I am beyond THRILLED to announce that JesSmith Designs is a part of a feature on Glamour and Grace heirloom weddings blog!
THE GLAMOUR AND GRACE, ya'll. Pop the champagne! (Unless you are reading this on a week day morning. In that case... pop two bottles and call it a day!) In this, you will see custom wedding invitations with handmade paper, calligraphy, and concrete pieces for an event in Baltimore, Maryland.
Here's how this went down.
Earlier this year when I was on maternity leave, the amazingly talented event designers of Enchanting Events and Design based out of Baltimore, Maryland reached out to see if I would participate in a shoot that would become (obviously) off the charts . I get these requests frequently, but when they name dropped that THE Anne Casey of Anne Casey Photography recommended me, I was putty in their hands. Then they also mentioned that, wait for it, Mandi from Chesapeake Charm Photography was going to be a part of this shoot as well. *GASP*. And you know, the rest was history. This was a match made in heaven.
Behind the scenes
After hearing the details and seeing the oh-so-detailed inspiration board established, I let my creativity take off. With a "greenery" theme (thanks, Pantone color of the year!), I wanted all the elements. Seriously, all the elements.
Wood and handmade paper...
...for the invitation suite.
...there's more!
Aren't these scroll style oil labels in gold calligraphy so fun too?!
& concrete...
Lots of concrete! because you know... it's a dream for my handsome hubby and I to work together! #relationshipgoals
This was going to be an EPIC shoot.
The Magic
One early May morning, I packed up my items and headed on down to Baltimore. I arrived at Studio 4, Baltimore and guys, it was a jaw-dropper. Close your eyes and imagine... industrial. exposed brick. natural light. wrap around windows. freight elevator for the ultimate entrance... and quite a historic appeal (there. I let my inner history geek out.). Need I say more? As if I was not already smitten, I would have done the hokey pokey if they told me to.
Then the magic happened. The venue was set for multiple styled sets... and for all of us creatives to let loose. To truly do whatever was in our wildest, most creative dreams. And ultimately, to show the world what trusting in a professional for absolutely ANY milestone of yours could lead to... breathtaking, flawless, perfection.
The Dream Team:
Venue: @studio4baltimore
Photographer: @chesapeakecharmphoto
Planning & Design: @enchantingeventsanddesign
Florist & Design: @loblollyfarm
Floral Installation Collaboration: @loblollyfarm & @ecoagebk
Models: @caitlinc11 & Joey
Party Rentals: @partyplustentsandevents
Farm Tables: @barnesfarmtables
Vintage Rentals: @whitegloverentals
Hand Lettering: @live.life.lettered
Stationery, Calligraphy & Concrete Artisan: @jessmithdesigns
Hair & Makeup Artist: @vintageveils
Wedding Gown & Suit: @kandbbridals
Jewelry: @fayedanieldesigns
Engagement ring: @handcrafted.gems
Grooms ring, brides hair piece, brides belt: @liaterni
Silk Ribbon: @aribbonsnest
Cake: @whipped_cakes
Welcome Box: @southerngrownvintage
Tie: @thetiebar
Olive Oil Bar & Bar Accessories: @theseasonedolive
What I learned
First, I wish I had a wedding planner. And Im pretty sure I told Macy and Jeanne of Enchanting Events and Design like, 500 times. The detail that they planned for was miraculous. Their ideas were endless. Their set up and organization was above and beyond this "type-A" gal right here. I am a huge #fangirl and will do anything they ask of me, anytime!
Secondly, I truly learned what it meant to be a part of a creative community with the same goals. To work as a team and provide our best work possible for the world to see.
For our clients, past, present and future, to see as well. Because in the end, we do this for them: we put our all into taking the perfect photo, designing the perfect stationery, and making sure each detail that may be so little to you, means so much more to us. To us, it is not an investment of money: it is an investment of trust that we will exceed your wildest expectations.
As professionals, we all understand that when you come to us to be a part of your event, your investment is also not in a physical product.
It is in the lasting memories.
