We should really always keep in mind that we shouldn’t demean ourselves. Hence, I will say a seemingly pejorative thought in this way: among the many talents that God blessed me with, craftsmanship is definitely not among them. Thing is, I definitely need help because I want to have our monograms and save-the-dates to be personal; sort of do-it-ourselves even if it’s just pseudo-like. I say pseudo-like because the closest I can get to getting our monograms/save-the-dates done in a personal way would be to have them done by a friend and not just hire some 3rd party supplier I know nothing personal about and who doesn’t know about us.

Indeed, it was a blessing that Rey has such a very talented sister (and thanks to Kat for reminding me about this fact) whom I was able to meet during our Singapore stint. And again it was indeed a blessing when Lene enthusiastically agreed to help me despite the limited time I gave her (it has to be done within less than two weeks) and despite our difference in time zones (she’s currently based in California).

First, the monograms.

I loved it how she thought about incorporating the sakura in our logo. Sakura would always remind me of Japan where our story started.

Next, our save-the-dates. I wanted it to be boarding pass style. As a couple before, hubby and I needs to travel for us to see each other again. Hence, I was all set on getting a boarding pass style for our save-the-date. I sent Lene some inspiration samples from some websites in the internet. But what she designed for me was in no way near the samples I gave her – of course, she topped the samples!

I love it how she thought about the details – the airlines thingy, the clouds and the curves which are reminiscent of the curves of our wedsite and most especially (this one is my favorite) the way she translated the save-the-dates into three languages that Hubby and I use most frequently. She sent me the design through email and we had it printed out in Descarte in UP Village at a very reasonable price. The good thing is that I got my DIY task as well, even if it’s just with cutting the save-the-dates and our sticker logos. Thanks to Kat as well for helping me out with the cutting. Those evenings were surely fun!

Tadaa! Finished products, ready for distribution. I’m not really good with scissors so having been able to make smooth rounded corners makes me feel fulfilled of some sort. haha!

I had another thing in mind – our “will-you-bes”. And on this, Lene wowed us yet again. Here’s one, all ready to be punched with a 12-inch pony garter lying in wait.

Our luggage tag will-you-bes was inspired by the JAL luggage tags that I am so fond of getting whenever I’m on a JAL flight – to use as a bookmark! haha. So, I had in mind this certain type of string that was used with the JAL luggage tags. Problem is that I have no idea what they were called so it was quite a challenge to find the perfect strings I had in mind. Hence when I finally found the right piece and knew what they were called, I was so totally happy. Still though, the search for the pony garter itself was so much fun! It reminded me of a cliche yet one that’s important – NEVER settle for anything less because the perfect one will definitely be just a few searches (or waiting) away.

I love how Lene thought of using fonts that appear as if they were hastily scrawled – just like you hastily scrawled them in the airport, right before checking your luggage in. I loved it so much, I asked Lene to make one for me and Hubby hahaha! I’m so glad she obliged me with my crazy request.

Please do visit Lene’s page to see more of her creation.

Lene, thanks much for helping us!! =) Your talent indeed make people happy. =)

Should you need help with the printers, here’s a supplier that’s really friendly with your budget: