Creativity meets fun with Savage-based design company Say Cheese! Paper Props. The boutique, a division of Carla David Design Co., creates unique, personalized props, banners and signs for special occasions.
Owner Carla David says she created Say Cheese! in 2011 because many of her clients were asking her to make paper props or where to find them.
Using props, especially for wedding party and reception photos, has been a growing trend over the last few years. "It's the conversation starter," David says. "The photo booths are becoming really popular, so that kind of jump-started it."
David sells themed prop kits as well as custom designs.
One of the top-selling kits ($36) includes Marilyn Monroe-style lips and handlebar mustaches. The props are made from shimmery card stock and are attached to 10-inch-long wooden sticks.
Many of the Say Cheese! products are wedding-themed, but David says they are also popular for engagement photo shoots. Additionally, David says she has made props and banners for birthday parties, bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs, and corporate events.
"We're inspired by our clients," she says. She describes the approach to her designs as clean, sophisticated and creative.
The props, which are only available for purchase online, can be bought through the Say Cheese! website or other resellers, including Amazon.com and The Knot Wedding Shop.
Carla David Design Co., which also produces announcements, invitations, custom rubber stamps and other stationery items, houses its showroom at Historic Savage Mill's Spinning Building, at 8600 Foundry St. in Savage. For more information, visit saycheesepaperprops.com or carladavid.com.