BLOG CATEGORIES - Zenadia Design

Sep14

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Tapestry Garden Wedding Shoot

Posted in: BLOG CATEGORIES, photoshoots, Santa Barbara Talent

Last week I shared the invitation for this shoot with you, now onto the shoot itself! A fun little side note. The dogs in the first image are Orbo and Cooper. They belong to Zohe from Felici Events and Michael from Louloudi Design and just happen to be at the shoot. Joking around, Zohe suggested we pose them in the shoot. They were so good, and the pictures turned out adorable! Good call on Zohe’s part!

A little bit about the shoot from yours truly…

Some time last year I was reading through my Architectural Digest and came across a room, and I thought, ‘Wow, this would make an absolutely stunning wedding.’ Taking inspiration from the patterns in the tapestries of the pillows, I envisioned an event with whites, creams and pops of color from the tapestry patterns. I loved the idea of bringing tapestry fabric into the paper products and overall decor. When I met with Zohe Felici from Felici Events about my idea she was totally on board, and even saw the image in a new light that I hadn’t noticed. She said the tables and walls in the room looked a little bit Greek, which I totally agreed! Zohe scouted a couple locations and we ended up at the magnificent Moody Estate in Santa Barbara, which was an absolutely perfect location for our vision! Zohe brought on board the amazing Michael Mantalos from Louloudi Design to do the florals and help with the overall decor. Capturing the shoot perfectly was the talented and super sweet Allyson Magda.

Our models were actually an engaged couple, Scott Topper and Angelina Rodriguez who are also, coincidentally, wedding professionals as well. This was a fun little pre-wedding shoot for them. The hair and make-up was done by Tomiko Taft, who is so amazing at what she does.

We had such an amazing group of vendors pull this shoot together. Everyone added their own signature style to the shoot which I loved. It just goes to show that you can find inspiration anywhere you look! Sometimes I even get ideas for color palettes just looking at nature; the sky, a humming bird or the different hues of blue in the ocean. Inspiration is all around us!

The Dream Team:

Photography: Allyson Magda
Coordination: Felici Events
Floral Design: Louloudi Design
Invitations and Paper: Zenadia Design
Models: So Cal DJ Scott Topper and Angelina Rodriguez
Hair and Make-up: Tomiko Taft
Location: Moody Estate in Santa Barbara, California

Many thanks to Christy from Junebug Weddings for publishing this shoot! Check out the post here.
Sep7

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Tapestry, Silk and Lace Invitation

Posted in: BLOG CATEGORIES, inspiration, invitations

This invitation is near and dear to me, as it’s a set I created for a recent photo shoot that has been buzzing around in my head since last year! I’ll be sharing my inspiration and the invitation this week, and check back next week for the photo shoot. It’s definitely not one to miss!

Inspiration for this shoot came as I was looking though my Architectural Digest Magazine one afternoon. I came across this room…

and thought, wow, wouldn’t that make a simply gorgeous wedding? After about a year of trying to find the right people to pull the shoot off, it finally happened with a dream team I will share with you next week. Onto the invitation…

The invitation package was made entirely by hand out of dupioni silk, adorned with lace pockets on either side. A vintage clasp held the invitation closed.

The save the date was crafted from some of the tapestry we used in the shoot. It as tied closed with a cord and tassels. Basically with this suite, I wanted a very formal, elegant feel, while still remaining not too stuffy.

Again, as I was sourcing lace for this project I fell absolutely in love with what I found. This lace has so much texture and detail, it was just what I was looking for!

Additional items I made for the shoot were menus with different tapestry fabrics on each one. I also made favor boxes which served as place cards. The other place cards were tented dupioni silk place card holders, complete with lace pockets to match the invitation. A fun and formal take on the traditional place card.

Everything for this shoot was so much fun to work on. I especially liked making the silk favor boxes.

Be back next week with the final shoot images!

