#marcandemma2015 - a wedding amongst the vines

As the days get longer and Spring approaches, I look back with warm memories of my sister's wedding in September. The GG studio became wedding HQ over the Summer months and we were tasked with making it a very special weekend for all to remember. The weekend was based around St Tropez; Friday night, sunset cocktails overlooking the bay, Saturday, a Pampelonne beach party, and Sunday, the wedding, amongst the vines.

Choosing colours - Oyster & Olive

For the invitations, I thought an oyster card and olive green ink would fit perfectly. The envelopes were on a thick oyster paper with a stunning olive green lining and had our calligrapher's signature romantic writing on the front. It was tricky to work out whether to use olive green or black ink for the calligraphy but after several test runs, we found that black names and addresses were a good contrast to the olive text, and most definitely easier for the postman to read.

Black ink calligraphy with olive text

The invitation itself was a thick folded card with engraved text. We employ special techniques to ensure that the spine doesn't crack on such a thick card and that there's a strong indentation on the reverse of the card, and finish it off with a standard plate mark (the indented border). To hold the inserts, we created a little pocket with blind embossed initials of the engaged couple, and then a staggered effect for the information card, map and beach party invite. The reply cards were tucked into the back of the pocket. A lovely personal touch was the illustrated map. These are proving very popular with our clients at the moment.

Blind embossed initials on little pocket

We screen printed the map onto canvas bags and filled them with a number of goodies to welcome the guests to their hotels: sunglasses and wristbands branded with the couple's logo, welcome booklets and a number of French snacks. The finishing touch to the bags were the personalized tags.  

Goody bag

Sunglasses and wristbands branded with the couple's logo

We had a couple of Instagram props made up for the beach party. Emblazoned on it was the hashtag #marcandemma2015 - guests could use the hashtag so that they could check out each other's photos.

The beautiful couple and their instagram props

Another cute idea was placing the escort envelopes (the little cards which tell you which table you are sitting at) into corks. Inside the envelopes were little cards referring to the table numbers. For the table numbers themselves, the calligrapher drew out large numbers in our olive green ink. For menus, we usually like to double them up as place cards. On a thick card, with a platemark and coloured edging, we detailed out the menu, and had the guest name written on the top.

Escort cards

It really was a special weekend and such fun to try out different ideas.

Jazzing up your dress code

We often get asked by our clients for some ideas of alternatives to the traditional 'black tie' or the more relaxed 'smart casual'. So here are some fun themes:

Something Chic

Beach / Summer / Provence / Riviera / Evening / Cocktail / Sassy

...with a twist / with a touch

Black tie with a Gatsby twist / Black tie with a touch of floral

Lounge suit with an 80s twist / Lounge suit with a touch of Africa

Cocktail with a rainbow twist / Cocktail with a touch of beach

Other Ideas

Circus Glitz

Glitter and Sequins

Tropical Glam

Cowboy Casual

Wigs in Space

Secret Garden

Jungle Fever

Masks and Capes

Sparkles

Black Tie No Tie

Bollywood Best

Classics

Black Tie

Black Tie Optional

White Tie

Lounge Suits

Beach Formal

Cocktail

Festive

Smart Casual

Monograms for all occasions

It's been a busy few months at GG Print. At this time of the year when the sun comes out, there are all sorts of celebrations happening but before the celebrations must come the invites. We've recently been designing a lot of monograms for our bespoke wedding and party invitations. Wedding monograms are a great way to personalise your wedding stationery especially when going for a simple and traditional design. It can be me transferred onto other items of the wedding and be used as a running theme throughout. As well as invitations, monograms are also great for other stationery types such as correspondence cards and logos.

Left: Wedding monogram engraved in a metallic silver

Right: Wedding monogram thermo printed in grey

Left: Wedding monogram thermo printed in metallic gold

Right: Wedding monogram engraved in navy blue

Left: Monogram on a party invite, engraved in white ink onto a thick red card

Right: Monogram for a company, thermo printed in a metallic bronze

The London Symphony Orchestra

The LSO is one of the world's leading orchestras and earlier this month they celebrated the 70th birthday of conductor Michael Tilson Thomas at the Barbican Centre, London. Along with this celebration was a dinner at St. James's Palace.

