Amazing Numbers!

As I was working late last night prepping The Auction 4 Aid prize certificates and auction forms for next week's event, I thought it would be interesting to see number values as it related to donated wedding services, and how it could effect local Chicago brides + grooms trying to plan a wedding, and how the success of the event can aid to the global community beyond our small community.

 The Auction 4 Aid — Interesting Cause + Effect Factoids

1. 10 Small Businesses have donated a combined retail value of $12,720.00 in wedding services
2. If an engaged couple were to win all 7 auctions, about 45% of their wedding would've been planned all in 1-night
3. Technically, an engaged couple can bid on all 7 auctions for just $1,055.00 — that's an unbelievable 85% discount, and these are for good, high-end services, too
4. The average wedding cost in the DuPage County, IL area ranges from $20,757 – $34,595 based on 189 to 203 guests
5. 1 Guest could cost you $127 to $155 to the overall wedding costs (food, liquor, favors, flowers, table accessories, etc.)
6. If you're looking to higher professional wedding services and unique products, you can expect to increase your budget by 50% to 100%
7. By attending The Auction 4 Aid wedding event, an engaged couple has the chance of saving almost 45% of their wedding budget
8. With that 45% savings, the couple can upgrade their wedding services and truly make it a fairy tale wedding, or take that dream honeymoon!
9. Imagine if The Auction 4 Aid auctions sold at maximum retail value — that means the American Red Cross would receive 100% of the proceeds! 
10. What could the American Red Cross do with $12,720.00 for disaster relief?
• $25 Buys five blankets
• $35 Replaces a prescription medication for a disaster victim
• $65 Feeds and shelters a person for a day and one night in a local motel
• $115 Buys groceries for a displaced family for one week
• $350 Feeds and shelters 50 disaster victims for one night
• $500 Helps pay medical expenses for an injured senior
• $1,000 Buys 50 home clean-up kits for use after a fire or flood
• $1,500 Provides disaster relief for one family
• $2,500 Supports an Emergency Response Vehicle to feed and care for people in a disaster
• $5,000 Trains 50 volunteers to assist thousands during a disaster 
• and there's still $1,630 left over to apply to other necessities

*Statistics were sourced from CostofWedding.com, ChicagoRedCross.org and my own math calculations based on vendor's donated retail services.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

So what can we learn from all these numbers? Engaged and soon-to-be engaged couples in the greater area of Chicago that attend The Auction 4 Aid wedding event on Thursday, June 2nd can feel really good about planning their wedding day by bidding on any of the 7 silent auctions. 100% of the money raised from the silent auctions goes to the American Red Cross of Chicago to disaster relief victims.

We are nearing the end, and there is only 7 DAYS left to RSVP to the The Auction 4 Aid — A Wedding Event for a Good Cause! Share this event with everyone you know that can benefit from these services + give back to the community.

Insider Tip: You don’t have to be engaged to bid. All these auctions are transferable and would be the “Perfect Gift” for an engaged couple. Family members and friends can bid on behalf of a loved one.

The World is Full of Typography

Friday is quite possibly my favorite day of the week for two reasons. Not only because it signifies the end of the week, and the beginning of the weekend, but I do enjoy blogging on my Friday topic, "Bridging Design Friday". I get to find, share + focus on all three design facets that I love to do.

I was going to share this "Bridging Design Friday" topic last week, but couldn't manage to get all the research and images collaged together in time. So today's topic is "The World is Full of Typography + I love it!"

Most of us don't realize how much of our life is surrounded with type on a daily basis. It may be as mundane as an email, a text, instruction manual or traffic signage. And there is the creative type, too; a treatment on a package design that sits on a shelf that is calling out to you to "buy it". Either way, we need type otherwise we wouldn't be able to go about our daily routines, and there would be true chaos. Typography will always be around, it's a necessity of life, and I am celebrating it today by bridging it between business, private events + interiors. See what typography does for us + why I choose to embrace it in my own designs whether on paper or in a visual environment.

[Business]

Whiskey Label + Business Cards via Blush Publishing

[Wedding]

Illustrated Silhouette + Type Invite via Rudi De Wit
Card Signage Event Day Collateral via Design With Chon
Black + Grey Type Only Invite via Invitation Crush
Blind Deboss Invite - Source Unknown

[Interiors]

I have this exact teal colored Chicago Neighborhood Poster (above) in my home + love it. It's in my front entry hallway. Love Ork Posters + it has other major cities, too. Do check them out to adorn your wall for home or office. 