Invitation and set design by Zenadia Design.
Aug31

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Leather and Lace Wedding Invitation

Posted in: BLOG CATEGORIES, Blue, Brown, COLOR PALETTE, inspiration, invitations, White

This invitation was from a photo shoot I did a while back that is pending publication, but I simply couldn’t wait to share the invitation with you. Without sharing too much about the shoot, the only thing I will say is it took place at the Santa Barbara Polo Fields, and was an amazing shoot with so many fun details I hope to be able to share soon. Onto the invitation!

This invitation was inspired by leather, lace, and calligraphy, with a hint of vintage style. The color palette was brown and white with hints of blue.

The outer part of the invitation is made entirely from leather. A leather cord with vintage button keeps the invitations closed.

The lace aspect was brought in on the inside of the invitation by using a lace pocket and lace framing around the invitation. I was so completely smitten with this lace when I sourced it. One of my favorite things to do is go lace hunting. I always find so many beautiful treasures!

I loved all the texture that this invitation had. From the leather, to the lace, to the texture of the paper and the leather cord; texture makes an invitation interesting to look at and touch.

Besides the invitation, I also did menus and place cards for the shoot. I kept the leather out of these goods, and just used it in the invitation since making the first impression is the most important. I did bring the lace into the menu and place card though, to keep with the theme and add visual and, again, tangible interest.

Invitation design by Zenadia Design.

Board Credits – Top Row: Jose Villa, From Me To You, Jeffrey and Julia Woods Photographers, Bottom Row: Aaron Delesie, Martha Stewart, The Rugs
Jul20

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Classic Real Wedding and Invitation

Posted in: BLOG CATEGORIES, invitation clients, Programs, real weddings, wedding locations

I’m so excited to share this beautiful real wedding with you from my client’s Meredith and Brian who were married on July 9th! Meredith loved an invitation she had seen on my website and wanted to customize it a little bit for her own wedding. She loved the architecture of the church and wanted to incorporate that onto the invitation somehow. I’m always fascinated by the beautiful circular windows that a lot of churches have. They are all so different, yet with the same elements. I love that about them. I thought it would be fun to incorporate the window from the church they were to be married in, onto their reply card and belly band.

For their programs, in keeping along the lines with the architecture of the church, we did a fun die cut shape so the program was actually a church window. Their programs were another one of my favorites. Loved the end result!

Onto the wedding! Photographed by Lauren Ashley with Fairy Tale Photography.

First of all, aren’t Meredith’s shoes so amazingly cute?! And that ring shot is to die for. Love!

Love love love this shot!

This set of images is so incredibly sweet.

Meredith and Brian’s ceremony venue was the absolutely beautiful St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Dallas Texas. In the image below you can see the window that I incorporated onto the stationery.

The reception was held at Arlington Hall at Lee Park. The chandeliers in this venue are absolutely stunning, as you’ll see in some of the shots coming up.

Always love seeing people out on the dance floor having fun.

Thank you so much Meredith and Brian for allowing me to share your day! A huge congratulations to you both. Also thank you to Lauren Ashley with Fairy Tale Photography for capturing such beautiful and memorable images!

Invitation and program by Zenadia Design.
Jul13

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Blue Mosaic Wedding Invitation

Posted in: BLOG CATEGORIES, Blue, COLOR PALETTE, inspiration, invitation clients, invitations

A mosaic pattern that Brittany and Javier had seen on a recent trip to Mexico became the inspiration for their invitation suite. Brittany expressed that she wanted an invitation that would get her guests excited, and convey the feeling of Mexico, without being beachy. I loved working with Brittany’s color palette of different shades of blue combined with a crisp clean white.

In keeping with the spirit of Mexico, I combined the beautiful mosaic that originally inspired us, with patterns inspired by Mexican tile and artwork. I loved the end result of mixing patterns and colors. Instead of doing a full pocket folder Brittany liked the idea of the pocket on the back of the invitation for all her insert cards.

Tip: Combining different shades of one color can make for a beautiful and clean color palette. Shades of blue with white create a clean look, shades of pink with gold can make for an elegant and feminine affair. Pick a color and start combining shades!

