Married Life After the Perfect Wedding Day - Q&A with Former Oklahoma Bride Teale Janysek

August 5, 2017 Rachel Bohanan

Former Oklahoma bride and Rachel Kathryn Design's client Teale Janysek is settling into her new life as a wife after her big wedding day in December of 2016. I loved working with Teale last Fall to create her custom, handmade wedding invitation suite to match her elegant, southern winter wedding at Spain Ranch in Jenks, Oklahoma.

Recently, I caught up with Teale to see how newlywed life has been so far and what advice she has for brides in the midst of planning their weddings.

Teale's custom handmade wedding invitation suite. Photo by Amanda Watson Photography.

RKD: What was your favorite part about wedding planning?

Teale: I think I am a weirdo. I seriously loved every part of wedding planning. I wouldn’t want to do it again, but I loved planning every little detail! I think my favorite part was towards the end when I got to start to see everything coming together. Also, it was also a really special for my mom and I to spend some quality time together, which I wouldn’t change for the world.

What was your least favorite part?

Getting caught up in the details! So so silly! I was brought back to reality a lot by my friends telling me seriously no one is going to notice this expect for you (so true!).

Josh and Teale Janysek on their wedding day at Spain Ranch in Jenks, Oklahoma. Photo by Amanda Watson Photography.

What do you wish you would have done differently?

Not fought Josh on some many silly little things. He was so great through the planning process, and honestly, he wasn’t super opinionated about much at all. But, I was so sure that we should NOT have the band that he so desperately wanted and it was so important to him. I finally gave in and seriously the band was amazing and I couldn’t even imagine our wedding without them now! I probably would be sitting here typing, let Josh have the awesome band he wanted had I not given in! A live band is one of my top recommendations.

Did you do premarital counseling? If so, was it helpful? How so?

Yes we did do premarital counseling and we loved it, the program at our church pairs us with a couple who has been married 25+ years and we met with them every other week. The curriculum is set up with homework, but it wasn’t overwhelming and although Josh and I felt pretty in sync the process really helped us to talk about some core issues as well as gave us an opportunity to be mentored by a couple who has been through it all! It was an awesome experience and we really loved digging into some deeper issues knowing we had support.

What are you glad you splurged on?

Oh gosh, what didn’t I splurge on yikes! I think top three for me personally was videography/ photography, flowers and of course my stationery! I spent probably more than half my budget on these three things and my dad and husband both thought I was insane for wanting to spend as much as I did especially on the videographer, but let me attest my dad was the FIRST to say once we got out video back, how can we make this 30 minutes longer. The day was such a blur in so many different wants and it is hard to soak in everything, but have tangible memories, video and still pictures of every moment has seriously been the most incredible gift no one can even imagine not having them now. I’m super glad I stuck to my guns on that one.

My pictures would not have been half of what they were without my amazing florals! Alison from Juniper was amazing to work with and I am so grateful for her, she took my vision and made it hers and it was flawless.

Rachel knows this best but I spent HOURS online looking for invitations and I seriously didn’t like anything. When I met with Rachel she had me completely sold on custom invitations and they turned out to be everything I could have dreamed of in more. I had such a vision for what I wanted them to be to tie into different parts of our day and she carried it out perfectly! She also says it perfectly I don’t care who you are people LOVE getting mail and having something this beautiful come addressed to you could make anyone feel special!

What advice do you have for brides and grooms planning a wedding?

Don’t sweat the little things and on the day of let go of everything. Soak in every moment and don’t worry it is so so important to remember at the end of the day that the flowers will die and guests will return home but you will be MARRIED no matter what goes wrong you have your life partner and to lose sight of that is so silly! It is so easy to get bogged down in the details and stress stress stress, but it is pointless the thing people will remember most is how beautiful and happy you looked don’t lose sight of what really matters. I will NEVER forget the moment I stopped in the middle of the dance floor and told Josh, look around look at all the people that are here to love on us and celebrate this chapter, just look. It was incredible!

How is married life so far?

