Wedding Album Calligraphy

Another trend I've noticed and been doing quite a lot lately is calligraphy for wedding albums. Newlywed brides are inquiring if I am able to do their names and wedding dates in calligraphy on the first page of their wedding album - and of course I can!

Wedding Album Calligraphy: $15

This is a great, unique idea post-ceremony that can really help you remember the day. For those brides who are putting together their own album rather than ordering an album from their photographer, this is an even more special touch. I've done wedding album calligraphy on two Rag and Bone photo albums, which are gorgeous quality that I highly recommend if you are shopping for the perfect album to remember your big day. 

If you haven't gotten married yet but don't want to forget, we can also do this before the wedding! This bride also had me do some wedding reception signage in calligraphy, and left her album with me to complete as well.

Add your names and wedding date to your album!

I couldn't have been happier with the finished product: the album was in neutral earth tones with a small tree on the back corner cover, so I recommended a rich brown ink that would complement the album without being too harsh, like black ink would. She also loved the look of all lower-case letters, which was also an option.

Interested in adding a special touch to remember your wedding day? I've worked with brides from NYC to Utah, so contact me on how to get started today!

Bar Menu Calligraphy

Open Bar Menu in Calligraphy, $5 each

The ceremony is over, and it's time to party! Let guests know what beverages are available at your reception with a stunning bar menu in calligraphy.

A bride recently commissioned several signs for her wedding's open bar, which depicted all alcohol available for guests to choose from. This saves time -as each guest is not asking the bartender what drinks are available, then having to make a decision - as well as gives something for guests to look at and make their drink selections while waiting in line at the bar. And we all know less time thinking + more time drinking = happy guests!

Wedding Signature Drink in Calligraphy, $5 each

Another option that is increasing in popularity recently is the "Signature Drink". For those who chose a more simple drink selection for their wedding reception, this offers guests a single cocktail to eliminate the guesswork. Typically served in addition to a basic wine and beer selection, the signature drink is also a great opportunity to showcase your creativity or celebrate your uniqueness as a couple. For example, the bride above created a "Moortini" for her signature drink - and her menu in calligraphy breaks down the ingredients as well as a sweet caption on the drink itself: "A little but of sweetness with a pinch of love". Adorable.

Want to kick your reception up a notch with custom menus in calligraphy? Prices vary slightly depending on what you are looking for, but a ballpark is about $5 per menu. Shoot me an email to talk about your ideas, and let's make your reception the best it can be!

Wedding Calligraphy in Magenta Ink: To the President!

Have an extra invite? Send it to the President for something cool!
Calligraphy for Wedding Invitations, $2 each

Just a few images from a recent job - this client had a smaller wedding guest list, about 50 invitations that needed to be addressed. She had a really cool invitation design: dark purple and this hot magenta color that really popped on her white invitation card stock.

I went shopping and found the perfect ink to match the magenta - purple ink color to match her invitations. So much of her text was already in the deep purple color, so the magenta was really fun to play with.

Another thing she did that was really cool was send a wedding invitation to the President! I've heard of this, but this was the first time I've actually addressed one - if you have an extra invite and want to do something fun, address the envelope to the President and First lady (written above) and they will send you back a personal note of congratulations!

Need some wedding calligraphy for your upcoming wedding invitation mailing? I've worked with brides all over the country to help them get to the perfect vision for their wedding, both with their invitations and reception. So contact me to get started!

Handling Bad Business Review

I haven't posted in a good three months. Mostly, it's been time...but since I do love writing, I have to be honest: there was a reason my passion had slipped away.

As a (very) small business owner, it hits right to the heart when you come across a bad review of your business. Such a thing happened to me recently, and after much emotional grappling, I have come to terms with it and am trying to move on.

I'll start with a comment I read about employers today: they love seeing "entrepreneurship" on your resume, because it shows that you have personal accountability: taking your career into your own hands, rather than someone else's. And while I have built this wedding calligraphy business up from scratch since starting up five years ago, I am still one person. The buck stops with me - I made a mistake.

Calligraphy for Wedding Signs, $2 each

In this review, the bride had some valid points. I had dropped the ball, we had some miscommunication, and while she said my work was beautiful (a compliment she didn't need to make when dissatisfied), it still cuts to the core when you put everything you are into a business. I take pride in my work, and my goal has always been to have the bride over-the-moon excited for what I've been able to do for her, and when that doesn't happen, I hate to see it.

