baci designer stationery + events

Wedding Trend Forecasting | Colors {Sparkles - Shades of Gold + Ivory}

2012-03-01T16:21:00.000-05:00

Today we've got a super Sparkly Inspiration Board for you in keeping with our Wedding Trend Forecasting this week - enjoy!!

{Image Sources Clockwise from Top Left - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Wedding Trend Forecasting | Colors {Brights - Neon Green, Orange + Bright Pink}

2012-02-29T21:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Leap Day!!

Continuing with our Wedding Trend Forecasting - today we've got the first of three gorgeous inspiration boards for you that incorporate the colors you're bound to see in 2012 weddings! First up - brights!!

{Image Sources Clockwise Starting in the Top Left - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

Wedding Trend Forecasting | Oscars Inspiration

2012-02-28T17:51:00.000-05:00

{Images from InStyle}

I love watching big televised events early in the year because you can totally see what fashion trends are catching on! It's perfect that the Oscars were just Sunday because for the rest of this week I'll be shining light on trends you're bound to see throughout the rest of 2012 in the wedding world. You can look to these five lovely ladies above for inspiration because they are spot on!

{Image Sources Clockwise starting in the Top Left - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

Brights - I'm not sure if Pantone choosing Tangerine Tango as their 2012 Color of the Year had something to do with this first trend, but brights are everywhere you look (even on the adorable Michelle Williams at the Oscars!) . . . I mean have you been to a mall recently?!?!? It's not just the peppy orange we'll see, but neon pinks, greens and yellows have made an amazing comeback - they're bound to be incorporated into many wedding color schemes this year!

Old Hollywood Glam - This year you're bound to see more brides kicking it old school like Judy Greer did at the Oscars! For fashion think skin-hugging silhouettes, soft waves, red lips, dramatic eyes and in the décor department - loads of platinum and black accents!

Eclectic Style - Gone are the days of matchy-matchy weddings - 2012 brides will embrace their inner "pickers" to find the perfect elements to incorporate into their day. We'll be seeing mismatched bridesmaid dresses that flatter each particular lady in waiting, stacked vintage china as place settings and centerpieces as unique as the guests at each table :o)

Showing Some Skin - Think Angelina's Oscar gown's thigh-high slit, but on the perfect white sheath dress and you'll see exactly what this next trend is all about! It won't just be leg ladies are showing though - we'll see slits in the back of gowns, too!

Untraditional Necklines - Both Milla and Angelina showcase this next trend perfectly - one-shoulder, asymmetrical, sweetheart and illusion, you're bound to know at least one bride who will don a dress with a unique neckline!

{Image Sources Clockwise starting in the Top Left - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

Sparkle Everywhere - Just like in the gorgeous Milla Jovovich's gown at the Oscars, brides will be adding sparkles, glitz and glam anywhere they can! We'll see shiny gems not only in dresses, but on stationery, in bouquets and edible beauties incorporated into wedding cakes :o)

Bold Bridal Bouquets - I started seeing this next trend last year and I think we'll be seeing a lot more throughout 2012. Brides are focusing on making their bridal bouquets big and beautiful - envision gem-laden flowers, cascading shapes and stems wrapped in more than just your ordinary ribbon!

Skirts with Volume - The bigger the better - voluminous skirts have popped up everywhere on the runway (and in Hollywood - see Kristen Wiig's dress above!). The popular layering and draping trend from the past few years has continued, but it's concentrated on the bottom half of the dresses now :o) This isn't a trend you'll see on bridesmaids, but you're bound to see brides walking down the aisle with it!

Neutrals - You'll see neutrals in almost every aspect of weddings this year - from color palettes (I would die to do a wedding with different shades of ivory, gold and taupe!) to bridal makeup! Lots of burlap coupled with lace and sun-kissed cheeks with nude-glossed lips :o)

Unique Stationery - Can you imagine how excited I am about this trend?!?!?! Every day I see more and more brides falling in love with stationery that is unique, personal and compliments their day - it doesn't necessarily mean all couples will purchase custom stationery, but I see them spending a lot more time choosing their suites to make sure they truly are a sneak peek into what is to come (yay!!!).

What trend are you most excited about?!?!

REMINDER :: Deadline for DIY "I Do!" is Tomorrow!