Sculptural Cast Metal Letters via Restoration Hardware
"Chicago" Neighborhood Typographic Poster via Ork Posters
Wood Block Letter Wallpaper via Wall and Deco
Customized Black + White Typographic Wall Covering via Mr. Perswall

DWC Work: Brandy + Tafari Wedding

A busy past week and 11 more days to go until my client's wedding. It's been about a year since I took on the role as Event Designer for Brandy + Tafari's wedding, and it's been a fun, creative process thinking of ways to truly personalize the details of their wedding day. We are finally nearing the end, and I can share with you the evolution of the Event Day collateral thus far. However, you won't be able to see the full tablescape until probably after the wedding. But, I may sneak in a few snapshots on the day of the wedding and share it via DWC Facebook + Twitter feed. ;)

I have been working with wonderful wedding vendors (florist, cake bakery, catering manager + the lighting/fabric team) to make this day happen for Brandy + Tafari. The theme and colors for their day all stemmed from our initial conversation. And the bride's quoted words were — Black + White, Victorian era, wordly, casual elegance, tradition, but not dated. To sum up her vision, I began with the inspirational moodboard below and added Gold tones and Emerald Green to warm up the color palette and to give it life + energy to this modern, Victorian-inspired wedding.

[Inspiration Moodboard]

From the inspired visuals, I created the highly detailed wedding invitation set with custom portrait cameos of the bride + groom, bold script-like typography, die-cut green key and a striped black + white envelope liner which also happens to be a repeat pattern graphic in the wedding day details.

[Printed Wedding Invite]

Instead of a guest sign-in book, I thought it would be nice to have a "Witness of the Union" graphic poster that becomes a piece of history and a keepsake item for the bride + groom. The bride's family is very into genealogy and family traditions and thought this would be perfect to see the actual signatures of family members that were there to witness their special day.

["Witnesses of the Union" Guest Sign-in Poster]

Again with the historical element, we are showcasing the past + present through a collection of old + new photos that will exist on the gift card table. The frames are ornate and traditional, but presented in a modern way with different sizes + eclectic styles.

[Family Photo Montage]

Versus wrapping a nice box with a card slot, to bring in the worldly characteristic, I thought it would be clever to use luggage-like boxes to contain the cards and special written notes from the guests. I created signage to reflect travel tags, but customized it to reflect the colors and the pattern of the wedding.

[Luggage "Card" Holder]

 

[Personalized Message to Bride + Groom Box]

  

[Apothecary Jar w/Green Coated Chocolate Mint Lentils]

As you look at all the other wedding decor items, the bride + groom chair signage, escort cards, favor boxes, menu, table numbers and program, etc, each of the designs have been uniquely crafted to suit their purpose, but they all work together and fit under the visual concept stemming from the original inspirational moodboard. No detail has been overlooked, and everything has a purpose.

[Bride + Groom Chair Signage]

[Guest Escort Cards]

[Table Number + Menu]

[Wedding Favor – Sugar Cookie w/Bride + Groom Cameo Design]

[Wedding Program]

These items are great alone, but I truly can't wait to see everything pull together. With table centerpieces, lighting and a delish cake, it will be even more stunning. Stay tuned to the final product of this Event Design project that I have undertaken. :)

The Auction 4 Aid – Thank You Vendors for Participating!

The Auction 4 Aid — A Wedding Event for a Good Cause! I've been saying this for over a month now, but I created this event specifically for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. This is not your wedding expo, but I wanted it to be intimate, casual, come after work and for it to be an attractive event for men, too, to enjoy with their fiance. It's a happy hour-like event. Have a drink, munch on gourmet appetizers, listen to live music beautifully performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee, and best of all, be able to bid on high-end wedding packages valued in the thousands, but with budget friendly bids starting around $100. Admission is FREE, but an RSVP is required so we can accommodate accordingly.

And a special "Thank You" goes out to all our featured vendors participating at The Auction 4 Aid wedding event, including myself. Without them, this event wouldn't be as fabulous. It's the services that make this event attractive and unlike any other wedding event out there in the greater Chicago area. These are just a few services up for grab on June 2, 2011 — engagement shoot, customized wedding invitation + website, event design, professional teeth whitening, florals, hair, make-up + spa treatments, menswear tailoring, travel, venue and much more...

