I love working on my close friends weddings, because all the time and energy I put into it, is manifested with a little more heart and soul. When my college roommate and BFF, Ashley told me she is not passionate about anything in life but the Lakers, her family, and Jeff, it was no surprise when she revealed her wedding theme would most definitely be oriented around NBA team, The Los Angeles Lakers. {And yes, I’m behind on this post, but it’s Lakers Season now…so it’s relevant.}

The other bridesmaids and I tried to convince her to save the casual sports theme for the bridal shower {Check out our Casino Couture Shower we threw for her instead} but she was adamant about a Purple & Gold Championship Lakers Wedding to the fullest. They decided on a combined Lakers + Ravens Sports themed wedding, which highlighted the commonality between both the teams and them. Half the table number photographs were at the Ravens Stadium in Baltimore, and half were taken in Lakers jersey’s in the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

So we were posed with the challenge to create a Lakers and Ravens inspired, Purple & Gold, Indian-esque -but-modern Wedding Invitation set and corresponding stationery, while still being elegantly chic. Last time I went to a Lakers game, I wore Nike’s, distressed jeans, hoop earrings, and a jersey…so far from elegantly chic. It was a challenge we happily accepted.

First, we had to modify the traditional purple & gold color palette associated with the Lakers. We opted for a deep plum and a antique gold with a pearl gold, and Topaz Swarovski Crystals. Once the colors were set, coming up with a design that embodied both their tastes, vision, and aesthetic was our next task. I think it worked out well, because we built a cohesive set with the invitations, labels, program booklets, water bottle labels, escort cards, and food label tags.

And that’s when I thought of one of my favorite ad campaigns. The NBA in the US promoted the 2008 Playoffs and Finals with an epic tagline: “There Can Only Be One.”  This led to an integrated advertising campaign involving interactive, print and film components. The campaign, featuring two players at a time, {Shaq & Kobe below} promoted basketball games on NBA, TNT, ESPN and ABC, connecting with fans online at www.nba.com/therecanonlybeone where users were allowed to submit their own.

It was brilliant. It was timeless.

And while all of this seems so far removed from Paper, Daydreams, and…Weddings… this was actually the inspiration for all of the above for the beautiful couple, Ashley & Jeff. I’ve never met  any couple like Ashley and Jeff. They’re equally complimentary and compassionate, and just like the tagline, there can only be one…like them. They’re brilliant. They’re timeless.

The Escort Cards inspired by  Sporting Event Tickets {read: Lakers Tickets} with the inspirational tagline for the couple.

The creative, clever, and custom table numbers photographed at both the Staples Center in Los Angeles, and the Ravens Stadium in Maryland.

The breathtaking bride Ashley, with her beautiful twin sister, Anisha.

There Can Only Be One.

I may not celebrate Christmas, but I love, love celebrating the season. From the really over the top decor, the wintery warmth, the limited edition holiday drinks and food, to the cheesy music — and of course, all of the lights…this cool season makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, and makes me want to turn paper into bling. {Ok, maybe I feel like that year-round}

And I really, really wish I had a Christmas tree so I can glam/bling/embellish it up, but since I don’t — I took all that out on this holiday card.  The original concept was supposed to parallel with the season’s fashion trend of sequin dresses.  Instead of the glitter mount, it was supposed to be backed by  gold sequined fabric. That was a fail, after seeing the first prototype. In theory, it was a good idea. =| No worries, I still gots ton of gold sequined fabric, and I think I will have my tailor make me a dress like the Alice + Olivia one.  I get to match my cards =]

I’m working on my über sparkley dress, but in the meantime, I hope you find plenty of ways to sparkle and shine this season — with or without gold sequins…!

‘Tis the season to Sparkle & Shine — Here’s to a Holiday, that’s merry & divine. xoxo.

PD.

So his name may not be Rudolf…and he may not have a red nose, and more importantly, he’s not even a reindeer. All the while, I still want you to feel like you have a piece of a cozy Christmas in your hand when you receive {or give out} our Moose-Mix Holiday Card.

Our leather bound mounted card is supposed to make you feel like you want to snuggle next to the fireplace, roast marshmallows, and maybe a few chestnuts, and sip some hot chocolate…while staring at your moose or deer head mounts above, in a random cabin somewhere. If you don’t feel like this, then I fail as an artist, and in life, really.

The antique gold envelope with the antique gold double-sided satin ribbon was intended to add a little glam-chic to the contrasting woodsy design. Your personal note tucks neatly behind the ribbon.

So roast them chestnuts, open that fire, make some s’mores, and send out some warm wishes, with holiday kisses.

Happy Holidays =]

ex’s & ohhh’s

PD

PS: I drank BOTH those cups of hot chocolate after this photoshoot. I wanted to throw up…I hope you don’t feel that way after looking at these.

Happy Diwali for those observing this holiday — celebrating the festival of lights!

Check out my article last year on Louis Vuitton + Diwali here.

xo,

PD

When we met with the bride and groom to design their wedding invitations, we immediately understood the ‘look’ they wanted. Understated organic luxury, with a very specific color palette chosen by the bride.

