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Country and Western Wedding Inspiration



Classic Country: Legends of Country Music (Paperback)

From Publishers Weekly
"There are three types of history for our music.... There's mullet history that's the kind you tell to people from Minnesota who don't know what a banjo is. Then there's book history.... And then there's the... stuff the pickers tell each other about the secret history of bluegrass," says Bill Monroe at the beginning of one of Wolfe's essays. Compiled primarily from The Journal of the American Academy for the Preservation of Old-Time Country Music, a professional magazine, this sweeping collection falls somewhere between the latter two brands of histories as it profiles 50 artists whose work can be called classic. Wolfe (A Good-Natured Riot: The Birth of the Grand Ole Opry), his ears trained on the origins of country music and the great stories of its practitioners, has established a rock-solid reputation as one of the genre's preeminent writers. In lively, easygoing prose, he undertakes honest, generous, largely biographical investigations of the musicians to whom he's devoted his career. The book's first and last sections cover lesser-known details about stars like Kitty Wells and Roy Acuff. (The latter was so famous that during World War II "Japanese soldiers in the Pacific would try to psych out American Marines by yelling taunts like, 'To hell with Franklin Roosevelt! To hell with Babe Ruth! To hell with Roy Acuff!'") But the real gold lies in the book's middle sections on the accomplishments of artists now only dimly remembered: the Georgia Yellow Hammers, the Rouse Brothers and others. Wolfe also recounts the careers of artists who have recently been reappraised and touted, such as the Louvin Brothers, Don Gibson and Riley Puckett. His sensitive, masterful essays elucidate the contributions these artists made to the "great unifying, nourishing stream [that] runs through the history of country music." 47 photos. (Jan..
- runs through the history of country music." 47 photos. (Jan.)

Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

From Library Journal
Although it contains a few previously unpublished essays, this quirky collection comprises mostly previously published articles about country music pioneers that appeared in such publications as Country Music and Old Time Music, among others. Many of the pieces are based on Wolfe's own interviews. Be forewarned, though: this is not for people whose idea of "country music" is defined by the likes of such "New Country" stars as Shania Twain or any of the interchangeable crop of big hat-wearing male singers. Wolfe (English, Middle Tennessee State Univ.; A Good Natured Riot) takes some of the best- and least-known personalities of "Traditional Country" and gives them life in succinct but informative vignettes. A few fall flat, particularly where the artist has passed on; a postscript bringing the essay up-to-date would have helped. Still, whether Wolfe is retelling well-known lore or delving into the fascinating, forgotten, yet influential lives of lesser-knowns, he provides vivid, loving portraits of a country music that barely exists anymore. If you have fans of traditional country music among your patrons, this is a solid purchase; it will serve well-rounded pop culture collections, too.DDavid M. Turkalo, Suffolk Univ. Law Sch. Lib., Boston
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Country: The Music and the Musicians : From the Beginnings to the '90s (Hardcover)
From Library Journal

The fine work of the Country Music Foundation continues with this deluxe picture book, part history, part criticism, and mostly celebration of country-and-western music. Among the rhinestones, boots, and guitars are 16 essays by country's best writers and historians, including a touching essay by Paul Hemphill on country's appeal. Every notable hillbilly singer, string band, honkytonker, or pop traitor, from Bakersfield's most obscure to Nashville's most estimable, gets a word or a picture. The approach is celebratory yet sober, eschewing puff for quality. Photographs, many informal and unfamiliar, are well chosen. Highly recommended.





Wedding Invitations (Hardcover)
by Jennifer Cegielski

Editorial Reviews

Book Description
A wedding invitation heralds the good news of two people making a commitment and also reveals the style and tone of that highly anticipated day. Gone are the days when a couple's major decision about their invitations was choosing between white or ecru paper-today's invitations come in an incredible array of materials, colors, textures, sizes, and shapes. And the often complex structure of modern families makes wording invitations a challenge. The first book to fully address these topics, Wedding Invitations takes couples from original idea to finished product, no matter how simple or extravagant their vision.

