Summer is so very close, and to celebrate it we have rounded up our picks for the perfect summer additions to your stationery wardrobe!

The soft blue of the Crane paper {above} makes us think of the water. We love how elegant it is paired with gold engraving. There’s something very easy-chic about it, don’t you think?

If you prefer surfing to sailing or Hawaii to the Hamptons you might just need this MaeMae Paperie stationery {above}. The design is so playful and spirited that it makes us want to throw on our coolest bikini and pedal to the nearest beach {which would technically be quite the bike ride from our Charlotte or Triangle locations, but you get the idea}!

Finally, we love the engraved Vera Wang stationery {above} for its unabashed celebration of the sea. Why not send a note to someone you love while sending them a taste of summer all at once?

Stop by Salutations in Charlotte or the Triangle to see more great stationery! We can’t wait to see you there!

Happy Wedding Wednesday everyone! This week we are totally inspired by die-cut invitations! Beautiful, cool shapes are the perfect way to add an unexpected twist to your wedding invitations, be they traditional or contemporary! We especially love them on letterpress invitations.

And if you really want to make a die-cut invitation pop, we recommend having its edges painted and adding an envelope liner. The result is nothing short of stunning.

Below are a few of our recent favorite die-cut letterpress invitations…

The only thing more stunning than a die-cut invitation is an entire die-cut invitation suite. How adorable are the smaller die-cut cards below?

There are so many choices in die-cut shapes, which we love. We love the combination of the contemporary shape and foil stamping on the invitation below. Any guest would be lucky to find it in their mailbox!

In addition to edge painting and envelope liners, we also love seeing die-cut invitations with wallpaper backs. Fun patterns highlight an exquisite die-cut shape beautifully.

And while we love the boldness of the suite above, die cuts can also be soft. The shape below is slightly more feminine with its soft lines and curves.

And when paired with the right colors, envelope liners and fonts, a well designed die cut suite does exactly what every invitation should: cue guests in on the type of event to expect while building anticipation. We think this invitation suite demonstrates this perfectly…

So when considering wedding invitations and how to add a twist to the traditional or unexpected drama, consider die cutting.

We look forward to showing you all of the options perfect for your big day!

Make an appointment today to meet with either our Charlotte or Triangle team. Until next time, happy Wedding Wednesday!

{Wedding Invitations ~ top to bottom: Bella Figura, Dauphine Press, Smock, Bella Figura, Smock}

Welcome back to another Inspired Business post! We are crazy about these hard cover leather business card cases. And those bright colors? They are so very perfect for this time of year! They also make the greatest gifts! Stop by Salutations in Charlotte or the Triangle to see our selection of leather accessories today!

Welcome back to another Designers We Love post! Today we are excited to feature Tag & Company! We love them for so many reasons, but we really really love them for their Save the Dates!

Tag & Company has such a great selection of save the dates! We love that they have photo and non-photo options, perfect for every couple!

Further, they have styles perfect for every wedding. Rustic barn wedding? Check.

Contemporary downtown wedding? Check!

We love how customizable these save the dates are, too! Make an appointment in Charlotte or the Triangle to pick out your gorgeous Tag & Company save the date! We can’t wait to meet you!

Welcome back to another Inspired Parties post! This week we are completely inspired by the trend of colorful paper (Kraft is really hot right now, as are deeper colors). We love the idea of using festive color on invitations and carrying the colorful vibe throughout our next party. And leave it to Vera Wang to be right on trend, with her amazing selection of party {in addition to wedding} invitations. Here are a few of our favorites…

Remember this light blue beauty? We just love it.

So, for your next big party, think beyond white or ecru and go bold, and colorful! Visit us in Charlotte or the Triangle to check out our huge selection of invitations perfect for your next great party!

Julie Staley of Old South Studios is a local photographer who specializes in wedding, family and graduation photography. Julie’s bubbly personality filled our store for the first time years ago and we haven’t been able to get enough since! She even owns her own sunflower field {!} where, during what she calls “Sunflower Sessions”, she takes gorgeous photos. We recently caught up with Julie during this busy wedding season to talk a little bit about her and Old South Studios…

Salutations: How many years have you been a wedding photographer?

