Love and Lobster Coastal New England Weddings

We first learned of the talent of Sara O’Brien, owner of Griffin-vites Studio, when we received a custom set of notecards featuring our dog as a gift from another wedding vendor! Darling! Her watercolor invitations, save-the-dates, place cards (and on and on) have found a strong hold in the New England wedding market as most custom stationery outlets don’t offer such a painterly style. Her sweet spunk and love of life comes across in this interview and we’re happy to feature an inside peek on another of Maine’s best wedding vendors.

L&L: Tell us a little about you and how Griffin-vites got started.

GRIFFIN: Let’s see, what can I tell you about myself?  I live in York, Maine with my husband, our new baby son and our two rescue pups, Griffin and Sadie (and, yes, Griffin-vites is named after our scruffy guy!).  In my spare time (ha!), I love nothing more than being with family; whether it be simply hanging out around the house, or meeting up with our friends for a dinner out.  My passion for the arts has been with me for as long as I can remember… and is right up there with my obsession for architecture, interior design and writing.  I enjoy living in Maine more than anywhere else—the people, charm and beauty of this state still impress me every day.

Griffin-vites was founded in 2007, conveniently, while I was planning my own wedding.  I was on the lookout for a stationery suite that really reflected us as a couple, as well as our vision for the big day.  I knew we wanted something truly unique!  Because I’ve always been an artist (watercolor, my medium of choice), I decided one day to (attempt to) create our save-the-date cards.  Well, one thing led to another, and pretty soon, I’d not only designed our entire paper suite, but others’ as well!  The ball has been rolling ever since— and I’ve never been happier!

L&L: Describe the range of products and services Griffin-vites offers.

GRIFFIN: Griffin-vites Studio offers everything one would need in the wedding paper department!  From hand-illustrated save-the-dates to invitation suites, shower & rehearsal dinner invitations, maps & direction cards, table numbers, escort cards, menus, favor tags, misc. signs, thank you notes… and the list goes on!  We also provide printed envelope calligraphy, as well as a variety of (envelope) liner options!

I’d also like to mention a non-wedding related product that I’m especially proud of: Griffin-vites ‘Pet Notes’.  These custom cards capture the personalities of beloved pets and are a perfect gift for animal lovers!  (And the best part?  A portion of their proceeds will go toward animal rescue efforts!)

L&L: Your wonderful talent really comes across in your work!  What is your favorite part of your job?

GRIFFIN: Firstly, thank you very much for the kind words   There are many aspects of this job that I love!  The ability to work with clients on such a monumental event as a wedding, is a huge honor in itself.  It’s so wonderful getting to know our couples and finding out about all those little details that they’ve planned for their event.  And the fact that I’m able to combine my love of painting, design (even writing) into one, is an incredible luxury.  My days are never boring; with constantly evolving design concepts, colorful palettes and new inspiration!  It’s sort of a dream job!

L&L: Is all of your work custom?

GRIFFIN: The majority of our work is custom, yes.  Most often clients hope to convey, through our papers, a bit of who they are, their wedding spot or a particular ‘theme’ that runs through the decor.  Our studio has designed such a wide variety of stationery; from sets with architectural renderings of estates, landscape elements from properties and detailed maps illustrating favorite landmarks!  We’re able to create paper suites that have a more formal edge, as well as those with a fresh, casual look. While most of our projects are completely custom, it is absolutely possible for a couple to choose from an existing collection.  There are times when one of our sets fits right into a client’s vision ‘as is’… and we go from there!

L&L: How does your creative process work?  Should a couple have something in mind before they contact you?

GRIFFIN: It is always nice when a couple comes to the table with some ideas.  However, it’s not necessary for our clients to know exactly what they’re looking for!  Many times, couples gain inspiration from browsing through our portfolios— whether it be in the way an illustration is positioned on a card or a particular color scheme of a suite… the design concepts come to us as the conversation progresses.  It’s a pretty natural process, with lots of chatting, sketching (and, hopefully, laughing!)

L&L: When should a couple contact you to get started on their wedding stationery designs? How long does the process usually take?

GRIFFIN: This varies greatly from project to project.  The time frame for a couple to contact us is dependent upon the extent of design required for their papers, the amount of items they’ll be needing, as well as our studio’s work calendar at that time.  I always say it’s better to start too early than too late!  If a client is beginning their process with save-the-date cards, we could easily be working together a year or more before their wedding date.  The same goes for a fully customized suite.  Whereas, a set that incorporates our existing artwork, or an order of small size, may take substantially less time to complete.  It’s best to touch base with our studio to discuss a schedule.  We try to be as accommodating as we can, and understand that time is not always on our side!

L&L: What is a typical budget for wedding stationery?

