Pretty Papers: ABCD Designs

Happy Monday, dear readers! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are ready to start the week off on a good note. I couldn't think of a better way to usher in Monday than with the incredibly talented Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo of ABCD Designs. To say Amy Beth designs luxe stationery is an understatement. Her work is fresh, fun and contemporary. If you're planning your wedding, I would call Amy Beth early in the design process. Her aesthetic will truly help shape your event's vision.
The glamorous designer Amy Beth
Amy, tell our readers a bit about you and your company.
My name is Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo (ABCD!) and I design (designs) Bespoke Stationery. I often go by ABC Dragoo or ABCD. I also write a blog called http://www.abcddesign.com/ . The blog is about all things that inspire me. I write about being a newlywed, nesting, homemaking, recipes, travel, interior design and a little bit about wedding ideas and my current projects.

The ABCD Designs Bespoke Stationery tag line is Weddings, New Babies, Big Announcements - Milestones in life set the tone. I will design stationery for any personal project. The lion's share of my focus is on Wedding Stationery because I am able to start with a seed of an idea and grow it into an entire set. It is really gratifying to me to be able to tell their story.


How did you develop your design philosophy?
Since 2005 my husband and I have lived part time in London with his job. Playing off of the Bespoke Menswear Design of the Savile Row Tailors, I call my wedding stationery suites "Wedding Stationery Wardrobes." There are multiple events during an engagement where (if the bride is game) I am able to tell their story not just with their invitation, but throughout their stationery wardrobe. The more pieces we do together, the more opportunity we have to incorporate their personality with different "accessories." I have a "ready-to-write" line of accessory pieces called "off-the-peg." Those are ready made designs are easily personalized and the colors are easily changed to coordinate with the event color scheme. (The off-the-peg line is currently bridal and baby shower invites, brunch and rehearsal dinner invitations, thank you notes, and the like. I do intend on extending the line with pre-designed wedding stationery wardrobes at some point.)


How do you create a bespoke stationery wardrobe for your clients?
In regards to telling the story of the couple: I love to incorporate the teeny tiny details in a couples story so that the wedding guests not only get really excited about being invited, but also so that they feel like they know the couple on another level after receiving their invitation in the mail.


Amy Beth, I know you're married to the fabulous Mr. D. Did you incorporate your personal couple story in your papers?
When I designed our wedding stationery wardrobe, I had images I wanted to tell our personal story with. For instance, after we had been dating about a month Mr.D took me out for my 30th Birthday dinner. After dinner I ordered a double espresso. There were so many grounds in the bottom of the cup after I finished it that I said "If you were an old Turkish lady you'd tell me my fortune." He took the cup, swirled it around and within a moment he lost all color in his face. He put it down and said "look." There was a heart shape in the middle of the cup. Luckily, it was my birthday and we had a camera. I used that image on our rehearsal dinner invitation. Another example: I caught the bouquet at my best girlfriend's wedding - only two days before Mr. D popped the question. The old wives tale came true! I used the photos from that event in my bridal shower invitation. When the wedding was over and we moved in together, I made a "Change of a Dress" card. I actually made a collage which included my dress with an old-fashioned map of our neighborhood cut out in the pattern of my dress.


Thanks ABCD for sharing your art with us!

Gold List Monday: Say It With Flowers

Happy Monday, dear readers. I trust you had a splendid weekend. Today I have an extra special treat for you. I'd like to introduce to you one of the rising stars on the floral scene, Shoshona Snow Le of ShoSho Designs. Her work is nothing if not fabulous.


What has been the highlight of your career so far?
My most recent career highlight has been forging a relationship with StudioWed Atlanta and working with the area’s top event industry providers. I recently worked on a “Black, White and Modern” birthday bash with several vendors from StudioWed last month including Lemiga Events, Blue World Studios, I Do Linens, and Sugarplum Visions. This combined pool of talent created a SPECTACULAR event!

