Click here to see a brilliant post on using monochromatic color in design.

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Tags: Design Inspiration

I first fell in love with Burdick Chocolate when I spotted their gorgeous little chocolate ghosts (a, b) just perfect for Hallowe’en. They’re almost too precious to eat! As I delved deeper and deeper into their site I became more and more infatuated with their delectable delights. My favorites:
Birthday Cakes (c)
Chocolate-Dipped Fruit (d)
Hazelnut Orange Cakes (e)
Luxembourges macarons (f)

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Tags: Food & Beverage

Need I say more? Oh, I didn’t say anything – I thought I’d let the floral design speak for itself. All of these beautiful arrangements are design by Todd.design. I’m in love with the one on the top.

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Tags: Design Inspiration

A letter I wrote today:
Hi Grenville,

I’m a big fan of yours. I’ve read about you on wedding websites, I saw you play at the wedding show last month and I’ve heard wonderful reviews. So imagine how happy I was when I got the call that I WON the draw at the wedding show I entered to have you play at my wedding next summer. So I eagerly called back Rachel to claim my prize. Well, the first time I called I was hung up on by mistake. The second time I called I was put on hold while Rachel answered her other line. When I finally did speak with Rachel I deciphered through all of the “ummmms” and “uhhhhhs” and the rummaging through papers that although I had “won” the package, the only way I could have you play at my wedding is if I booked their services. So I asked the obvious question – why would I have to book your services if I just won them. It was a frustrating 15 minute of running around in circles before she said what I had suspected all along: “obviously there’s a catch and we want you to book our services” (yes, those are quotes). OK, so I hadn’t won anything at all?…

I have to say that not only am I disappointed in this massive waste of time, but I’m disappointed that you’ve affiliated yourself with such an outfit. Definitely not the type of company I thought would be associated with Grenville. I hope that in future you select your partners more wisely because it’s a reflection on you as a businessman.

Lara

To put it in context, the person who called me to tell me I won was an “agency” representing the artist…who just happened to be a wedding photographer / videographer. The only way that I could have the artist play at my wedding was if I hired them for a full day of photography and/or videography. The problem was that I had only won a 1/2 day. Oh, and processing and editing would be in addition to my free prize. WOW (roll of eyes). How did I ever get so lucky?…

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Tags: just for fun

Customer-Made is a trend that we’ve been seeing snowball in popularity over the last few years. You can help to create your own jeans, cars, shoes, cell phones, computers, Smarties boxes…and now your own wedding rings. New York Wedding Ring lets you spend a day in their workshop to custom create a wedding or engagement ring with your own hands. Talk about creating a meaningful gift!

Source: Springwise.com

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Tags: Products

My fiancee and I will be visiting the Greek Islands during our honeymoon. One stop I’m going to have to look into is Blue Palace in Crete. When I think of Greece, I think bright, crisp teal blues, washed, antiquated whites, and cyprus trees. I will now be adding tranquil, contemporary architecture to my vernacular.

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Tags: Venue & Hospitality

Forget lollipops and balloons…I love a good brand.

In between RFPs I’ve been trekking through the world wide web searching for an e-newsletter service that fits our brand. Something premium, stylish and professional. Believe me, there’s a lot of STUFF out there. But when I came across Emma I experience my “aaaaahhh” moment.

I won’t bore you about all the great features Emma has…it’s really the brand I want to talk about. Despite what some people think, a brand isn’t simply a logo or a name, it’s the collection of perceptions your consumers have about you. So, it’s the way in which you represent your brand through every single touch point that molds and shapes that perception.

I called into their support number to ask a few questions. I spoke with a bright, vibrant lady who answered every question with a smile on her face (even though I couldn’t see her, I could tell she was smiling). I read through their website and actually had fun. I loved the communication style. They actually call you a “person of style” when you sign in. Emma, not a person but instead a brand, has a very clear personality: she’s stylish, she’s smart & savvy, she’s helpful, she’s down to earth, and she’s maybe even a little quirky. In a sea of competitive sites that feel boring, boring, boring, everything about this brand stands out.

As a brand you have 3 choices: BE CHEAPER or BE DIFFERENT or DIE A DUSTY DEATH. So unless you plan on being the cheapest alternative in the market, figure out what makes you different, communicate it and live it.

Thanks, Emma, you’ve reinvigorated my faith in brands.

Oh, and on another note…if your looking to start a newsletter, check out their blog for great tips & ideas.

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Tags: Corporate Branding