About Turnage + Watts

Welcome to Turnage + Watts, where vintage meets contemporary in a timeless fusion of style and sentiment.

We serve couples who love classical romance in paper form. Couples who want to create a keepsake so classically beautiful it will be passed down for generations to come.

We believe happiness is in those little moments that remind you why you fell in love.

We believe in romance.

Hey there! I’m Cari, the heart behind this design journey, inspired by stories and crafted with love. My passion is encapsulating a couple’s individual story and treasured moments, weaving them into a piece of art that is perfectly and uniquely them.

Art has been my passion since I won my first drawing contest at age 7. By age 12, I was studying at the Corcoran School of Art and Design and painting my heart out. (I wanted to be as good as my aunt who is an AMAZING artist!) That being said, every piece that leaves my shop is made with joy and pride.

I’ve worked with some of the best in the luxury events industry…Departures, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, American Express Travel, and TIME Magazine. (And won a number of awards along the way.)

Your wedding invitation is the opening chapter of your love story—the very first keepsake of your journey together. It’s more than just an announcement; it’s a meaningful piece of your shared history. I’d be honored to be your stationer and help you create something truly unforgettable!

Meet Cari

My love story is full of unexpected twists and turns, but it’s the belief in romance and destiny that led me back to the love of my life. From our first date at our high school prom to years of long-distance dating, our story resembles a rollercoaster ride with its highs and lows.

Like a scene from a movie, a missed phone call became the turning point, altering our paths in ways we never imagined. But destiny had its own plans, and years later, a simple message on my phone sparked a flood of emotions and memories.

Reuniting over dinner, we caught up on the chapters of our lives that we missed together. And then, 36 years after our first date, we were happily married, still falling for each other every single day.

My love story

Do you feel the same way?

The first time they took your hand and the whole world just melted away. (That’s right! I know you know that feeling.) When you’re sick (and you look like h-e-double hockey sticks) and they think you’re the most beautiful thing in the world. (Oh, we’ve all been there sister.)

Turnage + Watts is named after my beautiful grandmothers, Pattie Mae Turnage and Sue Ella Watts, who always threw the best gatherings with their friends in Elon, North Carolina.

The most fulfilling aspect of my work is being a small part of making someone’s dream come true…creating that piece of art that they think is just perfect!

The story behind

our name

Every Semi-Custom suite in the collection is named after the wonderful people who enriched my life in Elon.

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I married my prom date...36 years later!
(Yep, you read that right. And, I still fall for him EVERY DAY!)

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I’ve won 44 design awards in my career.
(I’ve worked with some of the best in the luxury events industry…Departures, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, American Express Travel, and TIME Magazine.)

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Things I Love

Don’t fret, I’ve got this wedding stationery thing down! I can help you with all the little details and finishing touches needed to create your beautiful heirloom treasure. Before we start collaborating though, let’s get acquainted.