SUMMER SOIREE: CHAPEAUX AND CHAMPAGNE

On Saturday, I partnered up with my good friend Christina Norton to throw a brunch.  A lot of time and effort went into the planning of this brunch, but it was well worth it!  Jessie from My Baking Empire, provided the desserts (YUM!)  Elena Hodis created the most beautiful floral arrangements that adorned the table, entrance walkway, and the buffet table.  And Erica Keuter Designs designed all the stationery.

French Country was the inspiration for our brunch, and Christina and I definitely delivered.  The dessert table included yummy treats such as Macaroons, Petit Fours, and Champagne Cupcakes.

The buffet table had the most gorgeous floral arrangement set in an antique watering tin.

The brunch table was accessorized with a 3-tiered cakestand, shot glasses and beer steins overflowing with gorgeous flowers.  

The favors were a hand-painted box that we filled with blooming tea.

And last but not least, the brunch commenced with the initial design of the invitation.  Since it was a hat party, we found it fitting for the invitation to be to delivered in a mini hat box.  Christina and I hand-painted the boxes, coffee stained the feathers, paper shredded the book pages, and hand crafted the book paper flowers.  Inside the box, along with the invitation, we included a pocket watch that was set to the time of the "garden fete."

I want to personally thank everyone that had a hand in this brunch, and I have to especially thank Rick Keuter and Chris Wincek for being so patient with Christina and I :) 

INSPIRATION BOARD FOR A SAN DIEGO WEDDING

I am blessed to be part of my best friend's wedding in September.  Currently I am in the process of designing her invitations, and I wanted to share my inspiration board.  Her wedding is Labor Day weekend in San Diego.  The venue, which is perfect, overlooks the bay.  Since her and her fiance live in Arizona, they wanted to combine southwest elements to the beachy feel of San Diego.

Images that I included in my inspiration board are the colors of her wedding, which are khaki and guava, an image of the venue, and flowers.  I also included a Missoni print which I believe Missoni beachwear has the perfect fusion between the southwest and the beach.  I can't wait to show you the invite and all the paperwork for the wedding.

Pictures:  Green Wedding Shoes, Style Me Pretty, and In Style

CALIFORNIA MODERN REHEARSAL LUNCHEON

I had the pleasure of working with one of my favorite clients once again to create the paper goods for their rehearsal luncheon.  It is crazy to think that their wedding is almost here!!  Here is a peek of the rehearsal invitations that match the decor of the venue.   Images of the menu cards, thank you cards, and tags coming soon!!

SOMETHING BORROWED

On Monday, my parents are celebrating their 30th anniversary.  It is amazing that they have been together for so long, and yet still seem to laugh and enjoy each other.  Yes, they are definitely a little quirky, but I believe that is what keeps them young and happy.  Last night I asked them, what is their secret to a happy marriage?  Their answer was communication and trust.

As my marriage is fairly new, I will borrow any advise that I can get to make sure that our marriage is always filled with joy and laughter.  Thank you mom and dad for being that strong influence in my life.  Congratulations on 30 years of Marriage!!

SOMETHING BLUE (and yellow)

As a designer, I am continuously challenged.  It is something I live for.  This Bar Mitzvah invitation suite was definitely a challenge for me because well, I have never been an adolescent boy.  Fortunately, the client's mother was AMAZING!  She was very detailed and specific on what she liked in an invitation, and from there we worked as a team to create exactly what they wanted.  

SOMETHING OLD

I am partnering up with a couple other vendors to throw a fabulous party.  The excitement is hard to contain as we conceptualize and piece everything together.  Currently I am looking high and low for everything vintage or "old" to use as inspiration for the invitations.  I think that I found it!  Vintage wallpaper and vintage perfume labels.  I will share no more until the final product is complete ;)

Images provide by Such Pretty Things

SOMETHING NEW

Today is the start of "Something New."  I want be able to show clients, friends, and family what I have been progressively working on but also to show everyone what inspires me to design.  The best route to do this is by creating my very own blog.

A little bio about myself.  I am a mother to a beautiful little girl, Chloe, and a wife to an amazing husband, Rick.  I originally started my career in fashion design working for contemporary companies such as Trovata, Adriano Goldschmeid (AG jeans), and Lucky Brand Jeans.  I decided to leave my career as a clothing designer to be at home with Chloe.  I have always had a passion for all things paper, and Erica Keuter Designs spawned from my need to have a creative outlet.  I pride myself on presentation whether it be what I am wearing that day to the invitations I make.  And I LOVE partnering with clients to get their personal stories down on paper.

My inspirational photo of the day is my family.  I am continuously inspired by them, and they give me the motivational drive to keep designing.