I think that you did a great job on your newsletters!! And the favours look great, but if you don't want to see staples, how about punching 2 holes (like where you have the staples, but maybe closer together) and tie it with a ribbon? That would do the trick and look nice in pictures, you just might have to spend a little to get the ribbon.
I can feel how anxious you are from your writing! I hope that you can relax real soon!