Wedding In Oaxaca
I have always wanted to tell the story behind my dear friend, Maria’s, wedding invitation design. The above image is the incredible reference/inspiration material that Maria first brought to me. She had found this invitation, from Mexico circa 1939, amongst her Grandmother’s things. The moment I saw it I knew I had died and gone to heaven! The design is so spectacular and unusual. The hand-lettering, as well, is so interesting… I had never really seen anything like it. I loved studying every detail and recreating the design for Maria and Darius.
Here is the invitation that I created. I hand-lettered the new text which remained written in Spanish. The translation of the wording is so beautiful, with both the parents of the groom (on the right) and the bride (on the left) inviting you to “witness the interlacing of their children”. Just the word “interlacing” conjures up such romantic emotion! The vine dangles symbolically, separating the bride’s and groom’s families until the mention of their wedding day, at which point, the vine ends and the text comes together to create a singular point. The initials at the top also create a “crossing over” with the groom’s initial on the bride’s side and vice-versa … such symbolism! I replaced the initials with an “M” and a “D”… for Maria and Darius.
Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
I redrew the header illustration and decorative elements. Their wedding took place in Oaxaca, Mexico so we decided to have the header illustration feature a church that is very prominent there; Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán.
Here is the RSVP card. I love all the unique decorative symbols mixed into the wording.
I love how the return address design fit the flap of the envelope perfectly.
Here is the menu for their wedding day feast! I was so fortunate to attend this wedding, truly one of the most amazing weddings ever! Thank you Maria, love to you both.
Category: Hand-lettering & Typography, Illustration, Process, Weddings & Events | Tags: hand lettering, Hand-lettering & Typography, Illustration, Special Events, Wedding In Oaxaca Mexico, wedding invitation, weddings 4 comments »
October 24th, 2010 at 11:56 am
This invitation is beautiful! I am sure the hard work was much appreciated by your friend.
December 1st, 2010 at 2:38 pm
[...] Cynthia discusses her design process for this wedding invitation. Lovely work! [...]
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:50 pm
This is GORGEOUS! I was searching for weddings in Oaxaca and stumbled in to your post. I love the invitations.
Also on a personal note, does your friend have a blog or any info where she talked about how she arranged to have her wedding in Oaxaca?
P.S. oddly enough I too live in Oakland, CA
April 15th, 2013 at 9:04 pm
Wedding invitations are an integral part of a wedding’s theme and the “mood” you want to set for your ceremony. After all, if the purpose were to solely inform the guests of the details of the event, then you could just send an email or postcard. However, the invitation also serves as a souvenir of a special occasion, and an announcement of a couple’s love. Like the wedding ceremony itself, it must be beautiful and personal.’
Hottest content on our personal blog
http://www.caramoan.ph/caramoan-pitogo-island/