2021 Year in Review

Between going viral on TikTok, becoming a member of the Artisaire Creative Community, and getting to work with so many amazing couples; our first full-time year in business was a whirlwind! Reflecting back, there are so many beautiful pieces that left the Dragonfly Paperie studio last year, and I’m excited to take a stroll down memory lane for our 2021 Year in Review.

The year started off strong with Samantha + Sean’s gorgeous 2-color suite. Inspired by the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, we brought in brick-orange tones, arch-shaped borders, spring florals, and of course a detailed venue illustration. The watercolor-wash backings and envelope liner really elevated this invitation suite to the next level, while a custom-designed wax stamp brought the perfect finishing touch.

Steph + Pat had a lakeside elopement that called for a beautiful keepsake invitation. Learn more about their wedding ceremony and take a closer look at this suite in our blog post.

We also had the opportunity last spring to create some non-wedding stationery pieces. While wedding invitations are my true love, getting to work on personal projects like thank you cards and baby announcements is always special.

Shayna + Shane were a dream to work with. They put so much trust into me and my creative process, and that freedom culminated into this stunning suite. From the color palette to the illustrations, every detail exuded summertime in Vermont. (Plus, I always do a little happy dance when I get to draw pets!)

Jenn + Jack had a fall wedding full of roses. With a love for Disney and a cathedral ceremony, we pulled in Beauty and the Beast inspired elements and a foil venue illustration to bring a touch of magic to this suite.

2021 was also the time for 2022 save the dates to make their way out the door. I love giving a tiny glimpse into someones suite with save the dates – it gets everyone (including me) excited to see what’s in store for the invitations! It was fun to explore the different styles and aesthetics we created.

Stephanie + Aaron, like so many recent couples, postponed their wedding twice due to the pandemic. When the time finally came for their real invitations to go out, we spared no details to give them the suite of their dreams. Calligraphy addressing, the fluffiest handmade paper, a letterpress return address complete with their pooch, and hand-painted gold leaf edges are just a few of the design choices that made this invitation suite spectacular.

Allison + Tim had a Disney World wedding, and their invitations had to be just as magical. With a storybook-style suite, we were able to walk their guests through their fairytale love story. From the color palette to the hand-drawn foil envelope flap detail, each piece of this suite was intentionally crafted.

In addition to all of the wonderful wedding invitations we got the chance to work on, there were also a fair share of other wedding events and day-of pieces that made it into our queue.

Diana + Korey’s single keepsake invitation suite was perfect for their flatlay photos. We incorporated a gorgeous handmade petal paper envelope liner from Inquisited,  blind deboss details, and a watercolor illustration of the grandiose ceremony location of their venue. The finishing touch was a custom monogram wax seal.

MK + Pat’s invitation suite was a favorite for sure. We found the perfect shade of navy blue envelopes, created a custom monogram combining a celtic knot for Patrick’s Irish heritage with roses and lilies for Mary Kate’s Italian side, and gave a nod to Pat’s service using a subtle “red-white-and-blue” color palette.

Danielle + Joseph’s die-cut suite included warm fall tones, a line-drawn venue illustration, and a “Let’s Party” wax seal to tie it all together.

We got creative in 2021 by participating in editorial and styled shoots. A lot of stunning images came together with full creative freedom and extra time for flatlay styling. Our work was photographed by Samantha Jay Photography, Cara Marie Photography Co., Laura Metzger Photography, Garnet Dahlia, Jordan Harper Co., Nicole Binder Photography, Jessah & Jason, and Rachel Pearlman Photography; and featured in The White Wren and Junebug Weddings.

Anne + Eddie’s winter wedding at Morris House Hotel was a stunning modern take on a winter wonderland. A blanket of ivory tones was met with deep emerald greens and metallic pops of copper. We incorporated the Chinese double happiness symbol both in their wax seal, and in a very special blind deboss amongst the vines on their main invitation.

To end a crazy year full of wonderful art creation, Artisaire released their winter wax stamp collection including two of our original designs. Sending Cozy Vibes and Sweater Weather were our first contributions to the Artisaire Creative Community, and we are so excited for everything 2022 has in store. It was such an honor to be able to finish out the year on such a high note.

Shop Sweater Weather and Sending Cozy Vibes – available now on Artisaire.

I want to send a special thank you to our partner, AlliCat Calligraphy, for all of her amazing work, friendship, and support; Samantha Jay Photography for not only being our incredible brand photographer but also one of our biggest cheerleaders; our production assistant Stephanie for her help in the studio and being the best brainstorming buddy; and my friends and family who believed in this little dream and pushed me to make it happen. I am incredibly grateful, and I can’t wait to share more of our work in the future.