Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Sementilli.

Hi Melissa , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Growing up in the vibrant, ever-moving city of New York, I was deeply inspired by its diversity and creativity, which led me to a career in visual merchandising, where I honed my skills in storytelling through design. After years living in the fast-paced world of NYC, I felt drawn to a slower, more romantic life, leading me to Florence—a city that had captivated me since childhood. What began as a brief sabbatical turned into a transformative journey, inspiring me to blend the timeless craftsmanship of Florence with my passion for design. Today, I create bespoke wedding invitations that celebrate life’s milestones with elegance and enduring beauty.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

The journey hasn’t always been smooth. Shifting my creative vision from visual merchandising to bespoke stationery was both exciting and daunting, requiring me to master new techniques like letterpress printing and calligraphy—all while doubting if I was skilled enough to bring my ideas to life. Attracting clients who aligned with my vision was another challenge, and there were moments when I questioned if I was truly capable of building something meaningful. But each setback pushed me to grow, reminding me that the most rewarding paths are often the ones filled with lessons disguised as obstacles.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

My work is all about creating invitations that are as personal and unique as the stories they represent. I specialize in bespoke designs, combining traditional techniques like letterpress, gold foiling, and wax sealing with a modern, romantic sensibility. From the initial concept to the final pressed detail, every piece is crafted with care, ensuring it reflects my clients’ love and individuality.

What sets me apart is my hands-on approach and deep commitment to craftsmanship. I’ve built my expertise from the ground up, teaching myself illustration, calligraphy, and design, and immersing myself in the art of traditional printing. This journey has been one of persistence and passion, from experimenting with home printing to mastering vintage letterpress techniques in NYC studios.

What I’m most proud of is not just the invitations themselves but the experience I create for my clients—collaborating closely to make sure every detail feels meaningful. Each piece becomes a cherished keepsake, blending artistry, heritage, and personal connection to celebrate life’s most important milestones.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?

Over the next 5–10 years, I see the wedding invitation industry continuing to embrace the balance between timeless craftsmanship and modern personalization. Couples are leaning more toward designs that feel deeply personal, not just in wording but in materials, textures, and details that reflect their unique love stories. The demand for sustainability is also growing, with a shift toward using recycled, handmade, or plantable papers and eco-friendly printing methods.

Technology is also playing a role in shaping the industry, with digital elements like QR codes and interactive designs becoming popular. While the core of a physical invitation remains irreplaceable for many, these digital touches add convenience and innovation, enhancing the guest experience. I think we’ll see more integration of traditional techniques with digital enhancements to strike that perfect balance between artistry and functionality.

At the heart of it all, I believe there will always be a place for the tactile, emotional connection that only fine stationery can offer. As trends evolve, the focus on meaningful, heirloom-quality design will endure, giving couples something that goes beyond paper.

Pricing:

• In the NYC area, bespoke wedding invitations can range from $3,000-15,000. All taking into account the amount of craftsmanship work and personalization that goes into each design.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thelayoutcollective.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelayoutcollective/

Image Credits

Melissa Sementilli