Spotlight on: Laura Hooper {Laura Hooper Calligraphy}

Hope everyone had a great weekend! We are excited to introduce another amazing guest today, one of the most talented event resources out there...please give a warm welcome to Laura Hooper, creator and owner of Laura Hooper Calligraphy. Laura designs custom maps, invitations and envelopes taking the elegant and traditional feel of calligraphy...and adding a modern twist!

Laura's work is absolutely beautiful and she offers so many different options of font styles on her website that it makes it impossible to choose. Here are a few samples of {ritzy bee} favorites...click on image to enlarge

We recently talked with Laura about her work:

{rb} What interested you in calligraphy? Are you self taught or formerly trained?

LH: I learned basic calligraphy with a cartridge pen when I was 12. I had an after school job for a company personalizing pictures with people's names. I was the only one in junior high with a job! At least I had money to buy clothes. I was always into art, I took all the art classes I could in high school but in college I didn’t see getting a “real job” with an art degree so I studied Biology and then switched halfway through to Business Administration with an emphasis on management. I got a job selling mortgage loans to banks right out of college but working 9-5 in a cubicle just wasn’t for me. I had started doing calligraphy on the side after my best friend got married and one day, I decided to quit and not look for another job. Since then, I have been running my business, LH Calligraphy full time and I couldn’t be happier.

{rb} Do you have any favorite pieces you enjoy working on most?

LH: Maps! And invitation suites too… I love to see how they look after they are printed.

{rb} Where do you find your inspiration when designing?

LH: It really just comes to me as I am drawing. Usually I get started on something and then ideas pop into my head about what would look good, so I just go for it. If it doesn’t then I just throw it out and start over again. Also, I love writing envelopes. People wonder how I can write so many and not go crazy, but it really calms me. I have a lot of time to think while I am busy scrolling peoples names across the paper.

{rb} Wow! You must be extremely patient to work on all of those envelopes! Let's talk a little about calligraphy and weddings. Why do you think calligraphy is such an important element to a wedding?

LH: Everyone says this but it’s true: It’s the first thing guests see in relation to the wedding. I can’t imagine why you would spend so much time and effort on beautiful invitations only to put labels on the envelope. I think calligraphy adds a personal touch, as though each guest meant enough to the bride and groom, and their families, to have someone write out each name by hand in a beautiful script. The envelope sets the tone for the invitation and the invitation sets the tone for the wedding. I think calligraphed placecards set the tone for the reception as well. Calligraphy adds a unique element to the invitation or to the reception. No two letters are ever the same, and it is so much more elegant than a computer font.

{rb} What timeline should a bride give herself when working with a calligrapher? What are the important things to remember?

LH: Book your calligrapher in advance, especially between the months of January - September. It’s a long busy season. I try to be accommodating to all brides though, I am very flexible with my schedule and if at all possible I will always try to fit them in, even if they are running very late. I would say to remember that most calligraphers, including myself, will need 2-3 weeks to complete an order in the busiest months (May - August for me) and to plan accordingly. Have your invitation designers drop ship the envelopes if necessary to get them to us sooner. Another important thing to remember is to read your calligrapher’s guidelines. I attach all of my policies to my information sheet and require that they sign saying that they have read them. This way there is absolutely no confusion and everyone is happy when they get their envelopes back.

{rb} Are you noticing any recent trends with brides when it comes to design & calligraphy?

LH: That they all want the maps now…also, its strange but sometimes everyone wants one script style and then a month later everyone is asking for another. Right now Bickham and Costello are popular styles for me.

{rb} You recently started a charming blog, A Lucky Orchid Wedding, can you tell us a little about it?

LH: It’s brand new but I want to dedicate it mainly to calligraphy concepts that are somewhat unique. I find that brides need to see a product in order to be inspired, so I want to provide them with options instead of just the typical placecard or invitation. I will also be using it to discuss other wedding professional's products and services, or styles, that I feel that girls could benefit from. I’ve seen a lot of blogs but not too many on calligraphy. Calligraphy is an art form, and I feel that my blog would help demonstrate that too even those girls who think they might not need it.

Laura also offers custom designed invitation suites and can customize unique place cards:

And how adorable are these custom maps...we LOVE that these serve a purpose and they are a cute keepsake as well!

Calligraphy truly is the perfect way to set the tone of an event and not just for weddings either...think baby showers, holiday parties and milestone celebrations. How exciting it will be when your guests receive a beautifully scripted invitation, map or envelope from Laura Hooper in the mail!

Thank you so much Laura...we hope to talk to you again soon.

Comments

[The Perfect Palette]

Laura Hooper is a talented artist!! We love her work.

[Drop ship online]

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