We had the pleasure of printing and designing the stationery for this honoured occasion which included the invitations, place settings and programmes. One of our illustrators produced beautiful illustrations of Buckingham Palace and St.James's Palace, all printed on a watercolour stock. Grey calligraphy added the finishing touch. 

Two programmes designed for a concert at Buckingham Palace, in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen, and a dinner in The State Rooms at St James's Palace

At GG Print we really pride ourselves on attention to detail and we were really happy with the end result.

Michael Tilson Thomas and The London Symphony Orchestra at The Barbican Centre

New frame for illustrated names

A great gift for a Christening, new arrival or toddler’s birthday. These hand drawn name illustrations come in a glassed white frame. Our standard frames are 38x48cm (name size 20x29cm).

Choose between having the letters of the name illustrated in the theme or have the theme illustrated around the name.

Prices

£260 includes up to 6 letters 

£15 each additional letter

Special Price
£230 Beatrix Potter and Fairy Tales theme

Prices include VAT and exclude delivery

You can also turn your commissioned illustrated names into gift tags. If you're having a baby name commissioned this would would be a great addition. With or without a message on a white or oyster stock.

The framed illustrated names make a fantastic gift so if you're thinking of getting one, here's some ideas to help you get started.

Themes:

Beatrix Potter

Butterflies

Animals

Sea Life

Dinosaurs

Pirates

Monsters

Cars 

Trains

Space

Toys

Circus

Fairy tales 

Flowers

Ballet

Sport

A visit to the Palace...

GG Print was proud to support last month the inaugural Place2Be Wellbeing in Schools Awards at Kensington Palace, in the presence of the Duchess of Cambridge. Place2Be is the leading UK provider of school-based mental health services. Understanding the importance of the link between a child’s home and school life, councillors engage with parents and family to provide much needed emotional support. Awards for parents, teachers, counsellors, and students, the evening was just a snippet of the amazing work that is currently undertaken across 230 schools in the UK.  

I was lucky enough to see this first hand at a school visit to Upton Cross Primary School last week, and the incredible results the charity has achieved at this school. Both parents and students talked of the fantastic life changing support they had received. To read more about the charity, click here to visit their website. 

First Birthday Fun

Last month I was very excited to attend my nephew's first birthday party in the Big Apple. The highlight for me had to be his London-themed chocolate cake. Three tiered, it featured a personalised bus and tube stop, the Queen's Guard, Big Ben and the London Eye - wow! Definitely a show stopper.

Face painting by GemFaceNY proved a big hit, with lions, butterflies and supermen appearing. The kids were entertained with singalongs, bubbles and yummy snacks; they couldn't have been happier. Giant animal helium balloons served as the perfect going home present. Smiles all around. 

The written word

With a fantastic team of calligraphers at our studio, and me behind my Mac, my handwriting is often out of sight. When it comes to taking notes or scribbling a little thank you I'm horrified at the results. So last week I was very excited to attend a masterclass 'How to: Dramatically Improve Your Handwriting' with professional scribe and lettering artist Cherrell Avery put on by the 'How to: Academy'. With a few little tweaks, Cherrell had me slowing down and creating legible text.

                                                               

                                                             Green & Stone, Chelsea

Today I've been sitting at my desk thinking about my posture, the way my paper slants to the left, the speed at which I write, and most importantly, the not-so-impressive biros that I write with. I popped down to Green & Stone at the weekend and bought myself a beautiful Sheaffer pen. Although I won't be a professional calligrapher any time soon I should be on my way to having better handwriting with the tips and advice picked up.

Calligraphy at GG Print

Links to Love 19/08/14 - Wedding Gift Ideas

Personalised Wedding Gifts

Below £50

Bar Excellence Irish Coffee Glasses from Darlington

Personalised Mr and Mrs chopping board at Personalised Wedding Gifts

Gold dipped cutlery from Anthropologie

Normann Copenhagen Cognac Glasses from Handpicked Collection

LSA Wine Carafe from Oliver Bonas

Silver dinner candle holder from Marks and Spencer

Personalised postcode map from Handpicked Collection

Photo tray from Handpicked Collection

£50 - £100
Vera Wang toasting flutes from Harrods

LSA Hector Decanter from Oliver Bonas

Dinner and Theatre for 2 - a gift experience offered by John Lewis

Blanc de Blancs Champagne and Ice Bucket at Fortnum and Mason
Wedding Wine Box at Not on the High Street