On the other hand, I can dispute some other points made in this review: but what would that solve? The damage has already been done, time has passed, and nothing will be able to change her mind. For example, one of the issues she had with me was that the ink color I used was inconsistent: some envelopes looked "darker" than others, and that was the only issue she had...and I know for a fact that she was simply wrong. This then transformed to a slew of other errors I was hearing for the first time in her review, which don't really give her much credibility.

I will say that I love this business. 99.9% of the time, the brides I work with are amazing, sweet and so much fun to work with. I love being able to do my part in making their wedding beautiful - especially in that first moment that one of their guests receives their invitation and are blown away by the first impression, which I love to hear!

So, I'm back to blogging. Contrary to my super-critical, take-everything-personal side, that bad review hasn't done any damage at all to my business. In fact, the amount of business I'm doing has DOUBLED since this time last year - with brides finding me both online and through fellow vendor and past bride referrals. All this makes me understand that I have high quality work, and shouldn't let one crazy bridezilla (okay, that was immature but makes me feel a bit better ;) stop me from doing what I love to do.

I continue to look forward to working with my brides, and doing whatever I can to make them happy!

Thanks to all my fabulous brides for being you,
Ashley

Calligraphy Addressing: Wedding Envelope Etiquette

Calligraphy for Inner and Outer Envelopes, $2.50

I recently had a bride ask for best places to look for how to address her envelopes, because she wanted to keep them as formal as possible. Tired of trying to figure out how to address your envelopes to that same sex couple? Don't want to offend your recently widowed aunt?

The uncertainty stops here: stop second guessing and take a look below at this easy to read chart to help you put together your wedding invitation addresses! I've described nearly every situation you can have below: how to address to children under 18, unmarried couples who live together, etc. Hope this helps :)

	OUTER ENVELOPES	INNER ENVELOPES
	Single Guests
Unmarried Female	Miss Jayne Jones or Ms. Jayne Jones	Miss Jones and Guest or Ms. Jones and Guest
Divorced Female-kept married name (Smith)	Mrs. Jayne Smith or Ms. Jayne Smith	Mrs. Smith and Guest or Ms. Smith and Guest
Divorced Female-back to married name (Jones)	Ms. Jayne Jones	Ms. Jones and Guest
Widowed Female	Mrs. Jayne Smith or Mrs. John Smith	Mrs. Smith (and Guest) *never use 'and guest' if recently widowed.
	CHILDREN
Children under 18	*Do not put on outer envelope Only list parents.	(1 child) And Eva (2+children) Eva and Lukas *List by age-oldest first.
Child 18 and over	Miss Emily Jones	Miss Jones and Guest
	COUPLES
Unmarried couples who do not live together	Miss Jayne Jones *the only name on the outer should be the person who lives at the address.	Miss Jones Mr. Davis
Unmarried couples who live together	Miss Jayne Jones Mr. Richard Davis	Miss Jones Mr. Davis
Married couples-*notice the use of 'and' to signify marriage in the following:	Mr. And Mrs. Richard Davis	Mr. and Mrs. Davis
Married Couple-She kept maiden name	Mrs. Jayne Jones and Mr. Richard Davis	Mrs. Jones and Mr. Davis
Married Couple-She has hyphenated last name	Mrs. Jayne Jones-Davis and Mr. Richard Davis	Mrs. Jones-Davis and Mr. Davis
Married Couple-She has a professional title and he does not.	Doctor Jayne Davis and Mr. Richard Davis	Doctor Davis and Mr. Davis
Married Couple-both are doctors	Doctor Jayne Davis and Doctor Richard Davis or The Doctors Davis	The Doctors Davis
Married Couple-both are doctors with different last names	Doctor Jayne Jones and Doctor Richard Davis	Doctor Jones and Doctor Davis
Same sex Couples-list in alphabetical order by last name	Mr. Dan Smith Mr. Thomas Jones	Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones
	MILITARY
He is a commissioned officer	Colonel and Mrs. Richard Davis	Colonel and Mrs. Davis
He is a non-commissioned officer or enlisted man	Mr. And Mrs. Richard Davis	Mr. and Mrs. Davis
He is a retired commissioned officer	Colonel and Mrs. Richard Davis	Mr. and Mrs. Davis
She is a commissioned officer, he is not	Mr. and Mrs. Richard Davis or Captain Jane Davis and Mr. Carl Davis	Mr. and Mrs. Davis or Captain Davis and Mr. Davis
	MISC.
Judge	The Honorable and Mrs. Richard Davis	Judge and Mrs. Davis
Reverend	Reverend and Mrs. Richard Davis	Reverend and Mrs. Davis

Now that you've put together your wedding invitation list in the most formal way possible, do you need a wedding calligrapher to help give your invitations that personal touch? Contact Ash Tree Calligraphy to get started on your wedding calligraphy project today!

