Today I’m so excited to share the first of what I hope will be a series of guest posts by my friend and ultra-talented colleague, Jennifer Carroll of Jennifer Carroll Designs & Papers. As if her magnificent papers, wedding consulting and design weren’t enough Jennifer also just launched an e-newsletter that is like nothing you have ever seen before… it’s really a magazine filled with all the lovely things Jennifer loves so much. So, without further delay… take it away, Jennifer…

Greetings! With Thanksgiving quickly approaching this week, it can be a welcomed distraction (if only briefly) from the millions of wedding planning details that you are absorbed in. It can also be a great opportunity to try out a few ideas for your wedding under the auspices of family and friends. In the November issue of Celebrating Everyday Life with Jennifer Carroll I share lots of tips and ideas on creating memorable details that can be easily adapted from a Thanksgiving table to a reception table. There are also lots of yummy recipes, wedding ideas and more. To view the issue click here

Like what you see? Visit my website and be sure to sign up for the monthly newsletter so you won’t miss a single issue of inspiration for your wedding and more of life’s moments to celebrate! Even sweeter – subscribers receive the issue a week earlier than the full release, along with special discounts.

I hope you are inspired with these ideas and that you and your loved ones have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

Jennifer

This Friday & Saturday Rock Paper Scissors on the downtown mall is having a great sale and celebration of 6 months under new ownership…  and you’re invited!

We’re getting to the end of our Best of 2009 series but I still have a few more great posts to share with you.  I was so happy that my friend and ultra-talented planner, Jennifer Carroll of Jennifer Carroll Events was able to get a few of her best-ofs to me before we were done.  Today I have 2 of her lovely Spring & Summer weddings to share (nice and warm!) You’ll have to admit that Jennifer’s papers are extraordinary and yes, she designs them her very own self… aren’t they lovely?  Not to mention the fantastic table settings and all the rest.  Thanks for sharing your talent with us, Jennifer!

First up from Jennifer:  Erin & Andy – Farmington Country Club – July 25, 2009… enjoy!

And here’s Susan & Thad’s wedding at Clifton on May 9, 2009.  I love the black & lime green color theme…

Contact information for Jennifer Carroll Events:
~ website: http://www.jennifercarrollevents.com
~ phone: 540-456-6550
~ e-mail: jyetman@jennifercarrollevents.com
~ blog: http://jennifercarrollevents.typepad.com

Today I’m happy to announce the much anticipated launch of Jennifer Carroll Designs.  The very same talented designer and planner of Jennifer Carroll Events has launched her own line of beautiful papers for every occasion.  Jennifer was kind enough to send along a small selection of photos of a few of her designs but be sure to check out her lovely new Jennifer Carroll Designs website devoted completely to her paper creations.  I know you’re going to love Jennifer’s remarkable work… enjoy!

Photos by Jen Fariello

Contact Information for Jennifer Carroll Designs:
~ website: www.jennifercarrolldesigns.com
~ blog: http://jennifercarrollevents.typepad.com/
~ phone: 540-456-6550
~ e-mail: jennifer@jennifercarrollevents.com

If you’re planning a wedding in the Charlottesville area, the Charlottesville Wedding Directory will make your life so much easier… check it out… and happy wedding planning!

Well, think again! My friend and colleague, Jennifer Carroll of Jennifer Carroll Events has lots to offer Charlottesville area brides who could use some help and has some amazing special offers right now for the 2009 season. Before you make up your mind please read on…

Jennifer writes: “Did you know that the biggest regret couples have after their wedding is not having had a wedding coordinator there?The recent issue of The Hook’s: Getting Hitched told the tale on page after page.

The amount of work you’ve been pouring into your wedding planning is all going to culminate in this one day and rather than rely on family and friends working to make it all happen, the value of having a professional day-of planner is monumental. There are thousands of tiny details that need to be managed. A professional planner will handle these with ease and free you and your family to truly celebrate the day and not miss a single moment. What a wonderful gift to give yourself and them!

Many couples fear this is a service that they can’t afford but I feel that it is so vital that you can’t afford not to have it. I believe this so strongly that I am offering a select number of couples a very special discount for their wedding in 2009. If you are dreaming of a low-stress, blissful wedding day please call or email me right away to learn more about this special offer. I look forward to helping you make all of your wedding dreams a wonderful reality!”

“Hiring Jennifer Carroll was the best decision of the wedding– she made the fairy tale come true!” – Tatiana Sainati

“I’m also excited to announce that we are having a Wedding Paper Sale! Do you need ceremony programs, menu cards, or other papers for your wedding? Let us help you create beautiful & memorable papers for your perfect wedding day! And best of all their on SALE! Enjoy $15 off orders of $99 or more and $50 off orders of $299 or more!”

Enjoy a small selection of some of Jennifer’s beautiful work:

Contact Information for Jennifer Carroll Events:
~ website: www.jennifercarrollevents.com
~ blog: http://jennifercarrollevents.typepad.com/
~ phone: 540-456-6550
~ e-mail: jennifer@jennifercarrollevents.com

Earlier this week Kathryn Kieffer of Festive Fare let me know that Katie Sale of Rock Paper Scissors will be leading an evening workshop on Thank-you note writing on Tuesday, April 28th from 5 – 7 PM in their showroom.  Kathryn writes…

“we will offer light refreshments and let you unwind after the work day and then a fun and informative session on thank – you notes. We’ll wrap up with looking at all the goodies that “Rock, Paper, Scissors” has to offer as well as new items that Festive Fare has introduced for spring. Let us know if you would like to join. Please R.S.V.P by 04.22.09 to 434.296.5496 or Kathryn@fesitvefarerentals.com and we can accommodate up to 15 people so please let me know if you would like to attend”

Festive Fare is located at 1745 Broadway St., Charlottesville…  thanks Kathryn & Katie… hope that you have a wonderful workshop!

