Wedding invitation designers hold a unique niche in the design industry, synthesizing a blend of artistry, branding, typography, and cultural symbolism to create personal, memorable start-points for matrimonial journeys. Therefore, it's truly captivating to delve into industry insights and key findings for the year 2022, as it promises fresh trends, technological advancements, and market movements.

Drawing on various sources, including industry reports, consumer surveys, and expert analysis, we navigate the intricate landscape of wedding invitation design with a focus on who is shaping it, the staples and shifts in design concepts, market geography, temporal elements, operational methodologies, and the underlying rationale for these dynamics.

The wedding invitation industry is a tapestry of experienced veterans, innovative start-ups, and passionate freelancers who bring diverse perspectives and ideas to this specialized sector. Established firms such as Minted, Paperless Post, and Zazzle continue to lead the market, while a surge of independent designers and boutique agencies is introducing a fresh level of personalization and creativity to the mix. The rise of online platforms like Etsy and Fiverr also plays a pivotal role in democratizing the sector, allowing talented individuals across the globe to offer their services.

Design-wise, 2022 is heralding a renaissance of traditional elements melded with contemporary aesthetics. Vintage typography, handmade papers, and wax seals are making a comeback, coupled with modern design concepts like geometric patterns, minimalism, and digital interactivity. The latter is primarily driven by advancements in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies, which can enable guests to 'experience' venue ambiance or couple's story through the invitation.

Geographically, North America and Europe continue to dominate the industry due to higher disposable incomes and demand for lavish weddings. However, the Asia-Pacific region, especially India and China, are emerging as significant players due to their booming middle-class population and deep-rooted cultural emphasis on weddings.

Interestingly, industry operations are not strictly bound by temporal conventions. While there's a spike during 'wedding seasons' - spring and autumn - the work of designing, proofing, and printing invitations is a year-round process. Moreover, the increasing popularity of off-season weddings is smoothing out the demand curve.

The 'how' of the industry is transforming significantly due to the digital revolution. Not only has it facilitated online design and proofing, but it has also enabled the rise of digital invitations. While traditional paper-invites hold their charm, the convenience, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness of e-invites are making them a popular choice among modern couples.

The 'why' underpinning these trends and shifts is multifaceted. It's partly driven by societal transitions towards personalization, sustainability, and digitalization. The COVID-19 pandemic has also influenced market dynamics, with smaller, intimate weddings leading to more expenditure on high-quality, customized invitations.

In conclusion, the wedding invitation design industry in 2022 is a vibrant ecosystem of artists, entrepreneurs, and technologists creating magic with paper and pixels. Market trends and consumer preferences continue to evolve, encouraging designers to innovate and adapt. However, one thing remains constant: the wedding invitation is not just a piece of stationery; it's a prologue to a couple's 'happily ever after', and therein lies the unchanging beauty of this industry.