At Melrose Knitting Mill, we have the pleasure of not only working with awesome couples but with awesome vendors too! We caught up virtually with one of our favorite people to work with, Theresa Jatko of Theresa Jatko Designs, to talk about what’s on-trend with wedding invites, how to handle moving your wedding date due to COVID-19, fun ways to brand your big day, and more!

Stationery suite, custom menu, and program. Photo by JP Pratt Photography.

A Little Background on Theresa Jatko Designs

It all started when I got engaged to my best friend, Derek, in 2001. ​I was so frustrated that I couldn’t find the exact look I wanted for my wedding invitations. I looked everywhere! After weeks of searching, I told my (then) fiancé, “You know what? I can do this!” – Theresa Jatko

With a solid education and design background, TJD was born. Theresa and her team have been creating amazing stationery since 2003. Theresa’s job, or as she says, her “privilege”, is to capture the essence of your happiest moment and allow the spirit and love of your story to be frozen in time forever. This is why she does what she does and why she loves it.

Love note to the groom from the bride. Photo by Ginny Corbett Photography.

Theresa Jatko Designs custom designs beautiful stationery for any occasion. They will design the perfect wedding invitation, holiday card, or sign for any event. Their goal is to share your story, your life, and who you are through their art. If you have your own ideas for your event, they can help bring them to life!

Follow Theresa Jatko Designs on Instagram

Q&A With Theresa

Q. Tell us a little bit about what you do and what makes Theresa Jatko Designs different.

A. I went to school for marketing and apply a lot of what I learned to the weddings that I do. I don’t just create invitations for a couple, I brand their entire wedding. I design elements that tie every step of the wedding day together. What you end up with is a custom branded wedding that speaks to the couple’s personalities. Picking out wedding invitations should not be like ordering Chinese food. You don’t just want the #3 combo that looks like everyone else’s. It’s all about the little details and that makes it much more personal than selecting something generic online.

Q. Are there any specific things you offer on the day of the wedding?

Personalized menu ribbon color tells staff what the food choice is for each guest. Photo by JP Pratt Photography.

A. We do a lot of in-house printing which allows us to add guests’ names to menus, place cards, etc. This way, they really feel like they are part of the event.

Q. In a digital world, why paper invitations?

A. I create invitations that really tell a story about a couple and hit all five of the senses. The quality of the paper, the textures you use, the colors. It’s nice to have a keepsake in a digital world.

Q. Do you offer packages?

A. We do not offer packages but I can provide as much or as little as the bride and groom would like. If you just want invitations, I can do that, or I can completely brand your wedding day, down to cards that have your hashtag on them. I will work with you and your budget to create a lasting memory.

Q. What is on-trend right now?

Wax seal escort cards.

A. I love wax seals and so do the brides. I would say 70 percent of the invites we did last year had a custom wax seal. They are timeless and can be used in so many ways. Whether you choose to do a monogram, pet, or something completely different, we can incorporate it throughout your wedding day. From the invites to the menus to the table numbers, the possibilities are endless. We have over 50 colors for you to choose from!

Custom monogram with white ink.

Bright colors and florals are also popular right now and I cannot forget to mention white ink! Doing white ink on a colored card stock looks fantastic.

Custom monogram on the dance floor. JP Pratt Photography.

We are seeing a lot of brides and grooms use their monograms in so many different ways. In the photo above, the couple’s monogram was put onto the dance floor with a custom application. We have also sent DJs and lighting professionals logo files to project onto the dance floor.

Q. How are you doing business in the COVID-19 era?

A. Even before the pandemic, I conducted a lot of business online through Zoom calls. Luckily, this prepared me for our current situation. There is no need for us to meet in person if a bride and groom do not want to/do not feel comfortable. I will send them a quote and if they want to move forward I can mail them samples or they can pick them up from my house from a pick-up bin. I am doing the best I can to accommodate everyone in the COVID space.

Q. Speaking of COVID-19, are there any changes you have made to invitations? How are you working with brides who have had to move their wedding dates?

COVID-19 digital change the date.

A. We have been providing digital invitations for brides that had to move their date. For invitations that we are sending out for winter weddings, we are giving guests the option to give us their email address as well so if we have to change the date we are able to send them updates digitally and as soon as possible.

Q. Let’s talk about recyclable papers. Is this something you offer?

A. I would say about 50% of our papers are made from recycled products. If this is something a bride is interested in, I am happy to show them choices that are environmentally friendly.

Q. When should a couple start talking with you about invitations?

A. If you are looking for a custom product, I recommend reaching out to start planning six months before the wedding. The turnaround time for the invitation is only two to three weeks, but the design portion is what takes the longest. I want to make sure you love every aspect of it and it captures what you want it to.

Photo by Ginny Corbet Photography.

Your wedding invitations are your memories and I consider it a privilege to be part of your memories and keepsakes. This is why I do what I do. I don’t just want to tell your love story, I want to give people a memory that is tangible, that your grandchildren will look at one day.” – Theresa

A Few of Theresa’s Favorite Projects

Photo by Ginny Corbet Photography.

I created a monogram for a couple getting married at the Angus Barn and we came up with so many ways to incorporate it into their big day. The picture above is of their seating chart.

Photo by Bella Lumiäre Photography.

This couple was supposed to be getting married in Puerto Rico when a hurricane came through. I was talking with the bride and groom and the groom pulled out a photo of the exact spot they were supposed to get married. We were able to use that photo in their new invitations which meant so much to them and showed the guests a little piece of their love story.

I had another bride who had her wedding at her home. She really wanted to have her dog at the wedding but there were going to be too many people there and she did not think the dog would feel comfortable. I surprised her on the day of the wedding by creating a digital watercolor portrait of her dog to put at the front of the ceremony so she saw it when she was walking down the aisle.

We love working with Theresa and we know you will too. Learn more and contact her at TheresaJatko.com.