Please tell us a bit about your services and how you got started in the industry.
Although I can work in any style requested, SHOSHO Designs specializes in creating contemporary arrangements using chic, stylish and unique floral designs and products. I have always had a love for flowers which led me to completing the Georgia Perimeter College’s Floral Design Certificate Program. I was fortunate enough to design for a few high-profile clients and to forge lasting relationships with other vendors within the event industry early on.
I continue to attend floral design seminars, assist and hold floral design classes, and network with today’s top event providers to remain current with industry trends. I love to pass all that I learn on to today’s modern brides!

How soon should couples begin looking for your services? What questions should they ask?SHOSHO Designs is able to handle last minute design requests as close as even a few weeks prior to the event. However, ideally, it is best to contact me at LEAST 3-6 months in advance. This way, we are able to brainstorm, discuss, and revise designs, as well as reserve or procure any additional items necessary to complete the client’s vision.
Here are some very important questions couples should ask, once they have confirmed availability:
1. What are some new and innovative concepts and products that you are offering? (I’m always up to something!)
2. Are my flower colors and choices in season and available for our event date? If not, do have suggestions for alternative choices?
3. How can you make our vision fit our budget?

What do you bring to the industry that’s fresh?
I believe my best assets to the industry are a relaxed personality, a willingness to listen, a quest for innovation, a unique ability to create dramatic arrangements using minimal products, and of course…a competitive pricing schedule.
Additionally, I offer access to a large inventory, unique rental props and products, affordable chair covers and linens (including nylon spandex stretch chair covers – my FAVORITE “new product”), and referrals to high quality industry partners.

Describe your ideal client:
My ideal client has a concept for their event already in mind, but is flexible and open to suggestions for making their event even more special. The ideal client has confidence in my services, is communicative, and allows me a fair amount of artistic license in design.

What would you suggest to the couple that wants something different than the usual floral centerpieces or wishes to use florals in a new way?
I encourage these couples to focus on products and containers that emphasize pattern, structure, and texture. Unique non-floral centerpieces can be designed using a huge number of resources including candles, river rocks, glass, acrylic, branches, paper, fruit, fabric, wood, metal, etc…
Additionally, I advise these couples to draw inspiration from their personal environment and experiences, to explore cultural influences and art and architecture, rather than traditional wedding magazines.
Above all, I advise couples to be creative and NOT be afraid to think outside the box!!

What other creative design elements have you worked with?
Although I received my B.S. degree in Biology, my true passion lay with the Fine Arts, and I have had the unique opportunity to train formally in drawing, painting, and printmaking.
I continue to incorporate the fundamental ideas of balance, perspective, spacial placement, color theory, and aesthetics in my floral works.
How do you incorporate the dress into the design elements of the wedding flowers?
More than any other element of a wedding, I believe the wedding dress and the bridal bouquet best capture the personality of the bride, and usually the overall atmosphere of the wedding. For this reason, I love to incorporate elements of the dress into the bridal bouquet, including beading, unique ribbon-tying techniques, and jeweled accents.
Along similar lines, I am creating a new series of commissioned oil paintings titled “Girls in White Dresses.” These oil paintings do not follow the rules of traditional portraiture, as the aim is to capture the essence of the bride’s personality through a painted rendition of her wedding dress…not her face.

Gold List: Sweetest Thing Bakery

Happy Monday, Everyone! Richmond's bakery scene just got a little sweeter last year when Jenny of Sweetest Thing Bakery opened up shop. Sweetest Thing Bakery is not your mother's wedding cake baker, her designs are contemporary, hip and even a bit fanciful. Jenny was kind enough to share a bit about herself and her wonderful cakes.

Please tell us a bit about your services and how you got started in the industry.
Sweetest Thing Bakery is a young, fresh, and fun bakery. The main focus at this time is on wedding cakes and specialty orders. We can also accommodate most requests along with assisting clients to find what they are in search of, for example dessert catering for parties.

