OnThree: Invitations & Calligraphy

Tiny watercolor paintings are so fun to make! This vintage truck can be found on the grounds at Top of the Rock Chapel and I was so excited to be able to recreate it.

Napkins and drink stirrers make the cutest pairing! We love how @kateandcompany incorporated them into Michelle and Scott’s beautiful day and how beautifully @switzerfilmweddings captured them!

Leave it to Emily Broadbent to make a simple invitation look AMAZING with some elevated flat lay skills! Stunning! Vendor Love: Host photogs: @tbroglinphoto + @emilybroadbentphotography Venue @emersonfieldsvenue ... Floral @sugarberryblooms Planning @ssdevents Cakes + desserts @cakehousedesign Video @matthewjayfilms Vintage furniture @pretty.lil.things Linen+ chairs @a1partyeventrentalcomo Stationer @onthreedesigns Hair @jamiemcdhair Make up @lilihulooks Dresses @claricesbridal Acrylic magic @eyecandyconfetti Painter @cindyscottartistry Place settings @nadineandmina See more

I get asked often "can you help with my day of items too?". The answer? YES, PLEASE! As a stationer and designer, I love nothing more for all of your wedding paper goods to feel like they were created together. I tell my clients all the time to think of their wedding stationery not just as a beautiful invitation but almost as if they were a company and their wedding stationery is their branding! Typography, artwork, color palette, pattern, monogram, etc all work together to create a unified vision that should carry you from save the dates all the way to the day of the wedding (and maybe even beyond.... can I get a "monogram everything"??). In conclusion, a huge, resounding YES from us! Planning @kateandcompany // Photo by @switzerfilmweddings

Recognize this little cutie from my last post? Kelly and Brandon are getting married here this weekend and I could not be more excited for them! Congratulations Kelly and Brandon!

Happy FIRST ANNIVERSARY to Monica and Will! Even a year later, these classic invitations are giving me all of the elegant winter wedding vibes. My favorite part? The custom cut lace enclosure card sleeve. Photography Mike Cassimatis Photography

If you've ever wondered what an average work day in the life of this stationery designer looks like in 2020, it might consist of an unwashed high pony, sweatshirt, no makeup and a hot (but more than likely cold) coffee somewhere in the background. In reality, catching me at the office is rare, I don't get to spend as much time here as I would like so when I'm at the office, it's nose to the grindstone! I'm more likely at home, answering emails from my phone while watching my ...son, designing during nap time and writing proposals after he goes to bed at night. It's not perfect but I'm making it work! Thankful for @sarajaneherrmannphotography for catching me in the middle of assembly and capturing some photos, even though I protested because of my unpolished appearance. But it's 2020, we're in a pandemic and this is what work looks like this year - unplanned, roll with the punches and beautifully imperfect. See more

There are so many relented calligraphers in St. Louis. Honored to be mentioned among them by St. Louis Best Bridal!

Amanda Wilens is talking all things micro-thanksgiving on her blog! She's sharing some of her favorite recipes that feed 1-4, gorgeous inspiration images and tips for recreating her tablescape for your own family. Check out her blog for more images and alll of the delicious recipes that she's sharing and be sure to download the cute printable that I contributed! It's the perfect family activity to enjoy after dinner. This year is going to look a lot differently than other holiday seasons but with a table setting like this I'm pretttyyyyyy sure I won't mind too much. Be sure to check out my IG stories for more inspiration images as well as gratitude story templates that you can screen shot and fill out leading up to Thanksgiving. https://amandawilens.com/how-to-set-up-a-mini-thanksgiving/

What little girl wouldn't want a watercolor monogram painted with her best friend included? We LOVE how mom-to-be Lindsey incorporated her fur-baby Liddy into the monogram crest we created for her daughter's birth announcements. This little monogram made it's way onto a swaddle and poster for baby Sophie's room. How sweet is that?

Let's talk about die cuts... if you really want to make a huge first impression on your guests, consider going outside of the box (literally) and opt for a unique shape. When Carrie came up with the idea of including some unique vintage frames, I knew we had to make it stand out for the save the date! The letterpress on double-thick paper was amazing in and of itself but add that die cut? and WOW... I mean, wow! Just wait until you see how we carried over the frame idea onto the actual envelope. Adorable!