Julie Staley: I began as a family photographer in 2007 under the name of In His Image Photography by Julie. I began shooting weddings in 2009 then changed our company name to Old South Studios in 2013 when we hired additional photographers and expanded our team.

S: What made you want to become a wedding photographer?

J: I had a fantastic childhood and I am very close with my family. I remember my wedding day as the culmination of all the love I’d been given by my parents combined with the new found love I found in my groom. When a bride invites me to be her wedding photographer, she is inviting me into one of the most joyful, intimate days of her life. It is truly amazing to witness and document her mother nervously helping her into her gown, her father fighting back tears when he lifts her veil or the tender moments between her and her groom. I am very aware that my images will be treasured for generations to come and I take that trust very seriously. I photograph every wedding the way I would want my own daughter’s wedding to be captured.

S: What is your favorite style of wedding to photograph?

J: I love sentimental weddings. The weddings where the bride pins her late grandmother’s brooch to her bouquet and she opts to wear her mother’s veil over a new one. Where the couples’ college fight song is played when they first enter the reception and a table showcasing generations of wedding portraits is proudly displayed. My heart skips a beat for outdoor ceremonies with a sinking sun behind the couple and fresh florals dripping from every aisle. Mix in a few monograms and you have the perfect “Old South” wedding.

S: What inspires you/what are your greatest influences?

J: Rarely a day goes by when I don’t stop to watch the sun set. I am blown away by God’s creation and the gorgeous color and texture he graces us with every day as he puts the sun to bed. A good wedding photographer must know how to manage and manipulate light in all situations. Location, location, location may be true in real estate but light, light, light is the mantra in photography.  At every Old South wedding, we make sure to mix in shots with soft, natural light as well as more colorful, sharper images using off-camera lighting. Some weddings have limited daylight and many have cloudy, gray skies – it is our job to understand and manipulate light so that every Old South wedding looks consistently beautiful.

S: What is your favorite part of the photography process?

J: It would be very easy to fall into “routines” as a wedding photographer capturing 40+ weddings/year. To keep our team inspired and creative, we spend lots of time getting to know our couples as individuals and not just clients. We ask about how they met, how he proposed, all the names of their family members and funny stories about their bridal party. Once we connect with couples on a personal level, it is impossible to look at their wedding “generically”. We become invested in their lives and feel more like friends. We love challenging ourselves to create something new at each wedding so that every Old South wedding looks unique to that couple’s story.

S: What trends are you seeing in the wedding industry right now?

J: First looks are becoming more and more popular. The older tradition of the bride and groom first seeing one another at the alter is not necessarily the norm any more. We love when couples are willing to share an intimate “first look” beforehand because 80% of the formal photography (family images, bridal party and couple shots) can be achieved before the ceremony. With only a handful of remaining images to be captured between the ceremony and reception, our brides and grooms can get to their party much quicker and the anxiety level is much lower for everyone.

S: When you’re not shooting weddings, what can we find you doing?

J: Being a wedding photographer is very physically demanding. We carry about 80 pounds of camera gear and lighting equipment at each wedding so when I am not shooting, I am exercising!! I enjoy Crossfit workouts which keep me strong and boost my immune system since calling in “sick” just isn’t an option on wedding days. I also love dancing, hanging out with my daughters and going on date nights with my amazing hubby (and business partner).

S: “I can’t live without my _______!”

J: iPhone

S: What/where is your happy place?

J: I love Charleston, SC. It is rich with Southern history and one of the most beautiful places to visit. Between the cobblestone streets, gorgeous homes and manicured gardens, there is a photo opp at every turn!

S: What advice would you give newly-engaged brides as they begin wedding planning?

J: As amazing as Pinterest is for inspiration and ideas, remember to create a wedding that is true to YOU. Forget the “now colors” and opt for what you adore. So what if the last nine weddings you attended had short bridesmaids dresses? If you like long gowns for your maids, do it!  Want a beach wedding instead of your hometown venues? Do it!  This is the biggest party you will ever throw and it should have your touch on every detail. Listen to the advice and opinions of others graciously, but at the end of the day, make decisions based on what you and your groom will enjoy.  There will never be another day with all of the people you love (from his family and yours) under one roof so make sure its everything you dreamed of and not just what is trending now.

Thanks, Julie!