I started baking when I was a kid, later I turned to art and now combine both loves with my cake designs. I went to a lovely little culinary school (Dubrulle) in Vancouver to study pastries and round off my skills. Then opened STB in June of 2008 and haven't looked back. I really love what I do and feel that it shows in my work.

What should a couple expect during a cake tasting and design consultation?
My advice is to be prepared. Look at designs you like and feel free to bring them in. I suggest to come as a couple. Bringing everyone to your tasting will ultimately limit your time and be distracting from the task at hand. Choosing flavors that will complement your tastes as well as keeping your guests' tastes in mind. Take notes of flavors you like and make sure to ask your baker anything that concerns you. I email sketches to my clients along with quotes and details. These are also important parts of the consultation that a lot of bakers will go over during your visit.

What are a few of the most popular flavor pairings?
White cake seems to please all. It pairs well with blood orange buttercream, lemon curd, or passionfruit curd. They are very popular Spring and Summer flavors. For the Fall, fresh ginger cake with vanilla or spiced pound cake with pumpkin cream cheese have been favorites as well.

For the couple who doesn’t necessarily want a large wedding cake, what are some of the alternatives?
I really love the idea of dessert bars with a small cake for cutting and other home-spun desserts like pies, brownies, or candy. Serving 2 or 3 single-tiered cakes guests can choose from have been gaining popularity.

It seems when it comes to the groom’s cake, the sky’s the limit. What have been some of your favorite designs?
Last summer I made a Fox Terrier cake that is still my favorite. This year I am looking forward to making the Chinatown bus that travels from Richmond to NYC in the middle of the night. My clients were a long distance couple and made the trip back and forth several times on that bus. I like it when it is a personal gesture.

Gold List Monday: The Fabulous Elizabeth Messina

Happy Monday, Everyone! As you can imagine, I come into contact with some of the most amazing vendors in the special events industry and from time to time they share their insider tips to make your day extra special. Lucky for us, today is no exception! I had the opportunity to interview the fabulous photographer Elizabeth Messina. Elizabeth has shot everyone from Brooke Shields and Chris Henchy to Tori Spelling and Dean McDermont to Kevin and Brandi Garnett. Her work has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Town & Country and InStyle magazines. Elizabeth is an incredible artist who manages to capture the love and joy of couple on their wedding day. Enjoy!

Please tell our readers a bit of your background and how you started as a photographer.
When I first fell in love with photography, I wanted to be an artist. I got a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute but it wasn't until several years later that began photographing weddings. A good friend of mine was getting married and asked me to be her wedding photographer. It’s been said that I did her a favor but in truth SHE did me a favor and my life is forever changed because of it. There is something so wondrous and beautiful about weddings…so much emotion...love and affection. I truly love to photograph weddings!

What should couples look for in a wedding photographer?
There are several important factors to consider when choosing a wedding photographer. First, try to look at as much work as you can. The more you see, the more you'll know if you like the style of a photographer. And trust your instincts. The photographs should move you and elicit an emotion response from you. Second, be aware about how you feel in the presence of the photographer. A wedding photographer in many ways is more closely involved with you on your wedding day than anyone else. It’s important to feel comfortable and at ease. The more natural you feel, the better you images will be. Third, be thoughtful about your photography budget. There are wonderful photographers in every price range. The photographs become part of your family’s story. They are so important, so if you are faced with deciding between a photographer that you love, that's a little out of your price range and a photographer who offers a lot more in their package, go for the one that you love. The images are the most important thing. You can always do a book at a later date. Finally, take a deep breath and relax. Finding the right photographer is a little like finding the love of your life...you only need one...

What is the style difference between traditional photography and photojournalism?
Traditional photography is just as it sounds...traditional, posed family portraits. Photojournalism is more documentary, capturing moments as they unfold. Personally I think of myself as a lifestyle photographer. I think the details are as important as the more traditional images. I want to capture what it felt like, to tell a visual story of a couple's wedding day. Family portraits are very important, but I love to take photos in between the posed shots, when people laugh and interact with each other. I also love to take images of the bride & groom alone together, to capture their joy and intimacy. And then of course, as many people know, I love shoes and flowers. All of the small details together tell the story. Besides, later in life you may want to show your granddaughter what your weddings shoes looked like.


