Meet Emily Breinlinger, our lead designer here at Pink Champagne Designs!

Emily has been with Pink Champagne for over three years. Right off the bat, Emily’s artistic talents paired perfectly with our established design style, so we knew she was going to be a perfect fit. Her creative nature and amazing personality are irreplaceable in our eyes, and her strong work ethic made her progression to our team’s lead designer role a no-brainer!

Emily & her husband, Michael

Right: Emily and her brother as kids; Left: Emily, her mom, dad and brother

Get to know Emily

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hello readers! Growing up in central New York (go Bills!), my house was always filled with art and the sounds of Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac. Naturally, I studied graphic design in college, following in the footsteps of my artistic brother and dad, and discovered my love of typography.

In April 2021, I moved to south Georgia with my husband and 2 cats, Stewie and April (and recently added a rambunctious pup to the mix). When I'm not designing beautiful wedding stationery, I am either reading, doing yoga, or planning my next trip/adventure.

How did you get started with invitation design?

In college, I knew I loved the world of typography. But it wasn't until after I graduated that my mom sent me an Indeed job listing (as moms do) for a stationery design position. Long story short, I didn't get that job, but it sparked a passion in me and I knew I wanted to continue down that road. Soon after, I found Pink Champagne Designs in 2019 and never looked back! Everything I have learned about wedding stationery, I have learned here through working with this fabulous team and our amazing clients.

What design vibe are you loving right now?

Lately I've been loving bright colors paired with watercolor elements, especially dainty watercolor wildflowers. Elegant garden party vibes with pops of fun color!!

Emily’s Fur-babies: Juno, Stewie and April

What do you like to know about a client's invitation vision before you start a design?

Two of the most important pieces of information that help me with starting a design are 1) a solid color palette and 2) a general description of your wedding style. Personally, I think 2-4 colors is just the right amount. Enough color to add some visual interest and tie in with your unique wedding palette, without being overwhelmed with too many colors. For general style descriptions, there are a lot of terms that can help me when mapping out the overall vibe of the stationery. Some examples are: art deco, garden party, sleek and modern, black tie traditional, bohemian, minimalistic, etc.

If you were designing your own invitations right now, what's one thing that you would include?

This is such a difficult question to answer... I love them all! If I had to choose one thing to include while designing my own invitations, I would include a venue illustration, either watercolor or sketched. No matter the wedding style, a venue illustration always looks amazing in any design, and it is such a special and unique touch that you can cherish forever.

XO, Emily B.

How absolutely stunning is this southern wedding for Emma and Sean! We loved designing their deeply romantic wedding invitations with neutral colors and deckled edges; once in our hands-they were so terribly lovely! The whole team of vendors did such an outstanding job of keeping in alignment in design over the whole event. From the chic fonts of the wedding signage blending in with the lush greenery decor of the St. Louis Venue to the beautiful cake and floral chandeliers, we drool over reveals like this!

Thank you vendors: Lauren Field Design, Tamara Gruner Photography, Olive & Gene, Event Partners, Seed Sprout Spoon, La Pâtisserie Chouquette, Exclusive Events, Mayker Events, TableMade, Nuage Designs, La Tavola, Lisa Sievers, JED Transportation, MegaLux Photobooth, Danielle Style Events, The Chase Park Plaza, Ritz Carlton of St. Louis, D.Edwin Productions, Colleen’s Cookies, Champagne Limousines, Gateway Fireworks, Green 2 Go, Floral Bridal, Alexandra Grecco, The Black Tux, Reformation

Let’s talk about themed weddings! Can you imagine off the top of your head a Texas, Baseball themed wedding could look formal and classic? We can now cue to the most gorgeous baseball wedding ever that took place in Houston at the Boxwood Manor. We designed these simple yet elegant garden party invitations with minimal and modern appeal. The beautiful venue was custom-made into a beautiful illustration to garnish the reception card- we love it! We were able to make a few other custom items for these two; We made a life-sized cut-out of the TCU mascot frog as well as custom watercolors of their pup and a quidditch ball for the couple’s signature bar sign, an intimate choice to reflect their personalities, life, and love! Thanks again for letting us help make this happen!