Gosh, married life is amazing, Josh and I have been through so many changes in the first seven months. We moved to a new state, both started new jobs and bought our first home together! Josh brings me so much joy and even on tough days knowing I get to come home to him is the most incredible feeling. We have also grown so much closer and have become amazing teammates through all of these changes, which has been so neat. I can also say that there is something about buying a home that has drawn us so much closer, having something that is ours has just been so special and we feel so blessed. Having a partner in life is seriously just the coolest!

Former Oklahoma bride Teale and new husband Josh buy their first home as newlyweds.

How is it different than what you expected so far?

I don’t know that I had any expectations, living with a boy definitely has it’s ups and downs but I wouldn’t change it for a thing, it’s all about learning to compromise!

What was your first married argument about?

Hmmm, I can’t really remember but I’m sure it had something to do with the move. Moving is tough and it stretches you in different ways. I also had a really tough time leaving my job, and Josh couldn’t wait to get out of his so that was tough as well. Communication is so important and something I am definitely weaker at then Josh! We also communicate in different ways and are still learning how the other best receives information, so important!

What have your learned about yourself so far as a wife?

That I love being one! One of my friends, who I lived with in college, was over a couple of weeks ago and I was bustling around the kitchen getting dinner ready. She knew that the microwave was my best friend in college, and she looked at me and literally said, "Who are you? Is this what happens when you get married?" I died laughing, and I told her, "You know what, I guess so!"

I find myself doing things I never did for myself, because I know it will mean something to Josh. I love that it is so easy to put his needs before my own. I also have seen my relationship with Christ change as my focused has shifted from me to we. Josh and I are so blessed to have Christ centered marriage, and I think this is what has truly started to shape me as a wife.

What kind of wife do you hope to be in 5 years?

I hope to just continue to grow and serve Josh the way he needs to be served and I also hope to be a mom! I hope our home will be a place of fellowship for our friends and family. If God blesses us with our own family I hope that I can provide a loving home where they know they love of their parents and God.

What married advice do you have for brides and grooms about to make lifelong vows to each other?

Never ever lose sight of why you made your vows and what you said to one another and why you said it. Marriage isn’t easy its work, but this isn’t a boyfriend girlfriend relationship! You can’t just give up when it gets hard, you have to work harder. Never stop praying for your marriage or your spouse, God will sustain you! People also have told me a million times, never go to bed mad, well I’m not going to tell you that this is always going to happen, but what Josh and I have found is at some point you have to go to sleep, some times still mad, we have vowed to always pray together before we go to sleep even if we are still mad and even if we aren’t going to solve whatever it is until the morning, this has put are arguments into perspective and in the morning it is easier to move forward, and its also easier to fall asleep!

What is next for you guys?

I think I have been long winded! haha we have had so many changes we are just looking forward to enjoying our new home together and finally relaxing! We are planning to take a ski trip to celebrate our year anniversary!

. . .

Teale's Wedding Vendors:

Wedding Invitations: Rachel Kathryn Designs

Photography: Amanda Watson Photography

Florals: Juniper Designs

Venue: Spain Ranch

Decor/Rentals: Party Pro Rents

Bridal Gown and Accessories: J.J. Kelly Bridal Salon

Grooms Ring: BC Clark Jewelers

Make Up: Chelsey Ann Artistry

Videography: Pen Weddings

*Josh and Teale's wedding was also featured in the Brides of Oklahoma magazine and blog. Check it out to view more photos of their special day!

Advice From an Oklahoma Newlywed and Former RKD Bride

December 2, 2016 Rachel Bohanan

Advice From an Oklahoma Newlywed and Former RKD Bride

As a wedding calligrapher and stationer, I have a big heart for keeping marriages strong and decreasing the number of divorces in our communities. The marriage vows we say to each other are the most important words you will ever say. Marriage can be the best journey and sometimes the hardest journey.

I have reached out to a former bridal client Ashton to share some of her newlywed and wedding planning advice :)

Newlyweds and former Rachel Kathryn Designs clients Ashton and Brent

(RKD) How long have you been married? (Ashton) We have been married for a year and a half.

How is married life going? Married life is great! It's been a busy first year but I wouldn't change a thing.

