Jess Creates: Graphic Design & Stationery BoutiqueThird Thursdays start this week!
Hello friends,
This week marks the beginning of Third-Thursday’s here in my hometown! Presented by Discover Downtown Charles Town, each month there’s an evening of fun events planned for everyone of all ages. Don’t miss out! To kick off these series of events, I thought I’d share the logo I created for DDCT! 
Will you be my Bridesmaid?
I am the worst. It’s been SO long since I’ve blogged……but I have an excuse! I’m getting married!!!!
I’ll get into the proposal, the ring, and our beautiful engagement photos in another post. This post is just for my favorite ladies! My friends are so very important to me and being the creative person I am, I wanted to do something different when I asked them to be in my wedding. After lots of thought, I ended up making these little cards and presenting them in a small box, topped off with paper flowers I made myself. The cards included general info about our wedding, import dates, and I ended with writing a small blurb about each girl. These were so fun to make and even more fun to give to my girls. It was so awesome seeing the reaction of everyone! Anyway, I’m beyond excited for our big day and I have SOOO many projects to share with you guys. Stay tuned. xoxo
Photography: Stacey & Family
Let me preface this by saying I don’t market myself as a photographer. There are plenty of talented photogs in the world and I don’t pretend to be one of them. However, I do enjoy taking photos and I don’t think I’m tragic at it or anything. Mostly the images I take are of family, friends, or friends of friends. Anyway, the other weekend I had the pleasure of meeting Stacey and her adorable children for a photo shoot. Stacey’s kids were so adorable and comfortable in front of the camera, taking there photos was such a breeze. Enjoy a few peeks at some of my favorite images. Also, thanks to the fabulous Stephanie from s-rinehart photography for being a trooper and joining me on this photo shoot. 
(images 1, 5 & 9 were taken by steph)
Recently
Hello my dear friends, I haven’t dropped off the face of the earth! I have, however, been a busy little bee. Here’s what I’ve been up to!
To start, my cousin got married in NY, so we packed the car and headed to Buffalo to celebrate her big day!
Then it was off to South Beach to celebrate with Tiff for her bachelorette party!!!!
And finally, Jess’ Bridal Shower!!!
Check back this week for some new work! xo.
Carson: Birth Announcements
Ok, so I’m probably a little biased, but Carson has to be one of the most beautiful babies I’ve ever seen! It could be because he is just so darn small and cute and precious……OR…..maybe it’s because he’s my godson.
Reguardless, this has been one of the most fun projects I’ve designed recently. I knew when Natalie and Jason announced they were having a boy I had to come up with something unique, fun and sporty. So here we have it ladies and gentlemen – Carson’s WVU ticket inspired birth announcement. Let me know what you think!!
Lexi: Baby Invitations
When my girlfriend Lexi was having a forest animal themed baby shower, I couldn’t have been more excited when she asked me to design the invitations. Check out what we came up with!
A new look for Jess Creates
Hello friends! It’s been quite a process, but after many, many weeks the new website for Jess Creates has finally launched! Let me know what you think!! Lots of new work to share soon, I can’t wait!
Happy New Year!
Dear Friends,
I’m off to celebrate the new year and an early birthday with my loved ones. I’ll be back on January 17th for a New Year of blogging fun. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for visiting my site.
{photo via mi belle}
Zoey is 1!
I can’t believe how time goes by so fast. It seems like yesterday I was taking Zoey’s 5 month old photos for her Mom and just the other weekend sweet Zoey turned one! Happy Birthday Zoebug,
Recent Work: Growing Roots Logo
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to work with Growing Roots, a non-profit organization in the San Antonio area. The purpose of the organization is to educate and empower low-income families with children with disabilities. Through interactive classes, they teach parents how to become experts regarding their child’s diagnosis by using material that considers linguistic, cultural and/or socioeconomic diversity. Their classes teach and model healthy social emotional development as well as connect families to resources in their communities. By participating in classes, parents achieve a comprehensive understanding of their child’s needs in order to meet their family’s greatest potential.
I designed the logo for Maria and these are the business cards she had printed.
I have talented friends.
Thanks to my friend Steph over at S. Rinehart Photography for snapping this pic of me over the weekend. Finally a good image of me for my website!