Featured Vendors:
1. Design With Chon (design consultant) | donating custom invitations + event design services
2. Franc Lloyd (custom menswear)  | donating custom tailored menswear
3. Studio Verite Photography  | donating engagement shoot, album + images on disc
4. Morgan Christopher Salon + Spa | donating hair, make-up + spa services
5. My Travelscape (travel agent) | donating 5-piece luggage set + travel services
6. Natural Beauties Floral | donating floral services
7. Net Ingredients (web development) | developed TheAuction4Aid.com site + donating wedding website programming
8. Pure Dental Spa (general + cosmetic dentistry) | donating teeth whitening services
9. Orchid – Contemporary Japanese + Asian Cuisine | donating private event dining services
10. Robinlee (jazz + song vocalist) | donating live music services 

When is it? Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm

Where? At Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL 

Only a few days left to RSVP!
Visit TheAuction4Aid.com website to RSVP and to see all 7 Silent Auctions exclusive to this event and available nowhere else. A wedding event unlike any other!

Insider Tip: You don’t have to be engaged to bid. All these auctions are transferable and would be the “Perfect Gift” for an engaged couple. Family members + friends can bid on behalf of a loved one.

Not only is the event about aiding our local brides and grooms with wedding planning, we are also using this happy time to remember those around the globe. 100% of the net proceeds raised will be donated to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to areas in need like Japan and Haiti.

Featured Vendor: Orchid Restaurant

Heather Kim, owner of Orchid – Contemporary Asian + Japanese Cuisine, has donated au gratis delectable packages that are up for bid on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at The Auction 4 Aid wedding event. Anyone can bid, and it's the "Perfect Gift" for an engaged couple. Featured Silent Auctions are exclusive to this event and are not available anywhere else.

Sushi Bar + Main Floor Dining Area

Orchid Restaurant has donated over $200+ worth of dining and event services in two auctions seen below. These services are also packaged with other fabulous wedding vendors.

Auction 2: A Romantic Dinner for Two

• 5-Course Dinner for Two + Bottle of Wine courtesy of Orchid*
• 2 hours of Live Music/Vocalist courtesy of Robinlee
• Blow Dry + Hair Styling courtesy of Morgan Christopher Salon

Starting Bid: $50.00  |  Retail Value: $375.00
*Restrictions apply.  

 . . . . . .

Auction 6: Host your Own Event

• 10% Discount on Food Package only courtesy of Orchid*
• “Design Consultant” services for Event Design courtesy of Design With Chon
• All Floral Design Service fees waived courtesy of Natural Beauties Floral* 
• 3 hours of live Music/Vocalist courtesy of Robinlee

Starting Bid: $300.00  |  Retail Value: $3,500.00
*Restrictions apply.   
» This package would be perfect for an engagement party, shower or dinner rehearsal.

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Featured Vendor:  

Orchid
Contemporary Asian + Japanese Cuisine

About Venue:
Orchid's interior is open and spacious with 7,000 square feet of restaurant that has a contemporary uptown look, but still feels warm and inviting to dining guests. With plenty of space, they can accommodate several types of private events from parties, business functions + social events. With warming temps, outdoor seating is also available for guests to lounge and enjoy good food + drinks with family and friends. Not only can guests find fresh, beautiful sushi, but Orchid’s pan asian/fusion inspired menu offers a diverse selection of Asian flavors with tastes from Korea, Thailand, and China.

Conveniently located in the Stratford Square Mall area in Bloomingdale, IL and adjacent to JCPenney + Burlington Coat Factory. The food is first-class, friendly accommodating service, and the prices are quite reasonable, too. Open 7 days a week for lunch + dinner.

[Main Floor - Dining Area]

[Bar Area]

[Aloetini Cocktail]

[Upper Level - Dining Area]

{Images provided by Orchid}

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

The Auction 4 Aid – a luxury wedding event for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. Thousand dollar wedding packages starting around $100. It’s not a wedding expo; it is an intimate and casual gathering. Come after work, mingle with our wedding vendors, enjoy complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails + live music to be performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee. First 15 attendees get gift bags filled with exclusive vendor promotions up to 50% off services.

TheAuction4Aid.com  |  Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm 

at Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL  |  Silent Auctions 

Guest(s) must RSVP to attend. 100% of net proceeds raised goes to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to those in need around the globe.

» Insider Tip: You don’t have to be engaged to bid. All these auctions are transferable and are the “Perfect Gift” for an engaged couple. Family members and friends can bid on behalf of a loved one.

What's Your Pattern in Life?

Today's "Bridging Design on Friday". When it comes to your business, events or interiors, we all have a pattern that defines our personality even if you don't know it. Look in your wardrobe, scarf, handbag, or your living space from the rug to the throw pillows. It can be subtle + simple to the bold + blunt.

