Save the Date Cartography

The engagement set the stage for Lisa and Mike's coastal inspired nuptials for next September. In May, Mike dropped down on one knee while sailing the Chesapeake with Lisa.  I was impressed that neither of them dropped the ring in the excitement!

I met with the couple in early August to discuss Save the Date cards.  When I sat down, Lisa, who is an avid sailor, immediately handed me the nautical coordinate's for their wedding's venue.  I knew then that this was going to be a really neat project.  Lisa and Mike are envisioning a coastal themed wedding chock full of buoys and nautical charts. They wanted an antique nautical map of the Chesapeake to set the stage in their Save the Dates.

I always do plenty of research for my custom designs, however, rarely do I log onto NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association) for design help.  NOAA houses an up to date library with all current US nautical charts.  I studied the cartography patterns for the Annapolis area and immediately got to work sketching.  Believe it or not, there is a fine line between an antique map and a pirate treasure map.  I was really avoiding the latter.

Font selection was key! I always love using Campbell in anything nautical.  And the incorporation of Burges Script really sets the stage for an elegant affair.  I decided to print on my new 110lb felt ecru to give the save the date a luxe and vintage feel.

In the end, I love how these came out. I hope the many out of town guests that Mike and Lisa have invited will be as excited to share in the coastal affair!