In the world of design, where visual communication meets emotional connection, Wishtree Design Inc. stands out as a boutique studio blending the art of wedding stationery with the strategy of branding and packaging. Based in Ottawa and founded in 2009 by Krista Murphy, the business has grown organically through word of mouth and an unwavering commitment to capturing each client’s unique essence.
A Passion Project Turned Full-Time Design Studio.
Krista Murphy launched Wishtree Design Inc. while working full-time at an advertising agency. What started as a creative outlet with a close friend soon became a thriving business. Trained in graphic design at Algonquin College, Krista wanted to work on “the pretty things of design”—projects that allowed more creativity than the corporate world typically allowed.
Ottawa’s wedding market at the time lacked a diverse design offering, so Krista and her co-founder filled that gap with custom invitations that reflected each couple’s personality. As interest grew rapidly through referrals, Wishtree took on a life of its own. Eventually, Krista took over the business solo, continuing to evolve and expand its services.
Transitioning from weddings to corporate branding wasn’t a forced pivot—it was a natural progression. Krista’s background in advertising made brand development and graphic design second nature. After her partner stepped away, Krista leaned into her full skill set, reintroducing branding services while still keeping a foot in the wedding world she loved. Today, Wishtree serves a wide range of clients, from brides and grooms to small businesses and established brands.
A Process Built on Personalization and Collaboration
What sets Wishtree apart is its deep focus on customization and emotional storytelling. Whether designing a wedding suite or a brand identity, Krista’s creative process begins with meaningful conversations. Through virtual consultations, she uncovers the essence of her clients—their personalities, values, and visions. From there, she presents multiple design directions, allowing clients to take part in the creative process through structured feedback and rounds of revisions.
Krista’s versatility is a key strength. Instead of promoting a singular style, she adapts her work to suit each client’s needs—whether it’s modern and bold, elegant and traditional, or quirky and colorful. The result is work that truly reflects the client’s identity, not just the designer’s aesthetic. For weddings, this could mean a fully branded event with custom monograms, invitations, seating charts, and thank you cards. For branding projects, it’s a comprehensive visual library, from logo variations to packaging and promotional elements.
Organic Growth and Creative Exploration
Over the years, Wishtree has designed for more than a thousand weddings, some of which stand out for their scale and creative freedom—like the event where a client built an entire dome on their property just for their big day. Yet Krista continues to find joy in both the emotional depth of weddings and the strategic impact of corporate design. Seeing her work in the wild is what propels her forward.
Her future plans for Wishtree are intentionally fluid. While she’s slowly leaning toward more brand and packaging work—particularly in industries like products and food—she continues to work on weddings she feels connected to. With a strong community of fellow creatives, a few trusted collaborators, and a client-first approach, Krista is letting the business grow naturally while maintaining her balance between creativity and life outside of work.
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