2012-02-26T21:51:00.000-05:00

{Image by T. Marie Photography}

Baci's Wedding Planning Workshop, DIY "I Do!" is just around the corner! Baci's Lead Designer and Coordinator, Amanda, the University of Akron's Workforce Development and Continuing Education and the Akron Art Musem are offering a one day workshop for newly engaged couples or wedding helpers (mothers, bridesmaids, friends and family!), to learn the ropes of planning a successful wedding!

The workshop is this Saturday, March 3rd from 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM at the Akron Art Museum. Lunch and a cake tasting will be provided for all attendees. Also, we'll have a fabulous tablescape set up and information from some of our preferred vendors to help boost your creative ideas! :)

The deadline to sign up for this seriously awesome class is tomorrow, Monday, February 27th so be sure not to miss this great opportunity!

Here's a small preview of some our topics for the day...

YAY - I’m ENGAGED!!!! OMG, What Do I Do Now?!?!?

Learn the steps to take first and what comes next after saying, “Yes!”.

Does Tangerine go with Mocha?

How to choose a color palette for your big day – the rules and regulations.

Mason Jars and Vintage Cars

The Internet and Bridal Magazines are chocked full of inspiration – learn the best way to utilize them!

You Charge How Much?!?!

Learn what ballpark prices to expect from vendors and why they deserve it.

Do I Get Printing Rights with That?

Get the right questions to ask possible vendors; learn what you can expect from them and what they expect from you!

I’m Freaking Out Here!!!!

Professionals carry their title for a reason – when in doubt, hire one!

If you haven't registered, go to the University's Course Catalog Listing and sign up now!

New shirley | edith Card Release for Saint Patrick's Day!!

2012-02-24T16:26:00.001-05:00

We're super excited to release our newest shirley | edith card today - "Keep Calm and Drink On" is our very first Saint Patrick's Day card and seriously, we LOVE IT!! This comical card, along with all of the cards in the shirley | edith couture kraft occasions line, is made from 100% recycled brown bag paper and comes with a matching 100% recycled brown bag envelope.

Purchase this card at our Etsy Shop today!

baci's headed to the Ritz Carlton this Sunday!!

2012-02-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Image by Brandy J Photography

It's almost here! Don't forget to stop by The Ritz Carlton - Cleveland {1515 West Third Street} this Sunday, February 26th for the JStyle Weddings Bridal Event from 2 -5 p.m. Baci will be displaying not only some of our gorgeous custom stationery, but also beautiful wedding décor! If that's not enough to entice you to come, there will also be complimentary champagne, dessert and valet parking! :)

If you haven't already purchased your discounted ticket, please go here to purchase it today! We hope to see everyone on Sunday! :)

Join us for The Royal Treatment with Something New Entertainment and Friends!

2012-02-23T14:11:00.003-05:00

{Image by Brandy J Photography}

This Tuesday, baci will be a special guest star at the Something New Entertainment Headquarters along with friends PartyPix PhotoBox and Every Blooming Thing!!

RSVP to this event by Monday, February 27th to experience The Royal Treatment (as well as sweet treats from Main Street Cupcakes) at the Bridal Open House Event this Tuesday, February 28th at 7 PM!

Something New Entertainment Headquarters

1340 Home Avenue, Suite E, Akron, Ohio

We're honored to be invited to this great event and hope to see all our engaged friends there! :)

Future Fashion Trends Looking "Bright"

2012-02-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Are you wondering what the newest trends will be this season? Many fashion experts are predicting bright, bold and fabulous colors. Here are a few pictures of the upcoming trends from Marie Claire.

{Source}

What bright color are you most looking forward to wearing this season?

Stay tuned next week for a full look into the wedding and fashion trends you're bound to see in weddings this year!!

Wedding Wednesday | Katie + John's Custom Wedding Invitation Suite

2012-02-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

As you may have noticed, we're making a lot of changes around here (don't you just love it!!!) and in the midst of the clean-up we realized we missed sharing a lot of incredible custom stationery with you all :o( How so many gorgeous things fell through the cracks we'll never know. We apologize and are trying to make it up to you all by showing off all the pretty suites with you all now - better late than never, right?

Today we're flaunting Katie and John's (remember their beautiful wedding and adorable baby girl, Mya?) fun monogram wedding suite with you! We took their KB and JH initials to create the unique monogram block that was continued throughout the suite then used a modern font and layout to accentuate their gorgeous yellow and green color scheme.

