Trying Something New

Jonathan Safron Foer has always had a different perspective on what the reader should expect. This Princeton grad dropped a brief foray into medical school to pursue his writing career that started under Joyce Carol Oates.

After writing Everything is Illuminated, and most recently, Eating Animals, he has branched out to the book as the medium between the text and the reader with his most recent work, Tree of Codes.

Instead of merely pushing the limits of words, he was challenged their vessel. And what better way to tell eReaders and electronic publishing that the print book has yet to find it's perfect replacement than to complete a project wholly unreproducible through it?

Hats off to Jonathan Safran Foer, the publisher who said yes to his outrageous idea, and the designers who made it possible on nearly impossible publishing budgets.

Effective Graphic Design - Happy Halloween!

If it's Halloween, then it must mean that Matterhorn Creative is throwing one of the best costume parties in Hoboken, New Jersey. 

What you see above is the invitation our guests received for consideration (click here for a full-size image). We decided that this year's theme should play on one of humanity's oldest and darkest traditions--seeing what we could have been, while reveling in the ability to secretly judge those different than us through the guise of entertainment. 

Fun Fact: Freak Shows are a misdemeanor in Michigan

Every year we up the ante on our parties. What started with red light bulbs and Jason masks has evolved into a three month planning process with backyard qua carnival replete with lighted circus tent, spin wheel, bean bag toss, custom holiday drinks and [of course] a breathalyzer for our guests who want to guess their levels. Prizes for the closest!

We're already thinking up ideas of 2011.

To our clients and would-be clients, be sure to find something you love--one of ours is entertaining--and turn it into something spectacular. Too few people put the same effort into their personal lives as they do with their profession. If someone isn't willing to put effort into themselves, how can they ever be expected to make something beautiful (or scary!) for you? 

Happy Halloween!

Luxury Wedding Invitations

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There's very good a reason the above photo isn't of one of our stunning invitations. Luxury products, no matter if it's a Birken or Matterhorn, have always been as much about the quality as the story behind them.

• The Spirit of Ecstasy on every Rolls Royce is a homage to a hidden love ending with the mistress drowning on a sinking ship
• Burberry was founded by a draper's assistant with a superior waterproof material
• Matterhorn Creative's designers work with Kate Spade, Lucky, Ralph Lauren and now for your wedding.

If you want the very best for your wedding, call us today to begin a conversation that will have your guests talking for years.

Perfect Wedding Details

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The invites are done (and they look fantastic, by the way), photographer is ready, the officiate has deemed you married and your man laid the perfect pucker. Now what?

The party begins!

Every wedding reception needs to have that perfect detail, the little nuance that guests talk about the following weeks. Yes, a nicely stocked bar will get everyone on the dance floor, but no one talks about the bartender with their friends.

What people too often forget is what you love and hate about anything is the details. Otherwise they are forgettable--and that's the essence of great design. You don't love your future husband because he's neat; you love him because he cares enough to clean up the socks you don't have to ask about anymore. You don't love your fiancee because she's fun; you love her because of that squeal she makes when you go whitewater rafting together. The same holds true for weddings.

The cake may have been delicious, but was it served on plates drizzled with raspberry so that they could dip it and enjoy the presentation? The invitations might be beautiful, but do they tell a story about you and how much fun the wedding will be?

Too many people shoot for the stars when all the guests want is the twinkle. Start a conversation with someone you trust and you might just be surprised at what a big difference the little touches can make.

And please don't set your cake on fire.

Worst Wedding Photographer Ever

When picking your wedding photographer, don't be shy in giving direct advice in the manner in which s/he shoots your wedding ceremony. Some churches have rules against flashes, standing in the aisle, and other traditions that you should be aware of (ask your officiant!).

A little preparation can avoid you an embarassing situation like this.

Fun Wedding Idea

Hopefully by now you've seen the Pixar movie, Up, a tenderhearted love story with a floating house and talking dogs. If you haven't, bring some tissues. Me and my fiancee left a mess and she asked me to wait till the end of the credits so that her face could calm down. Too cute (but it helped me as well).

So what better theme then everlasting and tested love for a wedding? This couple found the perfect way to be themselves through a recently established idea and managed to avoid cliche without breaking the budget (balloons are cheaper than flowers any day!).

Awwwww

The photos were shot by Wildflowers Photography and they did a phenomenal job of catching the soft-aged feel of young love ready for their future together. They're based in SoCal, so be sure to give them a call if you're on the west coast and like their aesthetic.

The Importance of Trust

Whether you're starting a business or beginning to plan for you upcoming marriage, trust is the cornerstone of success. That is why who you choose to work with is the most important first step.

Take Legion Paper for example. They are Matterhorn Creative's preferred paper supplier. But why is that?

Do they have the best price? Usually. 
Are they open 24/7? No
Do they understand our company's needs? Yes
Do they bend over backwards to make me happy? Yes

I can't emphasize enough how important it is to find a partner who supports you and your needs. When someone puts your needs before your own, everything falls together a little bit easier and what was once a chore becomes something you're looking forward to.

Whether you are looking for your future husband or business partner, or whether you have that already [congratulations!!] and are now looking for the people who will support you as you begin your journey, be sure to surround yourself with vendors, colleagues, and friends who will make your endeavors easier, fun, and a little more beautiful.

Here are some other people we love and recommend

Photography:
Hugo Juarez

Wedding Planning:
The Knot
Project Wedding