To go that extra mile and embody that luxurious eco-chic style, we used recycled metallic card stock, and 100% cotton twine for the ultimate textured contrast and dimension to subtlety convey Esheta & Doug are tying the knot. Additionally, we used sustainable green printing, which eliminates harmful chemicals and reduces energy usage with efficient equipment. Each were then sealed with a simple raffia ribbon in natural kraft.

We spent hours refining the twig and blossom design until the bride was satisfied! The original concept used a sage green in lieu of the apple green you see below, which matches the bridesmaids dresses. I actually prefer this shade of green with the rich ivory and chocolate brown. We’re looking forward to the wedding today on the beach!

Congratulations Esheta & Doug! Wishing you a 100% sustainable happiness together. =]

xoxo.

My daddy supports my daydreams and helps me materialize them. He rocks sweater vests, and has an unlimited supply of argyle socks. He’s patient, wise, and always optimistic. No words, monetary value, or more socks, can ever express how grateful, fortunate and blessed I am to have him in my life. To all the best daddy’s in the world — Happy Father’s Day!  This one is for you, son.

{PS. My SLR is stuck in a car, that’s stuck in Westwood, in which my daddy had to come to our rescue. So until I get my camera back — I’m using my iphone.}

Still can’t get over how gorgeous the bride, Alina looked on her wedding day! Not only did she beam with an inexplicable radiance, but every detail of her event looked radiant as well. It’s not a easy feat to make a 750 guest list wedding feel intimate, but it all came together quite lovely. The black, red and champagne color palette was a classy and unique approach that mixed traditional with modern for the typical South Asian Weddings. In addition, we came up with the “Love: In Translation” theme to capture her idea to have a book/chapter/love-around-the-world theme.  After creating 750 programs for each place setting, we created the table numbers/names. Each table number/name includes the translation for I love You, along with the origin and language name. Instead of directing guests to a “table”, they were directed to a “Chapter” to their around-the-world timeless love via their skinny bookmark escort card.  Cheers to the beautiful couple! Wishing you a lifetime of love…in translation.

xo.

Wedding Photography: www.ajstudios.net | PaperDaydream Photography: Sadia K. | Event Decor: http://www.aseedandstone.com/

With all the fervor and media coverage of the Royal Wedding, we’d be remiss to not make any mention of this auspicious occasion. It’s lovely that it’s a love story, and not just a forced courtship between two royal families. I think that adds to the appeal of it all. And royal blood or not, Kate Middleton exudes nobility and sophistication all around. I’m in love with their love, and the hype behind this wedding-of-the-century is definitely exciting. Even my mom is excited! {Obvi}

Mom: Did you know Prince William was an Art History major, like you?!! He’s a good match for you!

Me: Really, Mommy, Really? Darn, looks like Kate beat me to my Prince Charming then. Ah, well.

{My mom’s a little more of a {day}dreamer than me =] }

I gotta say though – I was way underwhelmed after seeing their invitation. My reaction was “Wait, What? That’s it??? “ Gold Embossed on ivory stock – with handwritten guest names directly on the invite…WITH DOTTED LINES TO FILL IN THE BLANK!? Yikes. This is slightly embarrassing. No offense.  The overall aesthetic doesn’t seem to embody the modern elegance the couple exhibits at all.

That’s when we decided to come up with our own rendition of how we feel the invitations could have looked better =] We incorporated royal blue in the palette to streamline with her beautiful sapphire engagement ring.  Throw in some antique gold, ivory and caramel, and we’ve created our version of the Royal Wedding Regal Invitation.

This is just a prototype obvi -

• The real deal would be letterpressed on 220# ivory linen stock, {That’s like Cardboard with texture}  with blind debossing for more subtle texture, and a antique gold foil stamp along the Crest we custom designed.
• I opted for an English Victorian Rose “Garden” for the outer casing to compliment and contrast the Heraldic Design we created for the actual inserts.
• Then embellished with a crystalized pearl seal – and Sapphire and Topaz Swarovski Crystals on the inside.

We hope this fits the bill for the Royal Treatment they deserve.  We checked out the guest list, and noticed a certain British hottie couple – Victoria and David Beckham, so we used that as our sample invitee. {The internet is a creepy place — abundant in way too much information,  sorry.}   Thoughts??

Special Delivery! Saman, owner of 2Create Designs was having her first born baby girl! It’s only fitting that Baby Serene is welcomed into the world in 2Create Design Studio style. A Baby Bling Soiree for the lovely little princess! <3 <3 <3

So when Saman came to us to design her invitation, we got to work! Sometimes in order to push the envelope, you should just get rid of it completely. So we did. Saman found these adorable pink tin mailboxes in lieu of paper envelopes. We designed the double sided post card, labels, stamps and registry to cater the “Special Delivery-Postcard-Telegram-Couture” theme.

The invitation set the tone for the event. The special delivery package invite was intended to make you highly anticipate the event. The day of, Saman’s delivery was indeed special.

Her transformation of the space was breathtaking. She created a magical castle for her little princess, where everything was still so baby glam-chic…and so Serene. The ambiance was nothing short of perfect to introduce her baby girl to.