We hope you have enjoyed this Wedding Wednesday post! Interested in hiring Julie for your big day? Check out her site here. And don’t forget to make an appointment at either our Charlotte or Triangle location to explore wedding invitations and accessories.

Here is a great gift motto: “Everything is prettier personalized!” Personalized gifts show the recipient that you put a lot of thought into getting them something unique. With this in mind, we are loving personalized notepads from Haute Papier.

With an increasing need for lists popping up during the summer {vacation packing lists, backyard BBQ grocery lists, babysitter lists for a day at the pool, etc.} what better way for you and your friends and family to get both prepared and excited for the fun times ahead?!

Starting at just $11 for a small size, these Haute Papier personalized pads are both pretty and affordable! Stop in to Salutations in Charlotte or Durham to order your Haute Papier personalized notepads today!

Traditional Palm by Bella Figura.

It’s summertime, y’all! And that means it’s time to pop on those sunnies and head to the nearest body of water! For most of us, a trip to the coast is our chance to sit back and relax. However, for many brides, the beach is the scene for their big day! Let’s raise a yummy margarita glass to all those beach brides out there and check out some sassy seaside inspiration below:

Who says you can’t have a gorgeous, beaded and lace wedding dress for your beach wedding? This Oscar de la Renta gown is everything a wedding gown should be: elegant, timeless and unique. Plus, the fabric is light, fresh and comfortable for even the warmest beach day.

There’s no mistaking this beach theme! Clue your guests in right away that this will be a seaside fete to remember with this Dauphine Press letterpressed wedding invitation. Make an appointment at Salutations in Durham or Charlotte to look at this and other fabulous wedding invitations.

Ahoy! Some brides prefer shells and palms while some prefer a more preppy, nautical feel. This William Arthur engraved wedding invitation is perfect for boating enthusiasts. Make an appointment at Salutations in Durham or Charlotte to look at this and other fabulous wedding invitations.

How happy is this nautical themed bouquet from OneWed?! It has vibrant flowers, bold ribbon, clean bows and even little starfish with pearl accents! All of these elements fit together perfectly for a unique arrangement any bride would be proud to carry down the isle/dock/beach!

This Breakers letterpressed invitation by Bella Figura is beachy yet sophisticated. The thick, textured paper paired with the taupe and brown inks make the invitation memorable while still being muted. Make an appointment at Salutations in Durham or Charlotte to look at this and other fabulous wedding invitations.

One of the best things about having a beach wedding is the opportunity to have fun with your design! Check out these escort cards featured on Green Wedding Shoes. You provide the board, burlap and starfish and let Salutations do the rest!

This ombre ruffle wedding cake by Cake Central is both on-trend and on-theme! The intricate ruffles remind us of wavesand the two starfish nestled in the “sand” are the perfect toppers!

Keep the starfish comin’! This beautiful Vera Wang engraved wedding invitation has a modern, minimalist feel. The spindly starfish works well with the clean block font and the eye-catching color is sure to earn this invite staying power on many family and friends’ refrigerators.

This letterpressed invitation by Smock is beautiful in its simplicity. The focus is on the small sand dollar and the hand bordering adds an elegant touch. Make an appointment at Salutations in Durham or Charlotte to look at this and other fabulous wedding invitations.

The groomsmen can’t be left out! Anchor cufflinks from OneWed are great for the guys ~ classic with just enough blue to pop out from under their summer suits.

We couldn’t end the post without another anchor invite! I hear a ship bell ringing while looking at this nautical, letterpressed invite by Bella Figura  The initials add a personal touch and the stripes have a great seersucker look and feel. Your guest will know to be in their Sunday best with this invite…boat shoes optional.

We hope you enjoyed this week’s Blissful Inspiration post! Ahoy!

Welcome to another Inspired Stationery post! This week we are answering some FAQs about personalized stationery. Everyone needs personalized stationery. From thank you notes, to casual correspondences, personalized stationery is the foundation of a great stationery wardrobe.

FAQ 1: Should I Choose a Flat Card or Folded Note?

We get this question a lot! Most traditionally, folded notes are used by women for writing thank you notes or concise messages. Flat cards are traditionally used by women for writing less formal correspondences. If you are shopping for a gentleman, or are a gentleman, flat cards are traditionally used for correspondences by men. So when choosing stationery, if it’s for a man think flat card and for a women decide what she will use it for most often and choose based on her lifestyle and needs.

