Kristen, of the FABULOUS Greenbean Designs, was forced to face the big “C” at an age where most of us are just learning who we are as women. And to be honest, she has come out of the ordeal with so much more grace and beauty than I think I ever could. There really are no words of introduction, I am just going to let Kristen tell her story…

It was a Friday night in November of 2005; my husband, Michael, and I were at home watching a movie (Tom Cruise & Jamie Foxx…I won’t soon forget that movie). And, in classic form, I was multi-tasking away… watching the movie and wrapping a birthday gift for a very dear friend of mine (so pleased that I found the most perfect gift weeks ahead instead of the night before). I had a little itch under my arm. Honestly… it was a little itch. Not supposed to be a significant itch… but this little itch scared me silly. I instinctually raised my arm to relieve this little nuisance and go back to wrapping the gift when I felt something. Not a “lump” (as if I knew what a “lump” truly felt like), rather my entire underarm and breast felt dense, almost rock-like. I never noticed this before. How long had this been here? Immediately, my mind raced to negative-town. I had just turned 30 years old. NOT POSSIBLE!!! I tried to convince, control and calm myself and mentally dismissed it as a fluke thing.

But, each day…my concern grew, as did the itchiness, radiating heat and rash. So, I made an OB/GYN appointment. That’s where it all REALLY began, just after the holidays…

January 9th, 2006 I found myself sitting in my breast surgeon’s office waiting for the news. Good or bad? “Oh God, please let it be good. Let it be an infection or a cyst. Amoxicillin will fix everything, right?” I repeated this over and over in my head believing that the news would be fine. However, my heart knew it was something else… Starting with a whirlwind doctor office tour just days before… first at the gynecologist office leading to a same-day office visit with a radiologist for a mammogram; which, by the way, the mammogram yielded no result because mammograms are less effective for women under 40 years of age, to a sonogram (showing a large mass in my right breast) to a biopsy with the breast surgeon… And, here I was! I waited out what felt like a very long weekend and at the same time, a weekend I never wanted to end, in fear of bad news at the end of it. But, here it was, the day of the results… anxiously wringing my hands, holding on to the arms of the office chair (sure that I have left some fingerprints ingrained in the wood). All I was hoping to hear were the words “It’s nothing”. After all, there was no family history.

The results came back. It was Stage 3 breast cancer. Her2 triple negative. The rest of the news sounded like that of the Peanuts cartoon teacher lecturing her students. I heard nothing except my own repetitive thought…. “Am I going to die? What now? Am I going to lose my hair? What about work? Am I going to die? How are we going to tell family? Am I going to die? God, is anyone else sweating in here? I think I am either going to pass out. Maybe if I pinch myself, I will wake up from this nightmare.” I pinched, and blinked and refocused and there was the surgeon continuing to speak in what I thought was tongues to my husband who listened intently but with despondency in his eyes. Our lives had forever changed after those words… “It’s cancer”

I had my first surgery (and first one ever in my life) to have a port put in and off I went… I began chemotherapy immediately to stop and reverse the growth of the tumor. For 5 months (every 3 weeks to be exact) I sat in a chair in a room that had a longer waiting line than the deli counter on a Saturday morning. Except, rather than everyone in a hurry to accomplish their Saturday shopping, this group (aged from teen to twilight) was ready to settle in for 3-5 hours of what we called “cocktails”. Only this hangover made the morning after a few glasses of wine feel like a walk in the park.

I found so much strength in these other patients. Each surviving and, most importantly, LIVING through this disease. Some newly diagnosed, some “LIVING” with the disease after 10 years. Who would have thought you could laugh so hard in the face of cancer? The oncology doctors, nurses, and volunteers (who by the way passed out sinfully delicious cookies on an almost 5 minute rotation schedule) made the hours spent there like a group, comedy therapy session!

So, of course my hair fell, but on the upside, I saved a fortune in hair care products, not to mention lots of time in styling each morning. My chemo completed, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy, radiation and finally, multiple reconstruction surgeries. It has been almost 3 years (this January) and 3 major surgeries (not to mention countless little surgeries).

Like so many women that have lived through this disease or have been great heroes and lost their lives in the battle, we must find a cure. I believe it is so important to educate all young women to do self-exams. Cancer has no boundaries, but early detection is critical. Please, please visit your doctor.

