ARTISTIC EXECUTION
What levels of artistic execution are available for the stationery?
To honor the unique identity of each wedding, we offer three different tiers of execution. Regardless of the option chosen, every design begins with original illustrations and calligraphy handcrafted by the artist:
Option 1: Fine Art Collection (Artistic Reproduction): The original artwork is created by hand, and the final product is printed on high-quality papers with rich textures. Ideal for elegant projects focused on the beauty of paper and illustration. (Suites from 1,000€)
Option 2: Fine Art Edition with Handcrafted Finishes: The original artwork is created by hand and printed on premium papers, but each final piece receives details and finishes applied manually, one by one (e.g., wax seals, gold leaf, handwritten calligraphy on envelopes, or custom watercolor touches). Ideal for couples seeking the perfection of print combined with an artistic, tactile feel.
Option 3: Bespoke Design (100% Handcrafted Execution): An entirely artistic endeavor. Every final piece of your stationery suite is created, painted, or crafted individually using purely manual and fine art techniques. This requires maximum notice and curation. Ideal for highly complex projects and absolute exclusivity. (Suites from 2,500€)
What techniques do you offer?
Invitations and day-of stationery can be executed in two ways:
Reproduction of the original: Crafted from a hand-painted piece of art and reproduced using high-fidelity digital fine art printing.
Piece-by-piece creation: Purely manual craftsmanship using drawing, watercolor, India ink, woodcut printing, paper weaving, gold leaf application, or embroidery directly onto the paper.
What types of paper cuts do you offer?
For the finish of the paper edges, we provide two options:
Straight cut (Guillotine): Cut mechanically, resulting in perfectly straight, crisp, and uniform edges.
Hand-torn cut: Crafted entirely by hand, revealing organic, deckled edges that showcase the raw cotton fibers and weight of the paper.
THE CREATIVE PROCESS & TIMELINE
How far in advance should we start the process for our Bespoke stationery?
Since every project begins from a blank page and involves artisan processes, we work with a strictly limited calendar per season to ensure maximum dedication. Ideally, you should contact us 6 to 9 months before your wedding date (or earlier if you need to send out Save the Dates).
For Option 3 projects (Bespoke Design – 100% Handcrafted), a minimum of 8 months’ notice is highly recommended.
Do you work with couples living outside of Portugal (Destination Weddings)?
Yes, absolutely. A significant portion of our couples reside abroad and choose Portugal as their wedding destination. The entire process of consultation, design development, and fine-tuning is seamlessly handled long-distance through video calls (Zoom) and email. We can manage and develop the project in whichever language is most comfortable for you (Portuguese or English).
What is the creative process for the invitations?
Our method is divided into 5 fundamental stages to ensure absolute excellence:
1st. Initial Consultation & Investment Estimate:
In the contact form, describe your vision, the details you love, and your essential elements (date, estimated guest count, and venue). If your ideas are still open but you have already allocated an investment budget, that will be our starting point to suggest the best techniques. Within 48 business hours, I will contact you with an initial investment estimate. (Note: If you do not receive a reply within this timeframe, please check your spam folder or promotions tab).
2nd. Booking & Alignment:
Following our initial contact, we will schedule an in-depth conversation (via phone, video call, or in-person at our Atelier) to outline the project timeline. Booking the project is formalized with a 50% deposit of the estimated investment (payable via bank transfer, MB WAY, or in person). Please send the payment confirmation along with your billing details to info@apajarita.com.
3rd. Artistic Development:
Once booked, I begin the creative process and present the first digital proposal within 1 to 3 weeks. Two rounds of complimentary general revisions are included in the proposal to fine-tune the details. Additional changes will be quoted separately.
4th. From Dream to Hand (Physical Proof):
Upon final approval of the digital design, I create a physical proof at the Atelier so you can experience the tactile quality of the papers and textures. If you cannot visit the Atelier in person, we will send high-resolution photographs. This proof remains in the brand’s archives. At this stage, the remaining 50% balance is processed so we can move forward with bulk production.
5th. Production & Delivery:
We begin the meticulous manual assembly and production of the requested quantities—a detailed process that takes between 1 to 3 weeks. As soon as your order is ready, we will schedule an in-person pick-up at the Atelier or arrange for shipping.
What is the creative process for the day-of stationery?
Day-of stationery (menus, place cards, seating plans) is designed in perfect harmony with the identity established for your invitations. We can use the same core artwork or deconstruct it into standalone elements to create a more dynamic visual rhythm. If you desire highly complex elements (such as table markers with entirely unique illustrations for each table), this must be communicated during the initial booking phase. Otherwise, creating new artwork from scratch will incur an additional design fee. (Note: Physical proofs are not created for day-of stationery; consistency is guaranteed through the paper stock and Pantone references validated during the invitation stage).
What is the process for creating digital images or independent Artworks?
For corporate projects, digital image licensing, or purchasing independent canvases and standalone fine art (unrelated to wedding stationery), we follow a separate creative workflow. You can view the full detailed process by clicking here.
Is it possible to purchase the original illustration/artwork created for my invitation?
Yes. The original, hand-painted artwork that served as the foundation for your stationery can be purchased by the couple as a treasured family heirloom. This request must be communicated before the creative process begins, specifying your desired final dimensions for framing or display.
LOGISTICS, FEES & LEGAL TERMS
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship worldwide, with our most frequent logistics hubs being Portugal and European Union countries. Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on the weight, box dimensions, destination, and the declared value of the contents.
Deliveries within Mainland Portugal usually arrive on the next business day following pick-up via Nacex or CTT Expresso. Shipping transit times once the package leaves our studio are the sole responsibility of the carriers.
How do customs duties and taxes work?
For shipments outside the European Union, A Pajarita is not responsible for any customs duties, clearance fees, or import taxes applied by the destination country. The payment of any such customs charges is the sole and exclusive responsibility of the recipient.
What happens in case of cancellation during the process?
Should the couple choose to cancel the project after work has commenced, a fee corresponding to the bespoke design hours already dedicated and the premium materials used up to the moment of cancellation notice will be retained or billed. Consequently, the client forfeits all rights to any sketches, drafts, or prototypes created.
How do Copyrights and artwork ownership work?
All intellectual and artistic creations developed and signed by the brand A Pajarita and the artist Alexandra Barbosa are strictly protected under the Code of Copyright and Related Rights (Decreto-Lei n.º 63/85, de 14 de março). The purchase of physical stationery grants the right to its exclusive use for the wedding day, but does not transfer intellectual property rights.It is completely prohibited to copy, digitally reproduce, commercialize, or pass the illustrations onto third parties. Furthermore, permission is strictly denied to use any artwork or portion of work by the artist to feed, train, or generate new imagery using digital tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI) software.
By approving your investment proposal, you declare full agreement with these terms and conditions.