GRIFFIN: Again, this really depends on what a couple has in mind… the size of their wedding, the amount of design work and the number of pieces they’re ordering.  Our clients usually take their stationery seriously; it’s a priority item on their wedding ‘wish-list’.  We encourage clients to contact the studio for our rate sheet, if interested!

L&L: What was the most memorable wedding you’ve worked on or attended and why?

GRIFFIN: Ooooh this is such a tough one!!  I’ve had a blast with so many of our projects — and our incredible couples make each one so memorable!  I, personally, get really excited about those suites that bring in particular details from the reception spot/grounds.  One of my most favorite sets, to this day, is from a few seasons back.  The wedding took place on a private estate and horse farm (that was to-die-for gorgeous!)  The bride wanted guests to be immersed in the landscape and all of the beautiful details of the property.  Our studio created an extensive paper suite, incorporating renderings of her family’s home; the gate and copper lanterns from its entry, the white horse fence and low stone walls meandering through the fields, a foot bridge and cedar-shingled well-house found within the grounds— and an overall dogwood blossom ‘theme’, to mimic the trees that were prevalent throughout the farm.  The set was designed in shades of moss and chartreuse, with lovely font styles giving it a formal, yet organic feel, one of a natural, understated elegance.

L&L: How do most of your clients find you?

GRIFFIN: A lot of our couples come to us through word-of-mouth, either from past clients or fellow vendors.  The neat thing about stationery, is that it gets sent all over the country… all over the world.  We, in turn, have the privilege of meeting couples not only from New England, but from California, Hawaii, even Alaska!  Many clients also find us, locally, through our print ads/press, and non-locally, by way of the internet (blogs, etc.)

L&L: What “must-see” places and eateries do you suggest to folks from out of town check out while visiting Maine?

GRIFFIN: There are so many incredible parts of Maine to be explored.  I mean, just driving along its amazing rocky coastline is an experience in itself!  In York, we have a lovely little village, along with some pretty beautiful beaches (Harbor Beach is my fave).  The York Harbor Inn’s ‘Ship’s Cellar‘ is one of our family’s frequented eateries in town (a nice and cozy local spot).  Nearby, in Kittery, is the fabulous ‘Anneke Jans‘, and just up the road (in the opposite direction), Ogunquit offers visitors numerous shops and yummy restaurants, like ‘Five-O‘ and ‘Prime‘.  Then of course, there’s Kennebunkport, where one has to visit ‘Antiques on Nine’ for the most spectacular home accessories— and, ‘The Little Red Wagon‘ for a huge selection of beautiful children’s clothing!

L&L: Thank you for giving us an inside peek into Griffin-invites.  If readers want to get in touch with you, what is the best way for them to reach you?

You’re more than welcome!  We can easily be reached via the contact form on our website, www.griffin-vites.com, or emailed directly, sara@griffin-vites.com.  Clients can also feel free to call up the studio with any questions at 207.361.4784.  We’re always happy to make arrangements for an in-person consult to discuss a future project, or if more convenient, a phone/email chat!  We plan to have a new blog in the new year— and can be found on Facebook under ‘Griffin-vites Watercolor Stationery’.  We hope to hear from you!

Griffin-vites is happy to offer L&L readers 10% off of wedding invitations on orders placed/contracted before February 1, 2011.

Credits (clockwise from top middle): simply wood rings, J. Crew, design sponge, Martha Stewart Weddings, L.L.Bean, Anthropologie, lil fish studios, Martha Stewart Weddings, Darling Press, Lisa Berry Photography

You’d love to serve up slices of smoky wood-fired pizza to your wedding guests, but asking your venue to construct a brick oven just for your event is sure to earn well-deserved whispers of “Bridezilla” behind your back. What to do?

Luckily, those delicious pies can come to you. Meet Two Guys and a Fire, a traveling wood-fired pizza oven manned by pizza chef Stefano Faleri, a Florence native, and partner Robin Ferrigno. Based in Portland, Two Guys and a Fire will drive their mobile oven, handcrafted with terra cotta bricks, straight to your door and prepare a personalized menu of pizzas served buffet style. The offerings include traditional favorites like a simple Margherita pie, as well as signature pizzas topped with, say, mashed potato and bacon (Mama mia!) Or, you and your guests can devise your own recipes and have them cooked up on the spot in the 750-degree oven.

A great pizza needs no accompaniment, but Two Guys and a Fire provides them anyway. During the three hours they’ll spend at your rehearsal dinner or wedding reception, they’ll start the meal with a mesclun salad and finish it with, wait for it… dessert pizzas. Sweeter versions of the savory main course, the pies are topped with Nutella, mascarpone cheese and chocolate. For more traditional tastes, gelato is also served, along with coffee and espresso.

