Oh So Beautiful Paper

There aren’t many invitations that can actually make me catch my breath, but within that short list, these letterpress wedding invitations are definitely at the top.   Designed and printed by Blackbird Letterpress, these New Orleans wedding invitations feature the amazing calligraphy of Betsy Dunlap and a beautiful layout guided by a blind impression map of the Mississippi River banks:

Kathryn from Blackbird Letterpress was thrilled to work with the bride, Riley, who very distinctly wanted a non-traditional wedding invitation.  And with the combination of Kathryn’s gorgeous letterpress, Betsy’s calligraphy, and an unusual size and shape (8.5″ x 5.5″) for the overall invitation, the entire thing ended up coming together like an awesome art piece that celebrates the wedding location of New Orleans.

Kathryn designed the layout with the map idea, following the banks of the Mississippi River, which was later letterpress printed as a beautiful blind (no-ink) impression.  Betsy filled the negative space with her amazing calligraphy, rather than following a traditional horizontal or vertical layout, which Kathryn printed in a soft gray ink.  Betsy also calligraphed the addresses on soft pink invitation outer envelopes.

I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these invitations in person at Kathryn’s booth at the National Stationery Show, and of course they’re even more beautiful in person!  This is definitely a wedding invitation that could be displayed as an art print and enjoyed for many years to come.  So gorgeous – thank you so much Kathryn!

{all photos by ak photography}

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1. Amy says:

   06/06/2010 at 9:46 AM

   oh these are gorgeous! Seriously am loving them!

   xoxo
   kristi
2. jane says:

   06/03/2010 at 8:00 PM

   amazing suite. betsy certainly is talented.

   congrats on the new site launch, nole.
3. caroline
   Twitter: carolineduke
   says:

   06/03/2010 at 5:15 AM

   congratulations on the launch of the new site, nole! i love it!
4. Kristi says:

   06/03/2010 at 2:54 AM

   oh these are gorgeous! Seriously am loving them!

   xoxo
   kristi
5. Dani says:

   06/03/2010 at 1:05 AM

   I found your blog today & fell in love. I have an obsession with paper & this is a HUGE inspiration to me. I’ve been thinking of starting my own stationery business & this is just fueling me! Thanks for all of your beautiful images!
6. Adrienne says:

   06/02/2010 at 8:46 PM

   best ever! wow
7. Kate@MagnoliaRouge
   Twitter: rubyandwillow
   says:

   06/02/2010 at 5:13 PM

   These are absolutely incredible!
8. Kathryn
   Twitter: snippetandink
   says:

   06/02/2010 at 12:43 PM

   Oh my – I love everything Betsy does. Love love love it.
9. Becoming Mrs. Ford says:

   06/02/2010 at 12:15 PM

   Beautiful!
10. Sarah says:

    06/02/2010 at 12:03 PM

    these are stunning!!
11. Shayna says:

    06/02/2010 at 10:27 AM

    AMAZING! Lovelovelove!