Featured in MunaLuchi Bridal magazine, Issue No. 26, these incredible black-owned stationery brands are some of the definitive companies to add to your wedding planning checklist.
With designs that draw inspiration from black culture to invitations that look like they arrived from the Palais Garnier in Paris carried by white-gloved messengers, these invites speak to every design personality.
Yes, we know digital invites have been going strong with couples looking to cut costs and be more eco-friendly; however, nothing screams “post this on IG” more than a gorgeous wedding invitation that features beautiful calligraphy, joyful watercolors, or bespoke detailing that celebrates your unique vision for your special day.
Scroll down to check out three designers who are doing it right!
LePenn Designs
- Time in business: In business for 15 years.
- Location: Metro Detroit, Michigan but I service clients all over the world.
LePenn Designs understands the sensory power of paper. Because of the beauty and purpose within each unique design, the final goal is to have their stationery kept as memorable keepsakes. The full spectrum of services from the company includes save-the-date stationery to holiday cards that joyfully celebrate your first full married year. In 2022 the company had its classic design aesthetic on show with a custom acrylic sign set within a lavish floral display during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.
How did you overcome the fear of failure?
The concept of “failure” is a mental state of mind that gets buried deeper and deeper the more you learn and grow in your craft. As your skillset develops, so does your confidence in yourself and the services and/or products that you are offering. The only way you can truly “fail” is if you stop trying.
Making mistakes, upsetting a client, losing money etc. is not “failing” it’s a necessary part of the growing pains you will go through in your business as you work towards getting to the next level. All of those things help you to grow stronger and know what to do and what not to do in the next situation that arises. The moment I understood this, the better I became in giving my business and clients my ALL every single day while working through all of the challenges that are thrown my way, even still after 15 years. God has been by my side since day one and as I always say, “Everything is Figureoutable!”
How did you get into designing wedding stationery and what inspires your designs?
My love of design and being on the computer stemmed from my dorm room days in college tinkering on social sites that were popular back then. Then once I was engaged to be married this love of design transitioned over to stationery where I decided to create my wedding programs as my first real “project”. I fell in love with paper at that moment so when my husband and I decided to start a business it was a no-brainer to create a graphic design and stationery company. My clients and their events are truly my inspiration! All I need are just a few details from decor, colors/theme, personality and style and I can take it from there. The more freedom my clients give me the better I design for them!
Sandi Spells Design
- Time in business: In business for 17 years
- Location: 1882 Princeton Avenue, Suite 7, College Park, Ga 30337 (By appointment only)
“It is my desire to create what’s not there. …..it all starts with my imagination, perhaps a dream. “
Not only does Sandi Spells Design offer paper-based invites but acrylic designs as well. Her invitations are an opulent feast for the eyes. With her design process akin to that of iconic designer Karl Lagerfield, who famously sketched his collections from his dreams, the invites are a testament to how beautifully appointed invitations can set the tone for an event. The design studio also offers planners and books with kids stationery coming soon and accessories such as customizable cake toppers and monogrammed pillows.
How did you overcome the fear of failure?
I had to convince myself that fear is inevitable and that fear is a part of life. With that being said, I changed my mindset and told myself that the issue is not fear it is confidence. Once I gained the confidence the fear started to move to the background. Failure will come so it is important that I know to try again and never get up. Also, use the failure as a teaching moment for improvement.
How did you get into designing wedding stationery and what inspires your designs?
I started designing invitations over 22 years ago… I use to be a Social Worker and my Director would ask me to do all the newsletters and visual projects for our department. As time went on, co-workers started to ask if I would do their wedding invitations. Once I did my first invite I fell in love.
AJW Events
- Time in business: I have been in business for 19+ years
- Location: Offices in Boston and Nantucket
With its headquarters in the Boston area, AJW Events prides itself on its excellence in all aspects of event design, especially wedding stationery. The company also has a “who’s who” list of celebrity clientele that has given AJW Events their stamp of approval. With their expertise in designing luxury wedding experiences, it’s no secret their invitations are in a league of their own.
How did you overcome the fear of failure?
I overcame my fear of failure by viewing failure as an opportunity to grow and learn. I set objectives and goals with deadlines and tackled each. If a goal wasn’t reached, that was an opportunity to learn and change my strategy and fix it – make it happen.
How did you get into designing wedding stationery and what inspires your designs?
As an event designer, I wanted to offer our clients more value in a competitive environment, so we added graphics design early on, and am so happy I did. Designing the graphic and logo suite in-house allows us to seamlessly implement the design into the planning. My clients are the first step with inspiration. I probe a lot and ask more about what they don’t like or elements they do not want to ensure we are on the same page, then I turn to interior design, fashion, and art for inspiration.
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