I had the pleasure of finally meeting Le'Trice and Charles Penn of Le'Penn | Designs earlier this year at Eventology. Le'Trice is a sweetheart and it was fun chatting with a fellow Michigander while in Indy for a conference. Because I LOVE her work, I wanted to show it off. If you're still looking for an invitation designer, check out Le'Penn | Designs and enjoy the Q+A. And don't miss Le'Penn and Paper - the blog!
What inspires your designs? The individual client is my ultimate inspiration. During the initial consultation I asked detailed questions and take notes on their style, vision, likes/dislikes and personality traits. Along with this I also take notes of any descriptions of their venue, decor, dress etc. I then use this information to develop their unique design esthetics and bring their style to life through paper. Since I constantly surround myself with wedding eye candy I may also find inspiration from some of the latest design trends and styles.
How long does the process take for a client - from initial consult to delivery?
The process for designing custom wedding invitations is the most lengthy. It is preferred, and most times required, that I meet with the couple at least 4-5 months before their wedding date. This timeframe is needed in order to develop and finalize the design and allow enough time for changes without rushing. The actual process from designing proofs to product completion is 2-3 months.
What is your own personal style? Do you have a favorite invite you've designed?
My personal style can be described as classic meets modern elegance. I like to go for classy looks that are a bit trendy but not something that will be out of style in a couple months. I like to think of my invitation designs in the same manner. Although the design style may change from traditional to modern to whimsical, the actual style is still timeless within it's own right. Years down the road the couple will still be able to look at their stationery and remember how well it reflected their special day. I honestly don't have a favorite invitation design but I do love some of my designs that have used unexpected color palettes such as: turquoise + creamsicle orange, teal + gold, coral + latte or black + lime green + purple!
How many wedding invites do you design per year?
This year has been our busiest in the last two and half years that we have been established. We are booking an average of about 3-4 weddings per month along with designing invitations for other social events.
What blogs and/or magazines do you check out for inspiration?
I am so much more of a magazine reader than blog reader (when I manage to get a free moment of course). Some of my must-read magazines are: Martha Stewart Weddings, Bride & Bloom and Weddings Unveiled because they are full of beautifully inspiring ideas and not a ton of irrelevant, to me, advertising pages.
What do you and your husband do on a work-free day?
Do those really exist? :o) Well since we've recently hired a new design assistant, yay, we have been able to spend more quality time together. The classic dinner and a movie date is our all time favorite. We also enjoy going to get ice cream whether it's sunny or not since we both have a big time sweet tooth! I'm sure this is TMI but my fav is Pralines and Cream and his is Chocolate and Peanut Butter :o)
What is one thing you'd like to tell brides-to-be?
This is one of the biggest days of your life. Look at your invitations and complimenting stationery as an investment just as you would with your other wedding vendors. Your invitations are your official way of giving your guests a glimpse at what is to come, so make sure they are special and truly reflect the style of yourself and your event. Remember, custom doesn't mean unaffordable! I have designed budget-friendly and over-the-top luxurious invitations so their is something for everyone; just ask.
While on vacation in Banff, Alberta, my husband and I were driving through Calgary and I was delighted when I spotted the cutest shop in town - Frocks | Modern Bridesmaids. I am sure my Canadian readers know all about this shop, however since it's about 2000+ miles away from home, I did what any traveling wedding planner does - whip out her camera and Google it when I got home.
I've been on camping road trip with my husband over the past two weeks. We celebrated our second anniversary by traveling the country in our Jetta wagon, camping in many National Parks and enjoying each other, away from our everyday lives. I think Greg may have fallen in love with the West and I'm not sure he'll stop thinking about it!
One year ago today, 
