a family friend and just so happens to be an extremely talented artist (check out her stuff on Etsy! So cool). I was stoked when she hired me and said she wanted to draw the illustrations for her Save the Dates and invitations because I knew they would be amazing. I love the way these turned out and can't wait to start on the invites!

The Save the Dates are being sent in envelopes from Paper Source in the color "Night".

Look at that detail in the bird! So great.

Printed offset on Classic Crest linen paper. I LOVE this texture!

Min & Gateley's Invitations

2009-09-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

The other day, I was scrolling through the posts at WeddingBeePro, and came across an entry called Lots of Goodies! by Melody of the Sweet and Saucy Shop. The first photo totally caught my attention and I absolutely loved the cake design. Two seconds later, I realized it looked familiar. Haven't I seen that picture somewhere? As I scroll down I realize it's the cake of one of my clients and included is a photograph of the monogram I designed for them used for their favors!

Source

I was sitting by myself at home and said out loud, "Hey! That's my design! How cool." It was just so random, and very cool to see my work on someone else's website. Here's a shot of their invitation suite:

And a few photos from their wedding that I absolutely love (photographer is Sarah Holden Photography):

NACE Event Invitation

2009-09-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I was asked by Shawn from Event Team Entertainment if I'd be interested in designing an invitation for a kick-off event for the NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) chapter starting in Portland. I was really excited about this opportunity, not only to have my name on the invite as a sponsor of the event, but to actually be invited to it as well! I'm looking forward to meeting other event professionals in Portland and getting my name out there.

The invitation was to look modern & fresh, and to play off the space the event will be held (Departure, a restaurant at the nines Hotel). I used one of my favorite graphics for this invite and I think it came out well!

Upcoming project

2009-08-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

I'm working with a new couple on their September 2010 wedding materials, and I can't wait to get started on their Save the Dates! The bride is a talented artist and sent me a couple pen & ink drawings to use, and let me tell you– they're awesome! Below is a sneak peek at one of the graphics I'll incorporate into my design. Stay tuned for the final product coming in a few weeks.

Erin & Michael's Reception Extras

2009-08-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

Back in April I posted a few photos of Erin & Michael's invitations. Today I received some images from their awesome photographers at Honeysuckle Photography of a few pieces I created for their reception. You have to check out their photos on Honeysuckle's blog, and the slideshow as soon as it's up on their website. Erin & Michael are such a sweet couple and they looked amazing! And how gorgeous is the bride's dress?! Enjoy looking through their fantastic photos!

All photos by Honeysuckle Photography

Heidi & Kartr's Invitations

2009-08-02T19:11:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure of working with Heidi a few months ago on her wedding invitations, and I truly loved this project. She is very crafty and was excited about assembling the invitations herself, and just needed my help designing and printing all the pieces. Their wedding was earlier in July at the Black Walnut Inn in Dundee, Oregon, and their reception on August 1st at the Bethany Vineyards in Ridgefield, Washington. She sent me the link to their photos from their photographer Jamie Bosworth and loved looking through them, especially to see how she used my designs at the actual wedding (I love the menus!) Congratulations, Heidi and Kartr. I wish you all the best!!

Awesome photo booth idea!

2009-07-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

I've noticed the trend lately of having photo booths at weddings, an idea I LOVE and wish I would have considered for my own wedding! Any kind of activity or take-away for guests is always a wonderful idea. I stumbled upon this photo booth from onecoolpick's post today and had to share– look how incredibly awesome this is!

Photo booth created by Sasha Souza Events and Kristen*
Photos by Elizabeth Messina

Announcement for Baby Riley

2009-07-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about designing wedding invitations is that I get to be involved in such a huge event in a couple's life. It's always a bit sad for me after all the pieces for their wedding have been sent to them, because my part is done and we don't get to talk as much. I've been so lucky to keep in touch with almost all of my brides, and it's always SO fun when I get to work with them again. Especially on other big events, like having babies!! I loved working with Kelli and Garrett again designing an announcement for their adorable baby boy, Riley. They wanted something simple with a few good pictures of their new addition, and this is what we came up with. I love the bigger photo of Riley– is he not just too cute for words?! These will be printed on 15pt cover stock at Overnightprints.com (who, by the way, now offer smaller quantities!) I can't wait to see the finished product. Congratulations, Kelli and Garrett! I am so happy for you guys and I know you are already wonderful parents.

