We are having an absolute blast working with so many amazing couples and clients in 2013! The ideas, styles, color palettes, and stories that our couples have are exciting, fun, and unique. As we head into the latter half of 2013, Francesca and I began to put our heads together to see where we could take Little Woman Design next. And just as our ideas began to take shape, Teresa (Teddy!) Nguyen walked into our studio with her fantastic portfolio. After a few minutes together, we knew that Teddy was a perfect fit for Little Woman Design's style and sensibility! 

We thought that the best way to introduce Teddy to our readers and couples was through this blog. We threw some questions her way so that you may get to know her (and, she shared some photos of her work with us as well). Read on, and be sure to leave Teddy some love at the end of the blog!

Hi Teddy! Glad to have you aboard. Could you let our readers know why you decided on a career as a graphic designer?

I always had this feeling that I was meant to do something great with my artistic abilities that went beyond crafting or painting. My first signs of interest happened when I was a little girl having drawing battles against my siblings. Through these battles, I enjoyed thinking of ways to make and combine imagery in order to represent something in its simplest form. I also learned that I was pretty good at it. 

When we got our first computer, I would open the draw program flood the screen with color, make simple images, draw words and print them out. I loved this so much, but didn't realize it could be a career choice until I was a junior in high school. When I learned that what I had been doing was graphic design related and that it could be a profession, my path was set.  

What is it about the wedding and event industry that interests you?

It's a similar story to Little Woman Design. My husband and I decided to create a wedding suite of our own which included a custom logo, invites, info sheets, RSVPs, save the dates, guest book, table numbers, seating chart, cake topper and handmade flowers. The entire process was fulfilling and the best part was seeing everything come together in the end. It was such an amazing feeling to pause and look around at all the hard work we slaved over and not have a worry in the world on our special day. That is a feeling that I would love to share with so many others.

What is a project that you've worked on recently that was a lot of fun for you?

There are several recent projects that I had a lot of fun with. The wedding suite was great because we had the chance to work with a lot of friends and family to make everything special. The WTF (words to family and friends) holiday book was also a blast because it was spur of the moment. We went out to k-mart and grabbed up some matching lady vests and turtles necks then hooked up with a family photographer. Since photography is something we usually don't get a chance to work with, it was a lot of fun. Since the photos were so expressive designing in and around them was easy and such a joy.

What advice do you have for newly engaged couples?

Regarding wedding planning; Set achievable goals and be organized. If you have everything clearly outlined you won't be stressed out about the big day. Also, everything has a way of working out.

Finally, what are some of your interests and hobbies?

Interests: design, art, science, space, history, music, movies, travel.

Hobbies: drawing/illustrating, listening to music, reading, gardening, cooking, baking, house renovating and learning new things.

Thanks, Teddy! We're happy to have you on our team :)

To read more about Teddy, and find links to more of her work, please visit our About Us page. Teddy's custom designed prints are available at her Etsy shop. And, you can follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr @teddyscreative.

Little Woman Design is in love with calligraphy! We thought we should state that right from the start. As we've said before, your invitation sets the stage for your wedding and/or special event. It introduces your color palette, style, theme, and personality as a couple to your guests. And the first impact that your invitation will make upon your invited guests is with your envelope — specifically, how it is addressed. 

Everyone's priorities with their stationery is going to be different, but we would be so bold to suggest that if our couples have a restricted budget and are deciding between a fancy envelope liner or calligraphy that our couples go with calligraphy. The well-worn comments that the envelope will be ripped open and discarded are significantly lessened when your envelope is presented to your guests as a work of art.

Little Woman Design has worked with Lynda Asprinio from Write Away for You Calligraphy since opening our doors in 2011. We have used Lynda's invaluable talents for both our own personal projects as well as our couples. Lynda has been practicing the art of calligraphy for over 25 years, and has made Write Away for You Calligraphy her full-time business since 2006. We recently sat down with Lynda for a Q & A to help shed some light on this important part of your wedding invitation.

Hi Linda! Could you tell our readers who may be interested how they can learn more about the art of calligraphy? 