What is the best thing about being married? Knowing your best friend is always going to be there for you and having someone to do the big life events with but also the small things, like waking up on a Saturday and going to the Farmer's Market together.

Is the first year of marriage what you expected? It's been so much more! To say we've been busy, would be an understatement. We moved from Texas back to Oklahoma, took new jobs, are wanting to buy our first home, traveled quite a bit, watched several friends tie the knot/have babies and made sure to soak up every moment of it together.

Describe some expectations you might have had that were true and some that were unrealistic. I think the biggest unrealistic expectation people have for their marriage is that every day will be like the honeymoon, and that's just not true.

Life happens and it's easy to get in a daily routine that can feel like a rut, but it's important to remember to put your relationship first. I have found that it's 100% true to remember to communicate, and to communicate effectively.

What have you learned about yourself in your first year? That i'm not as patient at times as I thought I was. I think being honest with yourself is a big part of growing together and bettering your relationship. It's not always easy, but it's worth it.

What have you learned most about your relationship? That distance really does make you stronger. Brent moved to OK almost 4 months before I did. So, those months without him (and the dog) were hard but we made it a point to see each other almost every weekend and came out on the other side feeling even stronger about our relationship.

When you were planning your wedding, what is one thing you wish you would have done differently? I definitely waited last minute to design and print my own wedding programs...the last minute stress was not welcome and could have been avoided. I just let it slip my mind.

What wedding planning advice do you have for other engaged couples? Stick to your budget! But also, don't let the pressures of friends and family get to you. If you want a long or short engagement, go for it. It's YOUR big day, it should be everything you've ever dreamed of.

Just don't stress about the little things, at the end of the day it's just important you're officially married and remember at the end of the day, nobody will remember what color your napkins were.

What advice do you have for other engaged couples to help them not lose sight of their relationship in the midst of the wedding planning? Keep the wedding planning light and fun. Make sure to involve one another throughout the planning process.

What would you like to tell soon-to-be brides about marriage? It's a fun ride! But be sure not to take yourself too seriously. Remember to compromise and make decisions together. I also think it's important to laugh often and to remember what brought you all together in the beginning.

What do you look forward to most in the next 5 years of marriage? Buying our first house, traveling together and starting a family <3

5 Reasons to Learn Modern Calligraphy // OKC Modern Calligrapher

September 23, 2016 Rachel Bohanan

Modern calligraphy is all the rage right now, and learning how to do it is even more popular. But why learn how to write pretty in this 21st century digital age?

1. You can break the rules

Unlike traditional calligraphy that follows a specific set of lettering rules and stays perfectly inside the lines, modern calligraphy allows you to "bounce" your letters outside of lines if you desire, develop your own style that can be similar to cursive and opens the door for more creative freedom.

Modern calligraphy letters can bounce around on the page. They have a mind of their own. :)

2. It can be therapeutic and an anti-stressor

I have found that once you get over the hump of learning how to use the nib, understand how ink flows and get a groove down while learning letter forms, pointed-pen, dip calligraphy is quite therapeutic.

Feeling the pen glide across the page while ink is slowly flowing out feels peacefully delicate. Because you simply cannot do calligraphy in a hurry or with an anxious mind, the practice of the art forces me to slow down and rid my mind of any stressors from the day.

Even if pointed-pen calligraphy is just not your thing, brush calligraphy is just as fun and therapeutic. Brush calligraphy can be achieved using many types of markers, like Tombow markers, or by using a small paint brush.

3. It keeps you smart

I keep hearing that hand lettering and cursive is not being taught as often in public schools anymore, and that is such a shame! However, researcher have found that when we write letters and words with our hands we learn better, are more successful, creativity is inspired and so much more according to thefederalist.com.

Although this article focus on hand writing with pens and pencils, I truly believe hand lettering using calligraphy as adults can have the same type of benefits.

Wrapped up in my own little world calligraphing.

4. You can make your friends and family feel loved

Writing birthday cards, addressing envelopes and making handmade, framable art are the best ways to make your friends and family feel loved. Who doesn't love something handmade with your time and skill poured into it?

5. Teaches patience

In the beginning, calligraphy can be quite frustrating, because you are learning how to use a new tool that your hand is not used to holding. Even to an experienced calligrapher, there can be frustrating mishaps like ink splatters and just honest human error.

To succeed and keep on learning, you must be patient with yourself and the art form. I've learned that I am naturally not a patient person. I want to be good now, and I want the projects done in my own timing.

But calligraphy projects can often take longer than you expect simply, because you cannot rush a work of art. Be patient with yourself and you will reap great and beautiful rewards. :)

Flowy and peaceful modern calligraphy font

* Bonus reason: It's fun!

Can't forget the best reason of all, modern calligraphy is so stinking' fun! I love it, and I love having a skill that will last a lifetime. I love writing with a tool that was used hundreds of years ago when writing letters. I love making beautiful art and sharing it with the world. :)

If you live in the south, join me for my next beginner calligraphy workshop in Oklahoma City. I love meeting other lettering enthusiasts. :)

Summer OKC Calligraphy Workshop Series Recap

August 20, 2016 Rachel Bohanan

This summer, I taught two beginner modern calligraphy workshops at West Elm in Oklahoma City. So often calligraphy is seen as "pretty handwriting." I love the chance to set a high standard in my community for calligraphy as a skilled art that requires patience and a lot of practice. I love encouraging other women to learn a new hobby and appreciate the art as well.

I want to thank Robyn Icks Photography for capturing beautiful photos of the events, and helping me set up and take down for each event. You are a rockstar. I also want to thank West Elm OKC for your hospitality, kindness and the space you allowed us to use as creatives.

For the July workshop, Blair of Blair Sims Events helped plan the design, and "look and feel" of the evening. She did such a great job, and I loved Blair's help during the event. And Angie from Borrowed Charm was so kind to let us use some of her decor on this evening.

Take a look through the photos of the events, and I'd love for you to join me for one of my Fall workshops starting in October! Purchase tickets on the workshop page.

Oklahoma Wedding Planning: When Should I Hire a Calligrapher?

April 11, 2016 Rachel Bohanan

You love the pretty, personalized look of calligraphy and you realized the task of perfectly writing out 250 addresses for a fancy event is very daunting and stressful. So, you decide you want to hire a calligrapher for your wedding invitations. At what point in the planning process do you involve a calligrapher? How long do they need to do this? Or are you wondering if you are too late or too last minute?

Although every calligrapher is different in his or her pace and timeline of projects, it is always best to involve a calligrapher early on in the wedding planning to secure time in their schedule.

I always suggest reaching out to a calligrapher and invitation designer at least 6 months before the wedding, if not more.

As a calligrapher and invitation designer myself, I prefer to have ample time to put careful thought and attention to detail to my bride's invitations. I love meeting with the bride in the very beginning to begin to develop a relationship with her and understand her entire vision for the wedding day. I strive to match my design and calligraphy with the vision of the event.

For me, turnaround times are determined based on when you need to mail your invitations and what projects are already on my calendar. But to give you a rough idea, I typically ask for a 2-4 weeks for 100 invitations or less, and 6-8 weeks for more.

I'm always willing to work with your wedding planner or stationer to discuss timing. I also ask that you involve me in the process of choosing and ordering your envelopes. Some envelopes simply won't work with pointed nibs. Even if the invitations are not done being designs and printed, I can still get the envelopes in my hands to begin work.

But of course if you're the last minute gal stressin' about your envelopes, please call me. :) I'd love to see what I can do to help. No need to stress, we want your guests to feel loved when they get your invite in the mailbox!

And I want you to have an heirloom, a piece from your wedding day, to remember this special time in your life.

Photo by The Ginger Snaps Co

Now Selling Calligraphy Artwork

January 24, 2016 Rachel Bohanan

Now Selling Calligraphy Artwork

My online shop is now open! Now, you are able to purchase original, hand-written calligraphy art work straight from my website.

Pride and Prejudice calligraphy quote available in online shop.

When you purchase your made-to-order custom art, each piece is hand-written from scratch and mailed to your door-step for you to feel the delicate and intricate calligraphy ink and frame in your home, bedroom, office or gift for a loved one.

Of course, I still take requests for custom pieces, however, this online shop highlights my favorite, romantic and feel-good words written with beautiful, calligraphy ink that will make your soul smile.

Home is Wherever I'm with You calligraphy quote available in online shop.

Pamper yourself with hand-written words that will brighten your day or motivate your soul.

Never mass printed, this calligraphy art is made especially for you and with love.

Calligraphy old hymn art available in online shop.

I hope you enjoy and feel loved :)

Rachel

Stationary and Design Brands That Inspire

October 14, 2015 Rachel Bohanan

Stationary and Design Brands That Inspire

As a member of the Rising Tide Society, an organization that educates and empowers creatives to thrive in the spirit of community over competition, we are encouraged to highlight and collaborate with other creatives locally and nationally. I love this group of creatives and learn new things from them every day.

So in the spirit of highlighting other creatives, I wanted to share some of my favorite stationary and design brands that inspire me to do what I do here in Oklahoma.

Rifle Paper Co. has taken off in the last few years with their vintage floral designs on iPhone cases, stationary, gift wrapping and more. I see their stuff everywhere, and I love it. I'm drawn to the muted vintage, yet simple colors, florals and typography. A lot of their inspiration for design comes from Europe and their travels around the world and the U.S.

I also love the fact that just five years ago Rifle was started by co-founders and married couple Anna and Nathan Bond in their garage apartment. What a fun husband and wife team. They also share the same believe I have that life's sweet messages and encouragements are best shared through a hand-written letter or hand-picked card.

I am one that saves all my birthday, anniversary and holiday cards to look back on them and feel loved. Do you? :)

The sweetest hand-written birthday message from my husband right before we went on a weekend getaway to Branson, Missouri. Reading this reminds me that I am loved (because he took me to Branson to see the Titanic museum!) and to soak up the simple t… — The sweetest hand-written birthday message from my husband right before we went on a weekend getaway to Branson, Missouri. Reading this reminds me that I am loved (because he took me to Branson to see the Titanic museum!) and to soak up the simple things in life.

I have also used Rifle's paper before as envelope inserts for my wedding invitations. They are amazing and make any invitation suite look beautiful with a pop of color.

Modern Wedding Invitation Suite with Rifle Paper Co. Inserts and BackingPhoto by Erin Goodrich Photography — Modern Wedding Invitation Suite with Rifle Paper Co. Inserts and Backing
Photo by Erin Goodrich Photography

Another brand that inspires me is Crane and Co., which was started by Stephen Crane in 1770. That fact alone draws me to the brand, because I LOVE history. I love antique shopping, documentaries, old films and all the stories behind them.

If you read about Crane's history on their website, you will learn super fun facts like Paul Revere engraved bank notes on Crane paper which helped finance the Revolution. The Queen of England announced the celebration of her 100th birthday on Crane paper. And, our paper money is made from Crane paper!

Another thing I love about Crane (among the many things) is the fact that they are a library of knowledge when it comes to stationary and invitation etiquette. And they would know the proper way to say something when they have been around for so long.

Not only are they a wealth of etiquette knowledge, they share their stationary etiquette tidbits and best practices on their website and even published a paperback book, which I own.

Crane and Co.'s Modern Stationary Etiquette BookPhoto by Rachel Kathryn Designs — Crane and Co.'s Modern Stationary Etiquette Book
Photo by Rachel Kathryn Designs

Regardless of the time and trends, Crane stays true to the classic and traditional ways . They truly believe that paper and stationary, when done right, is timeless and altogether lovely. And I do too.

These are just two of the brands that inspire me to love paper, learn about the printing process and design stationary items that will make your loved ones feel adored for a lifetime. :)

Cinderella Inspired Wedding Invite Set

September 22, 2015 Rachel Bohanan

Cinderella Inspired Wedding Invite Set

After I saw the new movie Cinderella in theaters this year, I was immediately inspired to design a super girly and enchanting wedding invitation set. The big sparkly blue ball gown, the shoes (those shoes!) and the overall magical feel of the movie put me in the romantic spirit. This invite is a modern take on a wedding invitation fit for a royal bride.