Journal – Fine Art Calligraphy and Design

You & Your Wedding Magazine – Regal Romance Feature

fineartcalli — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 18:00:47 +0000

Earlier this year I was contacted by Mari Chase to contribute wedding stationery and on the day pieces in a beautiful styled shoot at the stunning Hedsor House. Her concept was “soft, romantic, timeless and elegant with a touch of opulence to suit the venue and all its surroundings”. I created a bespoke wedding stationery suite on 300gsm ivory cardstock from GF Smith Papers with all elements handwritten in shimmering gold ink, paired with a vellum wrap with ivory twine and antique gold seals. The place cards were made using card with a vellum layer with rich gold ink and twine held with a matching antique gold wax seal. Mari had asked if it was possible to include a monogram which I designed specifically for the suite and was matched beautifully by Elizabeth on the wedding cake.

I am delighted to bring to you the inspiration from Mari:

Inspiration

The inspiration for this shoot began when I first visited Hedsor House last year. Walking around this impressive privately owned stately home I was reminded of the famous poem ‘She Walks in Beauty’ by Lord Byron. I fell in love with this poem which recalls how Lord Byron was struck by the beauty of his cousin’s wife whilst attending a ball. I could imagine her walking elegantly and smiling as she entered the large doors of the ballroom in the most incredible bridal gown. I wanted to capture the modern bride wearing the most romantic of bridal dresses with a nod to royalty in light of the Royal wedding this year in her beautiful hand crafted gold crown smiling and laughing as she swept through this incredible house with all its charm and history.

The Bride

I wanted to showcase two dresses. The first dress by Pronovia was fit for a princess with its layers of tulle and long train, modest lace sleeves, it was in sharp contrast to the more detailed crystal encrusted elegant fitted dress which cut a sophisticated look perhaps for an evening change. The whole look was softened with delicate flowers in true fine art design and accompanied by blush pink glass candlesticks, crystal glasses, plates with gold edging and gold cutlery to give an opulent and luxury feel. The cakes carefully designed by Elizabeth who matched the flowers beautifully and gave a personal touch by adding the gold monogram. Gold baroque detailing trimmed the base of the cakes with small gold leaves nestled amongst the flowers adding a delicate regal look. The second cake offered a marbled pink and gold effect on the icing harmonising the colour palette with the regality of the shoot. Other edible treats included beautiful cupcakes, all embellished with regal designs and large blush pink roses. The treats were interwoven amongst the table décor of flowers to create a decadent feast fit for a princess. The stationery featured luxury invitations, menus and place cards in pale ivory accompanied with soft romantic sheer paper, overlapped and held in place with wax seals in gold. Beautifully handwritten calligraphy in gold and a bespoke gold monogram in R for Royal. The stationery and delicate stamps added to the personal detailing. A pretty blush crystal perfume bottle displayed on a gold heirloom tray with hand crafted gold hair accessories resulted in soft romantic personal details that any bride would wish for on her wedding day.

The stunning Pronovias gown demanded drama and the Rafaella crown certainly met the style call. A statement headpiece that harmonised gold plated leaves with soft ivory hues of pearls, fusing together the perfect balance of grandeur and romance.
The Fleur hair piece gave rise to the low back of the Nurit Hen gown. Inspired by nature, this utterly romantic piece of exquisite handcrafted flowers, nestled amongst crystals and pearls, shouted ethereal in every sense of the word.

Colour Palette

I chose blush pink, soft pink, gold and white with hints of the pantone colour ultra violet. Blush pink and soft pink for it’s romance and feminine touch. White for its purity and clarity, combined with gold gave an opulent feel with hints of ultra violet to showcase how you can use this colour in a soft muted tone for a truly elegant look that gives just enough colour to the overall palette.

Location

I visited Hedsor House last year and fell in love with this magnificent building hidden away within its stunning grounds and far reaching views. When I saw the ballroom and the huge bridal suite I knew this was the place for my shoot. Hedsor is filled with royal grandeur, beautiful paintings and the most impressive domed ceiling in the stunning Centre Hall. Just walking through the ballroom with its striking cut glass chandeliers which reflect in the mirrored glass so cleverly cut out to emulate arched windows that run down the entirety of this amazing space. I could imagine the bride walking down the impressive staircase to enter this light filled room in all her grace and beauty. It was the perfect place and fitted the name I chose to give this shoot perfectly.