Eating my way through California . . .
I ‘m a little behind on this post (I’m blaming it on the holidays) but I promise, it’s worth the wait. I loved our California trip so much. The conference I went to was amazing, the weather was beautiful and the food was to die for. Here are some snapshots of blog worthy dishes we had over our trip. Trust me, if you are ever in the LA to San Diego stretch – these places are a must stop.
Bottega Louie (Los Angeles, CA): Lasagna, Portobello fries (!!) and Macaroons!!!!
Senor Grubbys (Carlsbad, CA): Yummmy Tacos
The Mission (San Diego, CA): Berry French Toast
Umami Burger (Santa Monica, CA): Best burger I’ve ever had in my LIFE. Too bad I forgot to take a pic. The sweet potato fries, cheesy tots and tempura onion rings were just as amazing though.
Oh man, just looking at these images again are making me miss California….
Recent Work: Courtney & Andrew
Today’s sneak peak is of Courtney & Andrew’s wedding invitation which was held in September. Congrats to the newlyweds!
Recent Work: Brittany & Devin’s TY Card
Here’s a snapshot of the thank you card I designed for the newlyweds, Brittany & Devin.
Back on the East Coast!
Hi there! After a fabulous trip on the West Coast, I’m back at home! Just wanted to say a quick hello to everyone! Here’s one of the last shots of our trip taken in Malibu – I’ll be posting the rest very soon.
Cali Bound
Hello friends! I’m very excited that my much anticipated California trip is here! First stop, Adobe MAX in Los Angeles, followed by a few relaxing days in San Diego. I cannot wait! I’ll be sure to document my trip and share it with you when I return.
Have a great week!
Wedding Day Seating Chart
For Gina and Corn’s wedding we decided to do something different than the ordinary place cards for their seating arrangements. When the guests walked into the glorious Crystal Tea Room, before they made their way to the amazing appetizer selection, they signed a lovely framed image of the couple and found their name this custom seating chart. It was quite a hit, not to mention another keepsake for their special day.
Recent Work: Gina and Corn
In just a few short days, Gina & Corn will become husband wife in a gorgeous ceremony set in downtown Philly. I met Gina and Corn through a mutual friend, and needless to say, Gina quickly became a good friend of mine as well. She has such a beautiful smile and a contagious laugh that can light up the room. Not to mention a personality that’s so loving and welcoming – you feel like you’ve known her your whole life. Gina and Corn have got to be one of the most genuine and kind people I’ve ever met- I couldn’t have been happier to work with them leading up to their big day.
Here’s a look at the invitation set I created for them. The petal envelope and square format give the classic damask pattern a modern twist.
Congrats Gina & Corn!
Anabeth & Tim: Married!
Last weekend I had the pleasure to assist my dear friend, Natalie, of All Buttoned-Up with a wedding. The ceremony took place at the picturesque Grandale Farm in Purceville, VA. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day in September . . . the sun was shining and there was a slight breeze in the air. When the guests were shuttled in from Landsdowne Resort, they witnessed how the rustic farm was transformed into whimsical fairyland, full of details. The bride herself put so much thought into her special day, all the way down to making sure her parents were seated on a special tablecloth, which belonged to her grandmother. There was so much love in the air as the guests dined on local food, sipped vodka lemonade out of mason jars, and danced the night away under the stars. Enjoy some details from their special day!
The centerpieces were made of a variety of flowers set in antique jars, teacups and bottles. They rested on vintage books and were topped with painted birdhouses.
Natalie transformed the ceiling with twinkling lights, paper flower garland and paper chandeliers.
Each place setting had it’s own vintage napkin.
Bride & Groom
Dancin’ shoes for the guests.
Take a seat on the straw couches!
The guestbook was made up of pages and pages of tiny envelopes where guests could slip little notes of wisdom.
It was such a beautiful day!
Congrats to Anabeth & Tim and fabulous job Natalie!
2010 Lakeview Bridal Show
Well friends, all my hard work and chaotic life has finally come to and end. The big project I’ve been working on over the past few months is getting two collections together for my stationery line and setting up a booth at a Bridal Show! I was a little nervous at first, but I’m so happy I did it. I met some lovely brides and some fabulous vendors – I can’t wait to work with them in the future!