Brittany’s invitation was thermography printed on cotton paper. I love the look and feel of thermography. That little bit of texture from the printing keeps things interesting. I always feel it’s important for your guests to be able to feel something, other than paper, so textures play a big part in all the design work I do.

What is thermography? Thermography is a raised ink, much like engraving but not nearly as pricey.

In addition to the invitation suite, Brittany and Javier worked with me to design their programs, menus, welcome bag itinerary, table numbers and thank you cards.

Their thank you cards were thermography printed, and everything else was flat printed. Brittany’s program was one of the funnest programs I have worked on thus far. It was a square, that folded out into panels that had all the program information on them.

Brittany and Javier were so much fun to work with and get to know. Both they and I were so happy with how everything turned out. Huge congratulations to both of them on their marriage!

Invitation Design: Zenadia Design

Board Credits – Top Row: Aaron Delesie, Leo Patrone, Snippet and Ink, Bottom Row: Martha Stewart, Unknown This is Glamorous
Jul7

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Gold Foil and Lace Wedding Invitation

Posted in: BLOG CATEGORIES, Blue, COLOR PALETTE, Gold, inspiration, invitation clients, invitations, Peach, zenadia design news

When I met with Danielle and Erik last year to chat with them about their upcoming wedding, I was so excited to start working on their wedding day papers. Danielle loved lace, and wanted to incorporate that into her invitations. The colors they chose for their wedding were a soft and romantic palette of ice blue, peach, champagne, butter yellow and gold. Such an amazing palette!

We got right to work on their save the date; a fun little book, with a picture of them on the inside which tied closed with an ice blue satin ribbon and was mailed in a matching ice blue envelope.

Tip: It’s always fun to use colored envelopes on your save the dates and invitation. That way when your guests open their mailbox it’s a pop of unexpected color in a sea of white envelopes.

For Danielle and Erik’s invitation we used ice blue paper with gold foil stamping. The script for their invitation was done in calligraphy for that soft romantic look. Tied with a peach satin bow, the invitation was also backed and framed in ivory lace.

The reply card, as well as the brunch invitation and map and direction cards were printed on champagne colored paper.

I loved the end result of the gold foil on the blue paper.

Danielle wanted to be sure that her invitations didn’t look like baby shower invitations, since her color scheme, if done wrong, could potentially look like a baby shower. We totally pulled it off and Danielle was incredibly happy with the end result.

In addition to the save the date and invitations, I also did programs, menus, table numbers, escort cards and favor box stickers for Danielle and Erik.

I was so thrilled to be able to work with Danielle and Erik. They’re a wonderful couple with great style! Their wedding is pending publication, but I can’t wait to share it with you soon!

Invitation Design: Zenadia Design

Calligraphy: Leslee Sipress

Color palette images: Top Row – STAK Photographer Duo, Annie McElwain Photography, Mike Larson Bottom Row – Scott Andrew Studio, Jose Villa, Unknown
Jul5

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Engage! 11: Day Three {The Gala}

Posted in: BLOG CATEGORIES, Engage! Confrence, floral design, inspiration, travel, zenadia design news

Whew, onto day three of Engage! We started the morning off with another fabulous breakfast, and went right into the media panel, which was really great. Michelle Rago hosted it, and the speakers were Marilyn Oliveira from Inside Weddings Magazine, Christy Weber of Junebug Weddings, Jill Meister from Meister Innovative Consulting, Angela Desveaux from the magazine WedLuxe, Abby Larson of Style Me Pretty and Susan Moynihan from Destination Weddings and Honeymoons Magazine. They shared really great tips on getting published and held a q/a session, which was really interesting.

After the media panel we went right into our breakout sessions. My first one was with Diann Valentine…

second one was with Ellen Black of Lehr and Black. Loved that session, of course.

Last one was with Jasmine Star, Harmony Walton and Lara Casey. I really enjoyed their session and Jasmine is so super fun to listen to. Really inspiring.