Over £100
Nespresso machine from Harrods

Fondue set at The Wedding Shop

Croquet set at The Wedding Shop

Links to Love 02/07/14 - Wedding Favours

Roc Candy

• Personalise your own rock candy; there are plenty of websites that offer this service. Roc Candy allows you to choose your own text and colours, so it's easy to match to the colour theme of your wedding.
• Love hearts are a classic that all ages are familiar with. You can purchase 'Just Married' love hearts with a personalised wrapper.
• Bubbles...not the alcoholic kind but the other type of bubbles we like! They're some really elegant options to go for and you can get them from party shops or online from many suppliers. 
• We absolutely love these personalised matchboxes you can get at notonthehighstreet.com. With a choice between a packet of heart mints or sparkling table confetti, you can also choose from a wide range of colours.
• Green and Blacks allows you to choose a selection from their organic chocolate which they will wrap in ribbon for you.
• Personalised themed candle tins are a great little something for your guests to take away with them. A Wedding Less Ordinary offers a variety of colours, designs and scents.
• There is also the option of donating money to charity for your wedding favours. Charities such as Scottish SPCA will send you small pin badges that come with a small note saying that a donation has been made to the charity. Have a look to see if a charity close to your heart offers this service.

Don't forget to get in touch with us if you need any help with sorting out personalised labels or stickers.

 Confetti

Summer 2014 top picks

The summer season is well underway in London and here are a few events that I'm particularly looking forward to...

Photos - YaNas Media, Source - Visit London

AEGON CHAMPIONSHIPS,  9 - 15 June

The Queen's Club annual tournament is a particular highlight for me. A great warm up for Wimbledon, Murray will be hoping to retain last year's victory, alongside new coach Mauresmo.

THE RA SUMMER EXHIBITION, 9 June - 17 August
The Summer Exhibition is most certainly something not to be missed; anyone can enter and I'm intrigued to see what this year's talent has produced.

FIFA WORLD CUP, BRAZIL,  12 June - 13 July

Having spent Christmas in Rio, I'm most certainly getting hyped for the World Cup. Find the match schedule here.

ROYAL ASCOT, 17 - 21 June

Take a look at the ultimate Royal Ascot guide for tips not just on betting but also what to wear.

TASTE OF LONDON, 18 - 22 June
It's not all about music festivals this summer, Taste of London returns to Regent's Park to create a 'foodie wonderland'. Enjoy tastings, classes with top chefs and masterclasses.

WIMBLEDON, 23 June - 6 July

Wimbledon is soon to kick off which really means strawberries and cream. Double win.

MASTERPIECE, 26 June - 2 July
From antiquity to contemporary, Masterpiece shows a brilliant display of art across the eras. Make sure to enjoy Urban Caprice's pop up restaurants, including The Ivy and Scott's.

NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL, 24 -25 August

Notting Carnival takes place on the August bank holiday weekend. Check out the details of this lively weekend at Time Out.

LONDON FASHION WEEK, 12 - 16 September

Put your glad rags on as London Fashion Week commences at the end of summer. Visit the website to keep updated with news.

Ladies Lunch launches

Congratulations to Rebecca Masri, Fiorina Benveniste-Schuler and their committee, for launching 'Ladies Lunch' at the Four Seasons Hotel last week. 150 talented ladies met and networked over delicious food and wine in aid of The Eve Appeal, set up to lead research into gynaecology cancer. The lunch successfully raised almost £10,000, enough to fund a nurse at UCH to lead new research.  

From left to right (Fiorina Benveniste-Schuler, Serena Guen, 

fundraiser from The Eve Appeal & peach and feta quinoa salad)

Guest speaker was Serena Guen, who at the young age of 24, has achieved great success with her travel and fashion magazine Suitcase. If you're headed to Brazil for the World Cup, be sure to pick up this month's edition. Serena and her team will guide you through your travels in true style with advice on what to pack, where to eat and stay, and how to find those places off the beaten track...Watch out for this darling who has been described as the 'Mark Zuckerberg of Publishing'.   

Jumpography

We love working on our clients' wedding thank yous because it means we get to see some really beautiful photographs from their big day. Not long ago we finished this couple's thank you cards; we especially adored one of their images portraying them holding hands behind their backs in the shape of a heart whilst jumping. We then discovered that our client, Clemmie, is a ‘Jump Photographer’!

