Fifty Five + Isabella (Memoir Publishing) Some of us talk about writing our memoirs - this author actually did it! She presented us with a typed manuscript, and asked us to format it into a 6" x 9" paperback book. Beyond the Trees also designed the book cover, added about a dozen photos, converted the document to a high-resolution PDF, uploaded it to an online publisher, and set up a private webpage for her friends and family to order the book.
"Playing Through - Driving into the low '80's" (Milestone Birthday Tribute - Group Book) Three siblings spread across two states put their heads and hearts together to create this surprise gift for their parents. More than 100 friends and family members submitted birthday wishes and favorite photos for inclusion in this impressive tribute to an impressive couple. The delight of receiving such a gift of love was matched by the joy their children and grandchildren took in giving it.
"Life Begins Again" (Milestone Event Memory Poster)  This 83rd birthday tribute celebrates the power of the human spirit as it follows one man's journey from the horrors of Auschwitz to the battlefields of Israel and finally on to America. His inspiring odyssey is traced with a chronological photo poster and companion story poster which outlines the turning points in his life. Following the Jewish tradition of restarting the age clock at 70, these posters were a part of a long awaited Bar Mitzvah celebration for this special survivor.

"Life and Times" (Life Story/Tribute) - The only childhood memory book this recent high school grad will ever need tells the story of school activities and athletic accomplishments, family trips and traditions, and documents his entire life in living color. Topped off by individual dedication messages written by immediate and extended family, this coffee table size book (11 by 13 inches) contains 150 pages and almost 1000 photographs. Truly a lifelong treasure for him and his family.

A Sampling of Graduation Books (Milestone Tributes) - Like a snowflake or a fingerprint, each graduation book is completely different, but expresses the individuality of the new graduate. Using photos, scans of memorabilia, written stories, quotations, and of course messages from loved ones, these books are lasting keepsakes for young adults moving on to the next stages of their life journeys.   Below are brief descriptions of a few of the graduation books we've worked on recently.      "Opus One"  was a collection of childhood and family photos, certificates and awards that documented the journey of a gifted student and musician through the years.    "A Matter of Time" was a father’s carefully collected mementos of his daughter’s high school swimming career, including event times, newspaper clippings, programs from important meets, and action photographs.    "I Hope You Dance" was a mother’s loving reminiscence of her eldest son’s life from birth through high school graduation.   "Celebrating DJ" was a tribute to a high school graduate from his grandmother. Her collection of photos showcased his family, friends, and milestones from birth through high school graduation.

"Annie's Bat Mitzvah & Celebration" (Milestone Event Tribute Book)  - So much planning and effort go into making a Bar or Bat Mitzvah an unforgettable event. A memory book is one way to remember it. The layout for this book incorporated the colors and theme the young woman chose for her celebration. In addition to photos and memories from the ceremony and party, her book included scanned images like the invitation, the text from her D'var Torah, as well as loving and supportive messages written to her by family and friends. She dedicated the book to her grandparents, whose participation in the ceremony was a moment she will remember and cherish.

"If I Loved You" (50th Anniversary Tribute Book) - On their wedding night in 1958, this couple danced to the strains of "If I Loved You" from Rogers & Hammerstein's Broadway hit, Carousel. Fifty years later, they danced to it again and the song became the title of their anniversary tribute book. Over 125 photos - including "then" and "now" wedding/anniversary shots - were included as well as a chronicle of their anniversary weekend with family and friends. The album, organized into five chapters, was printed in an oversized 13" by 11" "coffee table book" format.

  

"All Star Dad" (Milestone Birthday Tribute - Group Book)  - Tennis rackets, sweaters, and golf clubs are great gifts, but the Birthday Tribute Book was a present this dad treasures! Three daughters presented their father with a blockbuster - "All Star Dad" - to celebrate and honor his 70 years. Beyond the Trees helped them gather memories and greetings from 30 friends and family. To that we added 300 photos spanning his life, and interspersed brief stories about his childhood, college, family, career, community and grandchildren. This gift of love will become a family heirloom to cherish.

 

    

"The Power of Impact" (Organizational History - Group Book) - This book, created for the national non-profit organization, Impact 100, was a collaborative effort on the part of its member chapters. The book featured messages from the group’s founder and key administrators, a history of the organization, photo collages, and described the impact the group has enabled in the cities and people it serves.

 

"Remembering Eileen" (Personal Tribute - Group Book) - After a beloved colleague died, her friends from work contributed reminiscences, photos, and memorabilia. The resulting tribute was presented to their friend’s children to honor their mother.

"Our Fifth Grade Memories" (Classroom Memories - Group Book) - A close-up photo of each student was paired with their school year memories. This memory book made a perfect end-of-year gift for their teachers as well as a lasting keepsake for the children.

"Happy Birthday Anne" (Milestone Birthday Tribute - Group Book) - Two hundred photos interspersed with birthday wishes and memories from dozens of family and friends made this memory book one of the recipient's most treasured gifts.

 

"Adele" (Pet Tribute) - Filled with photos and loving reminiscences, this was a moving tribute to a furry best friend.

  

"Memories of 2007" (Coach's Book - Group Book) - A college cross country team collected photos and memories from their running season. The book made a great gift for their coach as well as a memorable souvenir for team members.

"Cooking with Rose Ann" (Family History Cookbook) - Dozens of grandma's recipes were accompanied by photos and the histories behind each dish. This book will preserve her family's culinary heritage for years to come.

"All About MomMom and PopPop" (Grandparents' Story) - Using a question and answer format, this book shared the story of a beloved grandmother and grandfather - from the time they were born through their 50th wedding anniversary. It was a once-in-a-lifetime gift to their grandchildren.

"Dog Days" (Pet Tribute) - A collection of famous  and not-so-famous quotations honoring our canine friends, each matched with an appropriate photo.

"50 Years of Memories" (50th Anniversary Tribute - Group Book) - Photos, captions, and handwritten messages from grandchildren to their grandparents created this lasting keepsake.

"A Fond Farewell to the Class of 2007" (Faculty Memories and Advice - Group Book) - High school faculty, staff and coaches wrote a final farewell to their senior class before they left for college.

"Some Things You Should Know" (Advice to Graduates - Group Book) - College students offered their advice on making the transition to college, and reminisced about what they missed about high school.