Thank you vendors: Stephanie Brazzle Photography, Boxwood Manor, Bramble and Bee, Exquisite Designs, Cakes by Gina

This wedding was so gorgeous that we had the honor of being featured on Martha Stewart Weddings! We couldn’t agree with this stunningly soft and lush wedding suite paired perfectly with the oasis that is Marbles Falls! Alyssa and Cody really embraced those fun Summer vibes and brought that style through to every part of the decor. The string lights outside the cabin like campgrounds are so rustic and chic amongst all the natural beauty of the landscape! The flora ceremony stage with the floral colors being so breathtaking made for such a beautiful experience and celebration! We love these Summer looks, and lucky for us, it feels like Summer for half of the year to us Texans, so keep the sunny vibes rolling!

Thank you vendors: Pearl Events Austin, Jenna McElroy Photography, Stuart Weitzman, Carolina Herrera, Loot Rentals, Stems of ATX, Simon Lee Bakery, Whim Hospitality, Marquee ATX, Table Manners ATX

Tips from a Wedding Planner

We asked ACH Events to give us their best wedding planning tips and they delivered! this advice is guaranteed to be helpful when planning your wedding.

Venue- Stonehouse Villa, Coordinator- ACH Events, Flowers- Mountain Laurel Floral, Photographer- Carhart Photography, Bride's Dress- BHLDN

Tip #2- Helpful Hints and Tips for Tent Rentals

"Tent" doesn't have to be a scary word during the wedding planning process. If you do your research, plan in advance, and budget correctly, having a tent can be the cherry on top of your perfect wedding. ⁠We came up with this list of helpful hints and tips to make your tent renting process a breeze! ⁠

1. Venue Logistics - This is the most important thing to consider while renting your tent. The questions to ask are: Where do I want to place my tent? How many tents do I need? What size tents can fit in my desired space? Are there any overhanging obstacles that could block my tent? Can I stake my tent or do I need to use water barrels or concrete blocks? ⁠⁠

2. Budget for a tent from the Get-Go! Tents are not cheap rentals, but they are a vital part of the wedding planning process. They provide many uses, from entertainment coverage, reception/dinner coverage, shade, and weather protection, it's better to have the budget allowance from the beginning than to be scrambling to get one right before your wedding. ⁠

3. Not every tent is made the same. Just like every couple and every wedding is different, there are several different styles of tents. Do your research and find the tent that will not only match your wedding vibe but enhance it! ⁠

4. We have said it before and we will say it again, LIGHTING IS YOUR BEST FRIEND! We love all things lighting, with the right decor, and the right lighting placement, your tented space will be the romantic, welcoming space of your dreams! ⁠

Resort/Venue- One & Only Palmilla, Planner - ACH Events, Floral and Decor- The Main Event, Photographer-Daniel Jirah Photography

Tip #4 - Things to Know When Choosing Your Venue!

Picking the perfect venue can be the most overwhelming aspect of wedding planning. Picking a venue that is perfect for your wants and needs for your wedding day is so important; we decided to put together a list to help guide you through the process.⁠

⁠1. Venue Statistics - These questions are all things you need to ask when touring to ensure you can facilitate your guest list, vendor team, budget, and overall wedding experience. What is the seated capacity?⁠What is the max capacity? Is the venue full service or can you bring in your own rentals? If the venue is full service what is included?⁠

2. Venue Contract - Are you choosing a full-service venue or somewhere where you can bring in your own rentals? Full-service venues might cost more up-front, but the cost of renting linens, tables, and chairs can substantially raise prices. If the venue you've booked is full service - What is included? Tables? Chairs? Linens? Rentals? Vendor tables?⁠ How many hours are included in the contract?⁠ How much are the additional hours?⁠ Do you have to use the preferred vendor list?⁠