She started taking Jump Photos when working as a journalist in Mauritania back in 2007. Her job took her all over the world, and before she knew it she had compiled an impressive archive of friends and strangers jumping all over the place. She had an exhibition a few months ago called 'Jumpography' at The Tabernacle in Notting Hill, which was a great hit. Now she is setting up a website through which she will be selling her images; she has even started taking commissions of Jump Portraits.

“A Jump Photo is engaging and inspiring. When you jump, you leave the world beneath you for a split second. Nothing matters. Your inner child leaps out. You are at once a bit scared and a bit excited, but mostly, a bit free. Look at people's faces when they jump. They are children again. It is so fun capturing this split second transformation on camera.” - Clemmie

Head over to www.jumpography.org or find her on Instagram (#jump0graphy). How about a family jump portrait or a set of greeting cards? It's definitely something not to be missed.

Emella Events: launching in style

Very excited to have been at one of our client's launch last night. Emella Events took over The 20th Century Theatre in Notting Hill and invited a glamorous crowd for a rather special quiz night in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Henrietta Rodgers, Emma Robertson and Louisa Byng founded the events consultancy, and after last night's seamless event, one that I can highly recommend. 'Green Wing' and 'Episodes' star Stephen Mangan turned into an impressive quiz master, and Jennifer Saunders lent a helping hand at the raffle. 

Peardrop treated us all to delicious food presented so beautifully on black boards and small jars; my favourites had to be the duck liver pate topped with orange, pesto and buffalo mozzarella, the truffled mac n'cheese balls and the salted caramel desserts. 

Goody bags included homemade honeycomb and marshmallows which was already eaten by the time I got home. Before I sign off, a little something from the quiz: 'shrink a policeman' is the annogram for which tv celebrity?

Links to Love 07/05/14

By Jessica Hische. Source, Daily drop cap

• Everything you need for a last minute baby shower put together by Oh Happy Day
• We could all learn something from Kid President, 20 Things We Should Say More Often
• We absolutely love these monogram Clare Vivier bags posted by Simplesong
• Commission a beautiful hand-cut paper piece at Made by Julene
• If you're looking for a baby keepsake these personalised building blocks are a great idea
• You can create a simple wedding website online at Strikingly
• If you're stationery crazy like us then you should see these beautifully designed notebooks from Papier Tigre
• Appy Couple is a fantastic wedding app and website for you guests
• Wedding Day Survival Tips for Introverts by Rock N Roll Bride
• 40 wedding ideas: the ultimate cake toppers from Want that Wedding

Ideas for table numbers

A lot of clients ask us for ideas on table numbers; how to display them and other options to just plain numbers. The below lists should help get you started on an item that isn't always the top of a bride's to do list but can actually create a beautiful finishing touch to the table. 

     Antique finish wooden sign (left) and Table number holder with tier base (right) at Confetti

For table number displays...

• Use photo frames, whether you purchase matching frames or head to charity shops and get an assortment of different frames, you can't go wrong.
• Print some wine labels and stick them on the wine bottles. Alternatively, use an empty wine bottle and place a single one for display on each table.
• Head to Confetti to browse their range of products, especially their holders.
• Have a look at miniature easels on eBay for a cheap option.

If you want to be more creative than just a printed number, why not look for photos of you at the age of the table number. Or take a photo of the two of you holding the table number.

Also, don't forget that we provide a calligraphy service, so for an elegant option we can calligraphy
your chosen number. 

If you're thinking of going for names instead of numbers, here's a list of themes and ideas to get you thinking.

Location

Meaningful countries, cities or landmarks

Underground tube stations, street names or postcodes

Your favourite...

Films or actors/actresses

Books

Song titles or albums

Animals

One liners

Dishes or drinks

 Kelly Dillon Photography (left) and Jillian Modern Photography (right) via Style Me Pretty 

Themes

School subjects

Heroes & villains, disney characters, fairy tales or Greek Gods/Goddesses

Other ideas

Classic love story couples eg. Romeo & Juliet

Constellations or planets

Gemstones

'Love' in different languages

Bluebird Wedding Showcase

Last night I attended the annual Bluebird wedding showcase, always a great event with leading wedding specialists. I loved meeting the Classic Car Club, the private members club which gives you access to an amazing collection of cars, my favourite being the 1950s classics; a great option for your wedding car. Petit Bisous showcased their gorgeous bridal lingerie, and explained their bespoke couture options. It was also great to meet Sarah Jane Wai O'Flynn, an impressive make up artist, who enjoys working on bridal and special occasion make up. The highlight for me has to be seeing Paul Antonio at work, one of my favourite London based calligraphers. He has the most elegant and distinctive style. Be sure to keep check out his work. 

