There’s something undeniably magical about wedding invitations—those first whispered notes of a celebration to come, a little piece of paper that sets the tone for everything ahead. And when the story is as vibrant and heartfelt as the couple it represents, the invitation suite becomes more than an announcement; it becomes a keepsake of love, culture, and artistry. This is exactly what we crafted for Maria and Richard, getting married in Panama City, where tropical vibrancy meets heartfelt design.
The bride, a proud Panamanian, and the groom, an American, wanted their invitations to tell the story of their two worlds intertwining. From the very beginning, the design centered around a lush, tropical color palette that radiates joy: warm fuchsia, golden yellow, and deep, rich greens. These colors evoke the lively energy of Panama, its warm sunsets, verdant rainforests, and colorful culture. They are paired with classic design elements to ground the suite in timeless elegance, and the tactile impression of letterpress.
At the heart of the suite is the invitation card, which balances tradition with a clean, modern aesthetic. Crisp typography offers a contemporary touch, while the custom-illustrated folk art-inspired floral motifs bring in personality and heritage. The vibrant pink of the flowers and the couple’s names doesn’t just shine on the face of the card; it’s echoed on the back with a full-bleed letterpress pattern that celebrates Panamanian culture. Think whimsical pineapples, orchids, tiny frogs, toucans, and the iconic bridge spanning the Panama Canal. This tone-on-tone darker pink design is subtle yet striking, an interplay of texture and color that invites a second look.
The suite’s detail card takes guests on a journey of its own. A lovingly illustrated map of Panama City’s coastline not only highlights the key locations for the wedding weekend but also introduces out-of-town guests to the geography of this vibrant city. The national flower of Panama, the dove orchid, anchors the design, its long stem elegantly weaving through the card. This motif—a nod to the save the dates—creates a sense of continuity, guiding guests through the suite like a thread tying everything together.
Speaking of the save the dates, these little gems are an homage to vintage travel postcards from the early 20th century. Picture bold, fuchsia typography paired with golden yellow accents on a warm ecru card. The iconic Panama Canal bridge arches gracefully across the horizon, with rolling hills and the bay filling the background. Orchids spill into the foreground, bringing a soft, organic element to the otherwise structured design. It’s the kind of piece that inspires you to stick it on your fridge, not just as a reminder but as a tiny work of art.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this suite is how it seamlessly weaves both English and Spanish throughout. Equal homage is paid to both the bride’s and groom’s origins, making the suite accessible and meaningful to every guest. It’s a celebration of two families, two cultures, and the bridges—literal and metaphorical—that bring them together.
Every piece of this suite is infused with thought, care, and a sense of place. The bold colors, the intricate motifs, and the heartfelt nods to Panama’s culture invite guests to step into the couple’s world. For many, it’s an introduction to a new destination, but for those who know Panama, it’s a joyful tribute to its spirit. And at its core, the suite is a reflection of the couple themselves: vibrant, full of life, and deeply rooted in love.
These are the kinds of invitations that don’t just sit on a desk. They’re poured over, admired, and cherished, a tangible representation of the joy to come. We were honored to create this suite and, through its colors and designs, be a small part of a big love story.
If you’re dreaming of invitations that capture your unique love story, we’d love to help you bring it to life. Let us craft something artisanal, meaningful, and entirely yours. Reach out to us today—we can’t wait to tell your story!