Erin and Ryan

The Brief: This is one of our all-time favourite invitations (and couples). Erin and Ryan's invitation was stylish, youthful and thoughtful. Through their attention to detail and boundless enthusiasm, the couple created a useful source of information that also doubled as a tribute to their own one-of-a-kind relationship, and a welcome invitation package to close friends and family to share this long awaited, special event with them.



Colours were an easy decision for Erin and Ryan: they had already selected Erin's dress (ivory), and their bridesmaid's dresses (purple) when they first sat down to talk all things invitations. However, the addition of hunter green really set off the colour scheme and made it contemporary and fresh. Considering how vibrant and youthful Erin and Ryan are, this was a great combination and a more accurate representation of them as a couple.

Erin and Ryan's invitation format was something new that we had not tried before, but ended up working out beautifully: key features included a vertical bellyband, a folder that opened up two different ways, a perforated RSVP card (a popular choice and one that really worked in this design) and a complex folding system that allowed a pocket to form that held a pull-out map, wish tree card and gift suggestion details. When closed, the package was lush and weighty: adding to a real sense of excitement when received!



Inserts inside the invitation were made to coordinate with Erin and Ryan's chosen colour scheme, in graduated purple hues. Purple and white polka dots lined the back of each pull-out card. A feature that Erin and Ryan's guests put to good use was the inclusion of a wish card, which could be filled out ahead of the wedding date and brought along to the reception to hang on Erin and Ryan's "wish trees". A novel and interactive alternative to a guestbook.



As a little extra detail, we also designed this cute pattern to adorn certain items of Erin and Ryan's invitation suite. I like the fact that its a small detail, but once noticed, something that again ties back to Erin and Ryan's unique union.



After putting together this wedding invitation suite, we was lucky enough to also be asked to contribute to the design of Erin and Ryan's "Day Of" items - coordinated stationery to be used at the ceremony and reception of their wedding. We have included some photography below, taken during the set-up process, to show how these little elements came together in the reception area!



Photo: James Sann



At every table, we designed personalized place mats, the table favors - sweet little boxes of chocolates with a button badge on each tag, and the plum table number cards - these items complimented the stationery suite of Erin and Ryan's invitations and Order of Service booklets perfectly. Flowers were by a local florist and the event took place at The Boardwalk in Bendigo. Closer to the reception time, we scattered hand cut paper butterflies around the centres of each table which was a really cute, whimsical touch.



Photo: James Sann

For the ceremony, we made Order of Service booklets - compact little books, each labeled with the guest's name, which ran through the ceremony outline as well as told the story of how Erin and Ryan met, and contained their unique vows to each other.



Photo: James Sann



To tie in with a subtle butterfly theme, we made a seating chart, constructed with a frame for each table, that listed seating arrangements and also featured a 3D paper butterfly.



Photo: James Sann

For the younger guests, we made two types of table favours: colouring book and pencil packs (which contained stickers to decorate their works!), and new item for us, disposable camera packs that came with a little "shot list" for budding photographers to check off during the night, a little like a scavenger hunt. Apparently both options went over well with the younger set!



Photo: James Sann

And for those young at heart, these little favour boxes. Erin and Ryan found these fabulous clear boxes, and we decorated them in their colours. The badges were a last minute addition, but a total hit with guests!



Photo: James Sann

There's few things that make you feel prouder, than hearing from your clients that their guests carefully put away many of these items to keep as mementos at the reception! We're working with Erin and Ryan a few projects for the future, and I feel very thankful that we've made two such lovely new friends.

Congratulations Erin and Ryan!

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