Guest Post: 10 Steps to Achieving Perfect Wedding Invitations

There are hundreds of little details to consider when arranging a wedding and undertaking such a task can be daunting. It can be tempting to rush through certain jobs to get them ticked off your list and as a result many couples will buy their wedding invitations without giving them suitable thought. This can be a huge mistake and lead to problems further down the line. Your wedding invitations really are very important and taking a little time to get the right ones will give you a good framework to plan the rest of the event. Considering the 10 factors below should help ensure that you end up with the right invites for your big day.

Wedding Invitations by Paper Themes

1) Theme or design
Themed weddings are becoming increasingly popular and if you are going for such an event then you should of course incorporate this into your invitation design. If you won’t be including any theme then your key consideration is whether the wedding is going to have a contemporary feel, or be more traditional. You may wish to contemplate the feel that your planned venue delivers when making this choice.

2) Matching color
Getting the right color scheme for your invites will usually mean incorporating the shades that will be present on the day. The most popular choices are to include colors of the flowers that will be used in the bride’s bouquet or the bridesmaid’s dresses.

3) Setting the tone
The type of language that you use within the text of your invites can play a big role in setting the tone of the wedding day. If you go for more archaic and formal wording; this is an indicator to guests that it will be a more formal affair. Where wording is more casual, guests will expect a more relaxed affair.

Black Enchanting Wedding Invitation

4) Suitable font
Another important aspect of the wording is the font that is used. If you are going for a traditional wedding then it is best to utilize a flowing font.  Where the celebration will be more modern, bold fonts with sharp edges are better suited.

5) Important details
Making sure that you get all the right information on the invites might seem like an obvious point to raise.  However, you would be surprised at just how many couples order and then realize that something has been omitted. Double check that you have got all of your details correct, before placing your order. To be absolutely certain that everything is as it should be you may even want to get a friend or family member to review them for you, as it is easy to overlook an error when checking something that you have become familiar with.

6) Considering size
There is no real rule over how big your wedding invitations should be.  Just be sure that they are big enough to display all of the required information without looking cramped. Of course, going for really big invites can look a bit odd and detract from the message you are retying to convey to your guests. You are usually looking at 9 x 18cm for the smallest invites, with the biggest ones at around 15 x 22cm.

7) A means of reply
Whether you include a separate RSVP, or a tear off tab on the invite; it is essential that proposed guests have means to advise you as to whether they shall be attending. If you forget to do this then you will be waiting a long time before you can finalize numbers, which can impact on all manner of details, from seating plans to catering requirements.  And do remember to include a return address!

8) Incorporating ribbons

Gilded Rose Invitation Kit

Whether or not to include a ribbon on your wedding invitations is really down to personal preference, although they are more suited to traditional ceremonies. If you do decide to go for ribbons make sure that they aren’t too big - which can overpower the invite itself. Also take into consideration that your envelopes will have to be a little larger to allow for the ribbon.

9) Finishing touches
Once your ordered invitations have arrived you can get busy writing the recipients names in, either yourself or by hiring a professional wedding calligrapher. However, before you start the process make sure that you have a nice pen to do the job right. Silver and gold ink always looks nice and the classic fountain pen is also a popular choice. If you don’t have anything suitable in the house when the invites arrive; avoid the temptation to get started with a roller ball pen. Otherwise your impatience can leave your beautiful invites looking a little on the tacky side.

10) Timing is everything
Now all that is left is to post and deliver your invites. But when is the right time to do so?  If you have already sent out save the date cards, then there is somewhat less urgency, as people know when you big day is going to be. In such cases 2 months before the set date will be fine. However, if your wedding invitations will provide the first concrete information to many people in terms of date and venue then you should try to get them to your invited guests around 3 to 4 months before the date. If you don’t you run the risk that some of your intended guests will have made other plans, such as booking a holiday.

A guest post by Michael Smith at Paper Themes, the one-stop-shop for wedding stationery. The Paper Themes brand has been in the wedding stationery market for over 100 years and is located in the UK. They design and provide personalized wedding stationery for happy brides-to-be across England and overseas.

Want to write a guest post for The Ash Tree? Contact me to get started!

