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.

The Weeknd – Echoes Of Silence by The_Weeknd

The best part: this was all shot and edited on the iPhone!

And the back of my card:

Our business cards are letterpressed on 220# weight paper with rounded edges, each embellished with a Swarovski Crystal AB Clear.

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.

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.