I'm so excited that I've been chosen as a seed packet artists for Hudson Valley Seed Co.'s 2019 collection! The design is for the Senate House Marigold, which is an heirloom flower bred specifically for the gardens at the Senate House in Kingston, NY.

The illustration for this seed packet was created as an original watercolor that was then coated with layers of encaustic wax to add texture and give an aged feel to the piece. 

Seed packets and fine art prints will be available on Hudson Valley Seed Co.'s website.

When you spend money on a beautiful invitation suite, there are some factors you should consider before mailing that can save you time and money, and could also save your invitations from being damaged.

Hand Canceling Postage
If you have square or bulky envelopes, you should ask to have your invitations hand cancelled. This means that a postal worker will actually hand stamp your envelope postage rather than running it through a machine and risk it being wrinkled, smudged or torn. Some post offices will allow you to hand cancel your own invitations. Check with your local post office to see if they charge an additional fee for hand cancelling as it varies from location to location. 

Postage Cost
Before purchasing stamps for your invitations, you should check the weight with your local post office. They will usually charge more for envelopes that are rigid, bulky or square.

Unique Postage
The US Postal Service offers stamps in a variety of designs that would be appropriate for weddings, but there are also other options for your postage that can add a little extra flair to your invitations. Websites such as PhotoStamps.com allow you to upload your own images to create custom postage to match your invitation design or theme.

Using vintage stamps is another creative way of dressing up your envelopes. Unused stamps never lose their value and there are so many different themes you can choose from, but there are some things to consider when using vintage postage. You will need to make sure that you have the appropriate amount of postage to send the invitation. Since the postage rate will most likely require multiple stamps on one envelope, you will need to plan the space and make sure the stamps do not cover up the address information. There are many places online to find vintage stamps, but you need to make sure that the stamps have not been previously used or they won't be accepted by the post office. 

We hope these helpful tips will help to make your invitation mailing go smoothly! 
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If you are looking for a wedding venue in the South of France, Chateau de la Valouse is a perfect location with its expansive grounds, luxurious accommodations and fantastic facilities.

The La Valouze estate, located near Bordeaux, was once the family home of Paul Durand-Ruel, the art dealer who discovered and helped make famous Impressionist artists such as Monet, Manet, Renoir and Degas. It has since become a romantic wedding venue with on site accommodations for up to 55 guests. The estate has a park of approximately 84 acres  which includes lakes, many rare trees and wildlife.

The reception facilities include a reception hall, a drawing room, dining room a grand ball room and an outdoor terrace. 

This is a very popular wedding destination, so be sure to book your event at Chateau de la Valouze at least a year ahead of time. ​

Photos by Robin Looy Photography
Illustration by Wendy Nooney, NooneyArt Designs.

The Biltmore Estate is a historical family owned 8000 acre estate nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. With its spectacular mountain views, majestic house, expansive gardens, onsite hotel and winery, there's no wonder why it’s a hot spot for destination weddings.

Dubbed America’s largest home, the Châteauesque-style main residence was built by George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895. The 250-room house offers self guided tours which display vintage furniture, clothing and original paintings by artists such as Renoir and John Singer Sargent. The tour spans three floors which include a library, banquet hall and indoor recreation facilities (pool and bowling alley).

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The grounds of the estate were designed by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (designer of New York’s Central Park) . There are many gardens, a lush forest and open meadows, perfect for a beautiful day of walking and taking in the sites.

You can visit their website to submit an online request and setup your special event today!

Photo by Fête Photography
​Map illustration by Wendy Nooney, NooneyArt Designs.

This 8x10 hand painted invitation was created as a frameable gift for Jenna and Eric after they were married at The Island Farm Private Estate in San Gregorio, California.

​The Island Farm is a  private family-owned estate, covered with expansive fields and redwood trees. The perfect venue for nature loving couples. The venue is not commercially advertised and gets most of its booking via word of mouth.

Photo by BrittRenePhoto.