Kayla and Rhys presented me with a unique idea - to combine different parts of their four family coat of arms and create a completely unique coat of arms that represented their life together. I took some of the traditional aspects of each family crest and filled in the center with icons and imagery that meant something to them. The result? One of the most unique, regal and fun crests to date! Designed in collaboration with @altardevents

Shades of blue? Florals? Yes, please! Photographed at #themicroretreat by @emilybroadbentphotography Vendor Dream Team:... Host Photographers + Design: @emilybroadbentphotography and @tbroglinphotography Venue: @emersonfieldsvenue Florals: @sugarberryblooms Dresses: @miagracebridal Invitation Suite: @onthreedesigns Shoes: @betseyjohnson @badgleymischka HAMU: @_shanice_mac Rentals: @a1partyeventrentalcomo Tablescape: @nadineandmina Linens: @bbjlinen Cake + Desserts: @cakehousedesign Catering: @nolandscateringofmacon Models: @lyndeekelley @tob_dob See more

Die cuts are true statement makers and can be a great way to experiment with something unique for a save the date! This beauty is packed with personal details in the artwork but we especially love how they included their sweet fur baby!

This palette is a breath of fresh air! Don't get me wrong, I love a classic wedding palette but this one breaks the mold in the best of ways! What were/are your wedding palette colors? Did you try anything a bit out of the ordinary? Styled Shoot Contributors: @hillaryjevents @sarahharveyphoto @twistedwillowdesign @savanahsummerbeauty @onthreedesigns @florelle.studio @weinhardtpartyrentals

You may have seen the preview of these 1st birthday invitations in our IG story but I just can’t get enough! Our little guys is turning one tomorrow and we knew from very early on that his birthday theme had to be golf related to honor his Dad’s favorite sport. We went with a Master’s Tournament themed party which usually falls on my husband’s birthday weekend, making it one of his favorite golf events of the year. It was the perfect fit! If you’re familiar with the tournament, you’ll recognize the signature green jacket that wanted to be the focal point of the invitation. I added in some custom die cuts to really make the jacket and insert card stand out. What was/would be/is your favorite party theme? What made you choose it?

I haven’t introduced myself in a verrryyyyy long time so I thought I’d take a moment to introduce you to me and my cheerleading squad (my family). If you don’t already know the face behind the account, my name is Alicia and my passion is manifesting life’s most important events through paper. When I’m not at work, these days, you’ll find me in leggings and a tee that probably has food on it, chasing around my 1 year old, Hugh. Since COVID hit in the US, I’...ve added the title of stay at home Mom to my resume. It’s been a struggle to balance it all. Some days seem impossible to manage and some are ok but I’m so grateful for my understanding and accommodating clients and event partners and even more grateful for the extra time to watch my boy grow. Dying to know more? Here are 5 things you may not know about me. I have naturally curly hair. I never really learned how to take care of it and am still working on loving it, so it’s pretty rare that you’ll see it. Before stationery, I was in women’s fashion, accessories to be exact. Hats were my favorite thing to design. My favorite food is a classic Margarita pizza. Sometimes, simple is best! I’m a horror/crime podcast junkie but my favorite at the moment is This Podcast Will Kill You on infectious diseases. Fascinating! I love musicals. Anything from classic broadway to Disney and you better believe I know every word by heart! Photo by @erinstubblefieldphoto See more

Allissa from @altardevents and I went back and forth a few times trying to get this seating chart perfect for Kayla and Rhys and it was SO WORTH the effort! Just look at how gorgeous it turned out! @ashleypieperphotography @altardevents @anaffairtorememberstl @wildcarrot.stl... @thesocialaffairstl @delacremestudio @savanahsummerbeauty @therealeeventsinc @sweetteamedia @rockstardjstl @landolfiquartet @angelamarierocchi0 @traubetent @jed_limousine @ultimatebridechicago @theblacktux @moniquelhuillierbride @jennyyoonyc Shrine of St. Joseph (no instagram) See more

