Updates on the way

I should rename my blog from The Paper Stylist to Buried-Under-Tons-of-Paper Stylist. I can't believe I haven't blogged since September. This isn't from lack of work. I have 10 projects to share. For now, I need to finish 3 small jobs and I'll gladly share them all. I can't wait to share them.

Portraits: Amber

I am fortunate to have talented and creative friends. Amber is one of these friends. I "met" her a few years ago through an online message board, but didn't meet her in person until last year. We bonded over our love of architecture, aesthetics and modern design. We are self-proclaimed "DesigNerds" and can spend hours discussing the aforementioned topics. It is refreshing to be able to discuss art and design on an intellectual level. I hate to admit it, but I'm really hard-pressed to find that kind of conversation here in L.A. Did I mention Amber is wickedly sarcastic? {Extra points!}

During one of our most recent gabfests, I mentioned to Amber that I was looking to take my photography seriously. Pamela and I were looking for models to photograph for portfolio purposes. More specifically, we were looking for boudoir models. Before I could finish my sentence, Amber volunteered to model. She is in the midst of a major life change and is moving to Italy. She thought that a photo session would be a great way to celebrate her impending move.

A couple of days before the session, Pamela, Amber, and I meet up at the Grove to collaborate on some ideas for this photo session. After seeing photos on Facebook, we decided to do the entire photo session in Amber's Hollywood apartment. After a brief conversation, we found our ideas were very similar. As luck would have it, we all have similar, wicked senses of humor.

photo from Amber's Facebook Profile

photo from Amber's Facebook Profile

When Pamela and I arrived at Amber's apartment with props in tow, we were not disappointed. Her apartment has the most beautiful natural light. We quickly went to work and started set dressing. The three of us had carefully planned the props necessary for the session. With three locations and three outfit changes, it turned into a 5 hour session. We did take breaks to laugh our heads off and have an adult beverage or 2 (or 5 in Amber's case).

Amber was a great model to work with. She is a beautiful woman and knows exactly how to emote for the camera. Without further delay, here are my photographs from this session.

The Naughty Baker

A Starlet in Her Bedroom




















A Rooftop Chorus Line






The 'Stache

Pamela had to break the bottle of Spirit Glue with a step ladder. Amber was a good sport. She actually scooped some off of the floor to adhere her mustache. I thank them both. Otherwise, I would never have gotten this shot.

Please mosey on over to Pamela Master's Photography blog, to see her images from this shoot.

Save the Dates: Jen & Kipp

I photographed Jen and Kipp with a specific intention. Aside from photographing them with their dog Jager, they had asked me to design their Save the Dates. They weren't sure of what they wanted except that they wanted to include a calendar and a magnet.

This is the only image they sent me for inspiration.

{Magnet Street Weddings}

This was fun project to work on because it was the first time I worked on the photography and design. Typically, I receive hires images from a couple's wedding photographer. I'm definitely NOT going to photograph their wedding, but I did appreciate having some level of creative input on the styling of the photographs.

Card with Magnet attached shown with Custom wraparound address label

This wedding is long-awaited. Jen and Kip have been together for 15 years. I applaud their commitment. Originally they wanted their card to say "finally!". However, I suggested the phrase "At Last" as a nod to the Etta James song of the same name.

Card with Magnet removed.


Back of Wrap Around label

Wedding Paper Accessories: Kanishka & Brian

I had been working with Kanishka since September of last year, which in the wedding world feels like a lifetime ago. As I mentioned previously, she was among the first to hire me despite my limited portfolio. I am eternally grateful that she decided to work with me.

Kanishka decided early on that the rest of her wedding paper accessories would be part of the overall look of her wedding. We worked closely together to ensure that all of her wedding paper accessories would have a cohesive look and feel. Kanishka also wanted to DIY a good portion of the remaining pieces. Much of the remaining pieces were designed to allow for easy printing and assembly. The only element that I assembled were her wedding programs.

Here's a look at my handiwork.

Programs

Here they are at the wedding:

photo by Pix of Life photography

Custom Photobooth banner with their signature lotus flower.

photobooth by Partybooths

Here's a look at our collaborative effort.
Monograms
I created two monograms, which Kanishka used in a variety of ways. She had a custom stamp made and stamped their monograms on napkins.

She and Brian also hand-painted their monogram onto their aisle runner.

photo by Pix of Life photography

Escort Cards
Kanishka wanted something simple to assemble, yet unique. I suggested cards inside of mini envelopes. I designed the labels and insert cards and she took care of the rest.

photo by Pix of Life photography

Table Numbers

photo by Pix of Life photography

Bar Menu

photo by Pix of Life photography

Kudos to Kanishka for beautifully executing each piece. Her vision and color palette was exquisite. To see more photos of this gorgeous wedding, please visit Pix of Life's blog.

Wedding Invitations: Tanya & Oscar

Tanya initially contacted me in May. She had discovered my work indirectly through the Los Angeles boards on theKnot.com. When we had our first initial consultation, she described her wedding as a modern-day fiesta. She and her fiance Oscar wanted very much to honor their Mexican heritage. She had selected persimmon, red, orange, yellow, espresso, gold and ivory as her wedding colors.

She sent me the following images for inspiration:

Snippet and Ink Board #135

Invitation featured on Martha Stewart

Wedding Venue - the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens -
photo by Gavin Photography

For design purposes, I used only the red, orange, yellow, and espresso in her color palette. Tanya's other requests were that I use vellum in a manner similar to my own wedding invitations and that I design versions of the invitations in both English and Spanish.

Here's what I created:

Custom Wrap-around label on Tangerine Vellum Envelope




Red Petalfold Enclosure with Vellum Bellyband


Initial Pattern Vellum Overlay

English Invitation


Spanish Invitation (text provided by client)


Directions


RSVP cards in English and Spanish (text provided by client) with matching envelope