July 31, 2008

Looking Back

Invitations from the past

I was going through my old photos today and found a few good BSD stationery memories. I also dug up quite a few classic tean and bean shots, but I'll save those for a special rainy day. A VERY special rainy day.

I started taking pictures of our wedding stationery back in 2006 when I bought my first digital camera. I still have it and it's doing pretty good. I wouldn't say there have been no glitches along the way...but my Canon Elph has treated me well.

The next step is possibly a Canon SLR.

Gayle and Jim

This was one of the quickest custom invitation jobs we ever did. It was for a small wedding, but we designed it and sent to the printers a day later.


Shabina and Ronnh

These two lovely buddies got married last year, but we just love what Shabina did with our designs. The invitation, decorated with jewels, came with desserts and a bag of nuts! Best invitations ever!


Alice and Brian

We've posted this invitation before, but not like this! It's just such a fantastic wedding invitation and maybe I'll continue to bring it up every 2 months. You can't stop me. It's an adventure novel/wedding invitation which was borrowed from a library. You can't take a literary theme much further than that.

July 30, 2008

Guestbook Cards For Your Guestbook

Wedding guestbooks typically don't match the rest of the wedding decor, although these days you can colour coordinate almost everything. An easy way (and conveniently available in our R2W catalogue) to continue your theme through to your guestbook is to purchase guestbook cards. We've seen them all over wedding magazines and online...they are definitely becoming the new white. Almost always you'll see a pile of cards with a huge vase which collects the cards or, like our friends Ronnh and Shabina, you can decorate a tree with signed guestbook cards by the end of the night.

I find the cards are also less intimidating than the open book. They give you just the right amount of space to give your blessings and tell them how much you love them and then sign off. I'm that person at the guestbook that sits there sucking (maybe even chewing) the pen wondering what to write....or I just sign my name below Albertine's message.

So there you go. My little rant on guestbook cards. CHECK!

July 29, 2008

Happy Wedding Season!


The Wedding Season is here

We have been feeling the summer wedding season from our fingertips to our knees, especially Teenie Buddy who's been the production and hand-off queen of the world while I've been in Fernie. I love that girl. We'd like to thank all our couples for their patience, excitement and love during these past few crucial months. We've been feeling mighty blessed and grateful that we are able to work with such amazing people.

But the summer isn't over yet.

My brother's wedding is coming up in August (08.08.08), who is the first in our family to get married - so it's a pretty big deal. Plus, Trevor and Mandy are freak'n awesome and I know they're going to host the party of the century. An exciting feature in this wedding is all my family that will be there who I haven't seen in many years. There are cousin's babies I've never met who are like 6. What do I call my cousin's children? Second cousin? niece-cousin? Neisin? Neisin it is.

From left to right: Max, Mandy, Adia, Trevor, Brody

July 28, 2008

our stumbled links #4

Today we recommend a few links for the child in you. Bring it out!

1. Calvin and Hobbes
Calvin and Hobbes still manages to make me laugh. It is my all time favorite comic strip and now I have a little website to go to for my fix.

2. Lite-Brite
It's time to draw a picture on this digital lite-brite! It's pretty fun, I have to admit, because it takes me back to my childhood...minus the pre-designed sailboat templates and sore fingers from trying to get the pegs in or out of tight spots. Time to practice using your immmmaaaaa ginationnnn! This is the drawing I did this morning. Happy!


3. Get The Glass
This online board game is visually one of the coolest online games I've seen. It's also really fun to play. Can you get to the glass of milk?

July 25, 2008

That font is SO you

Working as a team

Typography isn't necessarily one of my strong points, although, I think I'm doing pretty good, I do understand its very important role in the world of design...especially after a quick talking to from Jeremy Crowle a few months ago. The success of graphic design, and this includes wedding stationery too, is based on all the components working together as one. Fonts, colours, breathing space, style, emotion, flow; they, as a team, whip your senses into orgasmic bliss.

Letters + more letters = words

Selecting fonts for your custom wedding invitation can be a bit tricky as the typography should work with the rest of the design elements. If you're really a wild one, you might believe in a little thing called experimentalism, where there are no rules...aka it's innovative.

Some rules I learned in school are:

1. use fewer fonts
2. don't all caps your script typeface
3. pair up a sans serif with a serif font
4. avoid using similar fonts together

Fonts play a role in relaying to your guests what kind of wedding they're being invited to. This isn't always important to every couple getting married but for those of you who do have an interest in taking your wedding invitations to another level, hopefully this helps you out.

To the right are some examples of lovable font couples and NO Albertine and I are not getting married.

July 24, 2008

Stickers For All


We love stickers

Stickers are a pleasant way to carry your wedding design in areas of your wedding you hadn't deemed possible. It's also an easy and cost effective alternative. I mean, tape is definitely cheaper, but not as pretty...unless you can find custom designed tape. I think I'm on to something here!

