Supplier Spotlight - Jill Blanc Designs

Jill has a computer degree (which hasn’t been used in 8 years!?!). She's Irish, from Waterford City, went to college and met her husband in Dublin City University and settled in Naas, Co. Kildare. She two beautiful kooky daughters. She's partial to an over-the-top hair accessory She believes there is beauty in symmetry. She goes through a crazy amount of false eyelashes because she likes to wear two pairs at a time. She really hates having to wear glasses. She could quite happily live in a TK MAXX store.

She is also a super talented stationary designer and was kind enough to take some time out to talk to me about her work. More over on her website here.

Straw Flags & Tags - Photo by Lucy Takes Photos 

What brought you to the world of design?

I suppose I’ve always been a little bit creative, loved art in school, loved painting, drawing and sewing but doing my degree in IT I didn’t get much of a chance to continue with it. So when I started working in the real world, it was surprising that I always seemed to fall in to the web design/graphic design roles despite being hired as a software engineer – I guess my employers saw that arty side of me. So being allowed to learn on job, I taught myself how to use various graphic design programs by trial and error {this was before tutorials on YouTube – God, I feel old!}. So I suppose you could say I am self-taught. Then after I got married I left fulltime employment, and had two daughters, Cara and Abby, but kept sewing and making wedding stationery for friends and it just progressed from there.

Steampunk Invitation - Photo by Chemistry Photography

What is your favourite design trend at the minute?

I’ve never been one for anything understated, so I have to say I still absolutely love the vintage trend that has been around for the last few years. In my book, more is more.

Ramona&Paul

What products can you not live without?

Microsoft Word – This might sound a tad blasphemous to graphic designers out there but I do most of design work in Word! *ducks*
GIMP {GNU Image Manipulation Program} –http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GIMP - think free Adobe Photoshop
Sissix Big Shot – for all your fabulous die-cutting needs
Pritt Stick – yer only man for sticking

Favour Tags

What advice would you give to a bride when planning her big day?

Don’t try to please everyone, it’s impossible, and you will only stress yourself out and end up annoyed and unhappy– be true to yourself and it will all turn out amazing! {from my own wedding experience!}

Flower girl Flag

What trends do you think will be popular with this year’s weddings?

From my correspondence with brides, popular colours this year are coral, peach and grey. Brides are definitely getting more adventurous which is just fabulous! Really inspirational!

Candy Stripe - photo by Dennigan Photography

What do you like to do on your day off?

Day off?!? LOL  When I do decide to take some time out from making stationery, housework, and children, I really love getting dolled up to the nines and going for a cocktail somewhere special.

Dessert Table Signage

Sweets or savoury?
Sweets OF COURSE!!

L: Perry Cake Bunting R: Woodland Photoshoot - Photo by Dennigan Photography

Tip 16 - Socks

This ones for the guys. More and more often I'm seeing the guys embrace style more often on their wedding day. It's great. However, time and time again they forget about the socks. Be they novelty or brightly coloured consider the socks for the grooms party. They make for some fun imagery and believe it or not relaxes the guys as there is something else to focus on.

Tip 15 - Getting Ready

As much as possible on the  morning of your wedding have your hair and makeup done whilst sitting in the window. Not only will it make sure your makeup is as natural looking as possible but it will make for some stunning photographs.

Tip 14 - Smile

This is a bonus tip because I was talking to someone about it and I knew I'd forget about it before next week. (Also I didn't blog last week)

On your wedding day, don't forget to smile. Yes I know it can be a stressful time running up to the wedding but on the day what's done is done. So just relax and enjoy the day. No one wants to look like a crabby Mary in their wedding photos now do they?

Tip 13 - Food

I'm not talking about the big meal, I'm talking about food for yourself and your other half. Think about it. You'll probably be too nervous to eat on the morning before the ceremony and it's a long time til 6pm when dinner is served. A good tip is to have some bottled water and a sandwich or two in the back of the car for you to munch on the way to getting your photos taken. You'd be surprised what it can do for your mood.

Ciara and Jerome from Waterford and Galway respectively where surprised when Ciara's mam had placed county coloured sandwiches in the back of the car for them how cute!

Tip 12 - Confetti

Ok first off check with your ceremony venue if you are allowed confetti of any kind. There are so many different types. From bubbles to petals, rice to glitter. Think outside the box. Make sure your guests know when to throw it so they all throw at the same time. It will l ook amazing in your photographs. Click here for some fun confetti alternatives.

Tip 11 - Engagement Shoot

Engagement shoots are still relatively new to the Irish market but I can not recommend them highly enough. They mean that you can get used to your photographer, being in front of the camera and if you make it personal to both of you, you can have a little fun with it.

AND if that's not enough, I'm running a special offer of €120 for an engagement shoot in a location of your choice. Offer available til the end of march.

Tip 10 - Umbrellas

I can not stress this enough. If you are getting married in Ireland there is a good chance that it's going to rain. Don't let it run your day. Embrace it. If you plan ahead a pick out some cute bridal party brollies they will become a feature of the day and most importantly your photos. I have 6 large black umbrellas in the boot of my car at all times (and a blue and white stripey one for all you Deise heads) but black isn't for everyone. There are some super cute brollies out there so get creative.

One Fab Day have more advice for all you brides to be on the subject of Brollys over on their blog. Click here to visit.

Tip 9 - Wedding Stationary

Make sure to send your photographer an invite to your wedding or have it available on the morning of the wedding so they can photograph it and document it in context of the day. With this in mind, all your stationary should fit in with the theme of your wedding.