in the press: martha stewart weddings delphine ad (spring 2010)

The new Spring 2010 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings magazine is in the house. Yay! I never considered myself to be a pink person, but I guess it has been creeping up on me and my last two ads (and lots of my latest design samples) incorporate pink. And I seem to also be using a bunch of mai tai, and coral, and melon, and sand, and pale keylime, and ocean blue ... can anyone tell I'm jonesing for a warm beach vacay? I'm loving pink and "muted spring break" colors still!

Special thanks to Heather of Vallentyne Photography for shooting the photo used in our ad. Heather is an amazing wedding photographer, so if you're looking to capture your big day in a big way, check out her website.

Also I just have to say a big congrats to fellow stationer Eunice of Hello! Lucky. She and her husband, Daniel, were married last May and their swoon-inducing wedding graces the cover of the magazine. I don't want to spoil it, so please pick up your own copy, but I will tease you by saying that it includes puppets, crowns, fuschia, and, of course, plenty of gorgeous paper goodies.

bookshelf: often wrong, never in doubt, by donny deutsch

For the past few days I've been reading adman (and maybe one day NYC mayor) Donny Deutsch's book, "Often Wrong, Never in Doubt." Not that it's a surprise (you have seen his fantastic CNBC show, The Big Idea, right?), but the book is stellar. Every chapter I find myself learning something, nodding in agreement, annoying John by reading something aloud. So many things in the book are quotable, but a few I just read are really sticking with me

On putting clients first: "'What would I do if this was my business?' How going over to the other side will better your own bottom line."

And on fear: "You can't be crippled by the fear of failure; that truly is in the definition of not succeeding. If you do nothing, your failure is guaranteed."

And one more, because I can't resist: on women and "The doctrine of female superiority": "Women are superior beings. It's that simple. Give me a choice between a woman and a man with the same talents, I'll take the woman every time."

On it's face, this book is about a simple question: "Why not me." But it's really about going beyond believing in yourself, and doing something about it. It's about action. It's also about the crazy ad world (the behind the scenes insight is entertaining and enlightening, to say the least). It's about how to be a great boss. How to deal with clients. How to deal, period. It's about facing fear, not backing down, being bold. Being authentic. Yes, it's inspiring, but beyod that, it's motivating. It's a call to action. Oh yes, and it's about branding, too. I highly recommend this book to anyone in business, not just creative types.

By the way, sorry, Donny, that your face is covered up by a sticker ... silly librarian. What were you thinking?

happy birthday: martha stewart weddings

Happy Anniversary, Martha Stewart Weddings! Congratulations on 15 amazing, inspiring, wonderful years. We are super proud to be a sponsor of this historic issue. Even if you're not planning a wedding, pick up the Winter issue (on newstands now) -- it's packed full of amazing ideas and eye candy. Also in the issue, photos from their gorgeous 15th anniversary party.

our ad is on page 103

in the press: martha stewart weddings (ad)

Did I mention that we have a full page ad in the current (Fall) issue of Martha Stewart Weddings magazine? It's a little surreal. I have been a MSW fan since issue one (which came out while I was a journalisim student at Ohio University).

Which reminds me ... if you haven't already signed up for the Martha Stewart Weddings Luxury Wedding Expo you can still do so here. I've seen a sneak peek. It's full of fab videos. I haven't watched them all yet, but so far my favorite is the one about establishing a color palette (surprise) for the Big Day.

seriously, new york?

"Fresh air now available inside." Seriously? One more reason I am glad I live in California. Bobbi snapped this photo when we were in New York City last month for Monday Morning Mimosas and NYIGF.

weddings: bridal couture by matthew christopher

gowns by matthew christopher

I wish I knew whom to credit for these fantastic photos! I was reading the latest issue of Your Wedding Day magazine and these photos stopped me in my tracks. I think it's a great example of how wonderful photography can truly make an advertising/marketing campaign. Matthew Christopher's gowns are unique, but, lets face it, it's another white dress in a magazine full of white dresses. Without this great ad campaign I probably would have skipped over his beautiful gowns!

I do think he could use a logo redesign, however. The scrolly monogram (you can see on the website) doesn't seem to fit with the innovative gowns and the uber-cool photo campaign.