The National Stationery Show 2011 was so fabulous. It was wall-to-wall paper. I love paper. As an invitation designer, you have to love paper. So I was in a happy, happy place. Row upon row of fabulous invitations and fab cards to choose from for all of life's special events.

But lo and behold, there was one such company, that was just for the guys. So of course, I had to investigate further. Enter, Forgetful Gentleman. A company started by college pals, Nate and Scott who initially created these gorgeous cigar-turned-gift boxes for themselves and their friends who just cannot seem to remember life's important dates. The two also firmly believed that in this age of text messages, that the written word was dying (So do we!). As with most entrepreneurs, the two realized that these cigars boxes containing this fabulous correspondence system could be marketable. They were right.


Their Elephant Cards are a complete correspondence system that can be used to ensure these special life events do pass you by. To help you to remember, the Correspondence System includes access to personalized email and SMS event reminders through their online calendar management system. So when that day is approaching, he will receive an email and text message to remind him. The cards are called "Elephant Cards" because Nate and Scott believe that "men can sometimes be a little slow to action and need some prodding in the right direction..."


These sets are very masculine, modern and classy. Just how we like our men. There are two lines, letterpress and classic linen. Each cigar box contains the following:

  • 12 letterpress or linen cards/envelopes (3 Thank You, 3 Happy Birthday, 2 Thinking of You, 2 Blank Correspondence Cards, 1 Congratulations and 1 Love You).

  • Access to online personal event reminder system with customizable email and text message reminders.

  • Matching envelopes with postage included with 4.

  • Copy of A Forgetful Gentleman's Guide to Articulate Writing.

  • 100% cotton paper from the same 15th c. Italian paper mill that produced Napoleon's wedding invitations and Picasso's art paper.


Such a wonderful gift for your guy or his groomsmen. Visit Forgetful Gentleman for more information or to purchase one of their correspondence systems.

Budget-conscious brides, need a break? Here are five fab pairs of wedding shoes under $100. All are available at Piperlime.com.

DV by Dolce Vita, $49.50



Nina Shoes, $99.95



Caparros, $99.00



Lauren by RL, 69.99



Steve Madden, $$89.00


WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Vika Photography

Posted by Sarah Sweetz Akhza On 10:05 AM 0 comments


This is simply amazing. The yellow in this umbrella is so piercing. Photograph by Vika Photography.

VINTAGE WEDDING DRESSES: Fab Vintage Dresses at Vintageous

Posted by Sarah Sweetz Akhza On 10:00 AM 0 comments
I adore vintage dresses and I go crazy over fabulous vintage wedding dresses. Here are a few options from Vintageous.




WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Two Ring Studios

Posted by Sarah Sweetz Akhza On 8:30 AM 0 comments


What a gorgeous bridal portrait. Photography taken by Two Ring Studios.


MLB LAUNCHES CONTEST TO FIND COUPLE FOR FIRST-EVER ALL-STAR FANFEST WEDDING


For the first time, as a part of 2011 MLB All-Star Week in Phoenix, Arizona, Major League Baseball will host a wedding at All-Star FanFest. Couples are invited to share their stories at allstargame.com/fanfestwedding for a chance to win the All-Star FanFest Wedding, which will be held Tuesday July 12 at 11:00 a.m. Arizona time at the Phoenix Convention Center, site of MLB All-Star FanFest.

The winning couple will receive a wedding package which includes a ceremony on the Diamond at All-Star FanFest, a catered reception for 50 guests by Aventura Catering, a wedding ring package from Molina Fine Jewelers worth no more than $15,000 that will include either an engagement ring or two wedding bands, a wedding dress by Uptown Bridal, roundtrip airfare and two tickets to the 82nd MLB All-Star Game.

The lucky couple will also receive items from Major League Baseball partners including a $500 MasterCard® prepaid gift card, beverages for the reception provided by Budweiser, hotel stay provided by InterContinental Hotels Group, and a $500 Newlywed Lawn & Garden Kit donated by Scotts featuring a wide array of Scotts Miracle-Gro products.

Host of NBC’s “The Marriage Ref” Tom Papa will join WE tv’s “My Fair Wedding” celebrity wedding planner David Tutera, MLB All-Star Ambassador Luis Gonzalez and Jenni Croft Badolato from ABC’s “The Bachelor” to assist Major League Baseball in selecting the winning couple.

Couples can get more information and enter the contest by going to All-Star FanFest Wedding and submitting a short video explaining why they should win the All-Star FanFest Wedding. Eligible entries will be reviewed and judged by Major League Baseball and the celebrity judging panel based on criteria including the couple’s connection to Major League Baseball and the creativity and quality of their online submission. The online contest entry period for the All-Star FanFest Wedding closes Wednesday, June 1.

Esteemed and highly sought-after Scottsdale wedding planner, Charlee Geisler of Signature Events has been selected by MLB to coordinate the big day. Additional services donated by local Phoenix businesses for the wedding include:

· Angelic Grove – Wedding and event décor



· Eyes 2 See Photography – Wedding photography



· Serendipity Video – Wedding videographer



· Classic Party Rental – Specialized party supplies and rentals



· F/X Entertainment – Ceremony and reception music



· Celebrations in Paper – Invitations and wedding program



· Cheryl Roberts with Steven Paul Salon – Hair and make-up



· Julia Baker Confections – Wedding cake



· Men’s Wearhouse – Tuxedos



Coming to Phoenix for the first time in its history, Major League Baseball All-Star FanFest will serve as the launch for MLB All-Star Week, which will culminate with the 82nd Midsummer Classic on Tuesday, July 12 at Chase Field. The five-day event provides an unrivaled experience for fans of all ages and among its attractions are an exhibit from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, batting cages, clinics from Major League legends, free autograph sessions with former D-backs and MLB legends, memorabilia, and much more.



I adore this beautiful eco-friendly burlap rag wreath by The Simple Standard. It is so elegant and so perfect for your ceremony or reception site.