If you’re planning a winter wedding and want to avoid the Christmas vibes silver, white and navy are a gorgeous choice! Monica and Will stuck with a classic suite but chose to jazz it up with a custom cut enclosure pocket printed with lace artwork inspires by her dress. The perfect finishing touch to their winter wedding! Photo by the very talented @mikecassimatis

What a way to FINALLY kick off our 2020 wedding season! Kayla and Rhys were looking to have a family crest made for them. By combining all of their family crests, we pick and chose elements of each while adding in a little personal flair. I love how it turned out and am so excited to share this beautiful photo from @ashleypieperphotography I can't wait to share all of the fun things we created alongside @altardevents @ashleypieperphotography @altardevents @anaffairt...orememberstl @wildcarrot.stl @thesocialaffairstl @delacremestudio @savanahsummerbeauty @therealeeventsinc @sweetteamedia @rockstardjstl @landolfiquartet @angelamarierocchi0 @traubetent @jed_limousine @ultimatebridechicago @theblacktux @moniquelhuillierbride @jennyyoonyc Shrine of St. Joseph (no instagram) See more

It’s National Dog Day and it’s no secret that pets are kinnnddddaa our jam! I’ll be giving my fur babies extra snuggles today. Especially Louie who is suffering from a case of pancreatitis. Are you doing anything special for your fur fam today? Photo by @mikecassimatis

It's been awhile since I've posted regularly but, like so many others, it's been such a strange time in life. I'm struggling to find new content to post and even more so, wrestling with what to say. Without a wedding completed in 2020, it's a little tough to maintain a social media presence. So I'll share a bit about what I've been up to instead: - I am currently a full time Mama to Hugh. I say full time because, although I'm still running two businesses, for 8 hour...s a day, 6 days a week, he's my primary focus. I appreciate every single extra second I'm getting to spend with him, but it's a HARD job and an even harder shift in mindset. I'm amazed by all of you stay at home Moms out there. You're the real MVPs! - Life has slowed way, way down. When I'm not taking care of Hugh, I'm squeezing work into every ounce of alone time I get. Both businesses have gone from bustling and successful back to the humble, side-businesses they started from. That's a hard reality to accept but I've been here before and I have no doubt that both businesses will be back to thriving. - We're moving our family! Moving in the middle of a pandemic is no small task. Moving into a fixer-upper in the middle of a pandemic? Woahhhh. Almost every room in the new house needs major renovations but there's no better time than now to take on a massive project. Follow my personal account to see updates! - My second business, The Emerald Hound, just launched it's new website! If you haven't already, check it out! www.theemeraldhound.com That pretty much sums it up! There is somehow so much & so little happening at the same time. What have you been up to friends? How are you coping? Stay tuned for more images from this recent styled shoot! There's so much to love here! Styled Shoot Contributors: @hillaryjevents @sarahharveyphoto @twistedwillowdesign @savanahsummerbeauty @onthreedesigns @florelle.studio @weinhardtpartyrentals See more

The past few months have been filled with so many ups and downs, to say the least. I'm filled with guilt and hesitation to share any personal news with so much disappointment/frustration/sadness/anger/confusion happening around us. Racism, fear and uncertainty are weighing heavy on my heart but I'm beyond proud of my fellow female entrepreneurs at 5400 Devonshire and want to take a short break to celebrate. I'm so excited to share that @GlobalGiving just let me know that I've... been selected for a #RedBackpackFund grant from @SaraBlakely and @Spanx! The fund is dedicated to supporting women-owned U.S. businesses in the wake of #COVID19 to help alleviate our immediate needs and help our long-term recovery following this crisis. When I applied a few months back, I thought there was no way that I would even be considered but I knew that I had to give it a try. There was an opportunity in front of me to help my tenants and fellow office mates and I had to take a shot! I promised that I would use the grant to cover rent for a period of time at 5400 Devonshire and I am so thrilled to be able to make that happen. Congratulations to my gals at 5400 Devonshire. I'm so proud to call you office mates and look forward to watching all of us not just survive 2020 but thrive for many years to come. Thank you Sara Blakely and The Red Backpack Fund! If you happen to know the ladies at 5400 Devonshire, drop them a congratulatory note! #Spanx #SaraBlakely #GlobalGiving #smallbusiness #smallbiz #womenbusinessowners #womeninbusiness #femaleentrepreneurs #womenentrepreneur #womensupportingwomen #businesswoman #womeninbiz #femaleempowerment #womenempoweringwomen #coronavirus #covid19pandemic #stayathome @ OnThree: Invitations & Calligraphy See more