FAQ 2: What Printing Method Should I Choose?

This is also a common question. At Salutations we offer letterpress (and foil stamping), engraving, embossing, thermography and flat and digital printing. We have dozens of options in personal stationery available in each printing method.

More formal stationery is typically engraved. Engraving is one of the more expensive options, but your engraving plate can be used over and over again through your lifetime, which can offset the cost. Consider formality when choosing a printing method. Also, all of our printing methods have a unique feel and texture.  We highly recommend coming in and touching all of the different methods and seeing the difference in person before making a decision.

FAQ 3: What {or Who} Should I Include on the Stationery?

The answer to this common question is to think about function and preference. First, who will use the stationery and what for? If a the recipient is a lady likely to use it for thank you cards, then we suggest her name or monogram. If the recipient is a couple following their wedding, we suggest including both their names or a duogram.

FAQ 4: Should the Return Address Be Included on the Envelope?

Whenever it makes sense/ideally, we recommend having the return address printed on the envelope flaps.

There are cases when people choose not to have the envelopes printed. If the recipient is a recent graduate, for example, who is not sure what her new address will be or how long she will be there, then it might make sense to omit the return address. Return addressing also costs more, so if you are on a tight budget, omitting this is a way to cut costs.

FAQ 5: Other Than Ink color, How Can I Customize My Stationery?

This is a great question that we love answering! There are tons of ways to customize your stationery by taking advantage of all the embellishments that our vendors offer. From envelope liners to multiple ink colors, to motifs, Salutations has you covered. While some of these embellishments cost extra (most envelope liners), many do not (like motifs and designs). The embellishments are where your stationery really becomes your stationery!

We hope you have enjoyed this post and find this information useful. Stop by Salutations in Charlotte or Golden Belt to personalize your stationery or create a set that’s sure to be memorable for all the special people in your lives!

{All of the stationery above is available at Salutations in Charlotte or Golden Belt. Top to bottom ~ Bella Figura, Crane, Bella Figura, Crane, Smock and Smock}

Welcome back to another Blissful Inspiration post! Today we are inspired by interior design, and one of the hottest trends right now: gorgeous wallpaper. Because inspiration can be found everywhere, we wanted to show you how to get the look of wallpaper on your wedding invitations!

Did you know that many of our vendors offer wallpaper? Our letterpress vendors offer an amazing selection of wallpaper options and other vendors offer digitally printed patterns on the back of their cards, like this gorgeous poppy design {above} by Vera Wang, available at Salutations.

We love blue and floral in wallpaper, like the above Emily Isabella-designed treatment from Hygge & West. Love this look? Then you will probably love this wallpaper-backed save the date by Vera Wang. Blue, floral, fabulous. Just like the wallpaper.

Perhaps you are in the market for a geometric, yet natural print with red accents?

Look no further than this gorgeous custom save the date by Smock {above} available at Salutations. How do you know if this look is right for you?

If this wall-covering {above} from Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles speaks to you, then the answer is probably yes.

We love how both patterns are both botanical and geometric, hard and soft, and dramatic yet calm. We love this save the date {available in a myriad of colors with a myriad of customization options} for any season or formality of wedding. Like the entryway in the photograph above, it’s classic with a twist.

Perhaps you prefer deco with a dash of shine, like the Dauphine Press invitation above {available at Salutations}? Well, you are very much on trend. In stationery and in home design…

We love this Graham & Brown wallpaper {above}. If its sharp lines and glamorous color combination make your heart skip a beat, then consider adding the look to your invitations.

See how this Dauphine Press invitation’s wallpaper makes the invitation? And we love the color combination used on the invitation which is unusual, not unlike the combination used in the rooms above.

So, when considering wedding invitations, stationery or wedding accents, think about the things you love and other types of design.

We can’t wait to help you bring your designs to life. Make an appointment with our Charlotte or Triangle team to see all the options Salutations offers!

{Image credits ~ top to bottom: Emily Isabella wallpaper from Hygge & West, entryway designed by Alison Womack and photographed by Emily Followill for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Soprano wallpaper by Graham & Brown}