If you’re planning a wedding in the Charlottesville area, the Charlottesville Wedding Directory will make your life so much easier… check it out… and happy wedding planning!

Last week my friend, Anita Gupta of Maliha Creations, sent me an e-mail introduction to a friend of hers who is a relatively new calligrapher in town… Jennifer Maton.  I hopped over to Jennifer’s website: If So Inklined, (cute name, huh?) and invited her to send me some of her work to share with you.  Along with the photos of her beautiful work, Jennifer sent me this little introduction to her business:

“If So INKlined Calligraphy offers traditional, modern and unique professional hand designed calligraphy for all occasions. Every design is hand crafted, not computer generated to give each project a unique and one of a kind look. Our services include: envelope addressing, place card lettering, seating scrolls, whimsical map direction card illustrations, invitations, table cards, monograms, custom art, wedding vows,  and so much more!  We offer custom mixed colors, including metallics and pearls to match specific requirements. Attention to detail, years of experience, and dozens upon dozens of well – satisfied clients mark If So INKlined as a premiere provider of the finest calligraphy. No job is too large or too small. Book your special event now with confidence. All projects and ideas are welcome.”

Contact Information for Jennifer of If So Inklined Calligraphy:
~ phone: 401-207-4644
~ e-mail: jen@ifsoinklined.com
~ website: www.ifsoinklined.com

A couple of weeks ago I discovered this lovely little website called butterflieskiss by Donna Wilson, a talented artist, putting her gifts to work for brides who want something truly unique for their printed materials… almost like creating a logo or brand for your wedding. Let me quote right from Donna’s “About” page:

“butterflieskiss is home to wedding inspired designs and illustrations by Donna Wilson. A graduate of both the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parson’s School of Design, her work has been exhibited at the Society of Illustrators and the Art Directors Club in NYC as well as galleries worldwide.

While planning her own wedding, she became interested in creating card designs that reflect diversity of ethnicity and lifestyle. Her multi ethnic bride illustrations were born out of genuine interest and love of giving people something personal and unique. The first set was a gift, the second an order, the rest is history.

Each card is a custom design, specifically created according to the client’s personal likes and vision. These custom designs can include your own personal portrait or likeness, dress style, colors and flower choices with embellishments such as crystal or dried flowers.

They have been used as shower invitations, thank you and also as gifts. To arrange a meeting or to see a portfolio, please email  Donna at: butterflieskiss@mac.com”

I think Donna’s work is just lovely and so unique.  I’m even thinking of having her create something special for a project I have coming up later this year… I’m wondering how she came up with butterflies kiss as the name for her business… maybe she’ll let us know!

I just learned that our very own amazing and talented Jennifer Carroll of Jennifer Carroll Events was featured on 2 wonderful blogs today… so I decided I’d jump right in there and feature her here too… maybe 3 in one day will be some kind of record

First, let me link you up to the 2 other blog posts that came out today, they are both wonderful, please check them out:

• Weddings Unveiled features Jennifer’s wonderful favors invites and papers.
• Teardrop Weddings has Jennifer in their Vendor Spotlight.

Jennifer is an extraordinarily talented planner, designer and artist and is a joy to work with. Her work is a true expression of her many gifts and talents and it is so much fun to watch her multitude of amazing ideas and inspirations come to life.

Earlier this year Jennifer’s friend and colleague, the talented Jen Fariello, sent me this selection of her photographs of some of Jennifer’s incredible design work from a wedding that we all did together at King Family Vineyard in May of this year… and today seems like a great time to share them with you… enjoy!

Jennifer knows how to keep the kids busy!

Contact Information for Jennifer Carroll Events:
~ website: www.jennifercarrollevents.com
~ e-mail: jennifer@jennifercarrollevents.com
~ phone: 434-823-7607
~ blog: http://jennifercarrollevents.typepad.com

Contact Information for Jen Fariello Photography:
~ website: www.jenfariello.com
~ e-mail: jen@jenfariello.com
~ phone: 434-963-7976
~ blog: http://jenfariello.bigfolioblog.com

Yesterday, I spent a wonderful hour with Louisa Wimberger, owner and artistic talent behind weehah! at her home office and workshop in the Belmont neighborhood right in downtown Charlottesville.

Louisa creates (among other things) a wide variety of unique items for couples who are planning their wedding: save the date cards, invitations, menus, direction cards, shower announcements and thanks-yous. What is really special about what Louisa offers is the large degree of customization she offers and how closely she works with the brides and grooms who come to her door.

Louisa says that the items she creates with her couples are geared towards who they are, she encourages them to make their wedding paper creations their own and to step out of the box rather than always following the rules.

Visiting Louisa’s at-home office and workshop was so much fun… everywhere you look there are her colorful creations in various stages of production… made me want to roll up my sleeves and help out (if I knew how ). She uses a variety of personally created and hand-embellishment techniques to produce these truly wonderful products. I’d have to say that just working with Louisa would be half the fun!

If you’d like to contact her please be sure to visit her website, give her a call at 434-923-0561 or shoot her an e-mail at cards@weehah.com to find out what you and Louisa might create together for your big day… have fun!

Photo of Louisa by Jen Fariello.