We love that weekend itinerary maps are becoming more of a mainstay in wedding invitation suites, and we absolutely swoon over maps with impeccable attention to detail and execution. Enter Michelle of Honey Paper (a talented member of our Designer Rolodex) and these beautiful Los Olivos illustrated watercolor wedding invitations. Drawing inspiration from the couple’s Los Olivos venue in the Santa Ynez Valley, Michelle illustrated a stunning watercolor map with the most darling landmarks. We love how clean and crisp the suite is, allowing the watercolor illustrations to shine through, while the palm frond liner adds the perfect touch of texture to bring it all together!

From Michelle: During a weekend getaway from Los Angeles to the vineyards and tasting rooms of the Santa Ynez Valley, Elizabeth and Michael discovered a piece of California history, and their future wedding venue, in the charming town of Los Olivos. The venue, Mattei’s Tavern, is an utterly charming and thriving restaurant as well as an iconic Santa Ynez Valley landmark. The handsome white clapboard exterior, boxed eaves, looping wisteria and pepper trees recall a time of horse-drawn carriages, parlors filled with wicker chairs and generous helpings of shepherd’s pie. Return trips to the Valley found them back at this corner of beloved land enjoying evenings spent, “under the palms and stars.” Mattei’s Tavern was built by Swiss-Italian immigrant Felix Mattei in 1886 along what was once a bustling stagecoach and railway stop through San Marcos Pass.

Elizabeth and Michael wanted the invitation to reflect the uniqueness of the 130 year old venue and the essence of Los Olivos. We created a hand illustrated watercolor map of Los Olivos oriented to Mattei’s Tavern whose corners emphasize robust palm fronds and clusters of wisteria. The keepsake map was a must so guests would arrive in the Santa Ynez Valley with a sense of its story and a ready appreciation for its natural beauty.

The invitation was flat printed on a brilliant white Crane Lettra paper so the original hand illustrated watercolors would render vibrant and crisp. The hearty palm frond motif provided continuity between the pieces both in color and story. We used a subtle mossy green for all the text which complemented the original illustration on the envelope liner. One of our favorite details is the initial monogram with mirrored feathered palm leaves and extended stem.

We are honored to be able to share a part of Los Olivos’ history through a lovingly made and illustrated wedding invitation.

Thanks Michelle!

Design & Printing: Honey Paper
Paper: Crane Lettra Paper

Honey Paper is a member of the Designer Rolodex – check out more of their beautiful work right here or visit the real invi­ta­tions gallery for more wedding invitation ideas!

Photo Credits: Michelle Castle