I did not reference any patterns when I created this design. And I certainly am a long ways from creating pretty finger joints (I tried and failed more than once.  LOL)  So my first obstacle was to determine how I was going to create distance between the layers.  

I determined the size I wanted the outside of the frame to be.  Then I drew a rectangle shape and added four rectangles inside it.  Using the measurements in the upper left corner of the screen I ensured each one was 3mm wide so the pieces would fit in as they were added.

Once I was satisfied with the size and shape I grouped copied and pasted the box.  The purpose of the two was so there was equal space between the layers.

I drew my box to the size and shape I had determined when I created my spacers in the first step.

Using the shape tool I added stars randomly on the board.  I also used the shape tool to create the crescent moon with the heart at its tip.   

This piece is full size of the box.  So once the engraving was done I cut the piece.

NOTE:  I added the mountain cut file after painting the back piece and doing my temporary test placements.  It was to cover where the green and blue paint met. 

I originally prepared and cut this file in basswood.  It was only after I put it together that I decided to recut it in walnut so it would add some depth.

I started this layer by using the shape tool and adding the size of the circle I wanted in the middle of the square.  I took a machine  embroidery file I designed and changed it into an svg format.

I placed the church so it overlapped the left hand side of the circle.

I grouped the two files then made them a compound vector.  I then opened the vector file for editing.  This was challenging because I have not worked in this format before.

I simplified the vector then with the scissor tool I removed the areas of overlap.

Once completed I returned to the file and released the vector and grouping so the doors, windows and other parts of the church would be engraved rather than cut.

Using AI I generated the couple kissing then uploaded it to my canvas.

This time I placed the element on the right hand side of the circle.  I place the design so their feet were over the edge.

I grouped the file, then turned it into a compound vector.   Then I opened the file for editing.   I simplified the vector and then I zoomed in and with the scissor tools I removed the unwanted area.

For this piece I found an svg wedding bell file in my archives of photos.  I added them to the upper right and left hand corners sizing them to fit at an angle.

Then I added the text.

I processed the file

For this step I started with the back piece and painted it half in blue and half in green to represent the sky and ground.

I covered the couple with gold leaf.  

Starting in the back I put a small amount of glue in the bottom “frame” piece and placed the back piece in it.  I placed the top mount on but did not glue it until the final piece was placed.

I then repeated this process until all the elements were placed.  I laid the item down and I pulled the top frame to the top of all four pieces and glued them together.

Using corner clamps I let this set for about 6 hours before sanding and completion.

I measured the dimensions and then cut four pieces of walnut plywood to place around the outside and cover the framework.  I glued these pieces in and let it set overnight before finishing it with a beeswax coat.