I’ve always dreamed of the opportunity to design a wedding invitation suite, and when my brother and my best friend (whom he happened to be marrying) asked me to design theirs, I couldn’t have been more excited. Not only was it incredibly meaningful to me, I got a chance to work on a project that is different than what I’m used to. From the save the dates and the passport style invites, to the menus and welcome bags, I enjoyed every moment of the entire process.

Working with the color palette that Mauro and Emmy had chosen, I designed the save the dates to be a sophisticated play on the classic “Greetings From…” postcards. We were inspired by the idea of having a mini destination wedding on Shelter Island, and by the rich history of the Pridwin Hotel. I also developed the M&EM logo — a play on the couple’s initials — to use on all the materials, either printed or stamped on with the custom rubber stamp. Mauro even had it embroidered into his suit jacket!

Traveling has been a way of life for them ever since they began dating, so it was natural that this passion would be incorporated into the wedding. The invitations were designed as passports, issued on the day of Mauro and Emmy’s engagement. They included all the information guests would need to know — from ferry schedules to and from Shelter Island, historic facts and maps, to ceremony information, lodging, activities, etc. This proved to be very useful for all the guests that would be traveling from out of state (and Italy!)

The menus were tied together with a family remembrance card and a timeline of all their travels together. The string was carefully chosen for it’s reference to the classic Italian pastry boxes.

Bags of lavender were stamped and tied with all the ceremony information on the back. This was our clever way of avoiding the use of a standard wedding program.

Being at the ceremony and reception to see all of this work come together was an incredible feeling, and I really hope to get the chance to design wedding invitations again. Check out more photographs from the wedding here.