Custom Calligraphy: Return Address for Ink Stamp

Custom Calligraphy Return Address Digital File, $15

After consulting with a bride recently who was looking to have some custom calligraphy work done (my favorite!) one of the items she requested was getting a single calligraphy "Return Address" digital file that she could then bring to her own printer so that she could have a custom stamp made for all of her future return addressing needs.

I thought this was such a great idea! After completing the job (see file image, above) I sent to her in her required size and file type. I then decided to try my own and see how it would come out. I chose to use Staples, and uploaded my own address in calligraphy artwork to have a custom self-inking calligraphy return address stamp made.

I was so excited when my stamp finally came in the mail - it came out perfect, and I'm now pleased to offer these custom self inking return address stamps on my etsy website! Not interested in dropping $40? I also  have an option to just purchase your own custom calligraphy return address file that you can use to bring to your own local or favorite printer of your choice!

Custom Calligraphy Return Address Self Inking Stamp, $38

I've sold a few so far, and they've been such a success - I can't wait to do more. You'd think as a calligrapher I'd have thought of this already...but now I look forward to bills and mail so I can stamp my return address. Lame? Maybe. Excited over little awesome things? Definitely.

Click any of the links above to visit the shop listing to get your own custom calligraphy stamp or custom calligraphy return address digital file - it makes a great gift for a new bride (help them commemorate their new address together or new shared name!) or will definitely make your own life easier, if you're a bride with Save the Dates, Invitations, and Thank You Notes to address (that's you're entire guest list x3!)

Wedding Calligraphy: Outer Envelope and Return Address

Calligraphy for Return Address, $1 per envelope

This calligraphy job was for a small wedding on simple cream colored envelopes with black ink. The envelopes needed calligraphy for the outer envelope, containing the invitation, and calligraphy for the return address on the back. As you can see, I was very happy with the results! If you are a DIY bride, it's always tough getting all that return address info on the back flap without it looking smushed: so be careful!

Calligraphy for Wedding Invitations, $2.00 each

The bride also opted for a personal design and favorite of mine - incorporating dots in the zip code. I've always done a spread-out zip code underneath the town and state, because I think that it looks better and really ties the whole address together. Adding the dot accents gives it a little something extra - without going too over the top! You can also read about the place cards for this job here.

Need calligraphy for your wedding invitations? I've been addressing wedding envelopes for years, and am operating out of Massachusetts, just North of Boston. Contact me to get started today on your own wedding consultation!

11 Tips for Wedding Dresses

I received the following guest post on wedding dress tips, and thought it would be great for my bride wedding calligraphy clients and readers that are looking for some fun (and budget-saving!) wedding-dress reading before their big day. Enjoy!

1) Wedding dresses should be purchased at least a few months before the ceremony. It takes about a month for the gown to arrive. Once it arrives, you will need to take it to an expert seamstress to have the gown fitted and altered.

2) Never use foundation on your décolletage. The powder can stain wedding dresses an unattractive yellow or tan color.

Little Mermaid Inspired Wedding Dress, Alfred Angelo

3) Trunk shows are planned well in advance, so bridal stores should be able to give you a list of dates. Trunk season is from January to May and each show lasts from one to three days. Appointments fill up quickly so call early!

4) "Normal" alterations include shortening straps, adding a bustle, adding a bra cup to the bust, and adjusting a hem. If the gown is too tight and bunching, no amount of alterations will make it comfortable and will fail to show your figure in its best light.

5) Bridal shops often have sales right after high school dances. Check out your local high schools’ websites to get a calendar of school events. If you’re able to shop during a weekday, you will usually get better service.

A-Line Wedding Dress, Simply Bridal

6) When deciding the dress budget, factor in the cost of accessories and alterations. Be aware that sleeve, bodice, and hemline alterations all have different costs. If you plan to lose weight, you will want to discuss it with your seamstress.

7) Create a log of likes and dislikes about various wedding dresses. You can start immediately by buying wedding magazines, ripping out pictures, and circling your favorite parts. You can also do this with accessories.

8) Most trunk shows offer a discount for placing your order on the spot, up to 20%. Even if the salon doesn't offer a discount, the designer may throw in a few extras (buttons down the back, additional length on the train) without charging you more.

9) Before buying a dress online, be aware of the shipping and restocking costs. If the dress seems too good to resist, call up your credit card company before you buy to see how you can protect yourself from unscrupulous sellers.

10) Details like beading and lace are often done by hand. It is often more economical to choose a simple and classic gown and dress it up with well-chosen accessories. You can wear the jewelry again, but not the dress.

11) Keep in mind that most of your guests will be staring at the back of your dress for most of the ceremony. Make sure the dress looks fantastic from all angles.

