Book Review: Modern Calligraphy

A little over a year ago we did a blog post on some of the most beautiful calligraphy we've seen in a while, which was created by Molly of Plurabelle Calligraphy. You can imagine how thrilled we were when we found out Molly was coming out with a book, now available and called Modern Calligraphy.

Molly's publisher sent us a copy of her book, which is just as lovely as her calligraphy. The book is the perfect primer on how to master this fresh modern lettering style. It includes 20 DIY projects where you can apply your new talent.

We love how Molly's book breaks the calligraphy process down into simple steps so anyone can learn to create their own wedding invitations, thank you cards, gift tags, and more. She starts with an overview of the supplies—from paper to ink to pens—you will learn how to form letters, words, and then phrases by following Molly’s clear step-by-step instructions, and by practicing with the provided templates.

You can purchase a copy of Modern Calligraphy here. Congratulations on your beautiful new book Molly!

Real Wedding: Darcy and Kevin

As a boutique and very hands-on wedding vendor, we're always happy to reach out to our brides and grooms around the globe. But when an event takes place right here in the heart of San Francisco, we feel proud to be a part. Darcy and Kevin's glamorous San Francisco wedding covered a lot of ground, from the beautiful Presidio Chapel to the funky Bimbo's 365 Club. The lively couple had a lot of fun with their decor, and they seem to have had a blast on their big day. It was all captured by the talented Andrew Weeks Photography with lovely details by Dream a Little Dream Events.

Of course with a reception venue like Bimbo's, vintage glamour is a must. We created custom stationery of the San Francisco skyline for their paper programs and table numbers.

Michele Papineau's beautiful calligraphy led guests to their tables in style.

The sensational ombre pink wedding cake by Sage Catering was a focal point of the event. We love how it basically glows among the dark and romantic decor.

Congratulations Kevin and Darcy!

All photos by Andrew Weeks Photography

Holiday Cards with Edyta Szyszlo Photography

One of our favorite photographers Edyta Szyszlo has lent us a couple of her best bridal portraits to show off in our holiday photo card collection (check out these pretty new cards with Rikki Ward Photography). As newlyweds choosing a holiday card that is festive but matches your wedding portrait is key. It was so much fun pairing these couple photos with the best of our holiday cards. A favorite from last year (above) was Good Cheer in the bold fuchsia color palette. It works perfectly with the bright San Francisco backdrop!

This year we wanted to include more large scale photo designs, so this pretty Holiday Calligraphy card is perfect for showing off your pearly whites. Plus, the colors are customizable! Thanks Edyta for sharing your beautiful photography, and for newlyweds - order early and save 20%! Just use the code EARLYHOLIDAY at checkout!

New! Guest Address Labels and Calligraphy

Great news! We've just added two new amazing customization options on our website! You can now select calligraphy or guest address labels as guest address options for your wedding or party invitations. We've always had these options behind the scenes, but now in just a few quick clicks your envelopes will upgrade to gorgeous.

The calligraphy is all hand drawn to perfection in Oakland, California by the impeccable Papineau Calligraphy. Once your order is placed online a design consultant will email you the guidelines for submitting your guest names and away they go. Simple as that! From four beautiful calligraphy styles to choose from, you'll be delighted with what you see. Available ink colors are black, navy, chocolate, and white, but if you have a custom color in mind just give us a shout and we'll see what we can do!

Along with our new calligraphy guest address option, you can now order variable guest address labels that match your invitation suite! Our signature 2" x 8"  labels are made to order just for you and are an excellent way to save time and complete your total look. Your return address is printed on the back so there is no writing necessary. With just a peel, wrap, and stick your invitations are ready for post. Want to save more time? Let us adhere your labels for you! Our talented team of assemblers can make your labels and envelopes look perfect before they reach your hands.* Just select the guest address label option when personalizing your invitations and a design consultant will email you guidelines for submitting your guest names and addresses.

Calligraphy style pictured: Florence, $7.00/envelope

*additional assembly fees apply

Perfect Paper Wedding Details

Whether you're in the middle of planning your wedding day or just getting started, we have some gorgeous paper products that will make your big day come together perfectly. You can carry on the theme of your wedding invitations into your wedding and reception, without lifting a finger. All of our wedding invitation designs have matching day-of paper details, and can be customized just for you. Programs (folded and flat), printed place cards, menus, favor tags, table numbers, you name it, we've got it!

 Beautiful calligraphy by Michele Papineau will add an elegant touch to your day. With personalized place cards or favors, your guests will go home with their own little piece of art. Plus, there's a variety of styles to choose from!

Interested in having matching paper details printed for your wedding? Simply give us a call 1.888.552.3724 or email us info@hellolucky.com for options.

Calligraphy + Letterpress = Brilliance

What can we say? Michele Papineau has done it again. For her holiday cards this year, Michele hand wrote the lyrics to "I'll be home for Christmas" and we letterpress printed them in festive red ink. We just received a hand addressed card with a little note inside. It's so wonderful to be friends with such a talented artist! Thanks Michele!

Learning the Letters

In a never ending effort to increase our stationery geekiness, a couple of us made our initial foray on a quest to learn calligraphy. With the help of the talented Michele Papineau of Papineau Calligraphy (the go-to specialist for all H!L calligraphy needs) we learned the basics of letterforms, angles, and some tricks of the trade. Michele has been doing calligraphy for over twenty years - her work has been featured in Elegant Bride, Martha Stewart Living and Cooking Light among others.

Her Oakland studio is full of beautiful calligraphed wedding invitations, handlettered  poems and a vast array of pens, nibs, inks and paints.

Michele showed us some basic letters - she made it look so easy!

Calligraphy is definitely a lot harder than it looks. It's going to take a bit more practice for the rest of us!

Thanks for all your help Michele!