After the sessions we were free for lunch and the remainder of the afternoon, to get ready for the Gala that night. The gala, was put on by the fabulous Mindy Weiss. Mark’s Garden did all the beautiful flowers and Lehr and Black did the paper products, which were again, fabulous. Before the doors were opened to the gala, we were treated to a cocktail hour, with some really cool furniture. The extra long couch (20 feet I think?) was my favorite.

Once they opened the doors to the gala, it was amazing. We were greeted by amazing amounts of red flowers and lighting, and a full 20 piece band was pretty much right in the middle of a song when the doors opened, as if they had been playing for a while. Needless to say, it was a killer entrance. You can get somewhat of the idea from the picture below…

The tables alternated between fully mirrored, and mirrored tops with fabric draping. The chairs were all silver, and super comfy, unlike the beautiful but totally uncomfortable chiavari chairs.

The band was so amazing, and played throughout the entire dinner. It was really cool, because they would play music you could dance to in between each course of dinner, then while we were eating they would play cocktail type music. Also what was cool, was as each course was served the lighting would change. I really liked that effect.

I loved, loved the fringe that hung above the band. That had to have been of my favorite details. After dinner, and a heck of a lot of dancing, the after party was opened. Another amazing room filled with incredibly posh details and a DJ who could really rock (DJ Nahchey of Dash Entertainment)

It was such a pleasure to finally get to meet Eliana of Elly B Events. We had been e-mail pals for some time so it was so fun to finally get to meet in person!

Last but not least, the video from Engage! 11 Day Two and Three: Engage 11: Grand Del Mar // Wrap Film from Cloud Nine Creative.

All in all, Engage! 11 was an amazing experience. Huge thank you to Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce, as well as the team at The Gran Del Mar, for putting on such a wonderful and inspiring event. I definitely hope to attend Engage again in the future!

All photos by Mel & Co.
Jun27

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Engage! 11: Day Two

Posted in: BLOG CATEGORIES, Engage! Confrence, inspiration, travel, zenadia design news

After a fabulous Day 1 at Engage, I was so excited for day two! We started off with breakfast, which was amazing. Pictures below by yours truly.

After breakfast we went right into our sessions for the day…

Picture at top, me. Next two right and left, Jessica Claire. Last two by Mel and Co.

Once we got to our seats we found awesome notebooks and Engage! 11 pens. We used our place card we picked up before breakfast to mark our spot. The first order of business was to pick who we got to have our dine around with. Silver trays with red envelopes were passed around and we were to randomly select an envelope. I got Christy from Junebug Weddings! After that, we heard from Rebecca Grinnals, who is one of the directors of the Engage confrence. Next up was the incredible Todd Fiscus. I took so much out of his talk. Loved him. After him, we took a short break with an amazing spread of snacks (see below). Then we came back in and heard from the wildly entertaining Cindy Novotny. She was so much fun to listen to and so inspiring!

Top two pictures, Jessica Claire. Bottom four by Mel and Co..

After we heard from Cindy, it was time for lunch on the lawn with Sylvia Weinstock. We dined under an amazing Raj Tent, and the menus were by the beyond words inspiring Lehr and Black. All photos by Mel and Co.

Lunch was wonderful, and was followed by equally amazing speakers and another break, with a totally different look. Our first speaker after lunch was the one and only Marcy Blum. Her talk was fun to listen to. She talked a little about some clients requests, and looking for ideas outside the box. I really enjoyed it. After Marcy, was Carley Roney, who is co founder and Editor in Chief of The Knot. Next up was the always fabulous Mindy Weiss. I loved her, and she is such a down to earth person! Finishing the day off was Millie Martini Bratten, interviewing the legendary Monique Lhuillier. All pictures by Mel and Co. and yes, that’s me sitting listening intently.