Jennie & David's Invitations

2009-06-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I designed Save the Date postcards for Jennie and David, an adorable couple from North Carolina who found me via Flickr (thanks, Heidi for posting that pic!) Because I'm a horrible blogger, I never posted pictures of their finished product! The back is brown and green with information on their wedding, and here's what the front side looks like:
When it came time to design their wedding invitations, Jennie wanted to use the same colors and incorporate birds on the invite. I found a cute bird graphic and some solid cherry blossom branches on istockphoto.com that I knew she'd love. After only 2 rounds, she chose a design and the files were finalized! They were printed digitally and I am SO pleased with the final product. I will have everything packaged up and sent off to her tomorrow. Here's what she'll be receiving:

The inserts are tucked under the ribbon on the back.

Gina & Eric's Invitations

2009-05-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

About 2 years ago, I designed invitations for Kelli and Garrett, another California couple. They were referred by the lovely Eileen who has been a huge supporter and sent plenty of business my way (thanks, Eileen!!!) Kelli has also been singing my praises since her own wedding, and I was so excited to hear from her friend Gina who is getting married this summer in Cabo San Lucas. Gina and her fiancé Eric wanted really simple invitations with bright colors and a subtle beach theme. They created their own Save the Dates and used a graphic of a palm tree, so I thought it would be nice to go in that direction. Below is the final result! They were printed digitally on the same recycled stock as Erica & Nick's invitations.

Alexis & Ed's Invitations

2009-05-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

Back in November I designed Save the Dates for Alexis & Ed, a couple living in California. I was thrilled when they asked me to design their invites! I knew Alexis would want something elegant and traditional with a modern twist. These were printed offset on a beautiful, thick linen stock with two different blue inks. I love the linen paper (which has been a popular choice among clients lately)!

Erica & Nick's Invitation

2009-05-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

I gave a sneak preview of this invitation and never showed the final product! I only have samples of the invitation but the inserts have a similar feel using some of the leaves along the side. Erica & Nick really want to be as Earth-friendly as possible for all aspects of their wedding, so we carefully chose a nice recycled stock called Environment Tortilla. The small flecks (which can't be seen much in these photos) really added to the design and I love the way it came out. These were printed digitally, which is also another eco-friendly way to go. Digital printing lays down toner as opposed to ink (some inks are really harmful to the environment). I'm really happy with the outcome and I know the bride and groom are, too! Their guests should be receiving these shortly.

Patty Lehner Trunk Show at Avenue Five

2009-04-13T20:44:00.001-07:00

The ladies at Avenue Five are hosting their annual Patty Lehner Trunk Show next month and wanted a fun invitation with their logo in the form of shopping bags. I used my favorite color combination here and they loved it! It's bright and bold, perfect for their party. If you're in need of bridesmaids gifts or just jewelry for your self, this is the event to be at!

The latest to leave the shop!

2009-04-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of 2 new pieces that left my hands this week! Erin & Michael loved Erin & Kevin's invitations so I worked with that structure but switched up fonts and graphics to make it more of their own. Here's a picture of the finished product and a peek at one of the pieces inside:

Jessica & Travis are a sweet couple from California that love different types of paper, so they have a variety in their suite. I think the contrast of the smooth to the sparkly works nicely along with the different shades of pink. The belly band wraps around the back and holds the enclosure cards (off-white with a pink envelope!)

A little preview...

2009-03-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

I sent three invitations to print last week and I can't wait to get them all back! Here's a tiny preview of the PDF proofs from the printer. More to come :)

New website for Event Team Entertainment!

2009-03-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

The fabulous guys over at Event Team Entertainment have a new website! My husband and I hired Shawn Whittemore as our entertainment director in 2006 for our wedding, and it one of the BEST choices we've ever made. Notice how I didn't call him a DJ? That's because that title doesn't do him justice. What exactly do you call a person who spends hours on end with you via phone, emails and meetings making sure the important details of your wedding are planned out and perfect? Someone who directs the flow of the evening while not stealing the spotlight from the bride & groom? A person who is out in the crowd at your reception, interacting with guests making sure they have everything they need and are having fun? And what the heck do you call a man who escorts the groom's grandmother to her seat when she needs a hand?!! Besides TOTALY AWESOME, I guess entertainment director is the next best title. It makes me so happy to see so many other couples singing his praises and to see his business grow. You must hire him, and that's final.

