Now that Macy and Ethan have been named the winners of our Dream Day Giveaway, they’ve got a wedding to plan! You’re invited to accompany them as they plan each element of their big day with our partner vendors, leading up to one special celebration on September 10 at The Mason Dallas. If you’re planning your own wedding, be sure to follow along for tips and insight on what to expect with each step, what to know going into every meeting, and how to make sure your path to the altar is a smooth one.

Your invitation suite is the first taste your guests will get at how your wedding will look. Will it be romantic and traditional, or modern and moody? Your paper sets the tone. But of course, your stationer can help you with much more than just your invites! These pros often handle day-of paper goods (menu cards, programs, signage, etc.) and can often work with other vendors to incorporate signature design elements throughout the event. Our Dream Day winners, Macy and Ethan, recently met with Milan Organ of Magnolia Boone Paperie, who will be handling the paper goods for their big day. Milan talks about the look and feel Macy and Ethan are going for, as well as how prepared you should be going into your initial meeting and just how creative you can get with your stationer.

How did the first meeting with Macy and Ethan go? How far into the process did you get, and what emerged in terms of their desired look and feel? 

The first meeting was absolutely wonderful! They are so deserving of this day and are making it so easy to celebrate them. Macy and Ethan both have great taste, and we left the meeting all on board with a classic yet very personal aesthetic for their wedding suite.

What options did you discuss?  

I presented all options to them as far as printing methods, watercolor or sketched artwork, wax seals, vintage postage…the options are endless! We knew we definitely wanted to highlight the beautiful venue. I can’t wait to show what our watercolorist, Lydia, created for them!

Why should a couple choose one stationer over another? What sets them apart?  

I think no matter who you choose as your stationer, they are going to be working in your favor. There is an actual artistry and passion that comes with this job, and I don’t feel like people are in this business unless they have that deep-rooted passion for stationery. Choose someone you really resonate with and that you feel understands your love story and vision.

How do you suggest couples prepare for their first meeting with their stationer? How specific of an idea for what they want do you expect a couple to have?  

At the end of the day, I want to deliver their dream suite. As ideal as it would be to ask that they come with as many visuals as possible, I know that most people do not live in a stationery-centered world and will need guidance and inspiration to get started. I absolutely love this part of the process. Whether they know the exact print method they want or have absolutely no idea what letterpress is, I love seeing their vision come to life during the process.

How many meetings do you typically have with a couple? 

I always start off with a consult call. If we decide we are a good fit for one another and they sign on with Magnolia Boone Paperie, we can talk every day if they’d like! I want to offer a concierge level of service with Magnolia Boone Paperie. Your wedding is such a special and personal day and I want them to have full access to me during the process.

What are the biggest stumbling blocks when it comes to designing an invitation suite?  

Currently it is extremely difficult to source certain paper and obviously lead times. That being said, we always always find a way.

Beyond invitations, what other day-of paper products can you design for couples?  

Absolutely anything! We have a current bride that is getting married in Aspen and her welcome bag is going to be so special—our watercolorist, Lydia, is hand painting Aspen locations for us to put on custom playing cards. We are also doing a custom monogram for their espresso martini ice luge and hand painting her Petite Paloma wedding day boots with the same florals from her invitation suite!

If there is a design element on the invitation that the couple wishes to carry through the day-of design, be it on the cake or the dance floor, will you work directly with other vendors to bring that to fruition?  

Yes! The vendor community is amazing and I am so glad to play a small part in it! Cross pollination is where it’s at!