The book presents both traditional and modern designs, details the many different types of inks, papers, and printing methods available, and discusses how to deal with ceremony cards, response cards, maps, and other enclosures. The text covers all aspects of invitation etiquette, from acknowledging various family members in the most appropriate way, to properly wording inner and outer envelopes. Wedding Invitations offers advice on desktop publishing, working with a designer or calligrapher, papermaking, and doing your own letterpress printing. Since many guests cherish the invitation as a memento long after the ceremony has passed, this is a must-have for the newly engaged. AUTHOR BIO: JENNIFER CEGIELSKI is a writer and editor and the former content director of The Knot. She has covered all aspects of weddings, from gowns to flowers to cakes. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.

DANA GALLAGHER is a New York City-based photographer specializing in food, still life, and interiors for clients such as Martha Stewart Living, House & Garden, and Food & Wine.

About the Author
JENNIFER CEGIELSKI is a writer and editor and the former content director of The Knot. She has covered all aspects of weddings, from gowns to flowers to cakes. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.

Amazon Reviews

A wealth of information--even beyond the wedding
I have to admit, while planning my wedding I was hesitant at first to purchase a book that seemed to be on only one wedding topic. But being into stationery and typography, I'm glad I took a chance on this one. I wanted our wedding invitation to be really special (we have been together a long time and already have a child), and this book helped us achieve that goal. All the bases are covered, so you really understand what all your options are in a simple, non-overload way. This book is like a "master class", and is great for anybody who is interested in printing, stationery or invitations in general.

Review: A lot of useful information
I'm not sure what the reviewer below was reading because this book contains everything you could ever hope to know about wedding invitations. It's definitely visually attractive, but it's the useful information (even gives you a timeline for you invites to make sure you're on track which I am often not!) that make this a must-have item for anyone about to get married.

Review: Very comprehensive and informative Invitations book!
A must have for the "Bride-to-be" or anyone planning an event. This creative Invitations book covers everything you'll need to know when planning a wedding. It is layed out in an easy to read format w/ stunning visuals of invitations, etc. in a compact book that can be used for a referrence manual year after year. I highly recommend it!

Review: Gorgeous, useful and a time saver!
This will help you through making all sort of invitation decisions (believe me there are a lot to make, I had no idea before I started) like paper and ink colors and also tell you all sorts of stuff about how to word your own invite to suit your wedding formality level. My invitations are going to be on blue paper letterpressed with brown ink, very elegant yet modern. I never would have thought of that combination had I not picked up this book! I can't wait to get the invitations up from the printer.




Wedding Invitations, Announcements, Place Cards, and More (Paperback)


Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Although engraved invitations have become standard for weddings, cards printed by hand are always in good taste. Most people do not have the handwriting skill for hand printing, so they fake it with a computer script or hire a calligrapher. This book has classic calligraphy instructions for those who would like to try it themselves, with a little practice first. Several types of alphabets are included, with detailed instructions on strokes and layout. A section on wedding etiquette has useful information on invitations, thank-you notes, and place cards, with photographs of many examples. An excellent book for public libraries. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Bette Matthews is the author of The Wedding Workbook, Cakes (For Your Wedding), Wedding Toasts and Vows, and the upcoming A Wedding for All Seasons. She has worked as an event consultant and stylist with a New York caterer, and is in the early stages of a start-up venture designing and producing handmade wedding invitations. Bette lives in New York City with her husband, photographer Antonio M. Rosario, and their two cats.

Excerpted from Wedding Invitations, Announcements, Placecards, and More : A Brides Guide to Simple Calligraphy by Bette Matthews. Copyright © 2001. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

The Calligraphic Wedding
“You’ve dreamed about this day your entire life. And as you move further and further into the planning process of your wedding, each and every detail seems to grow in importance. Small elements combine to create a full-bodied effect.

“The written word has great prominence in wedding festivities. It may be in an obvious capacity, such as invitations, place cards, or menus. Or it may be something less noticeable, such as a favor tag, the name on a guest book, or a handwritten note on a gift basket sent to a guest’s hotel room. The opportunities for beautiful lettering are vast. Calligraphy can enhance your writing at its core.

“This book provides a basic introduction to calligraphy and some of the multitudes of lettering styles—some simple, others more complex. The instructional opening chapter offers an overview of tools, materials, and technique. The chapters that follow are divided into overall styles: Classic, Elegant, Romantic, Modern, and Artistic. These divisions are purely subjective, so don’t feel as if you have to confine your imagination. With a little thought or with minor changes, your alphabet of choice can be translated to any project in the book. Calligraphy is versatile and transcends any classifications we impose upon it.