In the last 5 years we've produced save-the-date magnets (stickers on magnet sheets), wine bottle labels, invitation seals, gift box seals, place card stickers, water bottle labels and who knows what else. Oh, wait, I just remembered another one: out-of-towner welcome package seals.



Customizable stationery

Although we don't offer any sticker options in our Ready2Wear catalogue, we can customize any design for you. Most couples use the Ready2Wear wedding stationery as a starting point and really try and make it their own. I respect that and encourage it.

So let's give stickers a chance. They're really cool. I think Ren and Big Mike would have to agree with me there.

Are recycled paper stickers available?

For those of you who are eco happy, we're almost 100% sure you can't buy recycled paper stickers. Possibly one day and I bet a day not too far from today's day.

July 23, 2008

personal bookmark for your wedding

We love it when couples really get into their wedding stationery designs and theme the hell out of it. It makes such an impact on everyone, possibly excluding Mr Uncle Buck who just wouldn't care about pretty wedding designs, when all the pieces (programs, place cards, table cards etc) are matching. The cherry on top is when the concept tells a deliciously lovable story about the couple.

One of our favorite product design is the bookmark.

This could have everything to do with how much we love reading. Maybe.

It's such a simple idea, plus, it's functional. It's a two in one deal! One couple doubled their bookmark as a place card and turned it into a three in one deal. The sky is the limit with weddings, which is part of the reason we enjoy our job so much. You just never know what someone might ask you to produce for them. We're always up for a challenge...as long as it stays within our capabilities. I mean, we can't make you a custom firecracker but we CAN provide you with a custom sticker to go around your firecracker. Oh yes we can.

July 22, 2008

Where do rainbows come from, Mommy?


Way back on July 17th I posed the question "Anyone know how rainbows form?" and I waited and waited and I didn't get any answers back.

I'm here to answer that question and pass the science to you.

I didn't do this on my own. I kept my lab coat in the closet and just googled "rainbows". Brilliant!!

Here's what Rainbow Valley had to say about it. I know this is cheating but they typed it out so nicely for me.

*******

When light and water meet in the sky on a summer's day, for a few moments, a rainbow will appear. Such a beautiful sight! This phenomena of the atmosphere appears during or immediately following local showers, when the sun is shining and the air contains raindrops. A rainbow can best be seen with polarized sunglasses. We cannot follow the arc of a rainbow down below the horizon, because we cannot see those droplets in the air below the horizon. But the higher we are above the ground, the more of the rainbow circle we would see. That is why, from an airplane in flight, a rainbow will appear as a complete circle with the shadow of the airplane in the center.

The bow is divided into bands displaying the different colors of the spectrum and is formed by the refraction and reflection of the sun's rays in drops of rain. Reflection is simply the return of light waves from the raindrop's surface. Light which appears to be white, is really made up of a mixture of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet light.

When a shaft of sunlight enters a drop of water, a part of it does not pass directly through but is reflected from the inner surface and emerges from the side from which it entered. Moreover, it is refracted both on entering and leaving the water drop. This process, repeated in the same manner for an immense number of drops, produces the primary rainbow, which appears in front of the observer, who has his back to the sun. It has the red band on the outer edge which are long light waves and the blue-to-violet on the inner edge which are short light waves.

Another larger bow is often seem outside the primary rainbow and parallel to it. This secondary rainbow is produced in a similar way, but the sun's light is reflected twice before emerging from the raindrop. For this reason, the color sequence is reversed; red is on the inside edge. And because there is a loss of light with each reflection, it is not as bright as the primary rainbow. The region between the two bows is comparatively dark, for it lacks entirely both the once and the twice reflected rays. There is theoretical evidence for a tertiary rainbow , but it would be so faint as to be rarely seen in nature.

*******

Interesting eh?? Now we all know. And we're better people for it.

July 21, 2008

Wedding Invitation Address Labels

On a weekly basis we are asked about printing mailing addresses on our wedding invitation envelopes. It's a really good question! Especially since we don't supply any information on our website about it. I'll take a mental note of that and make those updates soon.

The short answer is: No. We don't print mailing addresses on our envelopes.

The long answer is: No. We don't print mailing addresses on our envelopes but we DO provide an address label/sticker service. It's a cheaper way for everyone, at the moment, and we can carry your fonts and design onto the label. The main reason for this is we encourage using custom colours for invitations, which would be harder to match to a colour envelope. We enjoy and practice the idea of suppling a white or beige envelope (very neutral) so when your guests open it up it's like BAM!! colour and awesomeness. It's also much more cost effective.

See what I mean?

