No Backing Out Now...

That we have the save-the-dates printed and mailed! JK. Nothing would make me back out of this. After a bit of a wedding slump, the arrival of save-the-dates energized me and Mr. Canary again. It was so exciting to see the design come to life. I couldn't be happier with how they turned out and I couldn't have done it without our amazing designers, Nicole and Erin of Bird and Banner.

From our first meeting with Nicole, we immediately felt that they understood us and the tone we were trying to set for the wedding. After Mr. Canary and I received the first set of sketches and concepts, we knew we had made the right decision by choosing Bird and Banner. The concepts were so great that we had a hard time deciding, but our favorite was the best fusion of Chinese culture within a modern context.

Although they're based in Philadelphia and we are in New York, I felt very included in the entire process. Nicole and Erin were both very open and communicative asking for input and generous about sending swatches and samples for us to review. After we selected the final concept, Mr. Canary wrote the copy, which was great since paper doesn't usually excite him as much... but writing... that's a whole other story!

Without further ado, I present to you our amazing save the dates!

The design and concept was inspired by this myth which Nicole and Erin found (and was highlighted in the main part):

The full effect! The red thread/string connects all three parts of the save-the-date, thus highlighting the myth printed on the back of the middle card.


The center panel with the poem that Mr. Canary wrote. Isn't it cute?

In case the photo is too light, it reads:
A ring was bought
A yes was said
A date was booked
Now word must spread
In New York
Is where we'll wed
Please save the date
(You will be fed)

We opted to keep the text a bit sparse and more light-hearted and instead fill our Web site with details for the day (hotels and event schedule).

The illustrated design behind the two back panels. Nicole drew this herself! The spool of thread motif trails throughout the pieces and even appears again on the envelope.


The front of the envelope with the fantastic mailing label that Bird and Banner custom designed. We opted to go with a printed label so that we could feature a design element as well as have neat and clear text. Oh and the perfect stamp! It fit the theme of the save-the-date so well!

We really love it and can't wait to get get started on the invitations with Bird and Banner. What do you think?