Lay your pretty eyes on the “Occidental” Suite from Dauphine. Is there anything more luscious? Visit me in my Santa Barbara studio where fine stationery abounds.

Letterpress Wedding Invitation from one of my most favorite vendors – Bella Figura. “With a pairing of our sand and surf inks, Tara Hogan’s New Horizon letterpress wedding invitation design is looking rather fabulous. We love that the clean cut, contemporary look is played up with an over sized block font for the bride and groom’s names.”

Bella Figura Surf & Sand

Meet my dear friend, Karyn Millet, and be inspired by her newly published book,

The Accidental Photographer.

It has been a privilege to watch her, and sometimes walk with her as she bravely took the challenging path to a new career.

Spring and Summer weddings brimming with color, showing the love. As it should be. Vera Wang’s stunning Wedding Invitations – and personal stationery – can be found at Kathleen Cooper Fine Papers this very moment. I invite you to visit and view these, and other magical offerings, in my Santa Barbara studio. Just give me a ring. We’ll make a time that’s convenient for you!

Vera Wang Shines

Just released this week — just what you would expect from Vera Wang for Wedding. She never disappoints. Contact Kathleen and ask to see the entire collection.

Vera Wang - Sophistocated in Black

See the possibilities at Kathleen Cooper Fine Papers

Bella Figura offers one of the most extensive collections of letterpress wedding invitations for style-savvy brides, printed on exclusive 100% reclaimed cotton paper made just for Bella Figura by a 500-year-old European paper mill. Bella Figura’s letterpress invitations have been dreamed up by some of the nation’s most sought-after designers and calligraphers. I’m thrilled to be working with them!

Bella Figura’s latest designs capture up-and-coming wedding trends ~ envision clean, minimal typography, fanciful calligraphy stylings, bright and vibrant colors, and motifs inspired by fabric patterning. In addition to expertly designed letterpress invitations, each Bella Figura design suite also features letterpress save the dates, menus, thank you notes, place cards, reception cards, programs, and coasters.

As eco-conscious weddings have grown in popularity, Bella Figura stands out as an iconic industry leader. A true environmental letterpress shop, Bella Figura uses 100% reclaimed cotton tree-free paper and eco letterpress inks, in addition to being wind-powered, a member of Green America’s Green Business Network and donating 1% of sales to environmental causes via 1% For the Planet. For employees, they offer free bus passes to encourage use of public transit and subsidize 20-week Community Supported Agriculture memberships with a local organic farm.

You can see more of this fabulous line of letterpresses wedding invitations by visiting Kathleen Cooper Fine Papers in Santa Barbara, California. 805-886-5482

A wedding invitation from William Arthur makes a lasting impression when it’s received in the mail. The substantial weight and creamy smooth texture of the signature papers; the sophistication and artistry of design; and the exquisite quality and fine craftsmanship of the printing combine for a beautiful finished product, the perfect way to announce to the world the details of your very special celebration.

The Maine-based company is world-renowned for exceptional quality printing and stationery design, with a wide variety of styles, wedding invitation formats and price points to satisfy the tastes and expectations of today’s brides.

From formal to casual styles, from gala events to smaller, intimate celebrations, William Arthur’s wedding invitation collection captures the heart of every wedding. The wedding invitation line features classic, heavyweight papers and elegant, richly embossed border designs. Some of the newer designs include creamy smooth, substantial letterpress papers; elegant, generously proportioned fold-over invitations; scalloped edge papers; embossed pocket folders; and graceful French flap envelopes.

You can see more of this premiere line of wedding invitations by visiting Kathleen Cooper Fine Papers in Santa Barbara, California.

Q: Help! I registered for some really cool stuff, but now I’m not sure where to put that information on our invitations. Where do I list the stores where we’re registered?
A: Honestly? You don’t. While it has become somewhat commonplace to see this as part of the invitation package, etiquette says it is not acceptable. It may seem as though it is helpful info, but it appears as though you are saying, “Come to my wedding, bring a gift, and, oh, by the way, here’s where you can get it.” Keep the focus on what this day is all about: your wedding, not the gifts.

Instead, you could build a wedding website and include that sort of info there. Also, make sure your close family members (who will be asked) know where you are registered. They can tactfully pass along the info to those who request it.

What about the shower invitation, you ask? Well, that’s a different story. The purpose of that particular event is to “shower you with gifts,” so by all means, include all of that information in the shower invitation.

Q: My wedding is six or so months away. How soon do we need to order invitations? And when do I send them?
A: It’s important to plan ahead here. It takes 4-6 weeks to complete a custom invitation order. The process can be expedited if necessary for an additional fee. You should aim to send your invitations 6-8 weeks before the big day. And don’t forget time to assemble and address them. So our best advice? Get your invites ordered at least 3 months before the big day.

Q: Should I really send my invites just 6-8 weeks before the event? What if Uncle Harry needs to make travel plans?
A: We recommend save-the-date cards. These can be sent as early as 9-12 months before you walk down the aisle.

Dauphine Press delights in every detail of creating beautiful and memorable invitations and stationery. Just as no two occasions are alike, the same is true of their invitations. For over a decade, Dauphine Press has earned a reputation for excellence and a passion for creating award-winning bespoke wedding stationery. The Dauphine Press Custom Wedding Portfolios enable a bride’s personality to shine through with sophistication, distinction and wit by creating invitations that are truly unique.

Custom Design

In true Dauphine Press style, each design is made to order. While you may select an invitation directly from the 80+ designs in the Custom Wedding Portfolios, you may also choose to create a stationery suite that is unique to you. Dauphine Press has made the process simple and enjoyable so your inspiration can guide you in creating a perfectly personalized design.

Expansive Design Library

The Dauphine Press Design Library encompasses a carefully curated assortment of design elements chosen by their award-winning designers so you can create your dream wedding stationery. The Design Library is a tool for inspiration, presenting countless options for ink colors, motifs and embellishments. From your choices, the Dauphine Press designers will create a peerless invitation unique to your vision.

Enjoy Every Nuance

A letterpress-printed invitation is a delight to have and to hold – the tactile appeal of letterpress stands out on luxurious paper. Made from 100% pure cotton, their premium letterpress paper marries old world elegance with modern sophistication, making it the perfect choice for your wedding suite. Its sumptuous, elegant look and feel is developed exclusively for letterpress printing, foiling and hand calligraphy. In keeping with their long-standing commitment to sustainability, their archival paper is tree-free and elemental chlorine free.

You can see more of this premiere line of letterpressed wedding invitations, event invitations and stationery by visiting Kathleen Cooper Fine Papers in Santa Barbara, California.

Custom Design

Expansive Design Library

Enjoy Every Nuance

You can see more of this premiere line of letterpressed wedding invitations, event invitations and stationery by visiting Kathleen Cooper Fine Papers in Santa Barbara, California.