About the Author: Molly Warner is a writer for SimplyBridal.com, a well known retailer of high quality online wedding dresses. She's been planning her own wedding since she was a seven-year old flower girl and has written for various publications before deciding that her passion is in the bridal industry, especially wedding dresses. 

Want to write a wedding themed guest post for The Ash Tree? Contact me to get started!

Wedding Calligraphy: White Ink on Chocolate Brown Envelopes

Calligraphy for Wedding Envelopes, $2 each

I have recently completed another white ink calligraphy addressing job, which never gets old against a deep, rich-colored envelope like chocolate brown.

This client came to me with deep brown and green hues as their wedding colors, and really wanted the addressing to jump off the envelope. They fell in love with the idea of white ink, as well as the whimsical dots between the zip code - which always add an extra personal touch to an address.

Calligraphy for Return Address, $1

This job also involved both outer envelope addressing with a return address needed on the back. This is the perfect option if you want your envelopes to precisely match the address they are being delivered to.

If you are looking to have calligraphy on wedding invitations, email me to get started! I'll show you a full portfolio of my work, schedule a consult on what style and colors are right for you, and answer any questions you may have on etiquette. Contact Ash Tree Designs today!

Place Card Calligraphy on Vintage Tags

Calligraphy for Place Card Tags, $1 each

Here are images from my latest calligraphy job, which were commissioned in conjunction with the custom ink color job a few months earlier. The couple had decided to do a vintage theme for their wedding, so their invites and place cards reflected that.

Handmade Stained Tags from mayasmomma, $17.50 for 100

I started work this week on beautiful handmade tags that the bride ordered from mayasmomma on Etsy. Mayasmomma has a great shop featuring vintage-inspired tags, recycled notebooks, and treasure maps - so definitely check out their shop!
I originally tested out the same custom charcoal grey that I had used on the same brides invitation envelopes months before, but on the brown stained tags, the color didn't quite pop. After a consultation with her, she agreed with my recommendation to make the tag ink color black instead - and you can definitely see the difference!

Calligraphy for Place Cards, $1 each

Looking for a little something different for your wedding reception table settings? Contact me today to get started on your project - we can take your ideas to the next level, and definitely play up your theme (as you can see). I've worked with brides across the country, and haven't met a request I couldn't accommodate. Let's get started today!

Wedding Calligraphy Process: What to Expect

You've decided that you want the personal touch of hand-done calligraphy on your wedding invitation envelopes. Great! Now what?

I've had countless brides who have hired me to do their calligraphy, and many times I hear the same questions over and over again. And because I love breakdowns with step-by-step instructions, here's a breakdown of what to expect when you hire a calligrapher, as well as how to prepare yourself for the invitation addressing process.

Outer Envelope Calligraphy, $2 each

1) Research & Contact: Do some research of calligraphers in your area (or out! Don't settle for what's around you). You can also check craigslist, Yelp, or other local listings for art students who are offering callgraphy as a side business to get some practice and to make a little extra money while in school...which is exactly what I did when studying at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Just make sure that you see samples of their previous work, and encourage a freelance contract situation if you can!

Once you've found someone promising, reach out to them as early as possible by each of the methods they indicate will be most easy for them to respond. I know for me, it's absolutely better to send me an email, which I monitor during the day and can compose a faster response.

2) Set a timeline. Most invitations go out 6-8 weeks before the wedding. Remember, more time will be needed if you have a destination wedding that people will need to travel to and need time to book flights and hotels, or if you don't send out Save-the-Dates. So think backwards from your wedding date: When will you have the envelopes? when do you need the envelopes completed and returned by to stuff and mail?

Calligraphy for Outer Envelopes Only, $2 each

After these questions, do you have time to have your envelopes addressed? Most jobs require 2-3 weeks for completion: if you are running behind schedule, a 15% rush fee will be assessed. Don't forget to order extra envelopes to allow for mistakes or extra addresses!
 
3) Determine a budget. The following are my prices for calligraphy: most calligraphers will have their prices listed on their website, or will be happy to provide them via email.

Outer envelopes only: $3 per envelope

Outer and inner envelope: $3.50 each

RSVP cards: $2 each

Return address: Add $1

Place cards: $2 each

Wedding Calligraphy Envelopes, $2 each

Do the math before contacting the calligrapher: does your budget allow for calligraphy? It's my recommendation that you do not try and negotiate your price when it comes to calligraphy for your envelopes. Calligraphy is a personal, time-consuming art of pure labor: I know from experience that I can have many clients lined up at once, and when I get the price-negotiators trying to de-value my time and skill, I tend not to prioritize their job. Remember - it's an artisan you are hiring: not a reception space you are trying to get a good deal on.

