Prime Time

September 30, 2015 Carol Sullivan

This past July I worked with the folks from HBO to create a custom menu for a private dinner!

It's the gene's

September 24, 2015 Jeremy Sullivan

Recently Carol and I collaborated on an invitation suite and save the date that was inspired by one of my favorite artists, Mark Rothko. Today is birth date of Mark Rothko, so we thought it fitting to release an invitation based on his work. We plan on creating other works based on artists we love throughout the year, so keep your eye out. With Carol's help and encouragement, I have been teaching myself the Adobe Creative Suite and studying different artists and design concepts. One day, I caught the creative bug and went with it, this happens occasionally, just ask Carol about the time I went to Home Depot and made a lamp out of pipe, fittings, and scrap wood; I spent all weekend on it. It's in the genes...

Carol’s artistic talent is obvious and was born out of her mothers influence and challenges she faced as a child. The influence of art has manifested into a successful career as a graphic designer and painter. As a child, art was a lifeboat in a tumultuous sea that helped form her as an artist and a person. She has honed her talents over the years, and through her love and support she has inspired me to tap into my artistic side as well.

As it turns out, I too come from a family influenced by art. My moms side of the family is full of musicians, dancers, painters, sculptors, and craftsmen. Lacking formal training, much of their artistic talent was born out of necessity and self preservation, but it brought joy to what was often a loving but difficult childhood. Music was played, scraps of sheet metal were fashionedinto sculpture, canvases could be made of anything, and if you could make it with your hands, you did. In comparison I lead a sybaritic lifestyle growing up, perhaps the reason why my founding years were shaped to mere appreciation for art and literature and nothing more. My artistic talent peaked when I painted a rock red and blue as a paper weight for my dad on Fathers Day... Carol made me think differently.

Now later in life, and after watching my talented wife create and design beautiful works, I’ve decided to not only appreciate the work, but try my hand at design, something I never thought worthy or capable of doing. While I will never have the talent or proficiency of Carol, I know that it gives me a sense of pride when she says “that’s awesome” and that’s enough for me.

Please check out the new invitation suite and save the date below.

Tuesday Wedding Inspiration!

September 15, 2015 Carol Sullivan

A little while back I was able to design some stationery for a fun wedding shoot just outside of McKinney. I wanted to share some images of my items, but I think there is so many great looks in these pics that I wanted to share some of my favorite photo’s to inspire you for your wedding or next big event. This boho chic styled wedding shoot really pulled together some beautiful colors and textures. I just love how the center piece pops against the farm table and the linens are just the cutest. Remember, your imagination and use pieces that you can identify with. Do you like reading, think about inspiring elements of your favorite book. Like to travel, perhaps a seating chart map based on your travels. Love music, consider your favorite artist/songs for table numbers. And if you can incorporate fireworks, do it! The photo's are amazing. Let your imagination guide you and if you want some help, you know where to find me.

Check out these amazing vendors:

Wedding Planner: Forever Events and Weddings
Photographer: Justin Yoder Studios
Florals: Fleurs de France
Rentals: Rent My Dust
Stationery: CW Designs
Catering and Cake: Uncle Willie's Pies and Catering
Makeup: Simply Beautiful by Meg
Hair Stylist: Brooke Himes Hair Design
Bride's dress: Providence Place Bridal
Photobus: The Photobus DFW
Fireworks: Pyrotex
Videographer: Harmland Visions

Picture Perfect

September 9, 2015 Carol Sullivan

Over the years, I have created thousands of custom items for weddings all over the world and occasionally I will receive pictures my work. When I opened up these images, I was stunned by their beauty. The gorgeous photo's were taken by Sarah Petersen of Sarah Schultz Photography. She captured some amazing images of the couple and some really great shots of the day of material I created. I really cherish photo's like this because I can put a face to a name and see how my work appeared. I was so impressed by how the colors popped that I contacted my equally talented friend and photographer, Ryan O'Dowd of Ryan O'Dowd Photography, to take a few shots of the materials I created for the big day. I created a custom invitation suite, wedding map, seating chart, table numbers, place cards, and even a custom postage stamp! I love it when I can take a style and apply it to other things outside of just an invitation or map! Check out these amazing photos.

“Thank you so much (again) for the wonderful work and all of the back and forth changes you made on the artwork for Molly’s wedding. It made the event much more special and the reception coordinator commented frequently on the attention to detail and extra touches. We really appreciate everything you did for us!”

— Mindy (Mother of Bride)

Long Overdue Vacation

August 31, 2015 Carol Sullivan

Thank God for great friends! My great friend Robin and I share a birthday, so when she started to plan a weekend getaway for our birthday's I jumped at the idea. She decided on Miami Beach for some much needed relaxation and fun. The warm sea air, sand under my feet, great drink, and oh yeah some amazing food with even better company could not have sounded better.

A few weeks back, I slipped out of the house and kissed my husband and kiddos goodbye and met up at an amazing apartment that Robin's sister, Tory, arranged for our stay. It was amazing, such wonderful views! I arrived after the other girls and when I walked in it was like being at a resort. We settled in, laughed, had a few cocktails while I gave the girls the custom totes I made for the trip; you knew I had to do it! Before too long we were heading to to Monty's for my chill birthday dinner at sunset. We then headed to The Broken Shaker to complete the night with free drink & birthday cake! I held back on the drink because I was so excited to lay on the beach the next day. If you can't tell I am a beach girl! The food was amazing and the service was wonderful. I've highlighted this spot on many Miami wedding maps over the years, so it was nice to finally see why everyone loves it so much.

Friday, after an amazing day sipping cocktails in the warm summer sun, we went to Sushi Samba for a great dinner and headed to the Fountainbleau for the Liv Night Club for some dancing. Tory and her smooth talking ways and good looks got 6 sassy women past the ropes and onto the dance floor. The night was already awesome enough, but out of nowhere the lights dim, people begin to look around wondering what's going on when all of a sudden we hear "ladies and gentleman, Public Enemy!!" We stood there jaws agape, laughing hysterically at what just happened. Needless to say we had an amazing night.

Saturday, we eased into the day with another day at the beach and decompressing, and photographing some of the amazing deco buildings, but I couldn't help but think about my family back home. It's hard as a working mom to fit everyone in and take care of myself, but thankfully I have an amazing husband that helps me balance that. After a call home and recharged by hearing everyone's voices, I sat back and soaked in the rays! We decided to head to dinner and lamented about a few cocktails. I knew I had an early morning flight back, so i just sat back and admired the friendships that I have made, especially my connection with Robin. They are truly amazing women that are constantly striving to find the balance between family and career. Now I am back, refreshed, reaffirmed, relaxed, and ready to take on new challenges.