Black Crow Media, based in Daytona, Florida, owns and operates both AM and FM radio stations in 5 markets over 4 states.  The Valdosta, Georgia market, celebrated their annual Open House on November 10th.  When I was asked to design the invitation for the event, I knew it had to reflect everything that is special about everyone at Black Crow.  The lucky clients and community members who received an invitation were treated to an evening of music and great food.  All of the studios were open, so everyone could get a behind the scenes view into the life of the DJ’s, Production Assistants and Sales and Marketing Teams that make Black Crow a leader in their field.  Black Crow operates 7 stations in Valdosta: Newstalk 105.9 WVGA, Rock 108, 99.5 Kix Country, Hot 102.7, 106.9 The Eagle, 95.7 The Mix and Star 105.3, as well as their digital media outlet ValdostaToday.com

Invitation Photography Courtesy of Cory Cartwright – Atlanta, Georgia

While designing the Bosworth Family Christmas card for 2011, my original design was intended for a silver foil embossed print on Cranes Lettra in Solar White with a white envelope,  lined with black japanese chiyogami paper with gold and silver metallic leaves.  However, when I ran into these beautiful papers at Paper Source this afternoon, my design will now be on Neenah Flash Pearl with gold foil embossing and just look what the ivory envelopes will be lined with:

I couldn’t resist publishing the engagement photo for one of the brides that I am designing for right now.  The wedding is early spring 2012.  Their colors are guava and ivory.  Until I can publish the invitation suite, take a look at their gorgeous engagement photos:

Photo Courtesy of Kendall Hudgins Photography

Ever since I published the Casino Invitations for the boys at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, I have received numerous requests for this invitation.  Recently, I had a request to take it out of the box and create a flat invitation for a Sweet Sixteen.  This particular invitation plays homage to The Hard Rock Casino.  I hope that you like it as much as I enjoyed taking it in a new direction.

Connie and Chris’ wedding took place the first weekend of October.  It was an outdoor wedding and the first cool evening of Fall had arrived.  The Bridesmaids wore chocolate brown and the Bride was in ivory.  The evening was filled with laughter, dancing and the blessings of a bright future for such a lovely couple.  I knew immediately that this particular invitation suite was going to be alot of fun, when I read the draft for the couples Save The Dates.  It read, “They share a mutual love of animals, music and cupcakes…”  How wonderful.  The Save The Date postcards were on metallic opal cardstock with the engagement photo of the couple, vintage designs and Nelly Script.  The wedding invitation was on Venitian Brown and Gold Leaf with custom brown thermography that included an ivory lined envelope.  The result, classic elegance.

When I was asked to do the wedding invitations for this wedding, I knew it would be exciting.  The wedding was held on the beautiful island of St. Kitts under a flaming red Royal Poinciana tree.  The bride and groom loved the idea of using old vintage maps of the West Indies and palm trees as their theme.  So, that’s exactly what I gave them.  Everything was printed on Crane white pearl using a custom font and color thermography.  The invitation included a weekend itinerary and RSVP in a beautiful metallic sapphire blue pocketfold with metallic bronze backing.  The pocketfold included a custom bellybelt and wax stamp with palm trees. This beautiful invitation wouldn’t have been complete without the custom postage stamp which included a compass rose.   Upon the guests arrival to their hotel, they were greeted with a Palm Leaf  Tote which included a welcome card from the bride and groom along with recommedations for activites and shopping while on the island, as well as another copy of the weekend’s itinerary.  The goodies inside included a beach towel, suntan lotion, water bottles, local rum and maps of the islands.  For the reception, I created a Table Seating Chart where all of the tables were named after islands of the West Indies.  When the guest arrived at their tables, each guest had a beautiful brass compass as their place card which had their name  and a colored fluer de lis (which indicated to the waitstaff what each guest meal selection was) and a menu card.  A good time was had by everyone! Congratulations Mary and Roger!!

Invitation Photography by Gandy Photographers www.gandyphotographers.com

Following are some of my favorite designs from the 2011 graduation season. 

 One young man, of Scotch-Irish descent, who loves to travel.  I designed this announcement, using Celtic symbols and fonts, an envelope liner with the Irish poem:

May the road rise to meet you, the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

Some of the cities and countries that this young man has visited were randomly placed within the poem.  Congratulations Kellam!

One lovely young lady from Georgia, who loves music, of all genres.  She asked for something whimsical in pewter and yellow and to include a quote from Ronald Regan, “Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music…” .  It definitely matches her personality.  The belly band on this invitation, has the lyrics of “You Are My Sunshine”, a song that her father used to sing to her at bedtime when she was a child.  Congratulations Erin!

The next, beautiful young lady, recently graduated Summa Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  She requested simple elegance in blue and green, with the quote “When you are a nurse you know that everyday you will touch a life or a life will touch yours.”  Truly, befitting this senior’s personality.  Congratulations Jill!

What could be more fun, than your family and friends, gathering together to  suprise you on your 50th Birthday?  A good time had by all!  This invitation was created in black thermography on quartz metallic,  with swarovski crystals dropping from the chandelier, the invitation back and envelope liner in black venetian swirl.  The outer envelope in black, with postage of a very young and beautiful Miss Kathryn Hepburn, in black and white with a black and white damask envelope wrap. 

These are the three wedding invitations that I created, that will be voted on, for the Ultimate Wedding Giveaway at Hot 102.7 in Valdosta, Georgia. 

Have you ever seen the Today Show’s Wedding Giveaway?  Well Hot 102.7 out of Valdosta, Georgia is currently promoting their version of The Ultimate Wedding Giveaway.  All you have to do is email the station and tell them your story about how you met and why you should be chosen for the chance to be one of three couples selected by a panel of Black Crow Media judges.  Then, the Hot 102.7 listeners will have the chance to vote on their favorite couple.  Several items will be posted online for the listeners to vote on for the lucky couple.  Rings, dresses, flowers, invitations, etc.  On Friday, March 25, the morning DJ, Jay Mathews will announce the winning items for the wedding!  Go to www.valdostatoday.com click on Radio and Hot 102.7 for details and your chance to win.