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We are honored to have been nominated in the Wedding Invitation Category for 

the 2013 Best in Orlando for the Top Orlando A-list Awards. 

If you love The 2u Collection, click here to vote for us and please feel free to share the good news!!

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Inspiration Series - Greenery Productions 25 Years and Growing Together

We are always asked where we gather inspiration for our designs. Often times our subconscious collects creativity and information from the world around us. This is why surrounding ourselves with talented people is so important. One such group of people is the wonderful team from the Greenery Productions, led by the team of Linda Grier and Tommy Murphy. The company has provided a great deal of inspiration for those in the industry over the past 25 years, continuing to raise the bar each and every year!

Last week was the perfect opportunity to celebrate and team up with them once again for their "25 Years and Growing Together", farm to table event! The evening of appreciation was held at the newly opened Alfond Inn in Winter Park, FL and included many wedding vendors that have had long time relations with Greenery Productions. After cocktails in their spacious courtyard, the guests sat down to enjoy an Alfond Inn dinner at the beautiful farm inspired tablescape. The menu included a First Course of Spinach with Goat Cheese, Candied Walnuts, and a Sherry Vinaigrette. Followed by Braised Short Ribs, with Silky Potatoes, Root Vegetables and Beef Jus. And for dessert coffee, tea and the chef's finest pastries were enjoyed.

Tracy Marini of Eventfully Yours, The 2u Collection's Amy Morelli, Tommy Murphy of Greenery Productions, and Brittany Sobering of Tickled Pink Brides

In correlation with the farm to table concept, the tablescape was designed with distressed woodland boxes, lanterns made from old screen doors, candles, organic herbs, unique florals of Crespedia and Scabiosa Pods, and even tomato and kale plants. The elements created a classic and elegant farm backdrop for the evening.

Our own Amy Morelli of The 2u Collection joined forces with other local event vendors to help prepare for this exciting anniversary. Special thanks to Tommy Murphy of Greenery Productions, Jane McLean - Director of Social Catering at The Alfond Inn, Kathryn Matta - Catering Sales Manager of The Alfond Inn, Deanne Gabel - General Manager of The Alfond Inn, Sara Florio of AFR Event Furnishings, and Abby Liga of Liga Photography. 

The invitations set the tone for the intimate event. Shades of greens and lavender on Bamboo paper conveyed an organic, rustic feel with a hint of sophistication. 

Gold accented place cards around linen directed guests to their seats, where they were greeted with a Die Cut Bamboo menu and a gold farm animal accent. From pigs and cows, to goats and sheep, each member of the farm animal family was represented.

Menu, Place Card, and Fun Farm Animal Accent Pieces

Long time collaborators with Greenery Productions: The 2u Collection's Amy Morelli, Lisa Stoner of E-Events, Tracy Marini of Eventfully Yours, Susan Southerland of Just Events Group, Bonnie Garfield of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Orlando, and Abby Liga of Liga Photography.

Favors included everything needed for each guest to create a farm to table dinner themselves, including herbs and spices, olive oil, and even thank you notes!

As for everyone here at The 2u Collection we are eager to see more "Greenery Productions" that are bound to be created over the next 25 years. See below for a little flair from their past!

Photo Credits: Brain Adams Photo, Ginger Midgett

Liga Photography

E-Blasts In Demand

Here at The 2u Collection we admit that our obsession for paper is grand! Parchment, Linen, Cotton, Vellum -- Textured, Matte, Mylar, Foil -- the Weight, the Color, the Feel... all just absolutely fascinating.  However, not always does an occasion call for a “physical” invitation piece.  

Enter the E-Blast Invitation!! 

Recently and in partnership with our branding and marketing division 2u Creative, we have seen an upturn in our development of not only E-Blast Invitations for clients, but also E-Newsletters and additional email based marketing materials.

While we have a natural passion for paper and have gained an all-new appreciation for the flexibility of the E-Blast, it is important to understand that the E-Blast isn't always appropriate. Formal events should stick with tradition and use a paper invite that is sent through the mail. However there can still be a place for the E-Blast in even the most formal of events such as reminders to book hotel arrangements or to share an Itinerary.

