Kelley and Kevin's Invitation Inspiration Board

One of my best friends from childhood got engaged over the weekend and we've already begun the preparations for her wedding! She hopes to secure a location for an August wedding and has her eyes set on a vintage barn setting that has been renovated for weddings in Rome, Georgia. The alter is complete with old church pews for guests. So beautiful! She's a really stylish gal and loves the idea of using a fuchsia and turquoise color scheme - which I love! Since her fiance is an avid outdoorsman, she still wants to incorporate rustic details for his style as well. Think bright purple/fuchsia bridesmaids dresses with chunky turquoise necklaces! Here's a quick inspiration board we came up with incorporating all of the colors, details and energy of the event. I can't wait to work on her paper products using the spode-rose border from Corrie's quail invitations, vintage monogram and bright jewel tones! Stay tuned for more details to come!

What's for you won't pass you by.

My favorite quote of all time and compliments of my nana, Lillian.

Often times in my life, I have worried about making big decisions, sweated the unknown and contemplated making the right decision. While my nana was still alive, she would often remind me not to worry because everything always worked out the way it was supposed to. God has a bigger plan than any of us can even imagine and it's important to remember that we have no control over our lives. Yes, we can make the conscious effort to make the right decisions but in the end, it's not up to us. She always said "What's for you won't pass you by." Now, it's up to my mom and my husband to remind me of this quote in times of decision making and worrying... and, I have to admit, once I make a decision, I hardly look back and look to the future with excitement and motivation. I've been reminded of nana when deciding to leave a steady full-time job and to pursue my freelance career (emma j design), choosing my loving husband and life in Savannah, choosing the right time to start a family based on what WE want, not what everyone else wants,  and the daily dilemmas of owning a business and juggling the daily responsibilities of a wife, daughter and friend. Nana was the one who believed in my artistic abilities the most and often pushed me to create more, build my portfolio and remain confident in my work. I find myself saying this quote to friends when they are in similar situations - I believe it gives you a sense of calm and confidence that everything ALWAYS works out in the end. It's impossible to see the end in the beginning, so you just have to live your life to the fullest everyday and know there is always light at the end of the tunnel - whether you can see it yet or not. Pass on this quote in your blog or in your next conversation with a friend. Hopefully, you will find peace in it just as I have over the years. Enjoy!

St. Patrick's Day in Savannah

For our family, it's not about green beer and beads, it's about tradition, heritage and making memories. The McCarthy St. Patrick's Day begins with attending the Irish Heritage Dance, then Walter Crawford's (this year's Grand Marshall) party at the Knights of Columbus, followed by Patrick's attendance to the Fenian Irish Society Breakfast, putting together the family float and walking in the parade with the other Irish families in Savannah. We complete the date with a family lunch and then meeting our friends afterwards! This year will be a little special due to the recent loss of Patrick's Uncle Mike, but I will remember him well while putting together the huge bows for the float which was always his specialty! Hopefully I will honor him well!

For Thursday...

I have these yummies on order for the parade and lunch:

and be sporting this beauty from BleuBelle - thanks Heather!

Here are a few photos from past parades - such good memories together over the years!

And yes, it's normal to sport the signature J. Parker green blazer during the month of March in Savannah!

Always great to sit in front of the cathedral where we were married!

The Family Float

2008

2009

2010

Our partners in crime, the Counihans! We attend a lot of the events together!

Love holding hands with my sweet hubby in the parade!

Pink and Green Baby Shower

I had the delight of hosting a baby shower for my friend, Brandy! Along with the help of 2 other hostesses, we were able to pull together quite a fabulous soiree if I have to say so myself! Starting with the invitations, we set the tone with pink and green hues with a vintage feel. For the shower, we used the same palette and threw in a little Lilly Pulitzer with the tablecloth and attire! We completed the event with a Mimosa Station, Sweets Station with the help of Custom Cakes, delicious food and paper accents from emma j design. Enjoy!

The Invitation complete with her Serena and Lilly-inspired bedding pattern on the reverse and custom envelope liner. Calligraphy by yours truly.