New friends:
Cara & Ben: Married!
The other weekend I traveled to Charlotte, NC for my college roomie’s wedding. Cara was a graphic design major along with me – and you can totally tell from all the little details that made her wedding so special. Enjoy!
Summer in Pictures!
Hi Friends! After a whirlwind of several weeks, I can finally catch you up on all the fun stuff I’ve been up to! As Summer comes to an end, I can finally feel things start to settle down a little bit, which is nice.
Vineyard for the day
Wedding
Smith Mountain Lake
OBX 2010
Tiff’s Engagement Party
Tubing on the Chesapeake
Labor Day 28 mile bike ride!
Charlotte Bound!
Happy Friday everyone! Heading to Charlotte for my college roommate’s wedding! Have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!
{image via martha stewart)
Checking in.
I’m here! I promise! Just swimming in work, freelance, and secret projects – which I’ll be able to share soon, very, very soon! Heading to Charlotte, NC this weekend for my college roomie”s wedding! I hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day. Where did the summer goooooo???
Happy Friday!
Hi everyone!! It’s been a busy week over here at Jess Creates, so I plan on spending a lot of time riding this over the weekend:
Whoohoo! Finally got my bike!
Post-it’s…
For those of you who don’t know me, I love lists. I love making them, I love checking off my accomplishments, I love how it makes me feel organized. My co-workers find it hilarious that I make these ‘lists’ on color Post-it notes in my planner and move them around week to week. See the evidence:
So when I came to work after telecommuting for two days, this is what I saw:
EVERYTHING COVERED IN POST-IT’S!
Behind the Scenes
Here are a few ‘behind the scenes’ shots of my photo shoot with Jess and Justin. Enjoy!
Recent Work: Sarabeth’s Invites
Hello friends! I’ve back from vacation and fully rejuvenated!
Here’s a glimpse of Sarabeth’s wedding invitations I wrapped up right before I left. Enjoy!
Jess + Justin’s Engagement Photos
Hi friends! I hope you had a fantastic weekend. I finally finished editing Jess + Justin’s Engagement photos! Here are a few of my favorites:
Oh, Summer.
There’s no doubt about it, I love summer. Weather its soaking up the sunshine, hearing waves crashing at the beach, sitting around a bonfire or sipping cocktails poolside with friends – I’m a happy girl. I can’t believe that we’re already halfway though July though!?! Oh Summer, where did you go?
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I need to get myself in gear to plan this California trip! Please share any good places to stay, eat, etc. in San Diego!!
{image via}
Engagement Shoot: Jess & Justin
Hi friends! Here’s a sneak peek of Jess & Justin’s engagement shoot I photographed. More to come, but enjoy these for now!
Recent Work: Argyle Wedding Invitation
Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a peaceful and relaxing weekend. Here’s a sneak peak at a recent project I’ve been working on. This argyle invite is available in my new shop!
Big News!!
Hello everyone! After several hard weeks, my signature collection is up! Feel free to browse the site and pass it along to your friends and family! Here you can browse over 20 designs, all of which can be customized to correspond with your wedding colors. Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? Contact me to create a custom design from scratch!
I hope you enjoy the collection! I plan on expanding the shop eventually, but let me know what you think for now!
Coffeeeee
Good afternoon friends! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend! I don’t know about you, but mine was quite a whirlwind. I felt like most of my time was spent stuck in traffic! Thankfully the next two weekend should be pretty relaxing. Relaxing = not driving 600 miles. Anyway, on this sweltering day (it’s over 100 degrees here) I really need a little pick me up, I’m thinking an iced coffee is in store.
Today I’m inspired by these beauties:
{image via art in my coffee}
Happy 4th!
Hello friends. Whether your having an afternoon picnic with your family or snuggling next to your loved one watching fireworks, I hope you have a wonderful Fourth! I’m celebrating my Dad’s birthday this weekend, so I’ll see you all Tuesday!!
{images via martha}
Long Weekend
Hello everyone! Just wanted to stop in and say hello before heading out of town for a long weekend. A large group of us are heading to Smith Mountain Lake to celebrate our friend Kristin’s birthday! I’ll be back with some pretty exciting news . . . . . stay tuned!