“The projects in this book incorporate a full range of wedding concerns, from engagement to post wedding activities. Invitations, envelopes, and place cards are the most obvious items with which calligraphy is typically used. There are also ideas for gift tags, guest books to record good wishes, programs, and more. The quality of your finished product will be affected by the quality of your materials, so choose fine papers, ribbons, and flowers for these projects, and you won’t be disappointed.

“The last section of the book is the gallery. This is a showcase of professional work from experienced calligraphers offered to inspire you. Each of these pieces is created by an artist who learned the craft one step at a time, just as you are about to do.

“Practice, relax, and enjoy the learning process. Above all, let your own character, your own vision, and your own penmanship shine on the page. Don’t strive for perfection; strive for personality.”

Review: With This Book, You Can Do It
With this book -- and a lot of practice -- I was able to do the calligraphy for my daughter's wedding.

The book includes a number of romantic alphabets in styles from Celtic to modern, forms for invitations, many examples of custom woprk, and step-by-step instructions for projects ranging from favors to menu cards to guest books. There are also suggestions for working with a professional calligrapher.
This is a practical book for anyone planning a wedding.





Easy Invitations: Use Your Home Computer to Create Stylish Stationery for Weddings, Birthdays and Other Occasions (Paperback)

Book Description
Easy Invitations, Announcements, and Personalized Stationery is the ultimate guidebook to creating invitations and personalized stationery using a home computer and printer.
This book provides design ideas and instruction for creating professional quality, customized invitations and note cards using card stock, envelopes, and other readily available stationery. Use it as a standalone guide or in tandem with PrintingPress software by Mountaincow, which offers easy stationery layout, photo tools, a built-in address book, and hundreds of templates and graphics.

Easy Invitations, Announcements, and Personalized Stationery features original ideas for major life events such as birth announcements, traditional and modern wedding invitations, save-the-date cards, milestone birthdays, anniversary parties, and coming of age celebrations. It also includes ideas for thank-you notes, personalized stationery, informal get-togethers such as dinner and cocktail parties, a wine tasting, and even a romantic picnic for two. This book offers tips for making any party distinctive with creative and easy place cards, menus, gift tags, and favors.

Includes bonus CD-ROM with 3 fonts and 70 illustrations

About the Author
Patty Hoffman is the director of Communications at Mountaincow, a software maker that specializes in customizing invitations and stationery using a home computer. She has written about crafts, lifestyle, and entertaining for numerous magazines, including Seventeen, Family Circle, and Details.

Megan Eisen, CEO of Mountaincow, has written PrintingPress and many other software applications. She is an expert in graphic design and has created a wide variety of stationery and original fonts and graphics for invitations. Her stationery is featured in upscale stores such as New York’s Kate’s Paperie.

Josh Eisen, president of Mountaincow, has written PrintingPress and many other software applications. He is an expert in the use of computer technology for custom invitation printing and has been quoted in Greetings, Etc magazine.

Review: Easy Wedding Invitations
This is an awesome book. I've been making cards on my computer for years, and I found this book very helpful. After reading it, I purchased the Mountaincow Printing Press Platinum CD. They are both fantastic. The fonts are the best, and I also like the graphics. I have learned some very helpful things about using my computer to expand the possibilities for making cards that end up looking extremely professional. I'm a perfectionist, and this book and CD met all my expectations.
Sarah

Review: Design Invitations, Thank You Notes and Stationery
Whether you want your wedding to be traditional or nontraditional, you want it to be personal and one way to achieve this is to design and print your own invitations, thank you notes and stationery on your computer. This book written by Patty Hoffman, Megan Eisen and Josh Eisen is just what you need to inspire and jump-start your creativity. But this book is not only about weddings.

The book is sectioned by topics covering the most important events in our lives including weddings, births and birthdays, seasonal and celebrations. Each section begins with a case study and personal story about the real people that are the inspiration behind the sample projects. Each section has sample projects which are discussed in depth explaining what type of papers, inks, images, fonts and design layouts were used and why. Although the authors are associates of Mountaincow, a software and stationery company; the book is written so that you can use any software you might already own. This book does not have step-by-step instructions for using graphic and printing software. The purpose of this book is to inspire your creativity for designing your own invitations and stationery.

