Chicago Love Story

How fabulous is this invitation suite?

Oh so fabulous.  I adore the color palette, the reply postcard and the fun faves to see while in chicago..yes, deep dish pizza is a MUST.  However, the marquee with their names and date is my FAVE - so creative and fun!  This is definitely a wedding I would love to attend.  And I would love to see their names in lights, wouldn't you?

~ Ciao

...images and design by swiss cottage design

~ who says ~

...you can't have handkermap invitations?

Oh my goodness, aren't these the cutest things ever?  Seriously, I am over the moon about them!  And to top it all off...why yes, then can be used as pocket squares on the big day...

...or for guests to dry their tears of joy.  The perfect souvenir for guests I think!  And I just have to give you the definition of souvenir because it is so fitting:

sou·ve·nir 

1.  a usually small and relatively inexpensive article given, kept, or purchased as a reminder of a place visited, an occasion, etc.; memento.
2.  a memory.

Makes it all the more fabulous doesn't it?  Would make wonderful Save-the-Dates too.  Love, love, love!

~ Ciao

...images via kelli anderson

~ wedding day survival guide & scout badges ~

I am over the moon about this invitation system!  Have a look-see at the tag detail...

Invitation bundle and envelope...

Invite, map and RSVP card...

Invitation detail...

Intro page and I.D. cards...

Stamp detail...

Spread detail...

Map...

Map detail...

I.D. cards...

L-O-V-E the Official Guide to Tying the Knot, the map with events in their relationship and the scout badges! Such creative fun don't you think?

~ Ciao

...via urban influence

~ on the table: camera + cactus ~

= one a.maz.ing centerpiece idea!

Just add a map and some euro's and you have a very creative centerpiece.  Seriously, how fun is this?  I can totally see a whole table done with touches of map, cactus and euro's.  And the great thing here - if you don't love cactus just use a plant or flower that you love.  Oh, I love, love, love it!

~ Ciao

...image via living etc.

~ gifts: winetotes + maptotes ~

So in my earlier post I talked about mapnotes.  Now I have to tell you about winetotes...

How cute are these environmentally friendly and made in the U.S.A totes?  I love that you can choose from locations such as Napa Valley and Tuscany...add a wine from that region and it is the perfect gift for just about anyone, over age that is!

And lets not forget about maptotes...

Which is where it all started.  They come in seven different shapes, and have 38 different locales to choose from.  And how cute is it that the maps have neighborhoods, icons and landmarks on them - so perfect for out-of-town guests!  Really, who couldn't use a cute tote?  Also, you could buy the beach tote ($35), throw in a towel and sunscreen and you have a great gift for the bride for her honeymoon.  With prices ranging from $12 to $35 you really can't go wrong!  All available at Maptote.

~ Ciao

~ tuesday thought: mapnotes ~

How cute and fun are these mapnotes?

The great thing about these mapnotes:  they are blank on the back, and the envelopes are made from 100% recycled paper.  There are so many ways in which you can use - as seating assignments and table assignments, to write personal notes to your bridesmaids, to attach to gifts and/or favors, with program information on the back, with itinerary information for welcome baskets, or with local attractions with the spots marked on the map, etc. 

But your "Tuesday Thought" is...why not use them as your save the dates?  So perfect, especially if your having a destination wedding! Even if you aren't having a destination wedding, I still think they are a cute and fun idea to let your guests know to mark their calenders.  And while they might not have your city to choose from...you could easily make your own.    Buy some tags and envelopes, draw a map on one side and your save the date information on the other, take to the printer and viola!  Custom made save the dates!  (Or you could have stamps made and stamp each one, or draw up on your computer and print on your own printer.)  So what do you think? 

P.S. - You could also use these for your invitations!

***UPDATE - I just saw the new Bride magazine and they had this same idea!  I knew I was on to something...and I SWEAR it was my own idea.  I actually called Mr. Big on the spot to tell him about it.  I saw the winetotes in Lonny's online magazine and when I checked out their website I saw the mapnotes and just thought they were adorable...and as my brain usually does I thought how can these be used...and this is what I came up with. 

Just an FYI - I try never to steal someone elses ideas - if I see it somewhere I usually state where and give credit where credit is do.  However, with so many blogs and glossies these days, I am sure that even though I think my idea is original it could have been done before.

~ Ciao

...images via maptote