Paper Dolls

Introducing Saratoga’s New Paper Dolls

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY (UNLESS NOTED)

For the first glimpse guests will get of your big day, you want a stationery suite with substance.

One that looks and feels as special as the event itself.

Choosing the right paper, fonts, and wording is nuanced and confusing. Luckily, Danna Dubno Blowers, the new owner of the stationery specialty store Paper Dolls of Saratoga, is an extremely decisive person. “I’m there to think that stuff through for you. I advocate for the client, keep everything on-track, and on-time,” said Danna. This is a woman who took action when others were holding back; bravely buying the shop, which originally opened in 2006, during the height of the COVID pandemic last year. “I’m my own boss, I’m using my creative ability, and I have the freedom to focus on, and to be there for brides, grooms, and clients in general.”

ONCE (AND ALWAYS) A SARATOGA BRIDE

Much of Danna Dubno Blowers' career was spent in the corporate arena where she developed marketing materials, invitations, and workbooks for industry events that attracted 2,000+ attendees. She moved to the region 11 years ago from Westport, CT. In 2017, she was a bride having the quintessential Saratoga experience; getting married amid the beautiful fall foliage during Columbus Day weekend with a reception at the regal Gideon Putnam Hotel. Special touches were gathered for her guests from much-loved local businesses including Saratoga Olive Oil Co. and Impressions of Saratoga. “Could there be anywhere better than Saratoga in the fall? Our guests came in from different states, and from Europe, and they really enjoyed being part of Saratoga Springs at that time of year,” she said.

SPECIAL CONNECTIONS

Experience has taught Danna Dubno Blowers that when it comes to developing effective communication materials, corporate events and bridal ceremonies have similar requirements: they are both high-profile happenings, with high expectations where absolute accuracy is essential. Danna also knows how easy it is to get lost down the rabbit hole of choices; she walks you through all the paper and printing options available. Paper Dolls is an authorized Crane & Co. dealer and the only retailer in the area selling products from Bell’Invito Stationers (which are carried by only a dozen high-end stores in the country, including Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus). For more control over the process and to get faster results, Danna coordinates digital printing to be done by local shops. Engraving, letterpress, calligraphy, and thermography printing is also available.

2017 at The Gideon Putnam, Saratoga Springs. Photo by Michael Gallitelli Photographer

THE PAPER DOLLS COLLECTIVE

As the owner of Paper Dolls, Danna heads up a network of trusted talent. Julia Verdile is their in-house designer. She graduated from Bentley College with a degree in graphic design and is joined by Laura Crummack, the store’s retail manager. Crummack puts her years as a media researcher to good use in the bridal market, sourcing quality products to help make each wedding unique and unforgettable. They also work with local Sara Sandidge, owner of Starry-Eyed Letter Co., which provides calligraphy and signage for events. Sara creates elegant custom designs and often incorporates her gorgeous calligraphy in them. Ashley Armitage, owner of Ashley A. Designs, is another local designer that likes to work on out-of-the box designs, especially with Saratoga themes. Melissa Morgan Smith is another Saratoga designer they collaborate with who has years of experience creating custom designs.

HONORING THE PAST

Elegant notes written on fine paper hold a treasured place within Danna's heart. She remembers the curve of her mother’s beautiful penmanship, and the swoosh of her father’s luxury pen as it glided across his personalized stationery. “I inherited my love of the letter and the value of a handwritten note from them. In the modern day, I have not lost the love of those things.” “I hold dear, take pride in, and feel joy working on invitations,” said Danna. “I’m bringing that feeling into the happiest day of your life through these things that you can hold in your hand – an e-vite just doesn’t do it.”

CONCIERGE OF THE FUTURE

This fall, Paper Dolls will be expanding their services to help brides with researching and ordering all sorts of specialty paper products and favors. Monogrammed napkins, custom gift tags, and personalized notes are just a few of the new and different items that they will make happen for you. They’ll even guide you through the process of building your wedding website, ensuring that every guest will be getting the most beautiful and accurate information any way they choose to access it.

Paper Dolls of Saratoga is located in the Saratoga Marketplace, 454 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. For more information, follow them on Facebook, Instagram or visit paperdollsofsaratoga.com