• Calligraphy is all about practice so you will need to own some pens and inks.  I started teaching myself with books and videos then took a class at a community college.  I’ve since taken a few classes throughout the years as I found lessons from instructors are inspiring, there is always something new to learn.  Look for a local calligraphy guild and they will be able to guide you to classes to begin.

What are some common event stationery items that calligraphy can be used for?

• Envelopes (for save-the-dates, showers, invitations and thank yous), place cards,  table cards, table numbers, table names, menus, tags for favors and gift bags, and signs. Small signs throughout the event direct the guests and add a nice detail.  I have made signs for guest books, signature drinks, candy buffets, donation signs and more. 

What kind of inks do you use and are custom colors are available?

• I mostly use acrylic inks and gouaches as these are waterproof and adhere to most surfaces. Color mixing to create custom colors involves sunlight, color charts and time.  Sometimes it takes just a couple different colors to achieve the desired shade, other times it takes a few.

How many styles can a couple choose from?

• I offer 20 different writing styles.  To learn a new style I need to obtain the full alphabet and practice, practice, practice.  A lot of time I’m asked to mimic the font used on the invitation, I can usually come close, but out of respect to the art of calligraphy I have to say – no writing style can be mastered over night.  An eye for detail and ability to execute accuracy is also needed. I have also created my own writing style that I call “Cadence”

Why should our couples consider calligraphy for their invitations? 

• A calligrapher can relieve you of a time consuming responsibility.  A nice gift you can give yourself at this busy time.
• Envelope calligraphy enhances and completes the invitation suite ~ beautiful inside AND out, becoming an everlasting memoir of your day.  A place for guests to forever keep your invitation (no more throwing away of envelopes, better for the landfills!)
• Each address is different making each envelope a unique, original piece of art, a gift for your guest.  
• When a calligraphed envelope arrives at your guest’s home it’s the first introduction to your event that they will see.  Hand calligraphy prompts the ‘wow’ factor.  It will engage immediate attention and evoke anticipation.
• Your choice of writing style and color will reflect your personality, setting the tone to be elegant, sophisticated or just plain fun!
• Calligraphy is a formal detail that creates a nice presentation and a lasting impression of your event from beginning to end.
• So my question is, why wouldn’t use calligraphy?  Hiring a calligrapher will be one of the lower expenses on your list of vendors.  Why not treat  your envelopes with the same care as the rest of the planning?  If all the above reasons aren’t enough, the positive feedback you get will assure you that you made a good choice!

What new services are you providing?

• Hand calligraphy costs more than computerized because it is an art form that takes time.  Receiving  beautiful hand lettering on an envelope in the mail really makes a difference.  Because I want everyone to be able to have the option of hand calligraphy, I now offer monoline calligraphy.  All my scripts can be done in this way.  Monoline uses a gel pen as opposed to a dip pen therefore I’m able to write faster, cutting down the turnaround time, therefore the cost is less.

Thanks, Lynda for taking the time to answer all of our questions!

If you are interested in seeing more of Lynda's work, please be sure to visit her website at writeawayforyou.com. You may also contact her with any questions you may have about her services at writeawayforyou@aol.com. And, if you are interested in setting up a free consultation with Little Woman Design for your invitation needs as well as to see Lynda's work for us up-close-and-personal, please email Francesca at francesca@littlewomandesign.com or call 267-481-4093.

Little Woman Design at AFE's Wedding Planning Bootcamp - June 9, 2013

Little Woman Design is proud to once again be a featured presenter at Always Fabulous Events' Spring Wedding Planning Bootcamp being held on Sunday, June 9, 2013 from 1:00pm — 5:00pm at The Philadelphia Wedding Chapel. This exclusive event brings insider's secrets to couples looking for advice on how to plan their dream wedding. Photographers, videographers, DJs and - of course! - wedding and event planner Randi Martin (owner of Always Fabulous Events) will be in attendance to help you save your time, money, and sanity. Seating is limited. For more information and to register for tickets, visit phillyweddingbootcamp.eventbrite.com.

