Refreshed and Renewed

I'm excited to announce that the FMN Design website has been refreshed. This summer was full so this process took a bit longer than expected, but it's here! I've designed quite a few books over the years and I'm happy to be able to highlight a number of albums for people to see. I'm still offering the 'Daisy', 'Earth', and 'Orchid' albums and hopefully the photographs will give people a good sense of what to expect when ordering their books. I've showcased both a 'Classic' and a 'Unique To You' album design for both the wedding album and guest book options as well.

If you haven't been to the site in a while or if you were just there yesterday, stop by and take a look. Any feedback is always appreciated. I hope you enjoy...

nLighten Images - Local Love

Working with photographers is always fun. I just love seeing someone else's perspective on life. I have a chance to see the world, or at least an event, through their eyes. It's something I just love to do. I can imagine being there, where they are, and documenting the moment. It's not the same as I would have seen it, not the same as I would have documented it, and THAT'S what I love about it.

I've had the pleasure to work with Robert Her from nLighten Images a couple of times. Each time is an absolute pleasure. Not only because his work is beautiful but because he's a super nice person. And he's local which is a nice treat. If you want to check out his blog, you can do so HERE.

I just wanted to share the album I designed for him a while back. It's a studio sample and my hope...my hope is that it helps him gain clients because he has a gift that people are lucky to share.

Robert, I just love how you see the world. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you again!

Jesse & Lotus

I was contacted not too long ago by the husband of a couple. I typically work with  brides, so this was a nice treat to work with the groom. They found me through a referral from another album company in NY. One that I've adored for years. Mac & Cheese Design. I mean, who wouldn't love a company with a name like that.

Anyway, he was looking to make a wedding album  and I was more than happy to help. When first talking about the details of an album, I always inquire with my clients if they have vows or logo's to include in the book. If done right, it adds such a personal touch. They had both a logo and some text which I was excited about because I love adding those special elements.

Here are some snapshots of both the layout/design and the final album. Enjoy!




One thing that I find fun to do when designing an album  is to use a photograph of the invitation or program as the opening page of the book. I know it's great to open a book and see the bride and groom first but sometimes, it's fun to start the book at the beginning. An introduction of sorts.



I used their logo twice in the book. Once at the bottom of the page with the reading. It was such a beautiful illustration. Simple but it had a great texture to the design and I just loved the copper color.




Here's how it looked in print.

Then I used it again to fill some white space on the page. I like to use the center of a spread for big, bold photographs or illustrations. It's a great way to separate two images that you want to highlight.

The other thing to remember when designing an album is to try to have at least one if not more, double page spreads. You need to breath from time to time when looking through an album. Page after page filled with image upon image can be overwhelming. It's nice every once in a while to see one image, nice and big. 

Ending an album can be challenging too. You've flowed the images through the story of the day and then, how to wrap it up. A walking away picture is an option that I like to use from time to time. If there isn't a perfect end of the night event, this is a great option. It lets you feel like you're watching this new couple begin their walk of life together, and how sweet is that?

Jesse, you were wonderful to work with and I wish you and Lotus all the best in the years to come.

Warmly,
Laura

Valentine's Day Promo!!

What better way to celebrate your love than by ordering your wedding album today!

And because we're all about love at Forget Me Not, if your order your album today, you'll receive 15% off of your order.

A Sweet Album For A Sweet Bride

I promised an update on the albums I've been producing over the last few months and I'm finally starting.

April contacted me back in August of last year. She found me through Project Wedding and was eager to get started. She had a bunch of questions for me to answer and once she settled on the book she wanted, a leather bound, 10x10 album, we went to work. She provided me with her top 25 images, maybe a few more and sent me on my way to design a first round layout of her book.

She absolutely loved the layout so much that she asked me to expand the album to include a few more pictures that she had to have. Once those images were placed, I sent her the slideshow to round two and that was that! She loved it.

There were the last decisions to make about the cover material, cover photo and text, and then off to print. It was a fast turnaround. 2 months from start to finish which is pretty quick considering it takes anywhere from 3-5 weeks for the actual book to be printed and bound.

Thank you April for your business. You were a wonderful bride to work with.

















I do have to give a big shout out to Leather Craftsmen, once again, for turning out an absolutely stunning book. The quality really is exquisite. I can remember, when first thinking about starting this business, I was talking with a friend and told him that I didn't want to produce albums if the quality of the books wasn't extraordinary. Leather Craftsmen was the answer to my search and they've never let me down. I do use other vendors, all of which I'm happy with, but there's something special about one of Leather Craftsmen's books. Definitely something special.

It's All Good Working With the Goodnickels

One of the things I love about designing wedding albums is working with talented photographers. The Goodnickels are no exception. They do beautiful work and have such a fun and casual style. When I look at their photo's I just want to hop in and be a part of the party.

We designed two albums for their "sample collection". One from Kiss for the simple but beautiful album and of course, a Leather Craftsmen for those couples looking for a little flare.

Here are a few shots of the books. You can check out their BLOG as well to see more, not only for more photo's of the books, but, stay a bit and check out the rest of their posts. I think you'll enjoy yourself!

Bridebound - Everything from "yes" to "I do"

This brightened my day today. FMN Design was "spotted" on the Bridebound blog today. This is a beautiful new Bay Area wedding blog that features everything you need to know for your big day.

Check it out...!!!

100 Layer Cake!

I'm super excited to be featured on the beautiful blog 100 Layer Cake today! I'm a "Vendor Spotlight" and couldn't be more thrilled.

I put a guest book together using the photography of Stephanie Williams. I just love her work and creating the guest book was easy to do with such amazing photography. This is one of my favorite albums that I've made to date. It's sweet and beautiful. What I love best is that it appeals to my practical side as well as my romantic side by being able to double as a guest book AND a coffee table book.

I'll post some more photo's for you to see, and if you're one of those couples that has a bunch of awesome photo's from an engagement shoot or any other shoot for that matter and have no idea what to do with them, drop me a note and let's put a book together!