Step 1....branding my wedding

Oh my goodness, snowing in NOVA it is; cross your fingers that tomorrow is a snow day for the government!

Thanks for sharing the invites, they are fab; seriously, very impressive. I am hoping to do the same sort of thing, but feel completely overwhelmed about where to start -- could you share where you began the process? Where you found paper, envelopes, ribbon, templates, etc?

Before I start with invites, though, I am hoping to sort of come up with a "brand" for our wedding; perhaps a monogram or a symbol or something that will start with the save the date cards and carry through to the invites, place cards, menus etc. Our colors are spiced wine (gotta love jcrew!) and green and we are envisioning hydrangeas, apples, willow branches and pearls -- thanks also for the bouquet tip, that rocks! Any ideas where to start? Or websites where I can design my own? I have found http://www.betsywhite.com, where you can pay to have one made, but I would really like to do it myself.

The photo I have added is from www.paperpresenation.com. The brown skinny envelope uniquely opens on the side and spices up the regular 4x9 envelope that does not cost extra to mail! It's cutting costs in the small places....

Also, while I'm on the subject, did ya'll know that the US Post Office will custom make stamps?! Visit http://www.zazzle.com/custom/stamps for more details and to create your own. Dustin and I have thought of designing a stamp with our engagement photo for a little extra flair.

So many details, so little time :)