District Weddings » Calligraphy

Swooning over Calligraphy

Devon Pearce — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:11:54 +0000

Recently, I have been loving the different calligraphy options offered by some of the most talented calligraphers around. We’ve moved away from the formal script and, instead, calligraphy takes on a unique look as it foreshadows the beautiful invitation inside.

Betsy Dunlap is so very talented. Her calligraphy is the perfect complement to the contemporary invitation suite.

Photos: Betsy Dunlap

For the whimsical brides, Love Jenna creates a script that is playful, fun, and looks amazing in white on black.

Photos: Love Jenna

For the traditionalists (like me), there is Elizabeth Porcher Jones. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Elizabeth is one of the most wonderful calligraphers. I had the pleasure of working with her on my own wedding. She is professional, timely, and thorough. And her writing, well, just take a look… I can’t get enough of it.

Photos: The Lettered Olive

You may contact these calligraphers at the following email addresses:

Betsy Dunlap – bestydunlap@gmail.com

Jenna Hein (the writing behind the always beautiful 100 Layer Cake) – lovejennacalligraphy@yahoo.com

Elizabeth Porcher Jones – elizporcher@gmail.com

Happy Halloween!

Laura Hooper Calligraphy: Totes & More

Lyndsay Smoak — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:00:09 +0000

Not only does Laura design save the dates and invitations, she can basically do any calligraphy detail for your wedding. She can create menus, programs, place cards, seating charts, tote bags, etc.! The sky is the limit!

Look at these awesome tote bags – such a great gift idea for your family members and wedding party. If you have a considerable budget, a tote bag would be a fantastic welcome bag as well!

Laura Hooper Calligraphy: Invitations

Lyndsay Smoak — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:00:28 +0000

In addition to spectacular maps, Laura creates beautiful custom invitation suites. No matter if you envision flowers, flourishes or an ornate design, Laura can create it!

Laura’s calligraphy makes her invitations extraordinary. With so many calligraphy types to choose from, your invitations can be fun & casual or elegant & formal. I love looking through all of her unique calligraphy types!

Look at these exquisite invitations…

Laura Hooper Calligraphy: Save-the-Dates

Lyndsay Smoak — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:00:45 +0000

I will never forget the first time that I saw Laura Hooper’s work; it was love at first sight! Every piece that she creates is as beautiful as it is unique. From calligraphy to custom invitations, she can do it all!

In addition to being so talented, Laura is amazing to work with! If you’re a bride that doesn’t know exactly what you want, she has to ability to listen to your long rants and create the perfect vision for your wedding! I know this first hand because Laura just designed my wedding invitation!

Laura is famous for her beautiful wedding maps. These colorful, creative maps are such a cute addition to any wedding! I love all of the details that she incorporates into her map designs. As a bride, you can practically include anything that your heart desires on your map. In fact, she included our English bulldog on our map. I love it!

In addition to creating a map for your stationary set, she can print a 16″x12″ full color copy for you to frame and hang in your home. What a great keepsake!

Laura’s maps are great save the dates! Laura can create save the dates in several different styles including postcards and tri-folds. You can also have your save the dates printed in flat print or letterpress.

Look at these dazzling save the dates…

Dear Devon: Cost of Calligraphy

Devon Pearce — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:38:23 +0000

How much does calligraphy cost? Is it worth it?

Depending on the experience and location of the calligrapher, calligraphy can typically range anywhere from $2.50 to $5.00 (and even more) per envelope. Some calligraphers charge per line (Jonathan Lane charges $.085 to $1.12 per line), other calligraphers charge per envelope. If you order both inner and outer envelopes, usually there will be a slight discount on the set.

When looking for a calligrapher, make sure to ask the price and the average turnaround time. Because your invitations will need to be mailed 6-8 weeks before your wedding date, you’ll need to give your calligrapher plenty of time to address the envelopes and return them to you to be stuffed and mailed. Two weeks is usually an average turnaround time for a set of 100-125 envelopes.

Is it worth it? Depending on your budget, yes. Calligraphy adds an extra touch to your invitation. If you are especially cost conscious, I would think about eliminating the “reception card,” or opting for a postcard response card, and splurging on calligraphy. Look how beautiful it can be!

Photo: Laura Hooper Calligraphy

Calligraphy by Jonathan Lane

Devon Pearce — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:36:28 +0000

Nothing says “this wedding is going to be amazing” like a beautifully addressed envelope. Calligraphy provides an instant positive first impression. It creates excitement over what’s to come in the invitation, and it foreshadows the entire event. A hand-addressed invite, especially one that’s been calligraphed, always means there’s a beautiful event ahead!

We have the extra-special advantage of living in D.C. — the home of some of the best calligraphers in the nation. The White House is located here, and holding the position of White House Calligrapher is the most prestigious title in the calligraphy industry. This means the best calligraphers often live right here in Washington, D.C.!

Meet Jonathan Lane, former White House Calligrapher, and his gorgeous calligraphy…

As you can see, Jonathan’s work is simply stunning! His styles are both incredibly elegant and uniquely modern.

For more information, visit Jonathan’s website. He is so friendly, so thorough, and so easy to work with!

Still to come… Ask Devon: How much does calligraphy cost? Is it worth it?