These romantic shipwreck-inspired wedding invitations bring to mind a transatlantic voyage to find true love! Lily, the creative force behind the newly rebranded Poste and Co., worked with Caroline Arendall of Belle of the Ball to design these soft and elegant invitations. The shipwreck theme is reinforced throughout the entire suite, from the raw edges of the handmade paper to the delicate wax seals to the beautifully frayed ribbon.

From Lily: Shipwreck chic pretty much sums it up! When the wedding planner, Caroline Arendall of Belle of the Ball in Houston, Texas, came to me with the idea of a romantic shipwreck inspired invitation suite I was so excited! I had been dreaming about using Stephanie Hare‘s handmade indigo paper for months. This was the perfect project!

The sheets of paper are 8.5 x 11, so not your typical invitation size. The color is so rich and has a slight glittery sheen to it that made it absolutely perfect for this suite, I knew I had to find a way to make it work. The reply card and interior pages of the program were printed on a soft blue paper stock, also made by Stephanie. The contrast between the rich indigo of the invitation paper created a dramatic effect.

The invitation folded three times like a treasure map and was sealed with an antique wax seal I found in Italy that featured a crescent moon. The entire suite was printed in a matte gold foil. I used a romantic quote from E.E. Cummings on the reverse side of the invitation. When the invitation was folded and stamped with the wax, it slipped into the envelope and the quote was first thing guests saw when they opened the invitation suite.

The program cover also featured another quote and the wedding date in roman numerals to tie in the old world theme. The constellations on the envelopes were hand illustrated along with the custom crest of sea kelp and a single shell. The hand frayed edge of the paper paired beautifully with Frou Frou Chic ribbon for the programs and the guest names were hand calligraphed by Signora e Mare on gilded sea glass to be used as place cards. This is truly a special suite and I am excited to share it with you!

Thanks Lily!

Creative Direction & Design: Poste and Co.

Calligraphy: Signora e Mare

Paper: Share Studios

Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic

Printing: Littleford Letterpress

Poste and Co. is a member of the Designer Rolodex – you can check out more of Lily’s beautiful work right here or visit the real invi­ta­tions gallery for more wedding invitation ideas!

Photo Credits: Kelli Durham Photography