The Flowers

Floral designer, Brigitte from Moss & Stone styled the top table using a combination of narcissus, viburnham tinus flowers, astrantia and clematis, ranunculus, hellebore, blossom with touches of jasmine, nigella seed heads in shades of blush pink, soft pink and white with hints of soft muted ultra violet in the vintage roses. The look created a soft feminine and elegant style to compliment the table details and add a beautiful contrast between the light delicate coloured flowers against the dark wooden carved panels around the ballroom.

Favourite Details from the Shoot

As a creative person there are many elements that I love and really appreciate and admire from this shoot. Not to mention the skill and artistry that each one brings individually. The standout elements have to be the Pronovia bridal gown with all its layers of tulle and huge long train. It’s a real statement dress, and a must for any bride who wants to make an entrance and wow her groom. My personal favourite details have to be the custom made showstopping main cake which featured six tiers and a separate tier of edible roses crowned with hand crafted large roses and gold leaf to match the colour palette and gold monogram. It is an amazing piece of art and design and one that has a royal and opulent presence all on it’s own. It looked amazing placed on the antique dresser.

How would a bride translate this vision?

My best tips would be to look at current bridal trends, but add your own twist to let your personality and style shine through. Change your hair or makeup look for your evening party. It can be as simple as applying a darker lipstick or gloss, perhaps an elegant updo. To create an opulent style think about all the details from gold cutlery through to gold hand written stationery and maybe adding your own personal monogram. Using an abundance of flowers on your top table will create impact and a luxury feel. It’s all in the thoughtful individual elements that compliment each other perfectly.

– Mari Chase

The feature is in the current issue of You and Your Wedding (Oct/Nov 2018). Please see the gallery below for a full collection from this stunning shoot, photographed by the very talented Roberta Facchini.

THE DREAM TEAM⠀
Concept & Coordination: @chasemakeupandhair ⠀
Styling: @thetimelessstylist
Photography: @robertafacchiniphotography ⠀
Venue: @hedsor ⠀
Floral Design: @mossandstonefloraldesign ⠀
Cakes: @elizabethscakeemporium ⠀
Makeup: @chasemakeupandhair ⠀
Hair: @amylaceybridalandbeauty ⠀
Hair Accessories: @afshanshamas
Stationery: @fineartcalligraphy.co.uk ⠀
Bridalwear: @mirrormirrorcouture ⠀
Tableware: @duchessbutler ⠀
Linens: @overthetoprentallinens ⠀
Ribbons: @katecullenstyle
Dresses: @mirrormirrorcouture
Shoes: @freyaroselondon
Ring: @ormoloulondon
Model: @danifaccinelli

All images copyright Roberta Facchini

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Jessica & Oliver Wedding Commission

fineartcalli — Tue, 15 May 2018 17:21:58 +0000

A beautiful wedding commission from lovely bride Jessica, who contacted me last year after seeing the Seraphine Semi-Custom suite. She wanted to create some special bespoke invitations for her wedding evening dinner with menus. Every element was written by hand on handmade paper in gold ink. After the invitations were sent out she later commissioned me to create their vow and reading books, with place cards and finally a bespoke Marriage Certificate with hand painted watercolour borders on each side. She also included the wrap from the Seraphine suite for some of the invitations to her close family. It was an absolute joy to create this very special, and thoughtful collection with their own wedding monogram, which was featured on their place cards inspired by the place cards from the Amelie suite.

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Why I love Handmade Paper

fineartcalli — Sat, 17 Feb 2018 22:59:53 +0000

Stack of Handmade Paper in Assorted Colours

I have a passion for handmade paper, as soon as I saw it I knew I wanted to make my own creations on this gorgeous paper. I found my first supplier here in the UK and as soon as the package landed on my doorstep I oohed and ahhed over the texture of the paper and admired it’s perfectly imperfect nature.

The edges were all different and so fluffy – I now know this is called ‘deckled’ and while to some people this may seem unfinished and uneven, to me that is part of its beauty and unique charm. Each piece is made by hand using traditional techniques, many have been passed down through families and have been used for historical documents. I have spent hours looking at different suppliers and their processes to find the perfect fit for my business, both in their philosophy and quality.

I match the paper to every client depending on their requirements. Handmade paper can come in different colours, sizes, weight and texture, many pieces have matching envelopes in different colours. In this modern age handmade paper may seem an unusual choice for wedding or personal stationery but once you hold a piece in your hand you will understand why I am so passionate about this beautiful paper. Not only is it soft, you can see and feel the pulp that has been carefully pressed and shaped into these stunning pieces to end up as a heirloom stationery, love letters, business cards or anything you wish to be made with it. When combined with my calligraphy that has been created just for you the end result is totally unique and special to reflect you and your personality.

