2023 Year in Review
December 31, 2023
2023 was a pivotal year, not only for my business and artistry, but also for my sense of self. I had the opportunity to create so many paintings and illustrations for my couples, as well as commissions beyond weddings. Take a look through the abundance of work that left the studio this year, all culminating into my decision to say goodbye to Dragonfly Paperie and hello to Amy Elizabeth Artistry.
Rebekah Viola‘s Details Styling Workshop
The year started off with a details styling workshop, where I not only was able to provide many invitation suites for attendees to style and play with, but I got to create this modern suite for the styled shoot portion. In addition to the custom invitations, I also designed and set up a seating chart using dried florals and the venue’s vintage letter box, as well as menus finished with Alli‘s calligraphy.
This upscale winter wonderland was the perfect start to a new year. Alex + Joe celebrated a beautifully curated day at The Ballroom at Ellis Preserve, and I got to work with them on a stunning custom invitation suite and so many day-of pieces. Alli and I were so excited about the work we collaborated on for these two (especially since she is an Ellis bride herself!)
Working with Sam on her branding and website for this new, exciting endeavor was such an honor. Hand drawn illustrations and a beautiful typeface made for the perfect blend of modern and artistic.
Rebekah Viola‘s Details Styling Workshop (part 2!)
Disco balls and vibrant color palettes were everywhere in 2023. For this workshop’s 70s-inspired styled shoot, we leaned into that with this playful suite featuring floral illustrations, custom die-cuts, foil and letterpress printing, and hanging mini disco balls.
Jockey’s Ridge
This palette-knife painting is very special to me. I created this piece as an anniversary gift for my husband. Every year, we spend time in the Outer Banks, and one of our favorite things to do there is walking the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park and watching the sun set.
Vibrant Abstract Florals for S+B
I created an abstract palette-knife painting and floral details to really make this suite pop. The colors are so beautiful together; I love how the style is a mix of minimal and wild at the same time. As an extra bonus, their pup made an appearance on the envelope flap (because why not?!) Samantha decided to purchase the original painting, and it makes me so happy that this piece gets to live in its rightful home.
It’s easy for a coastal wedding suite to seem cliché, so for Rachel + Tyler’s invitations I wanted to do something different. The hand-dyed paper in summery, beachy tones was the perfect choice, and for an added artistic element I created an illustrated background pattern. And of course, another pupper return address for the books. (I feel like this has become my signature at this point 😂)
C+C’s Sicilian Wedding Weekend
What can I say beyond “dreamy”? This suite included everything from watercolor paintings to a custom pattern, leather-bound passports, calligraphy from Alli, handmade paper, letterpress and foil – the list goes on and on. Yes, their pups also made an appearance! Highly recommend checking out the full blog post for this one.
K+J’s Lily of the Valley Wedding
A custom lily of the valley palette-knife painting was the shining star of this invitation suite. This suite was a defining moment in my shift towards fine artistry. Not only did Alli and I get to work together, but Kelly + Justin also trusted me to experiment with new ideas. I could not have been happier with the final result of these wedding invitations, and they were elevated even further through so many day-of pieces.
Sentimental Stationery Set
A custom monogram, a palette-knife painting of the San Diego coast, and a toile-inspired illustrated pattern made up this personal stationery set of letterhead, note cards, and wax seals. When Andra was a little girl, her father had a stationery set that she adored. She came to me to have a set made in his memory, featuring things that remind her of him.
Emilee + Landon had an intimate wedding full of epic details. I loved how this painting of their ceremony spot came out (especially after seeing their photos). The many interesting elements, like custom-color handmade paper, a beautiful poem, and letterpress envelopes with calligraphy addressing, set this suite apart as a top favorite from the year.
Wedding in Telluride
So. Much. Color. The final product of this suite is swoon-worthy. There were so many thoughtful details behind each and every element, and I think C+J’s guests received a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The main event is of course the landscape palette-knife painting – beyond that, it’s features like a custom-shaped seed paper mountain, a handmade paper letterpress envelope liner, calligraphy details, and individually hand-painted envelope flaps that make this suite extra special.
Editorial with Cara Marie Photography
I love how this fun summery suite came out for this styled shoot. Loose watercolors and die-cut cards combined with a just-married handmade envelope for a playful take on elegance.
Ethereal Styled Shoot
Calligraphy, handmade paper, vintage postage, letterpress printing, and gold leaf edges – this suite captured the ethereal European vibes perfectly for this shoot with Hannah Elizabeth Events and Jordan Harper Co.
Beachy Waves for this Styled Shoot
Hannah Elizabeth Events got in touch with me again for this dreamy Cape May shoot. As soon as she described it to me and sent the moodboard, I had so many ideas. “Elegant waves” was my inspiration for this suite, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how they turned out (or these amazing flatlays from Rebekah Viola Photography!)
A Weekend in Cape Cod
Karissa + Larry were absolutely outstanding to work with. So many custom pieces left the studio for these two, and I loved getting to play with different print methods and so many watercolor paintings to bring this suite to life.
Kayla’s dress was the inspiration behind this suite, featuring a beautiful oversized flower design. Love these letterpress beauties!
An Elegant Collab with Alli for N+C
Nicolette + Connor’s invitation suite was simple and elegant. I was inspired by the arches in the venue’s architecture and vintage toile patterns. Alli added a beautiful touch to the invitation suite and worked with them on some show-stopping day-of signage.
When a past groom came to me for a commissioned painting for their one year anniversary, I couldn’t say no! I loved working with J+P on their wedding paper, and recreating one of their favorite wedding photos as a palette-knife painting was an honor.
Phenicia and Joshua had intricate whimsical illustrations that brought their suite to life. It was so much fun creating something a little different.
Hannah Elizabeth Events Rebrand
Working with Hannah has been such a pleasure. I am so happy with how her warm and inviting branding came together, giving her a modern yet personal vibe as she grows her planning business.
Ode to Austin
This abstract skyline in a deep, vibrant color palette was a favorite painting of the year by far. The custom die-cut folders were a “wow” moment, enclosing double-thick letterpress cards and a custom expressway wax seal. A teal handmade paper envelope liner with the expressway illustration in copper letterpress was *chefs kiss*.
Winter Styled Shoot
Laura Metzger Photography reached out to me when she was craving a creative outlet, and I jumped at the opportunity to work on a custom invitation suite to fit her elegant winter vision. A lot of details went into this suite, and I couldn’t be happier with the end result.
One of my favorite projects of the year was this entire invitation and day-of suite with Jayme, and once again getting to work with Alli so closely. I created so much original artwork for these two, including an abstract floral painting and my own line drawn interpretation of “The Lovers” tarot card. There are so many details in this wedding – you just have to check it out.
D+P Day-of Pieces
Davis had hired AlliCat Calligraphy for many of her day-of pieces, and when she asked about menus, Alli connected us. I loved working on these chic, foil-stamped place setting menus with Alli. In addition to the menus, we created a custom monogram that was used in unique square wax seals on their seating chart, and a hand-painted signature drink sign. It was a great end to the wedding season to bring together these upscale pieces with Alli.
Hand-Painted Bookmark Set
The final project of the year was a beautiful set of hand-painted bookmarks for a dear friend. Stephanie commissioned me for this set as a Hanukkah gift for her husband, who is a salt water fish tank enthusiast and a book worm.
Thank you to Samantha Jay Photography, Rebekah Viola Photography, Laura Metzger Photography, Magdalena Studios, Kaitlin Noel Co., Lauren Spinelli Photography, Grace Brown Photography, Cara Marie Photography, Jordan Harper Co., Lisa Elizabeth Photography, and Pat Furey Photography