June is one of my favorite months. Want to know why? It's my birth month! My favorite way to celebrate is usually pool side with a glass of bubbles. I missed out on my annual celebration (sparkling grape juice is NOT the same) last year because I had baby Hugh on board so you better believe I'll be partaking this year (even if it’s a plastic baby pool)! Where are my other June babies at?

My favorite thing about what I do is the opportunity for creating things that I never knew I would be excited to create! When @Kristinashleyevents asked me if I could make custom cigar wraps? Challenge accepted! I’m a big fan of small details like these and love how they turned out! Photographed by @mikecassimatis

Venue paintings have my heart. I love having the opportunity to reuse artwork that I create for my brides and groom’s invitations. Not only does it make me so happy that they love it enough to print it on multiple things but it creates a seamless look that blends seamlessly into the wedding day! Photographed by @mikecassimatis // Venue: @sunflowerhillfarm

If you haven’t noticed, our feed has been a little pet obsessed over the past week. How can we possibly help ourselves when our clients’ pets are so dang cute? Look closely, you’ll see a tiny Bodie dog hidden somewhere in this gorgeous suite. Planning @kristenashleyevents // photography @mikecassimatis // as seen on @marthastewartweddings

When that copper foil hits the light just right.

When I have the opportunity to paint one of my couple’s pets, you better believe the portrait is going to end up an a few other products. I gifted two Buckley mugs to Ellyn and Brecht to send a little extra cheer as they celebrate each other in their original wedding date this weekend. Pretty sure I squealed when I opened the shipping box because how stinking cute did they turn out?? We can’t wait to share all of their beautiful paper goods when they’re able to have a full wedding celebration this Fall.

Sometimes in business, I set parameters for my myself. I do this with great intentions and to make sure that my work is presented in the absolute best way possible and with quality of the finished product at the forefront of my mind. I guess it is my way of protecting my work and keeping the experience exclusive for my brides and grooms. For that reason, I have never offered licensed watercolor artwork... until this monogram. COVID 19 has done a lot of thin...gs to my business, vast majority of them pretty negative, if I'm being completely honest. BUT if there's one positive that's coming out of it, it's that, with a drastically shortened work day (having a baby around and an extremely occupied husband during work hours has not been awesome for productivity!) I'm having to shift my perspective a bit and re-prioritize, not only to keep my businesses running from day-to-day but more importantly to keep myself from burning out. As important as administrative tasks are and making sure that every On Three Designs bride client has a one-on-one experience with me, and trust me it is important, my clients are the heart of this business, it's creating, painting, drawing, making that is what keeps that heart pumping. In reality, artwork is a microscopic portion of my average workflow and, friends, I'm CRAVING more of it. So, stationer friends and wedding pros, what are your thoughts on licensing custom artwork? A curated selection of semi-custom and custom-painted, digitized items such as monograms, venues, pet portraits and other pieces specifically targeted for wedding pros and their clients? Stationer friends and wedding pros, is this something that you're looking for to enhance your offerings? Would you be interested if I started offering this as an a-la-carte option? Honest opinions, please!! See more

When bride, Jordan asked if I could hand letter some pressed floral frames I about jumped out of my seat! I swear I have the most creative brides but Jordan really outdid herself. The best part? Her family helped her by pressing the florals and creating the framed arrangements. Are/Did your family and friends lending their talents to help with your wedding? I want to hear about it! Photography @mikecassimatis // Additional florals @oliveandgeneweddings // Bride @floralthoughts

PET PARENTS: take note, including your pets in your wedding stationery is in! I love how Alexa and Justin decided to include their pets into their save the date for a healthy dose of whimsy in their otherwise clean and classic save the date. Would you include your pets in your wedding stationery? If yes, how?