I personally like to take that pattern by branding it all the way down to the little details. I do this by pulling out the colors + textures and create an overall design that compliments + balances it. I have taken DWC's design focuses (business, wedding + interiors) and compiled three different inspiration moodboards for each to showcase how a good pattern can be featured in each case.

What's your pattern in life + what do you want it to say about you or your company?

[Visual Communications]

Corporate Identity + Branding designed by Roger Oddone

[Wedding + Private Events]

Wedding Invitation shared via FPO

[Interiors]

Room Interior via Elle Decor

Throw Pillows via Burke Decor

Vivienne Westwood Striped Dress + Christian Louboutin Patent Pumps via Net-A-Porter

Hope you all enjoyed today's "Bridging Design on Friday" highlights — continuing to narrowing the design gap between business + lifestyle because they are all connected. Have a good Friday everyone!

Featured Vendor: Franc Lloyd

The owners + founders of Franc Lloyd Inc, Custom Menswear, has donated au gratis exquisite custom tailoring services that are up for bid on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at The Auction 4 Aid wedding event. Anyone can bid, and it's the "Perfect Gift" for an engaged couple. Featured Silent Auctions are exclusive to this event and are not available anywhere else.

Franc Lloyd has donated $500.00 worth of men's custom tailoring services. These services are also packaged with other fabulous wedding vendors.

Auction 7: Here Comes the Bride + Groom

• Two Custom Menswear Shirts + choice of high-end fabrics courtesy of Franc Lloyd
• 20% Discount towards a Custom-tailored Menswear Suit courtesy of Franc Lloyd
• Bridal Party Bouquet(s) + Boutonniere(s) flowers courtesy of Natural Beauties Floral* 
• Make-up + Hair Styling for Bride and Haircut + Styling for Groom courtesy of Morgan Christopher Salon

Starting Bid: $125.00  |  Retail Value: $1750.00
*Restrictions apply. 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Featured Vendor:

Franc Lloyd
Custom Menswear

Background: 
Franc Lloyd was established to rescue and reclaim today's men lost in fading fashion trends and purchases purely based on brand labels by constructing well-made clothing to fit the man. They believe that every man will look and feel truly confident when he is properly fitted with one of Franc Lloyd's expertly custom-tailored suits regardless of his physique. They celebrate the masculine art form by creating classic, timeless and innovative pieces while also embracing and reflecting the personal style of each man with the finer details.

In addition, Franc Lloyd claims to do what no other custom tailor shop's in the city of Chicago does — "Tailor high-end clothes at an unbeatable price with one-of-a-kind service." They have scoured the world to find the finest weavers, fabrics and cutters. Franc Lloyd believes itself to be in the business of service. A client who buys from them once will buy from them again. They keep their production lines lean and service process fairly decentralized which gives them an advantage unlike any of their competitors. Clients get quality clothing that looks like a million bucks, but affordable to the pocket.

Why the name Franc Lloyd?
The founders of Franc Lloyd compare dressing successfully to constructing a classically beautiful place to live. As they explain, "Clothes are like a ‘house’ in which your body makes ‘home.’ Once you lay down a solid foundation and create certain perimeters, you can then confidently add more intricate details." So it was only natural for the name to be inspired by the infamous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. His philosophy in organic architecture which promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural environment.

How It Works:
Set an appointment time + pick a place of your convenience (work or office), and they'll come to you! An expert takes your precise body measurements. Then you get to feel and see hundreds of fabric samples available at your fingertips. With their fashion and styling sense, you will be guided through all the options in ways to customize each and every item to your liking. Franc Lloyd's tailors hand cut unique patterns that perfectly conform to your body, and the pieces are then hand-stitched to create your outfit. After inspection for quality, your order is conveniently delivered right back to your doorstep.

{Images provided by Franc Lloyd, Inc}

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

The Auction 4 Aid – a luxury wedding event for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. Thousand dollar wedding packages starting around $100. It’s not a wedding expo; it is an intimate and casual gathering. Come after work, mingle with our wedding vendors, enjoy complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails + live music to be performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee. First 15 attendees get gift bags filled with exclusive vendor promotions up to 50% off services.

TheAuction4Aid.com  |  Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm 

at Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL  |  Silent Auctions 

Guest(s) must RSVP to attend. 100% of net proceeds raised goes to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to those in need around the globe.

» Insider Tip: You don’t have to be engaged to bid. All these auctions are transferable and are the “Perfect Gift” for an engaged couple. Family members and friends can bid on behalf of a loved one.