ALL THINGS BABY… We'll it's no secret I've been in baby mode lately and when my new Serena and Lily catalog (serenaandlily.com) arrived, I couldn't wait to sit down and peruse the pages. Not only do I appreciate how beautiful the catalog itself is, the bedding collections are pure perfection. Although I love my Avery's nursery, my heart skipped a beat when I saw the Mexican art inspired Marlo bedding. I'm obsessed! Oh, if only it had arrived about 9 months earlier! 

And if all that gorgeous bedding isn't enough, they've added a new section to their site called Bazaar… an eclectic mix of art, toys and furnishings. I'm loving this pillow. How great would this be on an invitation!!!!

LABOR OF LOVE… I've spent my weekend cutting, pasting, lining, sticking and sealing. Finally, Avery's birth announcements are done. Whew! Since they are a bit late, I decided to take advantage of the time of year and combine them with a "good egg" Easter theme. I found a great bunny paper at Paper Source and it completely tied the whole project together. I especially love how beautiful the blind letterpressing of the egg pattern is… and I have to say a very special thanks to Debi at Blooming Quill for the beautiful calligraphy.  I do believe they turned out just about as as sweet as she is! 

CURIOSITIES OF THE BIRD… I received this gorgeous calendar from a calligrapher I met at the National Stationary Show in NY last year. The pages are filled with a beautiful mix of illustrations, pattern and hand lettering.  Thank you so much to Margo Dittmer for sending this work of art. Visit her website to find out more… www.margodittmer.com

"Birds sing after a storm. Why shouldn't we?" Rose F. Kennedy

I LOVE TO SEE our collection pieces printed in different color combinations. Champagne is a huge color trend this season and it adds elegance and romance to any invitation set.

CHECK OUT Tara's expert advice in this month's issue of Martha Stewart Weddings! 

GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT TLO… First, I'm excited to be back and can't wait to start on new designs for our brides. It was an amazing 8 weeks of maternity leave and I enjoyed every moment with my sweet Avery. I have to admit, I've been very slack on the design front, so announcements were just completed this week. I'll post a pic as soon as they roll of the press!

I was so excited to receive my Spring/Summer 2010 issue of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style. It was a thrill to have our custom "Lawton" invitation included! 

Tara's new book WEDDINGS BY TARA GUÉRARD officially debuted in bookstores nationwide and she has been busy with book signings and speaking engagements. Here she is in action along with a few spreads from my favorite chapter…

Tara's also launched a gorgeous new website definitely worth checking out! {taraguerardsoiree.com}

Our friend Karly was gracious enough to take over the design responsibilities and hold down the fort for the past few months. I absolutely love the feel of this "down home" save the date she created. 

AND Martha has been busy at work filling collection orders for our retailers. I am loving the coral and pewter color scheme shown here on our Simmons Collection. So fresh and modern! 

The New Book…

This will be my final post for the next 8 weeks as I prepare to take some time off and welcome a new baby into the world. While I'm away exciting things are happening for our sister company, Soiree. Weddings by Tara Guérard will be released and in bookstores nationwide this January. The book was a true labor of love for everyone involved and we are thrilled to finally be able to share it with you. It features sixteen weddings and events all photographed by the amazing Liz Banfield. Pick up your copy as soon as it's available and be prepared to drool over all Tara's creative ideas. Thanks to everyone who keeps up with our blog and we will see you in February!

Good Cheer…

Custom Holiday card letterpressed in cherry and sand with metallic gold edge painting… so much fun!

Rutledge Holiday…

Inspired by our wedding collection, The Rutledge, this card uses a non-traditional color palette for an unexpected twist. Thanks to Letterheads in Miami, Flordia for bringing us this job.

Holiday Elegance…

When one of our favorite magazines, Weddings Unveiled asked us to design their holiday cards, we jumped at the chance. We used the design from our Lamboll reception card and letterpressed it in gold and ice blue. We've also used this same design for a baby shower invitation with equally great results. Check out our website to see all the pieces in our Lamboll Wedding Collection.