Stationery-Black Panther-Inspired Wedding Editorial

PROJECT DETAILS

This ground-breaking production was creatively directed and planned by Love from Mwai with stunning photography by Stepan Vrzala and Eva Tarnok. Inspired by the late, great Chadwick Boseman, the shoot highlights the awe-inspiring African landscapes and its rich cultural heritage.

Captured across several iconic locations in Livingstone, Zambia—including The Gorge, Angels Pool, Tongabezi, and the majestic Victoria Falls—this editorial encapsulates the elegance and grandeur of African weddings.

The stationery suites I created for this extraordinary styled shoot, feature my paintings, stunning beads, rich colours and elegant typography. I wanted them to be worthy to sit alongside some of the most stunning traditional African wedding scenes that will leave you so inspired. 

Featured on BRIDAL MUSINGS

Editorial Feature and Cover– NUBIAN BRIDE MAG

Save the Dates

To reflect the breathtaking setting of the shoot, I began by hand-painting the Gorge at Victoria Falls. The painting became the centrepiece of the Save the Date cards, printed on thick cardstock with text carefully overlaid to allow the painting to remain the focal point. I chose a traditional sans serif font with precise spacing to ensure the text was clear without overshadowing the beautiful artwork. To hint at the vibrant celebration to come, I adorned the invitations with carefully selected beads in gold, pearlescent white, and turquoise. The turquoise beads reflected the rich blue waters of the Falls, while the gold beads added a touch of shimmer, giving a glimpse of the opulence awaiting the guests.

Traditional Sunrise Ceremony Card

For the Traditional Sunrise Ceremony, I designed a striking card featuring lush pink text in an elegant serif font paired with unique calligraphy to convey the uniqueness of the wedding. Beads were again used as a key design element, with a luxurious string of regal deep purple beads, soft peachy-pink accents, and large aubergine and gold beads running horizontally across the centre of the card. This blend of colours and textures added a sense of opulence and grandeur to the piece.

Wedding Invitations

For the wedding invitations, I blended romantic and traditional elements that reflected the couple’s celebrations. I selected a palette of purple and soft yellow to complement the wedding’s overall colour scheme. The invitations were printed on luxurious ivory cardstock with an elegant yellow border framing the text. The main text featured a refined calligraphy font, balanced by a classic sans serif for the additional details.

As an embellishment on the wedding invitations, I added a delicate purple feather, symbolizing the rich culture and natural surroundings of the wedding. To further tie in the colour palette, a string of yellow and white beads was applied, echoing the other stationery pieces and adding an extra touch of cultural significance.

Alongside the invitation, I included a keepsake card featuring another of my paintings, showcasing cultural elements like tribal masks and traditional wooden plates. This provided guests with a preview of the rich cultural experience awaiting them.

Marriage Blessing Card

The Marriage Blessing Card was simple yet elegant, printed on smooth, light ivory cardstock with soft peachy-pink text that tied in with the previous stationery. To symbolize the natural beauty surrounding the ceremony, I added a silk ribbon adorned with cascading silk leaves. The flowing design was inspired by the waterfall setting at Angels Pool, Victoria Falls, adding a symbolic layer of nature to the stationery.

Wedding Feast Card

The Wedding Feast was held at the stunning Tongabezi Lodge, a feast not only for the palate but for the eyes as well. To reflect this visual and culinary experience, I designed a card with a bold pop of color. A white invitation card was layered atop rich yellow cardstock, symbolizing the warm hues of an African sunset. To finish, I adorned the card with a strand of vibrant beads in oranges, yellows, whites, and golds, echoing the joyous and vibrant atmosphere of the event.