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Historic Houdini Estate Wedding in Los Angeles

    What on Earth could be more glamorous than a wedding at the fabulous Harry Houdini estate in Los Angeles? Steeped in history, this magical estate served as a backdrop to Meg and Brett's vintage-inspired wedding. The cascading waterfall, creek and lush garden was an extraordinary setting to exchange nuptials.


    Built in the Edwardian tradition in the early 1900s, the Houdini Estate still has caves, hidden tunnels, terraced gardens, and a deep-water tank where Harry Houdini reportedly practiced his underwater escapes. The secluded property was the perfect retreat for America’s foremost Magician. Houdini used the estate’s pool to practice his amazing feats of escape and illusion before his death in 1926.


    For their Save the Date invitations, Meg and Brett started with my Art Deco "Swinging on the Moon" design. They utilized the same theme for their wedding invitations and event stationery. The large lavender welcome poster greeted guests and the corresponding programs alerted them to the evening's events.


    Paper Moon Shoppe built a phenomenal Paper Moon photo backdrop for guests to really go "Swinging on the Moon". You will honestly never encounter such a unique way to memorialize your event than with a portable old-fashioned paper moon photo studio. Famed Photographer, Margot Landen shot the glamorous affair. Check out a few of her stunning photos!


    Photography: www.margotlandenweddings.com @margotlanden

    Planning: www.heartthrobweddings.com @heartthrobweddings

    Florals: www.tropicofflowers.com @tropicoflowers


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    Meg + Brett at the historic Harry Houdini Estate in Los Angeles




    Paper Moons - Perfect for that stellar, vintage wedding!

      Shoot for the stars… if you miss, you’ll end up on the moon-- so wrote Artie Shaw. Paper moon photo booths started around the turn of the century and remained popular through the 1930s.  They popped up at state fairs, carnivals, seaside resorts and any other place that people went to have a good time.  Paper moon photo booths offered party-goers the opportunity to smile at the camera and take home a souvenir photo of their dazzling day or stellar evening. The backdrops featured a luminous giant smiling moon, but other fantasy themes appeared as well… hot air balloons (one of my favorites), snow scenes, boat scenes... to name just a few. By the 1930’s people took their own cameras on outings and well, they were gone…. until now! 


      It gives me great pleasure in knowing that the Paper Moon Shoppe is in full swing and able to bring to your wedding, a bonafide vintage-style paper moon. And not just one paper moon. Shop owners Victoria and Chris have designed and built the world's largest collection of paper moon backdrops and at least a dozen other specialty backdrops including an Art Deco trolley, Chrysler Building eagle, and that famous George Melies silent movie Moon and Rocket. 


      I have had the pleasure of working with Victoria and Chris on several weddings and they have custom-built giant photo backdrops to suit each theme. They constructed a large-scale Victorian clock used in a moody Gothic-inspired wedding shoot. The giant timepiece featured a moon, stars and clouds as well as a dial with adjustable arms.  In addition, they created a gold geometric moon for one of our Art Deco shoots. And just last month, they designed an Autumn-themed auburn and burgundy tree backdrop based on the graphics from one of my wedding invitations for the Wilshire Ebell Theater. 


      Paper Moon Shoppe has several package options for you to choose from. They meticulously transform your space into a spectacular celestial showpiece! They off a fast printing station, unlimited souvenir prints, online albums and vintage props. They even offer old-fashioned souvenir flipbooks that you can order for your guests. Lastly, if you order a wedding invitation suite from Gilded Swan Paperie and then book a paper moon booth, Victoria and Chris will give you a $50 discount on your order.  Go vintage glam with Paper Moon Shoppe! You will honestly never encounter such a unique way to memorialize your event!



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      Sitting on the moon with the Paper Moon Shoppe




      Bridal Shower Paper Goods

        Updated: Mar 13, 2020

        Bridal showers are an excellent way to show your creativity and honor your great friend! Historically speaking, the Maid of Honor, bridal party or friends host the bridal shower and should be thrown two months to two weeks ahead of the wedding date. Below are a few ideas of the paper goods you might want to consider to make your shower as lovely as possible! And if you know me by now, the more colorful and vintage, the better!


        bridal shower invitations, art deco wedding, art deco bridal shower, gatsby bridal shower, vintage bridal shower invitations
        Bridal shower invitations by Gilded Swan Paperie - Photo by Marisa Peterson

        One needs an invitation, of course, and paper invitations are a must. A Bride cannot put a digital invitation into her scrapbook. Make her (or his) day last forever with a paper invitation. Wording this invitation is quite easy. Start with the basics:

        You are invited to a bridal shower in honor of

        Taylor Kelley Saturday, October 19, 2019 Noon Marmalade Restaurant

        Please reply to Margo at 212-444-5690

        Michelle is registered at Target and Macy's




        Unlike the main wedding invitation, you can print registry information on this card..



        Place Cards:

        Thank you note cards make a great bridal shower gift for the Bride. She can hand-write her courteous words If you are having a tea party or whimsical little garden party, you might want to consider place cards to give the guests a little bit of "fancy." Make each one different with vintage words of advice or quotes.



        Menus:

        It's always a good idea to let your guests know the dining choices they are going to experience. If you are hosting a tea party, then having a list that describes the variety of teas offered is beneficial.



        Party Favor Tags:

        Party favors are not a requirement, but it is nice to offer a treat or small token to your guests to show your gratitude for their gifts and attendance. Hang tags, stickers or cards all do the trick! Silk ribbon or baker's twine makes it special.


        Recipe Cards:

        A thoughtful keepsake for any Bride is to receive recipes from her family and friends. A vintage-inspired design is an attractive way to do this and better than blank index cards



        Advice Cards:

        Another excellent way to impart wisdom to the Bride-to-Be is to print advice cards. They should be attractive, easy to write on and can be placed into a keepsake album or decorative box.



        Thank You Cards:

        Thank you note cards make a great bridal shower gift for the Bride. She can hand-write her courteous words of gratitude to all of her guests for their generosity. Don't forget pretty stamps or even vintage, unused stamps to complete the look. A fancy pen is also a lovely added gift.


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        All paper goods designed by Gilded Swan Paperie

        Photo 5 photo by: @daybreakanddusk & Planniny by @anythingbutgrayevents



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