Here are some examples of great times to use an E-Blast:

• A last minute event pops up and you have limited time to send the invites
• You’re working within a budget and your event doesn’t call for a formal invitation
• The invite or information needs to be sent to a large mass and quickly
• A time sensitive promotion your clients would love has begun and ends soon
• Going GREEN and decide this will cut down on paper costs

Take a look below and see how E-Blasts can be effective yet styled, in a variety of forms:

Bachelorette Party

Wedding Reminder

Rehearsal Dinner

Promotional Newsletters

Party Invitation

Additionally, E-Blasts created by The 2u Collection and sent through our email marketing system, can provide several useful features including:

• Email reports and tracking results
• Insight on how recipients marked your email (spam, subscriptions, relevance)
• Feedback regarding client interests and targeting techniques
• Matching your e-blast branding to your website branding
• Financial, economic and environmental advantages

Color Inspiration - Mint Madness

This cool hue is all the rage!! While it does great as a stand alone hue, combining it with other fabulous colors can take the feel of your event anywhere from soft and vintagey, to bold and edgy. Choosing a second color will allow you to make the Mint your own.        

Mint & Cool Blue emits a serene and romantic feel.

Images courtesy of inspiredbride.net, itweddingsofflorida.com, blog.nisiesenchanted.com, weddingblogbythebreakers.com.

Mint & Lemon presents citrusy sophistication.

Images courtesy of marthastewartweddings.com, frostedpetticoatblog.com, saweddings.com, weddingchicks.com, etsy.com. 

Mint combined with pretty Coral & Pink provides a pop that shouts summer fun!

Images courtesy of weddingomania.com, tumblr.com, styleunvieled.com, miamiweddingplanning.wordpress.com, studioyukiphotography.blogspot.com, Etsy.com, deliciouslydarlingevents.com,   

For an edgier feel, team up your Mint with Navy.

Images courtesy of scoutnetworkblog.com, Etsy.com, weddingchicks.com, tumblr.com, somethingborrowedweddingblog.wordpress.com. 

Either route you choose to take will leave you feeling minty fresh!!

Correspondence with Flair

Recently we addressed the importance of keeping the handwritten thank you note alive.  As we worked on embellishing Invitations, Holiday Cards, and Thank You’s throughout this busy season a thought evoked… writing can be mundane BUT embellishing is always an inspiration for excitement, for both the giver and receiver.

So the next time you sit down to write a letter or feel uninspired consider the following ways you can spice it up… add a touch of character… and express your personal style!  You might find that looking forward to the details may awaken the purpose of your correspondence and even influence a theme.

Embossing Press

In creating various stationery projects for our coveted client Florida Hospital, we were inspired to design this embossing press featuring the Florida Hospital logo.  The result was a piece of class!  We loved the touch so much that we designed a piece for ourselves here at The 2u Collection and we just couldn’t stop pressing our logo onto all types of surfaces once we received it!! An adornment like this can be customized with a logo or graphic to fit most any need! - Check out theStampMaker.com - 

Envelope Enhancements & Pristine Packaging 

Envelope liners, wax seals, color corrugated shipping boxes and custom designed labels add a unique elegance to any mailing!

Courtesy of TheWeddingPhile.Blogspot.com

Gorgeous envelope liners can be found for almost any size at Paper-Source.com - From solid colors to fine prints, liners add that finishing touch... much like a fabulous lining on a tailored jacket or cuff!

Something as simple as changing the color standard on packaging can really act to catch the eye.  Give the brown box a lift and go for a bold color, or take it a step further and choose unique shapes and sizes.  Take a browse around USBox.com for a plethora of packaging!!

The timeless wax seal needs little explanation...  It's clean, elegant and speaks volumes as you seal each envelope with care and sincerity.  At Nostalgic Impressions they create polished & personalized wax seals that make us swoon!

A Pop of Color... A Taste of Texture

Colored envelopes and textured papers will change the entire feel of a correspondence piece while adding impact to that stack of junk mail! Even here at The 2u Collection our eyes spark and open wide when we catch a rouge within the pile... and of course, it's the first we chose to open and admire!!

Have you ever experienced that moment when writing or creating a thoughtful piece, where you just couldn't wait for the recipient to open?! Oh the anticipation!!! Well, there are times when the excitement is all too much and you boldly take an unconventional approach, much like that featured above. This client was so full of joy in announcing their new edition, that they simply had us print a lovely portrait right on the envelope -- Secrets Out!!

As we sift through the mail texture stands out to the touch!!  The columned paper featured above is sure to impress.  Play with different paper types and treatments to evoke a variety of feelings.  Neenah Paper is one of our favorite paper pros but check out Paper Mojo as well for decadent handmade papers!

Stuck & Stamped

Both of these are cute and quirky ways to add a bit of personal whimsy & cultural flare! -- You can layout, design a nice label & stamp or print right on the envelope.