My greatest life lessons: Always listen to what your own body & mind are telling you. Do what you love and LIVE everyday. Tell that special someone that you love him or her as often as possible. Hold the door for the person behind you (you never know what their personal struggles may be, it may just make their day) and take that puppy for a long walk, don’t put it off till tomorrow!

I will always hope and pray that the cancer does not return, but in the meantime, I have a lot of living to do! And many beautiful wedding invitations to design!

And in the spirit of positivity and paying it forward, I am designing a new edition to the Greenbean Design that will truly inspire and hearten our always fashionable and socially responsible brides-to-be! The new website is coming soon and it will be worth the wait!

Warmest Regards,
Kristen

Thank you so much, to Kristen, for all of her loveliness. You are an inspiration to us in so many way…you’ve reminded us to love with every inch of our hearts, to let our creativity thrive and most importantly…to take care of the one body that we have no matter how busy our lives may be.

And, if you haven’t visited Greenbean Designs…you are in for SUCH a treat!

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Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Breast Cancer Survivor, Greenbean Designs, Pink Week
Post categories: Community

Heather Forsythe, out of Charleston, sent me this gorgeous pink wedding. Let me tell you what I really love about this wedding…the couple paired a frilly pink palette with a super rustic, outdoor space making the whole wedding seem mismatched in that incredibly perfect way. To me, this is what a beautiful wedding does…it brings together all things beautiful, but with different textures and styles so that nothing seems too planned or over designed. More pics on the way!

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Post tags: Charleston, Country Elegance, Heather Forsythe, Outdoor Wedding, Pink Week, Rustic
Post categories: Real Weddings

Well, I am partnering up with Abby Jean once again, to do a HUGE giveaway in honor of Pink Week here on SMP!

We are giving away a set of 75 letterpressed personalized stationery with printed envelopes! The value is over $350 so it’s a pretty good prize! You can pick from the Sophie, Hannah or Elizabeth collections so that the stationery really reflects your own personal style.

You know the drill…just let us know what your favorite invitation from the Abby Jean line is, and we’ll pick a random winner! All winners from this week’s giveaways will be announced tomorrow afternoon! Good luck! 

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And the winner is…Desiree!

“Pretty much…I am in LOVE with Jill…the invitation that is! The best thing about the “Jill” is that is modern for my taste; not too feminine for my Joe’s taste, and a hint of trastional that is just enough for my Mother to go for. I heart Jill. ~Des”

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Post tags: Abby Jean, Breast Cancer Awareness, Fontaine Maury, Giveaway, Letterpress, Personal Stationery, Pink Week
Post categories: Contests, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

Top Row by Romance of Flowers / Center Row by Modern Day Design / Bottom Left by Verbena / Bottom Right by Modern Day Design

We have an oh-my-gosh big giveaway coming so stay tuned!

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Post tags: Austin, California, Color Palette Pink Vivid, Giveaway, Maryland, Modern Day Design, Pink Week, Reisterstown, Romance of Flowers, Santa Barbara, Texas, Verbena
Post categories: Bouquets, Wedding Flowers

Top Row by Verbena / Bottom Row by Modern Day Design

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Post tags: Church Pews, Color Palette Pink Warm, Modern Day Design, Pink Week, Ribbon, Verbena
Post categories: Wedding Flowers

Top Row: flowers by grandiflora, ribbons by Blush / Middle Row: flowers by Soiree Floral / Bottom Row: bridesmaids’ flowers by Blush, pink flower by grandiflora

I am a girly girl to no end, so I love these looks. The peony is hands-down my favorite flower and paired with pretty pink ribbons and details, well, it just works!

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Post tags: Blush, Breast Cancer Awareness, Bridesmaids, California, Color Palette Pink, Connecticut, Grandiflora, Nantucket, New York, Peonies, Pink Week, Ribbons, Soiree Floral
Post categories: Wedding Flowers

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Post tags: Bluefly, Flypaper Blog, Pink Week, Weddings 2.0
Post categories: Featured

And speaking of modern, fresh designs, I am also loving the oh-so-now purple hues in this next set of flowers. The purple undertones add a bit of depth and dimension, so the end effect isn’t quite as girly as your standard pink style…

Top Left Photo by Linda Baldwin Flowers, shot by China Jorrin / Top Right Photo by All Things Beautiful shot by KMPhotography / Bottom Photo by Waterlily Pond shot by Erin Beach

Pinks tend to go in one direction or another…either a bit red/orange or a bit blue/purple. The purple hues are perfect for a bit more edgy, modern affair. I love the sleek sophistication of the bottom photo…a more architectural approach to floral design.