Once we had our minds all completely infused with wonderful ideas, and couldn’t bear another piece of great info from information overload, it was time to go get ready for the dine arounds. We all met back at the hotel for a dessert after party at Club M, which was located on the hotel property. Whew. And that was day two, which was incredibly long but amazingly incredible!
Jun23

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Engage! 11: Day One, part II

Posted in: BLOG CATEGORIES, Engage! Confrence, floral design, inspiration, travel, zenadia design news

Onto part II from Engage! 11. Still in day 1, after the opening sessions was the fabulous Welcome Party.

Photo by Mel and Co.

The party was held outside on the lawn, and they had two different bands. Both of them were amazing, but I did have a favorite. More on that in a minute. The stunning decor was by Eddie of Tic-Tock Couture Floral. When I met Eddie earlier in the day, he said what he was doing for the decor was going to be different, so I was excited to see what he put together. I’ve always been a huge fan of his work, and the welcome party definitely didn’t disappoint!

Pictures by Jessica Claire.

I loved Eddie’s use of wicker and completely rustic elements infused with modern elements like orchids and succulents. Pictures below by me. =)

Besides awesome decor, there was so much food! Lining the entire perimeter of the party was food.Two food trucks, cotton candy, kettle corn, donuts, won-ton type things and the list goes on and on.

Photo by Mel and Co.

It was so great to schmooze with everyone in attendance and really get to know people the first day there.

Clockwise from top left are Beth Helmstetter and Marilyn Oliveira editor of Inside Weddings, Margot Hallac of Atelier Isabey and me, Lara Casey and David Beahm, and Candice Coppola of Jubilee Event having fun in the photo booth. All photos by Mel and Co.

Now, onto the bands of the evening. Like I said, both were great but one in particular blew my mind. They are called MASS Ensemble out of Los Angeles, and they were amazing. They played so many different instruments, but my favorite was the Earth Harp. I had never seen anything like it in my life…

Pictures by Jessica Claire.

The strings were 170 feet long, and went from the instrument to the hotel building. The sound it made was so incredible too. I love this picture of Michelle Rago by Mel and Co. Shows how amazing the strings were.

Some other fun pictures from the evening, all by Jessica Claire. The first one is part of the MASS Ensemble band, second one is the amazing Sylvia Weinstock leaning about the Earth harp and the third one is the other band rocking the night away.

Last but certainly not least, is the recap video of day one from Cloud Nine Creative: Engage Recap: Day 1
Jun22

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Engage! 11: Day One, part I

Posted in: BLOG CATEGORIES, Engage! Confrence, inspiration, news worthy, travel, zenadia design news

Ah, Engage! 11. Such an amazing experience I don’t know where to start, so lets just start with day 1. My traveling companion and room mate, Ariel Yve and I arrived at The Grand Del Mar around lunch time, checked into registration where we got our amazing swag bags, then headed off to lunch. Registration had the most amazing floral dress, designed by Aileen of Karen Tran Florals.

These two pictures were taken by yours truly. The one of the dress up close has my swag bag, as well as the folder we got with our attendee book and some other goodies.

Photos by Jessica Claire.

The picture above is by Mel and Co. It’s me with Leila Khalil, Angel of Events of Love and Splendor and Constance Curtis. Fun catching up with these girls at registration! After we got all checked in, we wandered around The Grand Del Mar and I, of course, had to take pictures of the amazing surroundings of the hotel, as well as our ultra luxurious room!

A little sneak peak of our room, and my not so professional panorama of the view. Pictures by, again, yours truly.

More of the fabulous Grand Del Mar. Pictures by yours truly.

Photos by Jessica Claire.

After we had lunch and wandered around a little bit, it was time for the opening sessions with Simon T. Bailey and David Beahm. Both speakers were amazing, but David really hit home. He was down to earth and hilarious. His speech made a huge impact on me, and I think probably everyone in the room. At the end of his speech the word “Breath” came on the screen, and classical music started playing. David then talked us through a meditation and read inspiring quotes as we sat there and calmly listened. So effective!

Photos by Jessica Claire.

Our session was in the chapel of the Grand Del Mar and as you can see, it’s incredibly stunning! Since this post is turning into one lengthy novel, stay tuned for Day 1, part II coming up soon!