This weeks interview features Liz from Ellas Papar. Liz is located in Bristow, Virginia.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a 32 year old work-hard-from-home mother of 2 awesome kids; Ty and Ella. They keep me very busy, but I truly know how blessed I am to have them in my life. I’ve got a great husband of 8 years who chips in now and again to keep the business running smoothly. He probably wouldn’t admit it, but he’s got a really good eye when it comes to design. When I’m not working or being mom, I am an all-star cheerleading coach, traveling the east coast with some of the nations best athletes racking up trophies and doing choreography for high school and all-star teams.

What special things do you create for weddings?
I create and design stationery for weddings. I do it all – invitations, calligraphy, thank you’s, menus, programs, place and escort cards, custom design, logo and branding.

Who or what sparked your interest in making wedding-related items?
I have always been creative….digitally that is. My brother-in-law was engaged. My sister-in-law-to-be asked me to help her DIY project. I had a blast and it was so much fun creating the wedding suite. That was my light bulb moment and from that point forward I began doing what I love.

What is a little known fact, or something unique about your work that is interesting?
I am in love with the romance of shabby chic. I try to use a hint of it in most of my designs, but not too much because I want my items to be universal for brides with all different tastes. Changing the color of one of my designs could take it in an entirely different direction in terms of style.

If you are married, what’s the one thing you wish you had for your wedding that you didn’t?
Beautiful and creative over-the-top stationery to tie the entire event together.

What is your favorite wedding song?
The overplayed but always classy + perfect – At Last, Etta James.

What trends do you see happening in your specialty at the moment?
Colors! I am seeing a lot of invitations with color combinations that are out of the ordinary, but work together so perfectly.

What is your favorite part of the wedding journey?
For my area in particular, it would be the first draft of the wedding invitation. Brides feel like they are taking a huge step in the process by getting the invitations out to their guests. Their first glance at the set can sometimes be emotional.

What advice can you share for all the brides getting married this year?
Don’t be a last minute bride. It’s stressful for you and your vendor.

What is your perfect honeymoon spot?
Paris. I’ve never been, but I don’t doubt it is the most romantic place on earth.

If you could pick anyone famous that would purchase your items for their wedding, who would they be?
Beyonce. She is always classy.

If you could choose 1 item from your shop that you wish every bride could have, what would it be?
Calligraphy. I’ve received too many invitations with plain ole’ handwriting, office labels, or poor attempts at DIYing the addresses. It’s literally the FIRST IMPRESSION of your big event. Your guests will see their address before they’ll even see your invitation.

To learn more about Ellas Papar visit:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/EllasPapar
http://ellaspaper.com
https://www.facebook.com/ellaspaper
http://twitter.com/Ellas_Paper

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