I'll never fall out of love with wrap-around labels - they're my favorite and are the perfect compliment to metallic envelopes :o)

Images by Brandy J Photography

baci's baking I Deluxue Stuffed Rice Krispies

2012-02-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

You read the title and are already craving these, right?

Recently, I showed you a website to go to, to make Cake Pops, well this is from the same lady---

lovefromtheoven.com!

In her post she tells you how to make S'more and Caramel Rice Krispies :)

Yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you enjoyed this receipe as much as I did!

Handpicked | Rustic Wedding Items from Etsy

2012-02-20T12:33:00.000-05:00

I love Esty, all of the readers should know this by now :) Etsy is one of my most favorite places to shop and look at beautiful handmade items. I always see amazing items for sale, so I picked out nine wonderful wedding items for any "Rustic" wedding.

1) Rustic Table Numbers - $84 for 12 - Perfect to use for table numbers, as the description says, or use them for decoration, such as: centerpieces or writing the food you will be serving.

2) Guest Book Pen - $27 for a set of 2

3) Bride and Groom Chair Signs - $25 - I love these, if you don't have place cards, at least the 2 most important people in the building do :)

4) Mason Jar Oil Lamps - $56 for 4

5) Ring Bearer Pillow - $58 for 2 - How adorable are these!! Even better, you can pick the flower and ribbon to match your wedding colors.

6) Vintage Wedding Guestbook - $125 - I have never seen anything like this before. One of a kind is a big key to having a perfect wedding.

7) Burlap Bag with Mini Chalkboards - $18.50 for 10

8) 4-Tier Dessert Stand - $125 - Unique and it's re-usable to put in your house after the wedding.

9) Window Chart - $45

What's your favorite? And what would you use for a Rustic wedding?

Sunday Funday, #24

2012-02-19T10:38:00.000-05:00

I stumbled upon this when I was looking for wedding ideas, and I though it would the perfect post with President's Day being tomorrow! Enjoy your day off with your special someone. :)

John F. Kennedy and Jackie

{Source}

Amanda's 29!

2012-02-16T11:13:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday, Honey! I am so proud of you and all that you've accomplished thus far. I can't wait to see what the future holds, though I am more excited about the journey to get there with you!

ILOVEYOU!

baci designs | Megan's 30th Birthday Invitation

2012-02-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

In honor of my birthday today (29, not 30 - let's not rush this, lol!), I wanted to share a beautiful custom birthday design we created for our friend Meg's birthday :o) Meg LOVES Burberry so I used the company's iconic design as inspiration for the invitation to the gorgeous party her husband was hosting. A khaki-color invitation printed in-house then layered with red and black stock and placed inside of a matching black envelope with white handwritten addressing and Katherine Hepburn postage - it couldn't be more classy or elegant!! This is one of my top ten favorite designs ever!!

{Images by Brandy J Photography}

Wedding Wednesday | JStyle Weddings Bridal Event at The Ritz-Carlton Cleveland

2012-02-15T13:07:00.000-05:00

{Image by Brandy J Photography}

We're incredibly excited to announce we will be an exhibitor at the upcoming JStyle Weddings Bridal Event at The Ritz-Carlton Cleveland {1515 West Third Street} on Sunday, February 26th from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM!!

Come visit us and enjoy complimentary champagne, dessert and valet parking - pre-register here to purchase discounted tickets. We hope to see you there - we'll be displaying not only our custom stationery designs, but some seriously gorgeous event décor. . . can't wait :o)

baci's baking | Valentine's Day Dinner

2012-02-14T16:34:00.005-05:00

Valentine's Day Dinner

If you're making the dinner for tonight, I would make something you and your significant other both like so you know you're safe and it's bound to be a wonderful Valentine's Day!! Here's an idea for you ;o)

Creamy Pesto Shrimp

Orange Sauced Broccoli and Peppers

Red Wine

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

I hope everyone has a fabulous Valentine's Day!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Black + Red Valentine's Day Inspiration Board

2012-02-14T13:37:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I've put together an inspiration board for you all to gush over and enjoy with your special someone! :)

