How Mango Ink began and Our family holiday cards the past 10 years

What a fun thing for us to look back when Mango Ink began and see our kids grow and see time pass! When Mango Ink started, Anna was just a baby. In fact, she was the reason we started this company. I asked Ryan to make me an invitation that was orange, had Anna's baby photo along with her one year old photo. He made me THIS! I was in love. He said, "Hey, let's start a business and call it Mango Ink." And the rest is what you see. We are so grateful and so in love with this company, our clients, our photographer partners, our friends, and the creative juices that flow day after day. And it's all because of YOU. Thank you!

How it all began!

Our little love Anna was turning one and I asked Ryan to make me an invitation. This was the one! 

2005 Our first Mango Ink Christmas Card

When we started Mango Ink, we had no idea how busy we would be! We started our company by having 50% Holiday cards and mommy blogs talked about us all over the place. This was before there was such thing as social media. So hard to remember a time like that! So this card? Haha, just throw some santa hats on your kids and call it good. 

Our big break? Urban Baby did a newsletter blast about us just because. This was a BIG deal. :) 

February 8, 2006

Love Child

Okay, so you didn't quite get around to sending out holiday cards, thinking all the while that you'd get your act together for New Years. Then the big day came and went and – surprise – no cards to celebrate that occasion either. Now here we are and it's February and you get something rare: a third chance. After all, what better day to show off the fruit – or fruits – of your love than Valentine's Day? 

Mango Ink can help. This recently launched graphic design company founded by a husband and wife team creates stylish cards for special occasions using quality archive paper and card stock. There are three unique designs for Valentine's Day to choose from – all with simple, stylish graphics to complement your little cherubs. And it's easy. Just send them your message and a photo or photos (depending on the card you select), and they'll take care of the rest, arming you with cards that look custom-designed in bunches of eight. Of course, if you want to create your own one-of-a-kind card, they will do special orders.

If you're not going to take advantage of yet another opportunity to send your very best, Mango also has cards for party invitations, thank you notes, birth announcements and holidays. 

But for now, let love be your guide. 

2006 Miller Holiday Card

This one was fun! We set our tripod up on the coffee table, piled on the couch and set the timer. Snapped about 100 images and laughed so much. We picked our favorite one and that was our christmas photo. If you are at a loss for a great photo, I highly recommend doing this. In fact, the more silly everyone is, the better. Pure Joy!

2007 Miller Holiday Card

Our Best Card Ever! We were exhausted, no time for a photo. And even better, no-one needed to smile for this one! I loved the black and white because whatever clothes we happen to be in worked. Black and White makes everything coordinate. Throughout the years clients have come up with some super fun cards that are just silly. Be creative and have fun!

2009 Miller Holiday Card

My new BFF Mindy of Studio 6.23 came and stayed with us from Michigan and took our family photos. She is amazing! I see how people fall in love on the internet... we connected over photography, compared our stories, and planned a "blind date" to meet her and her husband at The Grand Central Station and hang out in New York. So much fun!

2011 Miller Holiday Card

When we don't have time for professional photos, the MIller's have to get creative. So on our way to Thanksgiving, we grabbed some nerd glasses and snapped a few photos. Had a little eye chart as the message and that was it. Holiday card done!

2012 Miller Holiday card

This photo was taken in Belize during Christmas, so this one was our first New Year's card. I wanna go back! The words on the back are words we all need to hear every day. After all, that is truly life.

2013 Miller Holiday Card

Thank goodness for KC of Leaving A Mark Photography! This day was magical. Having all three kids actually enjoying themselves and being nice was truly a spiritual experience for me. Now I am addicted. I wish we did more professional photography in our life. It's a special thing to have someone else capture your family. If you have been putting it off, DO IT. You will be so glad you did.

2013 (the back)

Oh my goodness, I love these three kids.

2014 Miller Holiday Card

Again, addicted to the spiritual experience of someone else snapping my family having so much fun. Thanks again to KC! 

2014 (the back)

They are holding hands. LOVE.