Aces of Trades: McDonough's AEC Creative adds personal touch to wedding invitations
HEATH — She found a way to use her creativity — for weddings.
“I was always a creative and imaginative child,” Alexandra McDonough said. “I grew up a competitive dancer. I’ve always liked the arts and being able to express my creativity. I was outside every night with my friends, where we were either playing games or filming skits. In high school I became part of the yearbook committee, where I was introduced to creating digital designs. This sparked my interest to follow the graphic design path.”
Today, McDonough is owner of AEC Creative Co.
“Creating wedding invitations gives me a chance to create something special for a couple on one of their most important days that they’ll keep for the rest of their lives," McDonough said. "Invitations are more than just paper. They set the tone for your big day and gives your guests a sneak peek into the actual event itself.”
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McDonough does all of the work on her invitations from start to finish as couples approach their special day.
“I’m responsible for all aspects of the business,” she said. “When brides reach out, we first start with a mock-up to determine the direction of the design. From there, I begin the production process (printing, envelope addressing, hand gold foiling, hand deckled edges, wax seals, ribbon, applying the envelope liners, etc.). Each piece is handcrafted by me before being packaged up and sent to the couple.”
McDonough stays ahead of the curve, watching trends, sharing ideas and expanding her reach.
“I’m also in charge of social media and managing my Etsy shop,” she said. “I coordinate designs with wedding planners and photographers as well as creating pieces for styled shoots for magazines and wedding blogs.”
AEC stands for Alexandra Elizabeth Chester, her maiden name. She also provides service for a number of other events, including birthdays and baby showers, and has done signs and menus in addition to invitations.
“She’s always loved weddings,” said Dawn Chester, Alexandra's mother. “And is excited she can now use her talent and degree in the field she loves.”
McDonough grew up in Heath and graduated from Heath High School in 2015. She earned a degree in graphic design from Ohio Dominican University four years later.
“Alexandra is an incredibly gifted typographer,” said Janette Knowles, program chair of art and design at Ohio Dominican.
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“Her designs are fresh and elegant at the same time," Knowles said. "I think she’s one of the most sophisticated creatives in central Ohio, and I particularly enjoy her wedding invitation designs.”
McDonough noted each of her designs have a personal touch. She began AEC Creative Co. during the downtime created by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has taken off.
“I started creating samples and uploaded them to Etsy," McDonough said. "When restrictions were lifted, more and more brides started to reach out about stationery for their big day. Now I’ve had the chance to work with couples across the United States and Europe. You never know what project you’ll be given next."
Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs — whether they're unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at advocate@newarkadvocate.com or 740-328-8821.
On the web
For more information about AEC Creative Co, go on Facebook and Etsy.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Aces of Trades: Alexandra McDonough's AEC Creative wedding invitations