Throughout the book the authors show you how to decide on a theme for your special occasion and how to apply that theme to everything including invitations, place cards, party favors and thank you notes. They place special emphasis on designing your own monogram with or without their company's PrintingPress software and choosing the perfect graphics and fonts to include in your designs.

Besides the eighteen projects, the book also has a Tools and Techniques section that covers everything from choosing paper, inks, and a printer to how to compose the message for your invitations. The authors also discuss their PrintingPress software. Although this software was not included on the accompanying CD, the CD does contain decorative borders, fonts, images and project layouts in the PrintingPress software format.

Patty Hoffman is director of communications for Mountaincow and author of several craft and lifestyle articles. Megan and Josh Eisen are co-owners of Mountaincow and the authors of the PrintingPress software.

Review: Great Gift
What a great book. Easy to follow, full of original ideas and examples, and it makes a perfect gift for friends into scrape booking, entertaining, and basic design. I've already bought four extra copies - to my friend's delight!

Review: Wedding Stress
I found this book to be very useful. I am planning a low budget wedding reception and this book gave me great ideas for low cost/creative invitations. I also thought the software was very user friendly.




The Artful Bride: Wedding Invitations : A Stylish Bride's Guide to Simple, Handmade Wedding Correspondence (Artful Bride) (Paperback)

Book Description
Every couple wants to announce their wedding with style and aplomb. Savvy, stylish brides are looking for ways to add their own style and sophistication to their wedding without relying on tradition-heavy standards. This beautiful guide contains everything a bride needs to personalize her wedding correspondence elegantly-but also simply and inexpensively. It includes more than 20 fashionable and fun-to-make invitation and correspondence ideas.

About the Author
April L. Paffrath is a freelance editor and writer in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In addition to book and magazine editing, she has written architecture profiles, travel pieces, cooking articles, and craft how-to's, for magazines such as Scientific American Explorations and Martha Stewart Living. She is coauthor with Laura McFadden of The Artful Bride: Simple, Handmade Wedding Projects (Rockport, 2003).

Laura McFadden is a freelance art director living in Somerville, Massachusetts. She is a former design director for Inc. magazine. She currently runs her own graphic design studio, called Laura McFadden Design, Inc., and has contributed to various craft books and magazines for publishers such as Rockport Publishers, Martingale & Company, and Handcraft Illustrated. She is coauthor with April Paffrath of The Artful Bride: Simple, Handmade Wedding Projects (Rockport, 2003).

Review: Beautiful & Creative Ideas
I've never understood why folks will shell out the big bucks for what they could more or less do on their home printer -- pretty, but bland. This book has beautiful, personal invitations ranging from the offbeat to the traditional (my favorite is the frog idea). Making invitations yourself doesn't mean sacrificing style or tradition, and this book is an excellent starting point.

Review: I have FINALLY found invitations I love,
I have been looking at invitations, and haven't found anything that is quite right. Not to mention everything is very pricey. I would much rather cut the price of the invitations and spend the money saved there on other wedding expenses. I have been looking at kits. I never really found anything that suited us. They were plain and not very origional. So I have been looking online for ideas and I saw this book. I love it! It has wonderful ideas, easy directions, and great pictures. We decided to take one of the invitations and change it a little to better fit us and what we are looking for. It really is wonderful because you don't have to follow the directions exactly, you can change the color/pattern, or just add your own special touch!

Review: Fun & Beautiful Invitations
The projects in this book range from fun and quirky (like my favorite - The Bride in a Can) to beautiful and classy. There are ideas here for weddings on the beach, old fashioned weddings, nuptials that include travel, and for simple ceremonies too. A lot of the ides in this book could be converted for use for other kinds of invitations, I used one of the pretty ones to make invitations to a party for my mother's birthday. Lots of color photos inside (nicer than the photo on the cover would make you think!) There are also illustrations & templates. I also gave this book as an engagement gift to a friend and not only did she love the gift, she made her invitations based on a project in the book.

Review: Innovating wedding invitation ideas
Innovating wedding invitation ideas to let the real you shine through. Imaginative ways to help you decide if the non-traditional route is more your style. Page after page of creative, artful invitations, announcements, save-the-date cards, and shower invitations. Directions and material list accompanies each design. Templates are also supplied. People will remember an invitation created by you from The Artful Bride: Wedding Invitations.