Nautical Monogram Gift Basket

For all of the frequent blog readers, you may remember this lucky gal that received a custom monogram and letterpress stationery wardrobe from her husband for her Birthday. View the post here. This same creative husband approached me before Christmas last year and we created this uber practical basket of goodies. 

Everything in its glory!

Coffee To-Go Mugs

Sticky notes and Return Address Stickers

Eco-Friendly Grocery Totes

Vintage Monogram Stationery for Summer

I attended a monogram shower for my friend, Summer. She is so excited to be getting married and part of that is celebrating her new name! Brooke and I joined forces and created a unique basket of monogrammed items including double-sided flat baby blue stationery with her new initials on one side and her new name on the other. Also included were calling cards for gift giving with the couple's combined monogram. To top it off, we did monogrammed cocktail napkins to use for entertaining.

I just love how her vintage monogrammed turned out on the blue rugby stripes.

Stunning!

Branches and Birds Wedding Invitations { Letterpress } { Savannah, GA }

I've had the pleasure of working with Danielle and Ryan out of Washington, DC through La Paperie on Whitaker Street. Danielle and Ryan wanted a wedding invitation with a vintage garden theme using two love birds. We printed their custom design on Crane 100% Cotton paper with 2-color letterpress (marigold yellow and light taupe). We completed the look with gold calligraphy by Bride Whelan.

Dogwood Blossom Wedding Invitations { Savannah, GA }

I've had the pleasure of working with M. Livingston Events and Stevie on her gorgeous wedding invitations! Stevie wanting something that represented a southern-Savannah soiree so we used her color palette of coral and gold to design a custom invitation wardrobe complete with the invitation, gold envelopes with custom liners, reply card and envelope. She also opted to order coordinating die-cut stationery with their wedding monogram on one side for wedding thank you notes - so beautiful! We printed the invitations on a shimmer paper so they just sparkle in person! We completed the invitation with white calligraphy from Bride Whelan. 

  

Master's Themed Party Invitation

A friend of mine approached me about doing a custom Twist Paper invitation for a party she was throwing celebrating a newly engaged couple. I thought it turned out so cute!

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!