As intense as all the decor was, the favors were even more intense. She had full sized apothecary jars filled with pink and silver kisses and a metal scoop. We designed the tag that included the poem below and the tag for the outer packaging which included Serene’s healthy birth stats =]. Additionally, she had a full candy bar, dessert table with not one – but SIX block cakes for each letter for Serene, and a Golden Spoon Fro Yo Bar. Amaze. It’s always a pleasure working with such a talented individual. She cares about the details as much as we do and the results are fabulous!

Here’s to two amazing parents and a beautiful Baby Serene! {Can’t wait for her next birthday party ;] }

Event Decor: 2Create Design Studio | Cakes: Mary-Jane Cakes, OC | Princess Cupcake: Handmade by Natasha Ahsan-Baig | Invitations & Stationery: Paperdaydream | Stationery Photography: Danny Cheung | Event Photography: Fawad Shah {aka Saman’s Baby Daddy}

Imagine a female version of Ocean’s 11– Seriously. A Team of 11 of Ashley’s Ace’s forwent planning a casino robbery in lieu of planning a casino shower. The end result: A lil’ Casino Royale, a lil’ Romance, and a lot of Sexy. Equipped with maps, spreadsheets, meetings and teams — we practically could have made our own movie! But, somehow I think the lack of Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Matt Damon’s star prowess would not help our cause. Anyways…

I’m no gambler, but I went all in with the idea I had for the invitation. After crap shooting a bunch of “blah” ideas, I decided to keep it simple: 4 Aces for Ashley. Each card listed different information for the shower details. The cards were printed double sided with 1/4 in. rounded edges, and a Red Garnite & Charcoal Gray Swarovski Crystal on the 1st Card.

That made it easy and clear to pave the way for the rest of the design elements! A Red, black, and White color palette theme was kinda default chosen for us going off of the Card Suites and shapes.

The water bottle labels had 4 different designs; One for each card suite shape — Hearts, Diamonds, Spades, & Clubs.

When we went flower shopping, we found black flowers! Love. We paired white hydrangeas with Chocolate Cosmos, Red Roses and Curly Willow. Ashley’s fabulous twin sister, elder sister and BFF’s took care of the food and the gorgeous cake! Our other A-Team member/BFF took care of the games…It was a fabulous calloborative A-Team effort.

Perhaps it was divine intervention, or just a gift from the gods – but what ever the case,  Miss Natasha was well deserving of this Greek Goddess {All White & Gold Err-thing} Bridal Shower.  A Bridal Shower that came straight from Mt. Olympus, was totally  fitting for the well-traveled bride, whose favorite vacay spot is Greece {Also their honeymoon destination}.

We are SO excited to be featured in the Winter 2011 Anniversary Edition of South Asian Bride Magazine! We teamed up with the creative forces behind 2Create Design Studio to create this Winter Wonderland Luxe tablescape. We designed the full suite menus, favor tags, table numbers, escort cards, and invitations for this fabulous Wedding shoot at the beautiful Island Hotel in Newport Beach, CA. Saman at 2Create Design Studio did an AMAZING job with everything, and we love how beautifully everything turned out – but then again everything always does with them. Also, the photography is nothing short of breathtaking, no? Aman at Samson Productions did an AMAZING job with the photography. Love!

xoxo,

PD

Other participating vendors that contributed to the awesomeness: Just a Bite Cake Pops {Cake Pop Favors} | 3D Sounds Lighting | BTB Events | WildFlower Linen

And Oh, what a season it is! Making spirits bright everywhere – adding a little sweetness to someone’s day just got easier.

These not-so-traditional rose pink and fuschia polka-dot Holiday cards were inspired by the packaging we created for Rubina’s Cake Shoppe’s Gourmet Cake Truffles.

While these cakes and cards will be available year-round, we did a special edition Holiday line adorned with snowflakes and a special sweet message.

So while you’re sipping some decadent hot chocolate & eating some gourmet cake truffles, these chocolate brown and pink polka-dot holiday cards are bound to be just as delicious.

Wishing you a *sweet* Holiday Season!

xoxo,

PaperDaydream

Photos Courtesy of Danny C.

It was a pleasure working with one of the head pastry chef’s at Vanilla Bake Shop, because they know how to make magic…in cake form. For my BFF’s birthday, I contacted Vanilla Bake Shop for a custom cake to capture a few of Natasha’s favorite elements: Tiffany’s Blue, Red Velvet Cake, & Damask print anything.

The cake was perfection! {Both in taste and appearance!} The birthday card was simple and chic – much like the BFF’s personality… adorned with just the right amount of Swarovski crystals. Happy Birthday Natasha! Hope you loved it!

These 6×6 cards will be made available in 3 messages and 3 colors: Happy Birthday, Congratulations, & Happy Anniversary.  {Obviously custom messages are always available} All will be available in Hot Pink, Turquoise {pictured above}, and Black with matching envelopes to each respective color. Each card will be $6.50 each.

Drop us a line if you’re interested! We’re working on opening our shop soon!