How can couples maximize their outdoor photos?
Natural light is the most beautiful light there is. Trust your photographer to know how to best shoot you in varying lighting situations. There may be a beautiful staircase you want to be photographed on but if the light is not good, the photo won't be either. Allow your photographer to encourage you to move when necessary. Personally I love to back light people, have the sun behind their backs and shoot right towards the sun. It makes beautiful luminous images. Be sure to allow enough time to capture images outside. If you are having an evening ceremony, you may want to do some formal photos before hand.


What are some of your tips to help couples capture the emotion of their wedding day?
This is simple, just be yourself. Enjoy the beauty and the emotion of your wedding day. If you are in the moment your photographer will capture your happiness...

How soon should couples being looking for your services? What questions should they ask?
Some couples book me a year and a half in advance, other couples only a few months before the wedding. Certainly the earlier you start, the more likely you'll get your favorite photographer. I don't think there is any magic list of questions. And no questions are off-limits. Make sure you let the photographer know what's most important to you. Every wedding is different, every couple is different and there are photographers out there to suit every couples needs. Planning a wedding is wonderful adventure. Enjoy every minute and again, be sure you look at as many images as you can. If you love most of what you see, chances are you'll love your own wedding photographs.

Gold List: Everything Looks Better By Candlelight

Happy Wednesday, Dear Readers! Have I got a very special treat for you today. I had the pleasure of interviewing the fabulous Tamiko Hargrove, president and creator of the luxe candle collection, Helen Julia. I'm a long time admirer of the Helen Julia line and I know you'll enjoy them as much as I do.
The lovely Tamiko
DE: Tamiko, tell us a bit about your company, Helen Julia.
TH: The name Helen Julia was inspired by my grandmothers, Helen Hargrove (my
dad's mom) and Julia Calderon (my mom's mom). These two women have helped
shape me into the woman I have become and without them I would not be here.
So, what better way to thank them for their existence is to name my candle
company after them.

I've always been a fan of fragrance and craft since I was a child. I love
using my hands in a creative way to make people feel beautiful whether
spiritually or physically (I used to be a makeup artist as well).

Helen Julia's Candle Collection was created to spiritually take you away
from the daily chaos and stress that surrounds us. You're not just
purchasing a candle when you purchase a Helen Julia Candle. Each candle
inspires distinct moods; rich in meaning and memory. The names of each
candle intrigues your curiosity to want to learn more; in addition to the
beautiful packaging that's like no other candle company.

Helen Julia's candles are also 100% Soy Wax for a cleaner burn to the
environment.
DE: How do you come up with your fragrance combinations? The Sexy Suede
and Pink Diamond sound heavenly.
TH: I'm inspired by the memories that are created behind every holiday and
season we experience. This is how my fragrances and candle descriptions are
created. For instance, Sexy Suede was inspired by the thought of a cold
winter night sitting in front of a fireplace with a blanket, cuddled up with
a significant other while enjoying "the moment". Sexy Suede Soy Candle is a
unisex scent (Vanilla Sandalwood scent) for him or her. Pink Diamond was
thought of during Summer when reminiscing of my childhood. It's a very
girly fragrance (Cotton Candy Scent) while still feeling like an adult when
burning this candle.
Sexy Suede, a sensual Vanilla Sandlewood fragrance
DE: You've recently launched an exciting partnership with Apartment 48.
How did that come about?
TH: The Partnership of Apartment 48 and Helen Julia is really a "people come
into your life for a reason, season and/or lifetime" story. I was and still
am a returning customer of Apartment 48 home design boutique. The unique
items that are sold in the boutique becomes addictive to keep going back to
find out what's new! The owner of Apartment 48 purchased my candles at
wholesale to sell in his store. The candles did so well, he came up with
the idea to launch his own candle line and used Helen Julia as the
distributor. And so, Apartment 48 Candle by Helen Julia was born! The
scent is Jasmine and Lychee. It smells delicious!
Pearl Drop, a refreshing Citrus Grapefruit scent
DE: How can our brides include Helen Julia candles in their wedding?
TH: Brides can incorporate Helen Julia candles for their events in several ways.
1.) Brides usually have a bridal shower and bachelorette party to celebrate
the next chapter of their lives. What a perfect way to thank your bridal
party and guests for their support in helping "you", the bride, celebrate
one of the happiest days of your life by giving them a Helen Julia Candle as
a gift. Helen Julia offers personalized ribbon for each candle. We can print
whatever you'd like on the ribbon for the candle of your choice.