⁠

3. Vibe - This is the most important part of picking your wedding venue. Can you truly see yourself getting married here? Choose a venue that truly represents who you are as a couple. Is it well kept and cared for? This is a good sign that the owners are invested in your wedding as well.⁠

4. Lighting - what lights are provided with the venue and will it require additional lighting?⁠

5. Logistics - Can you see a smooth flow for the day? ⁠

⁠

6. Rain Plan - If you are choosing an outdoor venue, is there a "Rain Plan" option to accommodate for weather changes? ⁠

Venue- Stonehouse Villa, Coordinator-ACH Events, Flowers- Flora Fetish, Photographer- Carhart Photography

Tip #1 - Marriage License Tips and Hints!

The wedding bells are near and the final details of your wedding are being put into place, so ACH Events wanted to help by giving you a list of everything you need to know when getting a marriage license in {Texas}. You can start requesting your marriage license 90 days prior to your ceremony. The latest you can obtain your license is 72 hours prior to the ceremony start time- this means you need to get your license at least 3 days before your wedding but no more than 90 days before your wedding. ⁠

1. To apply for your marriage license you must visit a county clerk's office, in person, with CASH for the fee. ⁠(FUN FACT: If you are getting married in Texas your marriage license can be from any Texas county, it does not have to be the one you are getting married in) ⁠⁠

2. Make sure you have a Valid Driver's License, or a social security card when you go to your appointment. ⁠⁠

PRO TIP: After your marriage license is signed following the wedding ceremony, request multiple copies of your marriage license {especially} if you plan on changing your last name!! All of the agencies where you get your passport or new social security card require a copy of your marriage license so having multiple copies already on hand will make your life so much easier when it comes to changing your name on legal documents. You can thank us later! 

Coordinator- ACH Events, Flowers- Flora Fetish, Photographer- Joslyn Holtfort, Tent Rental- Monarch Rentals, Farm Table Rentals- Birch and Brass

Tip #3 - How to Make the Most of Your Wedding Florals!

1. This is our biggest bit of advice - always, always bring your ceremony floral pieces into the reception space. Even if you have reception florals already in place, adding in a few additional statement pieces to soften the DJ booth/ band stage, and outline the dance floor will help make your reception photos pop! ⁠

2. Lighting lighting lighting - adding just a few accent lights can totally change the atmosphere and mood of your reception. Adding Pin Spotlights that shine from the ceiling down onto the table centers, acts as a spotlight showcasing your florals. Adding uplighting can dramatize hanging installs or climbing installs.⁠

3. This may be obvious, but NEVER throw your bridal bouquet. Always ask your florist to create a mini bouquet to toss, or throw a bridesmaids bouquet! ⁠

Venue- Lakeway Spa and Resort, Coordinator- ACH Events, Flowers- Mountain Laurel Floral, Photographer- Mylah Renae Photography, Videographer- Adam Grumbo Films, Hair/Makeup- Think Brink Beauty

Tip #5 - Switching Sides!

We know tradition says the Groom’s family sits on the right side of the aisle and the bride’s family sits on the left, butttt we love to change it up and also know that weddings include all love nowadays! If tradition isn’t important, we encourage you to switch the sides that the families sit on. Why might you ask? Well, with the parents sitting on the opposite sides, they can actually see their child’s face and reactions which makes the ceremony even sweeter! Every time we have recommended this to clients, they have loved it! So, save this post and when it comes time to write out all of your ceremony details, switch the sides up and have your partner’s family sit on the opposite side that your partner stands on!

We hope these wedding planning tips are helpful and that you’ll visit our friends at ACH Events for more expertise!