{Row 1}: via The Dressy Group, Betsey Johnson, GardenLeafDesign

{Row 2}: via Style Me Pretty, Expensive111

{Row 3}: via Pink Cake Box, CamisPaperie

{Row 4}: via MichSauce, CreativeJewellery, Martha Stewart Weddings

Handpicked | The Perfect Valentine's Day Outfit

2012-02-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

I LOVE clothes just as much as every women does, but getting to dress up for a "special" occasion is fantastic!! When I think of Valentine's Day colors---red, pink, and white come to mind. I am putting together my "PERFECT Valentine's Day Outfit". We normally do nine items for our handpicked posts, however, all I needed was five wonderful items for my perfect outfit :)

1} Pin Me Up Swing Dress from Double Trouble Apparel for $49.95

2} Suedette Peep Toe Heels from Forever 21 for $16.99

3} Heart Pendant Necklace from Etsy for $35.00

4} Black Evening Bag from Etsy for $49.00

5} Black Lace Headband from Etsy for $48.00

And now all you need to do is go out to dinner and show off this fancy outfit.....OR....stay in and let your gorgeous self be strictly for the special man in your life!

Sunday Funday #23

2012-02-12T18:09:00.001-05:00

Valentine's Day is almost here, but you still have time to make these adorable cookies for your love. I bet you could even add personal notes to your Valentine!! ;) Such a cute idea and an excuse to layer on more frosting! <3

{Source}

Happy Birthday, Jami Lee!!

2012-02-10T11:28:00.000-05:00

A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY from all of us here at baci (especially Morris - he's pondering what to get his Aunt Jami for her 25th!) to the best sister, friend, co-worker and blog-i-nista any one could ever ask for :o) We love you - have a great day, Sister!!

My Birthday Wish List

2012-02-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

As every woman approaches the fast growing age (of 25) she begins to ponder what things she could possibly need (besides more shoes). She could ask for something mature (like an alarm clock for her big girl job--but she won't) or maybe even something for her happily married self (like a new blender, but what's the chances of using that).

So as this girl turns 25 today, she will ask for more items she does't necessarily need but TOTALLY wants :)

1) Under Armour Fleece Capri's from Finishline- $34.99 - I have been on a huge kick with checking out Under Armour on Finishline's site and I love everything!!!

2) Nikon Coolpix Camera from Best Buy- $229.99 - I want a good, small camera that I can take to concerts or the bars. I have heard good things about this camera, so hopefully it won't let me down.

3)Apple ipod touch from Best Buy - $189.99 - A new and improved ipod would be lovely, especially for lunch breaks at work, I could listen or play on my ipod.

4) Under Armour Full Zip Jacket from Finishline - $55.99 - I love Under Armour, nothing more to say :)

Remembering Who Your Day is Really About

2012-02-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Image by Brandy J Photography

Being in the wedding industry, I've seen a lot of reasons why couple's choose not to do something, "It's out of our price range" or "That's not my style", but when I hear, "My mom doesn't like it" or "Daddy's footing the bill" as an excuse it always makes me sad. Truly, madly, deeply sad. Your wedding, whether to your high school sweetheart or a person you've known for just three months, whether a man to a woman or a man to another man, should always reflect you and who you are as a couple. End of story. Understandably, the person wielding the check book always gets a say, but I so, so, so wish that person would realize who the wedding day is all about - YOU, the actual person getting married!

Recently, I met with a bride for a design consultation and she proceed to tell me price would ultimately decide what kind of stationery she would get because her father felt price was the only decision-making criteria and he was paying for everything. I was obviously taken aback by this. . .but when she continued to say that a certain shade of blue is and has always been her favorite color and that she was only allowed to incorporate accents of it because her mother hated it, I was crushed. She proceeded to say, "My mother says this is her wedding because her own mother planned hers. . . she says I'll be the same when I have a daughter." I wanted to cry for her (and for her future daughter for that matter).

