Modern Hand Painted Sumi Ink Invitations

There are lots of rules for wedding invitations, along with plenty of traditions, etiquette, and details to consider. But for a vow renewal, all rules go out the window! Megan and Drew chose to celebrate their marriage with an intimate ceremony and reception (with a super small guest list of close friends) that was a better reflection of their style than their wedding years before. They worked with Rachael of Hazel + Dolly to create these VERY cool and eclectic modern hand painted Sumi ink invitations. Each individual piece in this suite was hand painted, from the invitation to the RSVP card to the envelope! So creative and unique!

Modern Hand-Painted Sumi Ink Invitations by Hazel and Dolly

From RachaelThis invitation suite was for a vow renewal for a small group of friends of the couple. Each individual invitation, reply card, detail card, and envelope was hand painted. Every card had a unique watercolor wash using an amber-colored watercolor and lettering in dark black Sumi ink. Originally, I proposed this idea as a letterpress invitation suite, but when I found out how small the guest list was, we decided to do hand painted. The couple and I agreed that this added both a personalized and eclectic touch to the suite.

Modern Hand-Painted Sumi Ink Invitations by Hazel and Dolly

The couple, Megan and Drew, got married several years ago before the wedding industry really took off to become what it is today, and they were able to re-live that wonderful moment in their lives with an intimate ceremony and reception that was focused on their unique style. It truly evoked their love and the couple they’ve grown to be.

Modern Hand-Painted Sumi Ink Invitations by Hazel and Dolly

The paper used here is Savoy 236# (if you have familiarity with letterpress, this is my go-to for business cards and invitations because of its juicy thickness that allows for a deep impression). It’s also really wonderful for watercolor washes, which many of my brides want. The bright white offers a perfect background for the watercolor.

Modern Hand-Painted Sumi Ink Invitations by Hazel and Dolly

I used Sumi ink and a script liner brush for the lettering on the suite. For the envelopes, I used a script liner brush and Dr. Ph. Martin’s Gold Iridescent Ink – it has a gorgeous sheen but is still opaque enough for envelopes. The suite paired nicely with some stamps of my vintage stamp collection, and because so there were so few guests, I was able to add vintage postage to each envelope. I always consider envelopes with vintage postage to be mini art galleries, and always try to encourage my brides to go this route!

Modern Hand-Painted Sumi Ink Invitations by Hazel and Dolly

Thanks so much Rachael!

Design: Hazel + Dolly
Styling: Ever Ours Events
Paper: Savoy Bright White 236#

Check out the Designer Rolodex for more tal­ented wed­ding invi­ta­tion design­ers and the real invi­ta­tions gallery for more wedding invitation ideas!

Photo Credits: Sage + Fern Photo