Here are 3 samples of mailing labels we've completed.




Contact us for pricing information or if you have any questions.

July 17, 2008

the highly anticipated photos

We did it!! I have our mini vacation photos nicely organized and instead of 1 photo per day, you get 3!! Hooray for you.

So to begin the trip, we have the road trip on Friday from Vancouver to Fernie, BC. It's supposed to be a 12 hour drive but ended up being a 16 hour adventure for 3.

The Okanagan Vineyards

Everything was going quite smoothly until some strange metal piece FLEW off our car. After a few cars drove over the run away part, we picked it up and tried to pretend we knew what we were doing and place it back where it was supposed to go. Without it we would be driving a loud bad ass Rav4 for 8 hours. We're not very bad ass.

Ben was the one who got it temp fixed so we could get to Rod's place before sunrise. Way to go Mr. Krich!!

Ben taping the Rav back together

On Saturday, our first mini mini trip was to Lake Kookanusa where we found our own private camp site with our own private Jamaican sand beach. We felt really special. In between patting ourselves on the back, we managed to relax, play FrizKnock in the water, speak Science by the fire and cook hot dogs.

Teenie and Ben enjoying the view

FrizKnock in the water and our fire

On Sunday we enjoyed more camping fun times.

Teenie and Ben floating.

Rod enjoying his new hammock

But the fun didn't end there. Monday consisted of White Water Rafting (thanks to Jared of Mountain High Rafting in Fernie), frizbee golf and hanging out in Fernie. We didn't end up getting rafting pictures...which is a shame because that was AMAZING.

Ben gracefully riding Brandon's mini bike.

Good form, Brina!

Tuesday was another day of new discoveries and brilliance. We all slept in (finally) and did a bit of shopping in town while Rod put a few hours in. When we all got together in the afternoon, Rod, Ben and some friends did a quick mountain bike ride in the backyard...but first you have to take the truck the mountain...and then the girls have to take the truck down to the house...and the mountain is STEEP...and I've never driven Rod's truck before. We didn't scream once!!

The boys all suited up for their meeting with destiny.

We prepared our sweaty feet for the ride down.

And Wednesday was the saddest day of all. It was packing and spend time in Cranbrook day. SIGH. All good things must come to an end. But we didn't waste any time, even near the end. We managed to witness an amazing waterfall in Marysville and then buy apple strudel in Kimberley. When Rod and I were driving back to Fernie we encountered a super bright rainbow to lead us all the way home. Anyone know how rainbows form? I think I might do a little research.

The waterfall of greatness.

Rainbow of greatness.

July 14, 2008

i lied

yeaaahhhh so we haven't been posting those photos I said we'd be posting but it's mainly because we haven't really stopped moving.

On Thursday I promise to post pictures from out fantastic party time and tell some good party stories.

I hope you are all doing well.

July 10, 2008

Roadtrip!!!

Tomorrow morning Albertine, Ben and I leave on a trip across British Columbia.

Destination: Fernie.

For the next 5 days we're going to post a picture a day from our adventures into the great wild mountainous planes. We're all really excited and can't wait for this last sleep to be done with. We promise to be safe and talk to lots of strangers.

Check back for the hilarity that will ensue.

Creative Window Displays On Display

Whenever I walk around my neighbourhood I find myself always checking out certain window displays because either they're really interesting or they are constantly changing. I find the art of window displays really intriguing and if we ever went retail I think I'd take on the challenge with pride. You can do anything!! And some companies do.

I will be walking by Baker's Dozen Antiques (on Main Street) and always find myself standing in front of their window just amazed by all the pieces they've included...and the arrangement is so pleasing to my blue eyes.

Very sunny day photo of the antique shop.


And then there's Mountain Equipment Co-op (aka MEC) who always has a very unique window display idea...for an outdoor store. I guess the outdoor theme isn't a hard one to figure out, but I believe the people at MEC really get their hands dirty with it. This month they have painted scenes with minimal product displays. I think it's such a simple idea that works really well. Yep. That's what I think.


Last we have Bello Wedding World. Now I'm not getting married and if I was getting married I'd probably not go to BWW (oh that's not fair...cuz you never know) but what I love about their display is the frequency at which it changes. Every day I see new dresses in the window and not once have I seen the elves that do the ol' switcherooo. They're like display ninjas.


So there you have it. My top 3 window displays in my neighbourhood by Brina Schenk.

July 9, 2008

show and tell #6

We've been taking lots of pictures of our wedding stationery because we do a lot of work that isn't showcased on our website, and they are all very worthy of a little attention. A lot of time and thought goes into our wedding invitations, especially when it comes to custom work so it's time to show them off.

