Jennifer Rolwes Volk of Illuma Weddings and Special Events

Coffee Talk with Jennifer Rolwes Volk of Illuma Weddings and Special Events

WC: How did you get started in the art of invitation design?

JV: We both have a strong event and graphic design background. Our passion for creating beautiful invitations and other materials to help bring an entire event together is what drew us to the business.

WC: How is custom invitation design different from ordering your invitations through a catalog?

JV: Custom invitations help set the tone for an entire wedding. They are the first glimpse into what the event will be like. By customizing invitations, a couple can ensure that they will have a unique start to their wedding. In addition, by customizing their invitations, couples can easily carry a theme throughout the wedding, from invitations to menu cards, programs and favors.

WC: What is the typical process a couple will have to go through while designing their wedding invitations?

JV: We always have an initial meeting with the couple to learn about them and their upcoming event. We go through samples to get everyone thinking about what kinds of options are available, what color palette the couple likes, and what style of invitations they like. Next, we create samples for the couple to review and we continue to make modifications and changes until it is something that truly reflects the couple's style and vision for their wedding.

WC: Are there any common misconceptions couples have regarding custom designing their wedding invitations?

JV: That they need to be able to do them on their own. All we need from a bride and groom is a vision of their event and we can take their ideas and turn them into a reality. By having help with custom designing their invitations they will end up with a piece that truly reflects their vision without having to do the hand work.

WC: If you were to pass on any advice to a planning bride regarding her invitations, what would it be?

JV: Start early and think outside the box. Once a couple has a vision for their wedding, we can start on the design of the invitations. Gone are the days of a white card with plain black text. Today's brides have a plethora of choices and options to create the perfect, unique wedding invitation.

WC: Thus far, what was one of your most unique designs requests?

JV: Mardi Gras masks, customized noisemakers, and custom jewelry based on a logo for a wedding in the Bahamas. The bride had a Bahamian Mardi Gras theme for her destination wedding and wanted to tie the whole weekend together with a unique logo and color scheme. We designed everything from the invitations, welcoming beach bags and information folders to the customized noisemakers, charms for the bridesmaids, and menu cards to include the logo along with bright orange and pink accents.

WC: Do you service brides outside of the St. Louis area?

JV: Of course! We can work with brides from around the country. We have had numerous clients who do not live in the area and are able to design their invitations and other items via communication on e-mail and through the phone.

Read other interviews at the Club Cafe.