Watercolor Wedding Invitations
Dominique (aka Dom) was a regular blog commenter since the beginning - back when I only had a handful of readers and didn't know how to properly size my photos. She first emailed me back in March of 2010 to ask about my invitation rates and process (back when I was charging pennies and didn't really have much of a process at all). Over a year later she was ready to pull the trigger and I was ready to design some invitations for someone who already felt like a friend.
I knew I wanted to do something really special for Dom and Lucas. I wanted their invitations to feel as if they were designed completely by hand but still have a modern vibe. So with that I drew each letter by hand (based on existing typefaces) and used watercolor as a primary design element.
Dom and Lucas loved the initial design concept but were hoping for something a little more whimsical. When Dom asked for a drawing of the couple with their dog running off a leash and swirls following behind him I was able to give it to her straight, like a friend, and told her that her wedding invitations weren't the time or place. And the best part is - she listened.
People that hire me to design their custom wedding invitations usually have placed a huge priority on their paper goods. They're paying a lot of money for their invites and often want to see A LOT going on in the design in order to justify those costs. So then, it's not only my job to design an invitation but to convey with a creative rationale what makes my design worth it. My friend Cole, an amazing hair stylist, once told me that's it isn't always about the hair that's taken off, but the hair that's left on that makes a stylist great - I'll never forget that. I feel the same way about invitation design. It's not about embellishing for embellishment sake - it's about creating a beautiful and hopefully timeless invitation that my clients can feel good about forever.
Dom and Lucas were thrilled with their final invitations. They thanked me for guiding them to a final look that received lots of compliments from friends and family and I thanked them for trusting me and letting me be a little part of their big day.
NOTE: I am no longer designing custom wedding invitations. If you're looking for a wedding invitation designer please check out the sponsors at Oh So Beautiful Paper and A Practical Wedding.
ohhh these are your most beautiful yet! well done.
ho.ly. shit. these are effing gorg.
So so seriously gorgeous.
beautiful! this design is my favorite invitation that you have designed! the watercolors and hand drawn lettering is such a great touch.
earlier today i came across watercolour invitations somewhere on the web while browsing and bookmarked it because i loved it so much - then i see your post and OMG you seriously killed it. these are GORGEOUS - i adore them. seriously. love love love.
Wow-- I love these. I would use stationary with that beautiful watercolor texture in a heartbeat... just sayin' : )
absolutely my favorite of your invitations yet! way to go out with a bang kathleen!
These are lovely!
Don't tell anyone else, but when the time comes and I need seriously gorgeous invitations, I'm so hiring you. You really outdid yourself, Kathleen. These are STUNNING and so unlike anything I've seen before.
love love love it. I gotta ask, did you paint the water color and scan it or did you use an illustrator brush? As always, nice work. I'm sad that we won't be seeing as many of these beautiful invitations, but so excited to see what your future projects look like.
I can't get over how fantastic these are - they're so lovely - classy and yet whimsical at the same time.
Thanks everyone for the sweet compliments!
Brandi - When the time comes, definitely holler. :) I should state, that while I'm officially retired from designing wedding invites I'm still definitely open to taking requests from blog readers and friends.
Rolerkite - It's watercolor stock I've had forever - so, I didn't create it personally but it is real.
Those are breathtaking. Might be my favorite ever of your designs.
These are incredible! You never fail to impress. Absolutely brilliant, and kudos to the couple for putting it all in your hands.
I fucking LOVE these! they are amazing. I love watercolor. GREAT job. get back into invites in a few years when i get hitched ok? i cant think of anyone else id want to design them (if i ever get married!)
Eee! These are so pretty. And Canadian!
These are gorgeous! I love that you hand drew the letters even though you could have used that font (in a pinch). You went that extra step and the details make it special.
Eeee!!! Thanks so much for everything Kathleen!! You totally went above and beyond for us and we are so so so so soooooooo thrilled with the outcome!! xox
Beautiful! Every time I see a new project from you makes me want to get my wedding invitations designed by you even though it's a long way off.
Part of me wishes that my wedding invitations hadn't been sent out already, just so I could have these exact same invites. Gorgeous. They are so amazing! SO amazing!!
My question is about the kraft envelopes-- where did you find those? they are amazing paired with the watercolors!!
I'm obsessed with these invites, Kathleen. Like woah. I save all the invitations I get from friends, but if I got one of those, it would become a permanent fixture on my fridge.
These are so, so, stunning. Thanks so much for sharing, you are so talented!
Oh, these are HEAVENLY. Brava!
these are so beautiful- may be your most beautiful yet. love them!
Holy shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittttttttttt. Am I allowed to say that here? Ohmygod WOW. Go Dom! Go you!
You guys! Thank you so much for the compliments! I don't think an invitation has ever received this much attention before.
These are the most pretty invites ever. WOW. :)
Whoa. Totally pinned this. Amazing work!
I am flat our in love with these. Bravo.
Super! Incredible! Gorgeous! :) I love these so much.
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