It's things like this that perpetuate the cycle of weddings not being about the couple, but instead about the parents and it has to stop - let it stop with you. If you want to get married in a wet suite at the local aquarium, but wouldn't think of it because your nanna wants you to have a traditional church wedding - do it anyway! Nanna will be happy when she sees how happy you are :o) Do whatever it is that your heart desires because you only get one chance (and remember it's not ok to hijack your children's weddings just because you didn't get to have your wedding your own way). You have one chance as bride and groom or bride and bride to walk down that aisle knowing every guest left knowing you a little bit more. As kindly as possible, tell the haters that it's not their day, it's yours and enjoy every single minute of your beautiful, unique and oh-so-you event (and then send us pictures!!)!! And if your parents decide to close their check books, then so be it. Take the money you do have and make each and every penny count towards making your wedding day ALL about you ;o)

Wedding Wednesday | Event Design Course with The University of Akron

2012-02-08T13:37:00.000-05:00

Image by Shannon Kelley Photography

Last week I announced the DIY "I Do!" Workshop I'll be teaching at the Akron Art Museum on Saturday, March 3rd (Haven't signed up yet? Go here before the course fills up!) . . . and now I'm announcing another seriously awesome class in collaboration with The University of Akron's Workforce Development and Continuing Education Department - Event Design!!

The Event Design Course is perfect for those of you who already love planning parties and hosting events. We'll focus on what makes a great event and learn how to spice up the details for social affairs like dinner parties, baby showers, weddings, corporate events and more!

The course will be help at the Quirk Cultural Center here in Cuyahoga Falls each Tuesday starting on March 6th until March 27th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. So head on over to the University's Course Catalog Listing and sign up - we'd love to see you there :o)

baci's baking | Bailey's Chocolate Mousse

2012-02-07T11:38:00.002-05:00

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I wanted to give everyone a great recipe to make for a night of cuddling with your sweetie. :)

{Source | Food.com}

Bailey's Chocolate Mousse
Recipe via Food.com

(Printer Friendly Link)

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients:
16 ounces semisweet chocolate
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup Bailey's Irish Cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons of brewed espresso or coffee

Sugar Syrup:
2 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons water
1/2 cup egg white (about 4 eggs)
1 quart heavy cream
3/4 cup sugar

Directions:
1. Melt chocolate, Irish cream, and espresso over low heat.
2. In a separate pan, simmer sugar until temperature on a candy thermometer reaches 224 - 230 degrees F. (Remove from heat at 224 degrees F.; mixture will begin to caramelize at 232 degrees F.
3. Whip egg whites until still and glossy. Add sugar syrup to whites and continue to whip about 8 minutes until eggs have increased in volume and mixture has cooled; fold into chocolate mixture.
4. Whip heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form. Mix with chocolate mixture/eggs/sugar syrup mixture.
5. Pour mousse into molds or serving dish. Allow to set in fridge. Garnish with chocolate shavings or fresh seasonal berries.

Handpicked | Valentine's Day Ladies Gift Guide

2012-02-06T17:41:00.001-05:00

Can you believe Valentine's Day is right around the corner? As a personal Valentine's Day lover, I wanted to share a website that I always use for both gifts I want, and ones to give others. It's gifts.com and a great idea starter!

Here's some of my favorite Valentine's Day gifts...

1) Heart in Sand Framed Print from PersonalCreations.com - $34.99 - This is so cute and a fun way to remember a great vacation or event.

2) Valentine Ad Mug from PersonalCreations.com - $12.99 - This is a personalized mug that will go great with your favorite hot chocolate or coffee with your sweetie. :)

3) Teleflora's XOXO Bouquet with Red Roses from Teleflora - $59.46 - Who wouldn't love a beautiful bouquet of red roses to show off to their co-workers? :)

4) 15 pc. Valentine's Day Heart Gift Box from Godiva - $25.00 - Godiva says it all. He can't mess up with chocolate.

5) Charm Bracelet from Victoria's Secret - $44.50 - Jewelry is always another easy gift for him to get that we all know we'll love and wear everyday.

6) Pretty in Pink Chocolate Dipped Strawberries from 1800baskets.com - $44.99 - Chocolate covered strawberries are a personal favorite delicacy of mine, and pink happens to be my favorite color. Perfect.

7) A Taste Adventure...Napa Valley Trailblazers from Tasting Room - $34.99 - For all the wine lovers out there, here's a great gift that let's you sample 6 different wines of your choice from Napa Valley, CA.

8) Candlelight Bubble Bath Spa Gift Basket from GourmetGiftBaskets.com - $69.99 - He can't go wrong with anything related to a spa. It's just what any girl needs to relax with her love. :)

9) Sterling Silver Two-Tone Couples Name and Birthstone Necklace from Limoges' Jewelry - $59.99 - A very cute, simple necklace for everyday life or a special occasion.