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Post tags: All Things Beautiful, China Jorrin, Color Palette Pink Black, Dallas, Installation Floral, Linda Baldwin Flowers, New York, Pink Week, Sleek Florals, Texas, Tri State Area
Post categories: Wedding Flowers

Top Row: flowers by Waterlily Pond and Hello Darling / Bottom Row: flowers by Waterlily Pond and Modern Day Design

Okay, these florals are the perfect examples of how to use pink in a totally sophisticated, fresh way. By bringing in varying hues of pink, blacks and golds you instantly add a shot of chic that even the men in your life will appreciate. I am obsessed with the pink and gold scheme in the top left photo and equally smitten with the pink and black palette in the bottom right photo. Love, love, love.

If you are in need of a little floral inspiration, check out the sites mentioned above…honestly, the best way for your florist to understand your many loves, is by printing out images of your favorite designs. Waterlily Pond, Hello Darling and Modern Day Design are all filled with tons of beautiful ideas!

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Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Chicago, Color Palette Pink, Hello Darling, Modern Day Design, Pink Week, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Waterlily Pond
Post categories: Centerpieces, Wedding Flowers

Well, lucky lucky us…Lisa is joining SMP as a featured writer, with a monthly guest blog all about invitation design, color trends and so much more!! Lisa has designed for the likes of Katherine Heigl, Diddy and Billy Crystal and now, she’s joinig the SMP team to share invitation ideas that are one part inspirational, one part educational. Ideas for REAL BRIDES on real budgets and ideas for those who simply love stationery design…

New York Magazine said that Lisa was “arguably the most talented custom-stationer in the city.” She was named a Top 25 Trendsetter by Modern Bride and is regularly called upon for advice by New York Magazine,  InStyle, Town & Country, Elegant Bride and Modern Bride to name a few. So needless to say, I am beyond thrilled that she has agreed to be a regular contributor to Style Me Pretty! 

You can look for LIsa’s guest blog on the 15th of every month, launching in November. She has so many beautiful ideas up her sleeve, I can’t wait to see what she’s up to! And, to celebrate Pink Week and our new Ceci NY addition to SMP, we are giving away a set of 50 letterpress notecards from Lisa’s Social Collection…

Just leave a comment with your favorite design from Lisa’s collection and we’ll pick a random winner!

For other giveaways, check out today’s features on Chewing the Cud and Byrd + Bleeker, Olive Route, Cat Seto, Love at First Invite and Paperzest. We’ll announce all winners this Friday!

* * *

And the winner is…Juliette!

“I adore her work! She perfectly fits/matches/wears my personal view of how an elegant and precious and unique invitation have definetely to be.”

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Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Ceci New York, Giveaway, Letterpress, New York, Pink Week, Top 25
Post categories: Contests, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

Christina, the owner and designer of PaperZest, is completely in tune with what real brides are looking for…simple, chic designs that celebrate their own unique occasion. And, she’s giving away 100 CUSTOM save the dates to one lucky SMP reader. Just leave a quick comment (1-2 sentences max) as to why you love SMP and we’ll choose a random winner!

* * *

And the winner is…Rebekah!

“SMP has literally been my best girlfriend through my wedding planning process! With all of my friends living so far away, the ideas, advice, and inspiration offered on your site has been a priceless resource and 24-hour wedding planning companion.”

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Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Giveaway, Herndon, PaperZest, Pink Week, Save The Dates, Virginia, Washington DC
Post categories: Contests, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

And, I am beyond excited to let you guys know that Cathy is GIVING AWAY a set of 100 Invitation Sets! How great is that!? The set will include the invitation, the reply cards, reply envelopes and outer envelopes, all printed on beautiful Linen Paper. And here, my friends, is the absolutely beautiful design…

The design was inspired by grandmothers, mothers and daughters…and generations to come!