  

Left to right: Classic Car Club, Petit Bisous, Sarah Jane Wai O'Flynn, Paul Antonio calligraphy

Spoil your mummy this Mother's Day

 Cupcakes at The Hummingbird Bakery

Mother's Day special

• Treat your mum (and yourself while you're at it) to something sweet with the delicious looking range of Mother's Day cakes from The Hummingbird Bakery
• Beauty gift ideas for all budgets from the Metro
• Luxury chocolates from House of Dorchester. You can either treat small or treat big
• What mum doesn't like Marks & Spencer? Here's M&S top 10 gifts
• We love this Mummy's desk tidy gift from The Handpicked collection
• Here's 25 homemade Mothers Day gifts ideas from ParentMap
• How about a gift bundle from Happy Box?
• Check out the Guardian's 10 best fictional mums
• Also their 10 best bad mothers in film
• If you're wondering where to get a beautiful bouquet of flowers from, check out Only Roses
• Finally, don't forget a card - we love Scribbler's range

And just in case you're wondering the date...Sunday 30th March!

Under the Sea

GG Print is proud to support the launch of Oceana's Junior Ocean Council, protecting and restoring the world's oceans. Last night this was celebrated in true glamour and style at the prestigious auction house Phillips. Co-hosts Stephanie Bilet and Ben Goldsmith, together with their team, put on a great event. 

The team photographed by Marcus Dawes

Cocktails were flowing and canapés delicious, provided by Drinksfusion, who I can highly recommend. Their salted caramel chocolates were irresistible. The walls of Phillips were filled with environmental art created for the event, including a dress made out of Sainsbury's bags and an extremely large whale painted that very afternoon. An inspiring speech was given by explorer Alexandra Cousteau explaining the need to preserve the oceans, which cover around 70% of the planet and something on which the human race most certainly relies on. Newton Faulkner, famous for the hit 'Dream Catch Me', took to the stage for an acoustic set which had the crowds singing along and jumping in their stilettos. 

Newton Faulkner

My guest for the evening was talented nail artist Jenny Pasha, who had designed a set of ocean-themed nails for the occasion. The ladies were very impressed. 

Nail art by Jenny Pasha

GG Print also had their go at creating a crab-themed stationery set. 

Raffle prize by GG Print

Congratulations to the Junior Ocean Council for a wonderful evening. 

Laura's picks from Confex, the events showcase

I've just got back from International Confex, the leading exhibition for the events industry, and have arrived at our studio truly inspired. Olympia was filled with fantastic ideas for both corporate and private events.

The Apprentice's Karen Brady gave a motivating speech on her career and path to success, which started at the young age of 18 at the advertising agency Saatchi and Saatchi. Now the vice-chairman of West Ham, 'the first lady of football' told of her excitement of the club's move to the Olympic Park in 2016 and its growing profits. In the 2014 New Year Honours she was appointed a CBE for services to entrepreneurship and women in business; most certainly well deserved. 

Clockwise from top left: Karen Brady, Le Mare Chocolat, The Roving Artist and Megabooth

I've highlighted below some of my favourite ideas from the show. 

Two companies, Le Mare Chocolat and Chocart London, showcased their wonderful designs on chocolate - detailed images, logos and text were reproduced onto delicious chocolate - what a fun idea for branding, invitations or wedding favours. 

I was particularly impressed with Megabooth and Smiley Booth for their innovative take on the photo booth. Megabooth most certainly stands out from the rest with their photo booths inserted into London taxis, Austin Minis and 1960's VW Beetles. Smiley booths come with large seats, and screens with an extensive range of backgrounds, creating an even more personal and interactive experience. 

ideasboxuk tempted me with their themed tricycles, serving a variety of scrumptious items, including espresso, popcorn and Pimm's. Immediately after, I was stopped by The Roving Artist whose silhouette artists were creating cameo portraits in less than 90 seconds.

My final recommendation is Unique Venues of London, a marketing consortium of 81 unusual and special venues for events, from palaces to art galleries to sporting stadia.