Styled Spotlight: Carolyn Brandhorst– Owner/ The Papery of Philadelphia
It is time once again for our monthly series, Styled Spotlight, where we are asking one creative wedding professional a series of questions so you can learn how they got started, why they love what they do, what they love most about Philadelphia, and more. Today we talk with stationary expert Carolyn Brandhorst whose invitation design studio and gift boutique, The Papery, specializes in custom wedding and party invitations, cards, paper products, and unique gifts.
1. Let’s get to know you! Tell us a little bit about your background.
I was actually an English Major, go figure…and out of school got right into retail working for the Limited Corporation. After that I worked for my father who owned an Ad Agency. Computers were just taking over the graphics industry and I went back to school for design and worked in Print Media for 12 years before leaving and opening the Papery. My background of Retail and Design paid off!!
2. How did you know that the wedding industry was the right fit for you?
I new that anything to do with the public and people would be a great fit for me. I have always been a “people” person and what better way then to help people on the most important day of their lives!
3. What do you love most about weddings in Philadelphia?
I love that Philly is a BIG, but SMALL city, and that on a Saturday almost every neighborhood you go to you could see a bride and groom getting their photos taken at some historic site or on a cobblestone street or in front of a refurbished warehouse…gotta love PHILLY!
4. How would you describe your aesthetic?
I think I am a person that people trust and feel comfortable around, which is very important in my business, you need your clients (brides and grooms, mothers of the bride, etc) to trust you. Once you have that trust you can get lost in the creative process with your client and they will let you take the ball and run with it.
5. What is one piece of advice you hope to impart on brides and grooms?
Enjoy ALL the details along the way and once the day comes, try to take in everything, as it is over in a flash!!
Five Favorites:
1. Element that always catches your eye?
Color and texture, I feel I look at most things differently. If I see a piece of furniture with a pattern or color, I imagine it on an envelope lining or as a background. Always thinking about PAPER!
2. Favorite trend or application you are seeing with invitations?
Foil printing, mixed with letterpress.
3. Moment at a wedding?
First Dance of bride and groom and watching the parents of the bride & groom look on!
4. Way to spend the day after a wedding?
If I am attending a wedding, sleeping and reminiscing about the night with family or friends.
5. Hidden gem in Philadelphia?
I love Nineteen at the Bellevue, I think this is such a beautiful room and great for a smaller wedding.