3) Make a consultation appointment. Now that you have a timeline (and confirmed your budget!), book a consultation appointment: preferably as soon after you receive your envelopes as possible. Also prepare your final guest list to completion, so I can get to work right away. Triple check spellings and addresses, and if possible please clump and center full addresses together using the Labels function in Microsoft word, so I can have a visualization of what the full address will look like on the envelope before I write it.

If you have received your envelopes and are lining them yourself, please DO NOT line them until after the envelopes have been addressed - it is easier for me to address if they have not been lined yet. 

Return Address Calligraphy, $1 each

4) Meet with the Calligrapher in a Consultation. Most clients come to consultations ready to drop off envelopes after discussion and viewing my portfolio, as they have already seen my work samples online - so please come prepared with the envelopes. Also as part of my freelance contract that you'll be asked to look over and sign, I require 1/2 job deposit when I receive the invitations, so please come prepared with cash or check for the amount sent over to you in the contract. Because you will have 3 weeks to pick up, this is also a good way to break up the cost.

5) Relax! And allow 2-3 weeks for your envelopes to be completed, unless otherwise discussed. Look over your list to make sure you have no errors: while I have the envelopes, now is the time to get them fixed if there is a mistake! I am accessible immediately by email, so shoot over any corrections or additions as necessary. Don't worry about the total: I do a manual count as I work, and will adjust before you pick up.

6) Pick up your envelopes. I have never been late to complete a job: if anything, I tend to finish early. I guarantee that you will receive your envelopes by your desired completion date if not sooner, so I will reach out to you before that time to schedule a pick up time. Don't forget to bring the amount outstanding due, which I will also send your way via email along with the updated contract/invoice. I do not bill later: I require the full amount before I can release the envelopes.

7) Enjoy! You can breathe now - just stuff and mail your envelopes, and await the responses!

Calligraphy for Place Cards, $1 each

     7a) Don't forget your reception place cards. As you get closer to your wedding and have a better idea of  who is going, you may want to do calligraphy for place cards for your tables. Place cards and table card calligraphy are $1 each, and take only about a week to turn around. Keep that timeline and previous process in mind, and don't forget to keep me posted!

Hope this gives you planning brides a better idea of what to expect!

If you are interested in calligraphy and not local to Massachusetts, I have worked cross-country with brides from New York to Utah. Don't let distance hold you back - contact me to get started!

Wedding Calligraphy at My Best Friend's Wedding

Calligraphy for Sweetheart Table, $2 each. Photo Credit: Acromatico Photography

As a wedding calligrapher, it's not often that I get to see my work after it's completed and handed off to the bride...so you can imagine how great it is to be able to see what I've done become a part of the wedding it was designed and made for.

Calligraphy Signage, $2 ea. Photo Credit: Acromatico

Here are some great photos from Tiffany's wedding provided by her amazing photographers, Acromatico Photography. I pulled these images from their blog post on her wedding, and as photographers go I would highly recommend working with them if your wedding is in the Florida area. You can visit their website to read more about them and the work that they do.

In these images, you can see a sign I wrote that says "Brush the Beach Off Your Feet", which was placed inside a small basket of brushes tied with ribbon outside the reception. Tiffany did this because the wedding venue was right on the beach, and should guests decide to take a stroll on the beach, they could "brush off the beach" before putting their shoes back on or coming back into the party - love it!

The other images are calligraphy for table cards that I wrote out for the reception themselves. Using sepia calligraphy ink - which is a deep brown color - on ivory scalloped cards, I wrote out table numbers that graced each table next to an orange and green centerpiece. I used a quill and ink well, and the calligraphy nib was the thickest you could get at C-1: perfect for large writing on these cards!

My favorite card, however, was the "Mr. and Mrs. Horton" that I wrote out for the Sweetheart table, which was where Tiffany and Brendan had their first dinner as a married couple. This card (first image), as all the table cards with numbers, was held up by wire holders hand-wrapped around smooth river rocks by Tiffany herself.

Calligraphy for Table Numbers, $2 each. Photo Credit: Acromatico Photography

To see more images of this orange and green wedding, please visit the Acromatico Photography post, "Tiffany and Brendan Delray Beach Club Wedding".

And if you are in need of calligraphy for your big day, contact me to get started - we'll make your reception beautiful!