1. Josselyn and Dan

Josselyn and Dan had a pretty good idea of what they wanted when they came to us for wedding invitations. Saying that, a lot of the decisions were left up to us, decisions that were to be inspired by Josselyn's inspirations. Somehow it all works. We were a great team!



2. Emma and Shaun

Emma came to see us at our office about her wedding invitations with a fairly clear idea of what she wanted in her design. She also wanted to be a big part of the design decision making process, which worked out really well, as we shared a vision and sense of style.

In this picture: Wedding invitation and water bottle label.



3. Lisa and Ryan

This couple from Toronto, Ontario, contacted us about their outdoor themed wedding invitation. Lisa had the idea of including a tree common in Algonquin park because of their love of the outdoors, and the rest was up to us. Lisa was such a pleasure to work with. Soon after we produced a sticker for their gift boxes, but you'll see that business later.

The invitations were printed on 100% recycled paper.

July 8, 2008

Derrick Belcham and Friends

28!! Derrick turned 28 yesterday! He has the body of a 19 year old and the mind of a 52 year old and the butt of an 8 year old.

OK so we set up some FrizKnock on the beach and Mr. Birthday Boy and I got hit with one of Nate's torpedoes, which flung the cup in the air just enough for derrick and I to feel like we could get it. So I try and grab it and do the hot potato with it for what felt like 2 minutes until Derrick steps in and ends up kicking me and tripping both of us and landing in the sand with a rip roaring FART.

That's my boy.

*clap* *clap* *clap*

I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. So I thank you, Derrick, for letting it all out there.

That wasn't the only moment of greatness. There was this amazing catch that Derrick pulled off as if he was a robot. It seemed so natural and impossible.

We all dropped to the ground in pure disbelief.

Frizknock. It's the game of 2008.




There was also lots of food, and "juice" and friends and more food. Whenever we get together it always feels like we should do this more often, but in reality it usually takes a birthday or some special event to get it done.

I'd also like to mention that it's Golden's birthday today. Golden is a special kind of character and I hope he has a good day, especially since he isn't working today and is instead hanging out with friends and dogs. Best birthday ever!!


And Andre is in town for a couple weeks!! Hopefully I'll see him again before he heads back to Toronto.

When summers come around and you're so busy with friends and events, you kind of wonder how you manage to pass the time in the winter. What do we do in the winter?! How do we survive?

July 7, 2008

Robson Park Block Arty

Yesterday afternoon my friend Derrick dragged me to this horrible block party with games, more games and then even more games. As you must know, I'm not one for games...WHAT?!! No seriously, it was lots and lots of game fun. A group of girls on E 13th street got a grant from the city to put this block party together for the community and everyone was welcome. All sorts of people and dogs were there to keep the day going from morning to night. Derrick documented the day with his fancy cam and gave me a few good ones to post.

Our day started with Square Ball. This was the first time I had played this game and I LIKED it. Except Mr Curious Kid cheated me out of the King position.

After a quick hotdog...

we were taught the game FrizKnock. I first heard stories of this game in Fernie in May, so i guess it's really catching on. You basically just try and knock your opponent's cups off their poles with the frizbee. Easier said than done, my friend.

Soon after Frizknock we were on the street drawing pretty chalk pictures

Precious moment of the day goes to this little girl who came up to me and said "chalk"... so I gave her my chalk...and then she walked away. Precious!

The kids were entertained with bubble making, tye dying and water guns. I miss the days of water fights.

And then Dana showed up and we played more games...
like bocce ball and then badminton and then more frizknock.


And there you have it. Robson Street Block Party by Brina, Derrick and Dana.

Thanks, Derrick Belcham, for the fantastic pictures. You're fantastic. And a thanks to the hosts of the block party. Thanks for making me feel like a 12 year old again!!

July 6, 2008

Nate turns 30 and sings his pain away

Last night we celebrated Nate's 30th birthday with some dinner, drinks and KARAOKE! I have never experienced the private room karaoke before, so I was a tad excited about checking that off the life list. I have to say I didn't really give the solo show I thought I was going to do but, boy, did I sing to almost every song with arms up in the air like Celine Dion.

That's a good time.

The birthday boy owning the tamborine.

Derrick giving 103% for bohemian rhapsody.

Mr. Karaoke

Nate's really feeling the music here...the beer helps.


There was one magical moment of the night where Give A Little Bit by Supertramp came on and everyone is excited about the song and our voices are getting loud and desperate because we need a singer and no one could find a mic and then...and then in the midst of all the confusion this loud "GIVE A LITTLE BIT..." comes in and we're all WHO'S SINGING?! and all of us turn to Nate "GIVE A LITTLE BIT OF YOUR LOVE TO ME" and he's got his eyes closed, his mouth wide open and a red face... just given'r. OH IT WAS MAGICAL. We all cheered for Natey!!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NATE!!