I have wonderful suppliers in Spain, Italy, the UK and in America all with their own wonderful heritage and processes, I recently received a gorgeous box from my supplier in Italy. I was blown away by its beauty, I appreciate every shape especially the handmade envelopes complete with deckled edges. They sent me paper made with hay, flowers and in different colours, they also included a booklet about their history and pictures of their family factory. I love this! I can really appreciate the time that has gone into making everything that I received.

Josephina Suite with Matching Grey Envelope

How is Handmade Paper Created?

Each company or person will have their own way of creating handmade paper and if you look online you can see many examples which broadly consists of the following steps:

The paper begins with some material, often cotton rag, plant material or recycled paper which is cut up or mashed. This is then combined with water over heat for a period of time or left overnight with cold water, then drained and made into a pulp.
The pulp is then placed into a large bowl with water, and stirred.
With the use of a deckle and mould (which looks like two large frames) and has a former in the middle (this looks like a large sieve), the pulp is collected in the former and with a good shake the water will drain through.
The paper is then turned out of the deckle and mould and with the former still on the back the paper is placed on a thin fabric sheet. The former is removed and leftover water is squeezed out then left to dry for hours.
Voila, one sheet of handmade paper is created!

It may seem strange that the price of handmade paper is more expensive than other papers but when you consider the time that goes into making just one sheet, you can understand.

I am a bit of a paper geek and have a cupboard full of paper and card samples, if I’m honest I love all paper and if handmade paper isn’t for you I have paper and card that is equally beautiful, or if you love handmade paper and want to have your stationery created using this traditional technique then just send me an inquiry to get the ball rolling or take a look at my semi-custom suites that can all be printed on handmade paper!

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BRIDES Magazine – Wedding Stationery Look Book Feature

fineartcalli — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 15:04:18 +0000

I was delighted to be included in the March / April 2018 Brides magazine, they have a wonderful feature on stationery trends for 2018 and my Amelie suite was included in the Blue and White theme.

Included in the feature was the Save the Date with navy blue matching envelope and the Place Card with ‘Amelie’ handwritten in calligraphy with a special matching custom made ink.

If you would like to find out more about the Amelie or any of my other semi-custom suites, click here, alternatively email me on louise@fineartcalligraphy.co.uk or send an inquiry. Please see a preview of my Amelie suite in the gallery below:

The Amelie Suite Collection

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Look 2

fineartcalli — Sat, 30 Sep 2017 04:10:30 +0000

Titania – A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Part two of enchanting styled shoot, this is a beautiful, whimsical inspiring collection. As seen in BLoved Blog

I created the Josephina invitation suite with a bespoke map and matching envelope liner. The place cards were created using soft frayed linen pieces with the calligraphy written with a brush pen to match the suite and aesthetic of the shoot.

Photographer: Helen Warner Photography

Photography + Vision: Helen Warner Photography
Styling: Weddings By Jenna Hewitt
Venue: Bignor Park, West Sussex
Videography: Kerry Bartlett Films & Photography
Model: Jesse De Core at MandP Models
Wedding Gown: Chantel Lauren courtesy of: Ghost Orchid
Floral Design: Rebecca Avery Flowers
Hair Accessories: Sally Thomas
Invitation Suites: Miss Modern Calligraphy
Make Up: Sylwia Kunysz
Hair: Agata Julia
Shoes: Harriet Wilde
Jewellery: Sarah Brown
Silks & Ribbons: Kate Cullen
Furniture: Virginia’s Vintage Hire
Perfume Bottle: Linda Bee at Grays Antiques
Mother of Pearl Broach: Gillian Horsup at Grays Antiques
Cake and Catering: The Naked Food Company
Brass candlesticks, pots and decanters: The Toast
Stylist Assistant: Kirsty Hurrell
Photography Assistant:Hansford Carter

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Look 1

fineartcalli — Sat, 30 Sep 2017 01:24:02 +0000

The first of two beautiful styled shoots – inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Look 1 was designed to integrate copper, burgundy and creams.
Earlier this year I was contacted by Helen Warner Photography who was working with Weddings by Jenna Hewitt to create a beautiful styled shoot at Bignor Park. The creative was to have two looks that had a different style and colour inspiration for each one. I created a bespoke watercolour crest for the wedding invitation and the names of the couple were written using watercolours. The embossed place card was made by hand and matched with a beautiful hand dyed ribbon by Kate Cullen. The final result is breathtaking. As seen in BLoved Blog.

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