Flower arrangements by your truly, flower from B + C Wholesale Florist.

Monogrammed Flower Trio, Brandy is using these for the nursery

Baby Claire Name Garland

The fabulous hostesses and the mommy-to-be, Brandy in green.

I'm so excited for her and the arrival of Baby Claire!

Piece of Cake Branding + Website Design

Meet Piece of Cake. Not only is their seasonal strawberry cake, trusty red velvet cupcakes and delicious carrot cake by far my favorite treats, but they are a pleasure to work with! For you Atlantans, you are very familiar with this local cake shop and I was lucky enough to enjoy many afternoon treats back in my Swoozie's Buckhead days. They approached me about doing a new website and continued our relationship with email campaigns and marketing. I just love designing for Piece of Cake because it's fresh, colorful and they really give me creative liberty which is fabulous! Here's how their new website turned out and also some of my favorite email campaigns. They ship so do yourself a favor and order a cake. Any cake. You will thank me later!

South Magazine Editorial : Twist Paper + emma j design

I was so thrilled to participate in the latest issue of South Magazine, Savannah's creative and stylish publication! It all started with an idea over lunch with the uber-inspiring Erin Wessling from South. We pulled it together with the talent of Savannah's leading industry peeps. Thanks to everyone who make it possible! I'm just ecstatic over the final result! Run out and pick up this coffeetable-worth book before it sells out!

Photographer, Angela Hopper

Stylist, Project Runway Contestant, Mitchell Hall

Paper provided by emma j design + Twist Paper

Makeup: Glow

Trunk: Vintage from my Grandparents Dress: Vintage

Savannah Wedding Event : Behind the Veil

Look for Savannah's most talented designers and wedding vendors? Planning a Savannah wedding? Be sure to stop by the Behind the Veil Event this Sunday at the Jepson Center!

Sunday, February 21, 2010, 1-5 p.m.

Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 W. York St., Savannah

$20 at the door

Call 652-0220 for more information. 

I will have a booth in the Atrium of the Jepson Center with local paper store, La Paperie. 

La Paperie is now carrying my everyday line, Twist Paper, along with custom emma j design wedding invitations and accessories! There will also be an oh-so-fabulous bridal fashion show by BleuBelle Bridal. 

Hope to see you there!

Navy Custom Monogram Coastal Wedding Invitations { Letterpress }

I had the pleasure of working with Courtland Smith, one of the dynamic duos of No. Four Eleven - only my favorite home store in Savannah! She was married in Oxford, Maryland and had a beautiful reception on the water. Here are a few highlights of her letterpress invitations with the double "S" with shell detail in addition to the beautiful monogramming done by Courtland at the shop. 

Letterpressed in Navy on Ecru Crane Paper

Complete Wedding Invitation Wardrobe. Photo by Sarah Buck Photography

Custom embroidered napkins completed each chair setting.

Napkin with table card and menu cards

The beautiful tablescape with coordinating linens

Lounge area complete with embroidered coordinating pillow and rug.

Courtland and Claire are so talented, visit their website or stop by their store!

the wedding monogram

Brides and grooms galore are flocking to create unique wedding monograms to use in every aspect of their wedding from the save the dates, to the invitations, stationery and even embroidered items for the reception and after. I've teamed up with No. Four Eleven here in Savannah and they are producing these custom monograms on cups, napkins, pillows, blankets, napkins, table runners, aprons for the wedding servers - the possibilities are endless! Here are a few collaborations we've worked on! Check our their store next time you're in Savannah - it's my favorite when it comes to home decor and accessories!

New Twist Paper Stationery Release!

Headed to the Atlanta Market next weekend to showcase the new Twist Paper release in the new Social Trends Showroom. Stop by and say hello! (8th floor building 2 #812B/856B) Melissa and Carrie are planning a 'Meet the Designer' Event so I'll keep you posted! Here's a sneak peek of some new stationery designs - they will soon be for sale on www.getpapered.com as well.