2.) While most venues for such events do not allow scented candles to burn during your special event, Helen Julia also offers unscented candles for display to add
to your color theme. Helen Julia candles are packaged with their own colored
ribbon. All of Helen Julia's soy candles are available in two sizes.

3.) Last but not least... Dawn Easters brides will be in "The Know" of the
latest products by Helen Julia for your events.
The I Do candle, a gorgeous rose bouquet scent
DE: So, what's next for Helen Julia?
TH: What's next for Helen Julia are room sprays and a second candle collection
titled "The Tuxedo Collection" with new packaging and luxury, upscale scents. These items will launch Spring/Summer 2009! We look forward to introducing you to these new products and are very excited about the expansion of Helen Julia, Inc.!
Magnolia Bliss, a southern magnolia scent

The Cake Maestro: Ron Ben-Israel

Happy Monday, Everyone! There are some people that when you first meet, you understand right away: 1) they love people and 2) they love what they do. Ron Ben-Israel is one such person. You can taste his heart in every cake! Delicious. I met Ron at the New York Magazine bridal showcase and we hit it off immediately. He is such a warm and jovial personality, quick to pose for my camera, too! Naturally when I wanted to talk wedding cakes, Ron was all ears. Enjoy!

Ron in his studio

I love the jewel detailing on this design, so elegant and refined.

DE:Where do you get such great ideas for your designs?
RBI: Everything to do with a wedding or a celebration is inspirational. I look at the invitation, the venue, the flowers, and the bridal gown. Even on the menu to be served helps us plan for a fitting cake flavors.



I just love those topsy-turvy, off-kilter cakes. Gravity defying, indeed!
DE: What has been the highlight of your career to date?
RBI: I get excited with every completed cake, no matter the size or the style. As for the BIGGEST cake I've done, it's been the cake for The Plaza Hotel's 100th birthday this past Fall. Measuring 12" tall, and feeding 1,500 guests, this cake was served under magnificent fireworks and with the full New York Pops Orchestra playing in the background. Here is a link for photos from the event: http://www.briandorseystudio.com/plaza/

Such exquisite attention to detail. You almost hate to cut it, but you know it's going to taste sooo good!
DE: What is the best part about your job?
RBI: That I can't get fired, and that I can't quit.

DE: Who or what do you attribute your success?
RBI: My passion for all things cake and perseverance.

Incredible floral work.
DE: What advice would you give a bride when trying to decide on the perfect cake for her big day?
RBI: I would advise any bride to research and try at least two bakeries
before committing for a cake. It's very important to verify the abilities of the baker, and judge from tasting and seeing samples of work they've done before. I would always recommend going for a full-size cake with simpler designs rather than a smaller cake that can be insignificant in the environment.

Those cymbidium orchids are so life-like.
DE: What was your favorite cake you’ve designed so far?
RBI: I can't say; I love them all!

DE: If you weren’t such a fabulous cake designer, what would you be
doing?
RBI: I would probably be doing theater sets or lighting design.

Lucky for us, Broadway is not calling. Thanks, Ron!