For this giveaway, we are hoping you’ll share the style of your wedding…is it rustic chic? classic and traditional? funky? casual but elegant? We’ll pick a random winner for this giveaway from your comments!

* * *

And the winner is…Abbie!

“Our wedding will be part rustic chic part garden party. We are getting married in the local botanic gardens with a reception at the local community center. We’ve chosen kelly green and a pale turquoise for our colors. LOVE THIS GIVEAWAY! I checked her site and love the designs.”

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Post tags: Giveaway, Love at First Invite, Pink Week, Wedding Style
Post categories: Contests, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

Each of the 10 notecards that Cat is giving away to a lucky reader, is embellished with the most gorgeous Swarovski Crystals…if you haven’t seen Cat’s work in person, the images just don’t do it justice. It’s honestly, gorgeous.

For this giveaway, we’re asking brides all about their color palette…what colors are you loving right now?? We’ll pick a random winner! Oh, and definitely check out Cat’s awesome blog, ShopFriends, when you have a minute!

* * *

And the winner is…Lara!

“What fantastic notecards! I love the combination of a deep aubergine and a light, violet gray. I’m thinking of adding hints of light, pale green to the palette.”

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 77 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Cat Seto, Color Palettes, Giveaway, Pink Week, San Francisco, ShopFriends Blog, Watercolor Notecards
Post categories: Contests, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

Olivia will work with clients from around the country on a custom piece for your wedding. One that genuinely reflects who you are as a couple. Here are some fun, pink inspired examples from her line…

And, to join in on the fun of Pink Week, Olivia is giving away a set of 50 letterpressed thank you cards to one lucky reader! Just leave a comment as to which is your favorite design from her collection and we’ll pick a random winner!

* * *

And the winner is…Chandra!

“The Caroline-Kevin collection is my absolute fave. I see it is quite popular in the comments section, but I had to pick it because it really is my favorite. I love the yellow and green, and it is very California, which is where my wedding will be next year.”

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 90 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Berkely, Breast Cancer Awareness, California, Giveaway, Letterpress, Olive Route, Pink Week, Thank You Notes
Post categories: Contests, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

To kick it all off, I wanted to tell you about this great new project that Viola of Chewing the Cud and Libby of Byrd + Bleeker are launching…A Survivor Soiree!

Here’s the deal, straight from the horse’s mouth…

Perhaps it’s your sister. Your mother. Your best friend. Celebrate their triumph with a Survivor Soiree!

*Surprise your guests with these NEW BEGINNINGS letterpress invitations (shown in the top left photo) by chewing the cud.

*Make your event even sweeter by having byrd + bleeker create a SWEETNESS OF LIFE candy bar and more pink party goodness.

As for that amazing candy bar…there are actually “Breast Cancer Awareness” candies included in there; Hershey Kisses, York Peppermint Patties, Dove Dark Chocolate Pieces and Mars M&Ms Promise Blend.  A portion of those candies’ purchase price also goes towards the Susan G. Komen foundation – so really, it’s a charity two-fer!  What could be better?! The floral arrangements include antique green hydrangeas, pale pink stock and a combination of pink and champagne lisianthus in mint julep cups, bottles, glass vases and rustic ivory pails. The jar tags all have inspirational quotes by breast cancer survivors. 10% of all proceeds from a Survivor Soiree will be donated to the Nellie B. Connally Breast Cancer Foundation at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

I am in love with this concept. The letterpress invitations are beautiful, the candy bar concept is over-the-top great and the celebration of life that motivates the project…well, it’s just lovely.

And guess what, the girls are offering a 20% discount to all SMP readers through the month of October! Just mention that you heard about the project right here! And, that isn’t all…Viola of chewing the cud is offering 50 NEW BEGINNINGS cards which can be converted into save the dates to one lucky reader. Just leave a comment as to which invitation from her collection is your favorite, and we’ll choose a winner randomly!

* * *

And the winner Is…Mandy!

“I absolutely LOVE the “Good Old Days” invitation set from Chewing the Cud. My wedding is in an old theatre and this would be the perfect way to reflect the vintage vibe.”

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 39 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Byrd + Bleeker, Chewing The Cud, Pink Week, Save The Dates
Post categories: Contests