The nautical invitations you’ve been searching for

Hi there, I'm Ruth!

First, let me say I love the ocean and everything in it! I love swimming, sailing, snorkeling, tubing, collecting shells and sea glass, jumping over waves, paddle-boarding, long walks on the beach - you name it. I bet you love the water, too! I started Concertina Press in 2011 after seeing a need for thoughtful and beautifully designed nautical invitations that are the perfect fit for water lovers like us. I was tired of the same old flip-flops and starfish motifs. What about waves? Beautiful seashells? Even cool sea creatures like octopus, sea turtles, and sharks? I want each one of your guests to open their invites and practically smell the sea air!

When you order from Concertina Press, you can be assured that your order will be handled with the greatest care, because you will be dealing directly with me. Whether you're having an elaborate Cape Cod wedding, an intimate beachside ceremony, or a fun Under the Sea wedding at the aquarium, Concertina Press has just the invitation to make the right impression.

As someone who is happily married, I know wedding planning can be tricky. I want your invitations to be spectacular AND stress-free. Concertina Press is also proud to be a LGBTQ friendly business. You are welcome here!

it all began on a dusty library shelf

My Story

I majored in studio art in college, but because I love reading and books so much, I thought I might want to become a librarian like my mom. After graduation I secured a job as a library assistant in a world-famous marine science library at the Oceanographic Institute in Woods Hole, a small fishing and research town on Cape Cod. While I worked there I absolutely fell in love with the old science illustrations hidden within the pages of antique science books. (Cape Cod is also where I fell in love with my husband, and we were married in Falmouth on 7-7-7!)

The detail of the colorful illustrations of sea life, preserved between the pages of old dusty books for nearly 150 years, were yellowed and faded with age. These illustrations are now so old that they are in public domain, and I saw the opportunity to bring them back to life through digital restoration by making one of a kind wedding invitations, save the dates, and stationery.

I loved the library, but I felt myself pulled in a more artistic direction and began working as lead custom stationery designer in beautiful stationery shop in Falmouth on Cape Cod. When that store closed after several years, I was really torn - should I go back to my old job, or try something new? Working in the shop gave me the experience I needed to start my own business. When I started Concertina Press in 2011 I finally had a way to combine my love of antique nautical illustrations and stationery design.

In 2013 my husband and I moved down to the sunny coast of Florida to be closer to my family, but happily we still live near the ocean! We share our home with our young son and about 23 surfboards. (none are mine, haha)

If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to contact me. If you've read this far, thank you!

I know there are so many options online, so I'm glad you took the time to check out my shop.

Psst…don’t forget to order a sample set!