---

This simply southern chic wedding took place on such beautiful location at The Grand Ivory! We loved the rustic look of the venue paired with the blush table scape design of the reception, and the gorgeous earth-toned wedding invitations we classically created to match! How romantic is this whole scene!? Minimalistic and rustically divine!

Thank you vendors: Sistered States Planning, Sami Kathryn Photography, The Grand Ivory, Root and Bloom, Bubbles and Brews Dallas

How Lovely is this Fredricksburg Wedding design!! From the florals by Remi + Gold absolutely capturing a delightful romance in a bouquet for Cristina, to the stunning venue itself at Swallows Eve! We came up with perfectly elegant and minimal, yet stunningly formal invitations for this divine bride! We loved how the clean ivory of the invitations matched the venue, alter, and tablescape design with such ease and without skipping a beat!! These vendors really came together to make a beautiful event!

Thank you vendors: Events By Mackenzie, ML Photo Film, Swallows Eve, Table Manners, Premiere Event Rentals, Sweet Treets Bakery, Terra Vista Strings

Let’s Talk Monograms!

a monogram design is definitely something worth investing in with your wedding stationery. If you're curious about what you might use it for, keep reading!

Day-Of Details

Monograms are a great way to coordinate your invitation design into your programs, menus, and signage on your wedding day. And paper goods aren't the only place you'll want to incorporate it! We love to create koozies, cocktail napkins, frosted cups, drink stirrers and more with clients' monograms.

Seeing the monogram from your invitations on day-of items will give your guests the impression of a well planned, thought-out event. The design is in the details!

Your Invitation Design

The first place your guests will see your monogram is on your save the dates or invitations. We can incorporate the monogram design on your invitation cards, use it for a custom wax seal, print it on your envelope liner, or all of the above!

You may think of a monogram as something similar to the antique letters pictured here, but we can create a monogram design to go with any wedding style — modern, simple script letters, a watercolor crest, etc.

More Unique Ideas

We've seen a lot of larger than life monogram displays lately. Project your monogram onto a wall in your reception space, have it printed on your dance floor, or display it on the front of a bar.

Our monograms have also been seen on cookies and wedding cakes in frosting, stickers for reception favors, tags and labels for welcome bags, and so much more. We're not kidding when we say there are so many ways you can use a monogram design!

---

Mention that you're interested in a monogram when you inquire about a custom invitation design or browse the monogram listing on our online shop.

You can also visit our gallery to see more examples of how we use monograms!

---

Day-Of Stationery Trends We’re Noticing in 2022

Keep reading for the trending day-of designs we've been seeing lately!

A C R Y L I C S I G N A G E

Acrylic signage is dominating day-of orders these days and we love it! You can't go wrong with this digitally printed clear signage for welcome signs, seating charts, table numbers, bar signs, etc. We're even working with colored acrylic! Give us a shout if you're curious about color options or signage for your event.

P E T I L L U S T R A T I O N S

This trend isn't necessarily new! Our in-house artist has been busy sketching your pets for a few years now - but our designers are always thinking of new ways help incorporate your pet sketches and watercolors to blend in perfectly with your wedding design vibes.

F U N E S C O R T C A R D D I S P L A Y S 

Your escort card display is a great place to get creative. A lot of our clients are opting for fun ides, like the small envelopes with handwritten notes pictured above, a lime-shaped card with a tequila shot, tassels with personalized gold charms- to name a few! Brainstorm a fun idea with your planner or find something neat on Pinterest and we'll help you bring it to life.

P L A C E C A R D A N D M E N U C O M B O  

Attach your guests' place card to their dinner menu with a wax seal, have a calligrapher hand-write their name, or digitally print their name right on the menu! All great options to combine these two important stationery pieces you don't want to miss

---

Wondering what else you need in terms of day-of stationery? Check out this informative blog post that lays out every piece.

We also have a gallery of day-of designs for design inspiration.

---

Want to recreate one of these designs for your wedding? Contact us.
We would love to work with you!

---