Trilogy Event Design June Open House PLUS Stella & Dot Show - June 8, 2013

Little Woman Design's studio space is located at Trilogy Event Design, a joint venture with Always Fabulous Events. We will be hosting our June Open House on Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 12:00pm — 5:00pm. Drop on by to say hi to Francesca, Michael and Randi and see our new digs! We will also be hosting a Stella & Dot Trunk Show during this time. Registered brides and event professionals will be able to receive 10% off their jewelry order. For more information and to register for this free event, please visit trilogyjune.eventbrite.com. Hope to see you there!

Little Woman Design will be participating in The "Brides and Grooms" Wedding Showcase this Sunday, March 17th at Talamore Country Club. This will be the third show we've done this year with The Bridal Event by Bouche Productions. As always, we are expecting this to be a great event! We'll be on hand to meet with couples to discuss their designs, review our samples, and chat about any questions they may have about their wedding stationery. While we have quite a few samples of our work featured in our online portfolio, couples who attend this show (or schedule a free consultation) will be able to see our latest designs before they hit the web! For more information about this show and to register for tickets, visit The Bridal Event's Talamore page. 

One of our most popular pieces is Francesca's custom-illustrated save the date! Based upon photographs our couples provide, these unique save the dates can incorporate their color palette, clothing, and any other design elements that are important to them! For a look at how closely these illustrations resemble our couples, be sure to read our blog by clicking here. 

While we have quite a few projects on our website, we hold many back until after our couples' events. However, after reaching out to one of our brides, she was happy for us to give our readers an early look at her save the date!

Shira and Terence are a fabulous couple that we are currently working with on their wedding stationery. Owner Randi Martin, of Always Fabulous Events, reached out to us back in the fall of 2012 to set up a meeting with us, Shira and her good friend and bridesmaid Tamieka. Once Shira saw Francesca's save the dates, she knew she wanted one to set the tone for their upcoming August 2013 wedding! While many couples opt for a two-sided, paper save the date, Shira asked us to print her design on a glossy magnet. We were so excited to send them out to her, and thrilled that she loved them! 

If you are interested in any of our products and services, schedule your free consultation with Francesca by emailing francesca@littlewomandesign.com or calling 267-481-4093.

Little Woman Design has had a busy start to the year! We are so fortunate to have been embraced by so many more wonderful couples!

As we have continued to grow with every passing month, we knew it was time to start looking for someone to add to our team. Someone who would match our vision of creating the very best in wedding and event stationery!

So it is with great excitement that we announce the addition of Lisa Suszek to the Little Woman Design team! With an extensive background in illustration as well as event and wedding graphic design, Lisa joins us as a Junior Designer, adding her own unique style and flair to the Little Woman Design studio.  After our initial meeting, we knew immediately that Lisa fit with our mission of bringing all of our couples great designs that their guests will remember forever.

We've asked Lisa to share with you all a little bit about herself and her background. Read on, and be sure to check out some of Lisa's vibrant and amazing illustrations at the end of the blog to see what a talent we found! (Special thanks to Nancy Paravano for introducing Lisa to us!)

Hi Lisa! Welcome to the LWD Team! Could you please tell our readers a little bit about your background? 

In college I majored in Illustration with a minor in Graphic Design. I also have experience in silk screening and book making and have done work in invitation and corporate design. 

Why did you want a career in design? 

Designers solve visual problems. They create a beautiful order and harmony from the smallest idea, and that’s something I’ve always loved to do. I also wanted to be able to incorporate elements of my art into the world around me.  

What is it about the wedding and event industry that you love? 

I’ve been dreaming about weddings since I was little. I love the dress, the ring, the flowers, but most of all I love the invitation. It’s the first glimpse that your guests get of what’s to come on your special day.

Tell us about some of your hobbies and interests?

I love to cook, especially traditional Polish food and desserts that my mother and grandmother taught me.  I enjoy old school video games, watching the Flyers, and reading romance novels. I’m also a big family person, so I try to get up to Connecticut to visit them as often as possible.

Thanks, Lisa! We're looking forward to working with you, and all the great ideas and skills you will bring to Little Woman Design!

Lisa will be working with us at the upcoming Bridal Event at Talamore Country Club on Sunday, March 16th! Come stop by and say hi to Lisa!