Courtesy of IntimateWeddings.com

We just love this! Try buying stamps in small denominations and then placing them creatively on the piece to create a fun and traveled feel. Pick up stamps as you explore the world or hometown. Check out vintage and antique shops... alot of the time they'll have these treasures tossed amongst old photos and such!

Courtesy of GourmetInvitations.Blogspot.com

A custom ink stamp like the one we created above not only acts to adorn a mailing piece, but it can also be held as a keepsake and used time and time again on a variety of creative indulgences.  - OrlandoRubberStamps.com produced our design flawlessly!

In hopes that you are inspired to create!!  For more ideas visit us on Facebook at The 2u Collection

Having trouble deciding who to invite to your wedding?

This is a topic that is long overdue to address. I get these questions all the time from my brides. "HELP! I'm way over my budget, How do I decide who to cut and who to keep from my list? We recently wrote a guest blog post for Susan Southerland and Perfect Wedding Guide on this very topic.  Check it out here! In the meantime, use this great flow chart  we created for a quick reference guide!

Anne & Scott say I DO with Simple, Romantic, Elegance

Onsite Prep Photography:  The 2u Collection     Event & Studio Photography:  Liga Photography   Invitations & Stationery:  The 2u Collection    Venue:    Loew's Portofino Bay Hotel        Videography:  Imprint Cinema     Floral, Decor & Linens:  Botanica International Decor & Design Studio     Officiant:  A Beautiful Ceremony     Cake: The Sugar Suite      PhotoBooth:  Click! Photo Booths   Entertainment:  The Buzz Cats      Design & Coordination: E-Events Design by Lisa Stoner     Draping:  Swag Decor

We always love to tackle a project, where there are no design limitations. It's every designers dream! And I am no different! It's extremely fulfilling to my creative brain, when I get to present out of the box unique ideas and the client not only trusts my judgement but is open to the non traditional. When I met Anne and Scott early in 2012- it was a breath of fresh air!

From the first design brainstorm meeting over skype with the bride, her mother and Lisa Stoner from E-Events to the last minute pieces we pulled together at the end- this couple (and family) was a joy to work with!  We were hired for full service Stationery and art direction of all media (printed pieces, logo projections, etc).  I am often asked what full service custom stationery entails. And this is the perfect wedding to explain it. Basically, I am at the clients beckon call for anything and everything in regards to graphics, stationery, websites, staging, etc, from the moment they book me to the day of the event,  and any last minute designs or pieces that may be needed as the event grows near.

This also includes being there during the event set-up to support E-Events and other vendors with regards to the graphics, stationery, etc. Many times the designs I create can be elaborate and often include various working parts and pieces. In these cases, we offer full service as to not burden the coordinator and other vendors with the tasks of having to set up our complex pieces. I always love it, because then I get to see the bride and grooms reaction to our work... we often don't see their reaction first hand, because most of the time the stationer isn't needed onsite during event set up.

So here we go! Let's start enjoying these details! When I first met this couple, I was told... NO FRILLS, and Nothing TOO FORMAL or  GIRLY. The bride and groom both play soccer and are pretty laid back -- and wanted their wedding and wedding stationery to reflect that, creating a mood of close-knit, family warmth and comfort.

Since their wedding was over a holiday weekend, they wanted to ensure that guests weren't shut out of booking rooms due to the holiday weekend. So we sent the above eblast to the guest even before invitations when out!

Next on the agenda... Rehearsal Dinner, again an eblast was sent inviting guests to the night before the wedding festivities. In this case it was a down home cookout!

The invitations were next to arrive in the post and give the guests a bit of excitement for the event ahead.

Super thick 130# felt paper with 2 color letterpress bound together with a white satin ribbon and silver flat charms with their initials punched into them. We developed a monogram for the bride and groom, that you will see throughout the whole event! 

Take in some of the details of the invitation below.

We did all kinds of wonderful stationery for the event itself. Below you can see the whole group, and 

I'll discuss each detail below as I share the amazing event with you.

I am always amazed at how an ordinary ballroom can be transformed into an amazing oasis, and this wedding is no different. Lisa Stoner from E-Events outdid herself this time!! (and every other time.. lol) And of course the full team that was pulled together all did their part to create this amazing event. (see credits in the top of the blog)

BEFORE (above): Loew's Portofino Bay Hotel  --Venetian Ballroom. This is event day around 10am. Vendors are starting to arrive, the room has yet to become it's destiny! 

 AFTER (above): Loew's Portofino Bay Hotel  --Venetian Ballroom. This is event day around 6pm. What an amazing transformation! Props to Swag Decor and Swank A/V at Loew's Portofino Bay Hotel, 

 the draping and dramatic lighting really changed the room!