Now how about a brunch pizza for the next day…

The original founders of the 1812 Farm in coastal Bristol, Maine would no doubt be surprised to learn that white wedding dresses are much more common there today than denim overalls. Perched atop a hill on the Pemaquid Peninsula, a jagged finger of land jutting out into the Gulf of Maine, 1812 Farm combines a restored 18^th-century barn with sweeping lawns and lush gardens for events all four seasons of the year.

But don’t let its historic origins fool you. Along with 2,100 square feet of floor space, the heated barn also features modern amenities including WiFi and an iPod docking station. Then there’s the bridal suite, complete with a sitting room, bedroom, attached bathroom and fireplace, a welcome feature for brides interested in the farm’s winter wedding package. For warm-weather weddings, the lawns, suited to a wide range of tent sizes, are equipped with underground water and electricity, as well as a pond-side gazebo. The farm hosts wedding showers and rehearsal dinners, too.

While it’s no longer home to seasonal harvests, food is still very much a part of the farm’s activities. The venue includes a fully licensed commercial kitchen where the facility’s staff cooks up top-notch dishes for its catering offerings. For a real taste of Maine, consider a traditional Maine lobster bake supplied by a local fisherman that also comes with clams, corn on the cob and blueberry cake. It’s a medley of Maine flavors with just as much history as the farm itself.

Unless your guests are hopping on a sled after the ceremony to travel to your reception, planning transportation for a winter wedding requires some careful planning. Snowstorms, icy roads and even just a bite in the air can put the freeze on your loved ones’ experience of the big day.

Your chief concern is ensuring that your guests travel safely and comfortably from the ceremony to the reception. The easiest solution is holding both at the same venue, so people are traversing heated hallways instead of potentially treacherous roads.

If your ceremony and reception will be held at separate locations, and wintry weather is possible, arrange valet parking to limit your guests’ exposure to the elements to a short walk from their cars to the venue entrance. Consider having a car service on call in case nasty weather strikes, or rent a bus to transport everyone together. A chartered busy generally holds about 50 people, while a typical party bus can accommodate 15 to 20 and keep everyone entertained with flat-screen TVs and surround sound.

Now that you’ve taken care of your guests, how about you and your sweetie? Sure, you can rent a limo, a town car or a fun retro automobile, but blankets of snow make other options possible. Why not hop on a snowmobile after the ceremony, or strap on a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis? Hey, if it’s a downhill trip to the reception, that sled might not be such a bad idea.

9.19.09 Meg and Pete
Trefethen-Evergreen Improvement Association ~ Peaks Island, Maine

I have been going to Peaks Island, Maine for summer vacations since I was little. Riding the ferry from Portland to Peaks and smelling the salt air is one of my favorite childhood memories. When Pete and I started planning our wedding we knew we wanted to get married in Maine- I had family there and we had met at Bates College in Lewiston. Peaks was the first place I thought of, but I was hesitant because planning a wedding on an island seemed like a lot of logistics. But after fully researching our options I knew that we couldn’t have it anywhere else. The minute I walked into the TEIA building I knew it was the place. It even had the huge flagstone fireplace that I had hoped for.

We did all the planning and decorations ourselves, it was a huge feat, but worth all the time and energy. We did hire a day-of coordinator, and it made a big difference in our enjoyment of the day. I think many of the decisions in a wedding come down to spending the time or the money on the projects. We chose to do as many things as we could on our own, with wonderful help from our friends. The theme I used as inspiration was burlap and lace – a mixture of rustic and romantic. We wanted to created a warm and relaxed feel, and most importantly have fun with our guests. One of my favorite details were the framed wedding pictures of our parents and grandparents that we put around the club.

The project I was the most proud of were the flowers. I gathered vases and mason jars for months to get as many as we needed (lots); extras from friends, on discount at the dollar store, and mason jars from Etsy. Two days before the wedding we picked our own flowers at two local flower farms right outside of Portland. It was so much fun, and you can’t beat the price. On the morning of the wedding our family friends arranged all of the flowers into the vases and bouquets, and they came out stunning. It just goes to show that you can’t go wrong with in season flowers, no matter what kind or color.

Having so much help from family and friends was incredible and was one of the reasons our wedding was such a success. My grandfather is a retired Methodist minister and was able to officiate the wedding, which was very important to me. We had a friend sing during the wedding, and then her brother performed with the band for a few rock songs at the reception – we all went wild! Everyone spent the night on the dance floor and my feet were sore for days. Being surrounded by loved ones on Peaks Island was too amazing to put into words. It really was the day, and weekend, that we had hoped for.

Even though keeping the costs down for a wedding of 180 people is difficult, I felt good to be writing checks to local vendors who worked hard to help us create our vision. We couldn’t have done it without: Aurora Provisions, Wavelength Band, Portland Discovery, Little River Flower Farm, Snell Family Farm, Wendy Cahill Photography and One Stop Party Shoppe.