It’s no secret that I love a monogram! Liz went with a clean and classic two-letter monogram with a tried and true laurel wreath crest. Something this classic never goes out of style! Are you a monogram person? Yes or no? Planning @kristinashleyevents

IDEAS FOR 2021: ditch the standard save the date photo magnet and opt for a die cut monogram magnet for your paper save the date! I’ve had the opportunity to do this twice now and I am so here for it. Would you opt for an alternative to the old school magnet save the date??

Reception details can be just as important as the wedding invitations themselves. I always tell my couples that, without knowing they're at the right reception, they should "know". you know? Your save the dates and invitations are your guest's first indication of what the day might look like, from color palette to font choice, your stationery gives your guests a subtle indication of what to expect. Your day-of paper goods should be a seamless transition from your invitations ...by using a lot of the same design elements - color, monogram, typography, etc. We LOVE how Lauren and Chris reused the silk ribbon, monogram and color palette from their invitations. It's the small attention to details like this that makes a huge impact on the big day. Photography @mikecassimatis // Planning @kristinashleyevents // Florals @amfloraldesigns // Venue @buschfamilyestate // as seen in @marthastewartweddings See more

When your fiancé proposes to your with AN AIRPLANE heck yes, you include it in your monogram crest. I'm keeping bust over here with lots of custom watercolor work and I could not be happier about it. If you had a custom watercolor monogram made for you, what would it include? Your pets? Something that's significant to you and your spouse-to-be? Describe your dream wedding crest!

Remember those studies I was working on a couple of weeks ago? Here's the "finished" product! It might be on a torn piece of bent-up paper with painting on the back side but I love it! Painting something just for me has been EXACTLY what I needed. What should I tackle next? Maybe a human?

I don’t have any grand, positive stories about how productive I was today or how hopeful I am for the future. I had one phone call this morning (a really great consultation which I’m so grateful for) but right after I hung up, I closed my computer and didn’t look at it again for the rest of the day. For those of you who know me, that’s not something I do very often. While Hugh was napping I picked up a piece of scrap paper and started painting studies of my pup, Frank. Not for work, not because I had a deadline and certainly not because I have a lot of free time (that’s not a thing when you’ve got a babe around) but because I just wanted to. Today was the first day in a long time that I did something just for me and let me tell you what, it feels dang good. What are you guys doing that’s just for you? Just because?

Today is the last day to vote for On Three Designs as your favorite wedding stationer! Having your support means the world to me and I can’t thank you enough! Vote here: https://www.stlmag.com/alist#/gallery/208300705l

Venue illustrations have become one of the biggest wedding stationery trends over the past couple of years and I am absolutely in love with them. It’s the perfect way to highlight your venue, especially when it’s as iconic as the Busch Family Estate! I loved having the opportunity to draw such a gorgeous piece of St. Louis architecture. @mikecassimatis // @kristinashleyevents // @buschfamilyestate // as seen in @marthastewartweddings . .... . . . #weddingstationery #illustration #youreinvited #weddingpaper #dailydoseofpaper #stlouiswedding #stl See more

I tell my brides and grooms to think of their wedding stationery as not just invitations but as the branding for your day. Your guests should be able to walk into the church, ceremony location, or reception venue and should immediately know they’re in the right place! By reusing stationery assets like fonts, monograms, color palette etc. you not only get a uniform look but your guests will recognize your brand immediately! We love how Lauren and Chris car...ried over their monogram and color palette in their program booklets! Featured in @marthastewartweddings // planning @kristinashleyevents // photography @mikecassimatis // florals @amfloraldesign . . . . . #weddingstationery #paperlove #weddingdesign #dreamwedding #weddingplanning #youreinvited #weddingpaper #dailydoseofpaper #stlouiswedding #stl See more

Why stop with invitations and day-of paper goods? We are a full-service stationery company which means that we offer so much more than just invitation services or items for the actual wedding day. We love how @kristinashleyevents pulled together a very St. Louis welcome box for Lauren and Chris’ guests! Featured in @marthastewartweddings // photographed by @mikecassimatis . .... . . . #weddingstationery #paperlove #weddingdesign #dreamwedding #weddingplanning #youreinvited #weddingpaper #dailydoseofpaper #stlouiswedding #stl See more