Loew's Portofino Bay Hotel  --Citrus Piazza. The couple exchanged vows under the stars.

Lisa created a divided room, with drapes and dramatic lighting, so there was a dinner area and an entertainment dancing area. Beautiful White Leather Furniture surrounded the ROUND dance floor- that's right.. ROUND.. What an amazing touch!

The room also had a large movie screen for a slideshow during dinner. We created our monogram graphic for both, to carry the stationery and monogram theme throughout. Below you can see the light projection on the dance floor above, with a close up below, as well as the screen projection graphic.

Before I go too much further, I have to give props to Ian Prosser and his team at Botanica International Decor & Design Studio, his decor and floral really made this event romantic and elegant!  Checkout some of my favorite details of the 

decor below.

These crystal candle sticks... SWOON.. I told Ian at the event he needed to keep an eye on me, because I wanted to take them home!!  As you can see his floral and decor design, really added romance and elegance. Creating the warm and cozy family feeling the couple were looking for.

 Lisa and Ian! On Event day.. working hard, but always time out for a little vendorly love!

 Lisa (center) with her E-Girls! On the Left her future sister-in-law, Jessie Carr. (Soon to be Stoner!) And on the right, her beautiful daughter, Sara Konency.

Now, Back to the stationery! I wanted to set the stage for the remaining pieces we created. As I mentioned earlier, the couple and the family of the bride, were a joy to work with, and they trusted the vision of all the vendors involved and handed us the reigns to do the best job we could! With this in mind, I did some creative thinking and created some pretty unique pieces. 

Guests were greeted when they arrived after the ceremony to cocktail hour, where they found this escort card/favor table.

Because the bride and groom are both avid Soccer Players, we created Dusty Rose Vellum Pendant escort cards. And once the guest took they their pendants, the mercury glass vases were cleared leaving the center of the table filled with 

"Gifts From Home" as take away favors. 

Dusty Rose Vellum Pendant escort cards with letterpress monogram button tag and white satin ribbon, on metallic silver 

dowel rods! Below:Details of the Gifts from Home!  The groom is from Traverse City, Michigan. A place know for Kilwins Fudge and Salt Water Taffy. The couple decided to share a bit of home with the guests with these great snacks! Assorted Fudge and Salt Water Taffy in a brown kraft bag adorned with a letterpress monogram button, white satin ribbon and a small note from the bride and groom, also on Dusty Rose Vellum.

We also created signage that sprinkled throughout the event for various things, The Photobooth, the Bar, Directional Signs, etc. We even created yard signs for their day after brunch, which directed guests where to park! These signs were on Dark Grey Paper- with white felt mounted with the message.

As you read above I am gushing about the design, decor and floral of this event. With that being said, the pieces I designed for my contribution to the decor were Acrylic Table numbers and Vellum Belly Band Menus. I didn't want to disappoint, as I knew these pieces I created would be showcased on the tables with all the other amazing decor. To this end, I wanted to design elements that were strong pieces on their own, as well as lending to the overall atmosphere that Lisa was trying to create. These pieces needed to be not-too-showy, while still complimenting the other elements in the room.

                   Dusty Rose Vellum Belly Band Menus- wrapped around the silver silk napkin resting on the plate.

 One of my favorite things from this entire event... Acrylic Table Numbers!! We created these beautiful Acrylic Table numbers for each table, the bride and the grooms sweetheart table got one as well, as a nice keepsake for years to come!

These great Letterpress Monogram Buttons we created for various applications throughout the event.

 Because this couple was so NON-FORMAL, we did a fun program, that gave a fun overview of the ceremony. I also want to give some love to The Sugar Suite as this is one of my favorite cakes from ALL OF LAST YEAR!!

Last minute, the family decided they wanted to put a brochure and map cards in the hotel rooms for guests, so they knew of holiday events around town, dates, times, phone numbers, directions etc. Below is a 8 Panel Accordion brochure that gave the guests all the information the needed for holiday events, shows, etc. happening locally.

 The Thank You: Dusty Rose Vellum Belly Band with Letterpress Monogram Button mounted, inside, letterpress thank you message from the bride and groom.

In Closing- we are proud and thankful to have been involved in this event from the smallest detail to the large! This is what the bride and groom had to say:

"Well what can we say?  The wedding was amazing and everything we could've imagined!  Thank you thank you thank you. All of your ideas were creative, fun, and also personal to us."

--love anne and scott