Check out Event Team Entertainment's new website and all the fun videos and pictures on there! You might see a few familiar faces ;)

Custom Business Cards

2009-03-04T10:19:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine who is job searching asked if I would design business cards for her to pass out as she's networking. Of course I jumped at the chance! She has great style and I knew would want something clean & classy. She loves red and damask prints, so this is what we came up with:
There will be a spot gloss over the floral graphic on the front, as well as over her name on the back. I can't wait to see how the printed piece looks!

A Baby Shower invitation

2009-03-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

I love love LOVE working with engaged couples. I get to be part of such an important event in their lives, and it makes me so happy! I really love getting to know the people, too, and I'm always a bit sad after the final pieces have been delivered and my work is done. So I love it when clients come back to me for other things! Erin & Kevin were married in January, and while on their honeymoon, Erin's mom emailed me to ask if I could design baby shower invitations for her MOH. I was thrilled! Not only did I get to work with great people again, but it was for a baby shower {you know I love babies!}. I showed several designs and they ended up choosing this one:
Here are a few others that I really liked:

My new office!

2009-02-24T18:29:00.000-08:00

My husband and I had a romantic dinner planned for Valentine's Day this year. First we thought about going out to dinner, then decided to stay in, cook lamb and open a bottle of really good wine. Well, the day came and we went to Ikea that morning just to look. If you know my husband or I, you know just "looking" means "buying". We had been talking about redecorating my office for awhile, but kept putting off the project. Until Valentine's Day. We left Ikea with a car full of office furniture, swung by Miller Paint for a gallon of Devine Foam, and got home to start our project. It took all day and our romantic plans wound up consisting of eating pizza on the couch while the first coat was drying while watching the NBA dunk contest in our underwear (we HAD to take off our painting clothes so we didn't get anything on the white couch!) It was such a fun day though and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Plus, look at my office! I'm still working on getting things organized but for the most part, it's perfect. I have been amazingly productive in my new space and I'm so happy to have such a gorgeous place to work now. Many thanks to my husband for all his hard work!

Right wall, before (I'm such a mess...)

Left wall, before

Color options (we chose the left– I LOVE it!)

There I am! Don't mind the ugly painter's socks :)

More attractive painting clothes :)

My cute husband painting away!

Hanging shelves

Right wall, after!

Left wall, after!

2009 Bride's Choice Award!

2009-02-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

I received an email today that I won a Bride's Choice Award on WeddingWire.com! This award recognizes the top 3% of vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility. Check out the list of other great winners from Portland (including two of my favorites, Event Team Entertainment and Honeysuckle Photography). Thanks to all my past clients who reviewed me! If you haven't had the chance yet, go here.

A little (ok, a LOT!) of inspiration

2009-02-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

As I said in my earlier post, my office is still a work in progress. Just a bit ago I saw this amazing craft room belonging to Crafty Intentions {via Brown Sugar Design's link}. I want it! First of all, the wall colors are wonderful (hello, aqua & red, look familiar?!) Second, look at all that shelving! AWESOME. I am so inspired and think I have finally figured out what I can do to my office to make it WAY more functional. I might just have to take a trip to Ikea this weekend and celebrate my birthday and Valentine's Day with a whole new office set-up! I wonder if the husband will be ok with all that... ;)

I am a sucky blogger...

2009-02-10T08:14:00.000-08:00

But maybe my new toy will help! My dear husband bought me a new computer for my birthday and I couldn't be happier. This thing is awesome. It is SO fast and super sleek, and just what I need right about now. My old laptop has been good to me, but lately it has been slowing me down. I couldn't keep more than one application open at a time, and I was starting to lose files more often and having to start certain projects over. Very, very frustrating to say the least! I'm sure John was sick of hearing me cursing to myself and threatening to throw my computer and everything else around me out the window... Now I have this gorgeous computer that is insanely quick and it makes me so happy! So here's a little pic (taken from my phone so the quality sucks) and soon I hope to post more of a clean & organized office where I will be spending a lot more time designing and blogging!!

Excuse the clutter... My office is STILL a work in progress!

Vendor Spotlight on Honeysuckle Photography!

2009-01-27T09:49:00.000-08:00

My favorite photographer ever featured me on her blog today! Check it out here. Many thanks to Maggie at Honeysuckle Photography for the mention! You are the best.

Professional shots of my work

2009-01-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

The lovely Maggie Hudson at Honeysuckle Photography took some great shots of my invitations for a postcard and website I am designing. I am so excited how they turned out and can't wait to start using them! Here's just a few of the many she took: