Wedding Stationery in Calgary
Who you choose to hire for your wedding stationery in Calgary is not a decision you should skim over as a means to getting to the bulk of planning. A wedding stationer actually plays a huge role in the process of planning your wedding because they are the curators and creators that will set the tone and sophistication for your entire event. Who you hire to create your wedding stationery in Calgary presents your guests with their first glimpse into the style, theme and formality of your wedding celebration.
One of the key benefits to working with premium Calgary wedding stationers is the ability to customize every detail to perfectly suit your needs and preferences, from choosing the best paper stock and font to incorporating unique design elements. They will create that one-of-a-kind, personalized experience that not only represents who you both are as a couple, but makes your guests feel cherished and valued as well.
We had the distinct honour of visiting Aileen Fretz, of Plume Calligraphy, in her studio recently. Let us first start off by expressing how deeply we appreciate her and her work. She is one of the very best of the best for Calgary wedding stationery vendors. Aileen creates handwritten, organic designs inspired by beautiful papers, soft neutral palettes and curated handmade materials. Her level of consistency, attention to detail and expertise is beyond incredible. Aileen has been named the top 20 Stationery Designers by BRIDES, she has worked with the likes of Susan Dunne, Sinclair and Moore & Julianne Young Weddings and her incredible work has been featured in Vogue, Martha Stewart Wedding, Style Me Pretty and many more. A few weeks ago we the chance to visit Aileen in her studio. In between casual conversations around her work process, from antique writing tools to exciting projects with shy, but curious visits from her cat, Gabbie, we got to talk about all things wedding stationery. Get ready to dive into the world of the most gorgeous wedding stationery with Aileen, an expert in her field, as she shares her love for her craft, her business journey and her aspirations in this interview:
First things first, can you tell us a bit about your background, how you got to where you are/ what inspired you to become a wedding stationer?
My husband and I spent several years photographing weddings together, and from that experience, I fell in love with the wedding industry! When I began practicing calligraphy as a hobby in 2015, I quickly realized that I wanted to transition into wedding stationery as a career, putting into practice my education in graphic design to create and produce heirloom wedding stationery that is beautifully unique with handwritten, modern calligraphy details.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you?
It changes from day to day! Some days start with correspondence, and some start with production, assembly or design work. This is one of my favourite things about being a stationery designer – the way that each day is unique and holds a different set of tasks!
Why do you think it’s important for couples to have custom stationery for their special day?
Custom stationery is a wonderful opportunity for a couple to give their guests a sneak peek into all that their wedding day will be. Whether their style is cozy and casual or elegant and formal, custom-designed stationery becomes a keepsake for both the couple and their guests.
What is your favourite piece of printing equipment, and why?
Without a doubt, my Chandler & Price letterpress from the early 1900’s. Owning and using one of these machines feels like an honour! I love antiques to begin with, but one that is still so precise and perfectly useable is just amazing to me.
What inspires you? or From where do you draw inspiration?
I am inspired by all things old-world, but with a little bit of a modern romantic aesthetic! Antiquing is something I love to do, and I incorporate that love into stationery by searching out etchings, archived books, and public-domain pieces of art to feature in my work.
What are two stationery trends or ideas that you’re loving for 2024/2025?
Oh, that’s a great question! First and foremost, the sculpted emboss is at the top of my list this year. Sculpted embossing is a beautiful way to stretch the limits of what can be done with paper, and I love the challenge of being a designer, creating the artwork and a printmaker bringing it to fruition! Secondly, die cuts and unique shapes are also a trend I’m seeing for 2024-25. Whether it’s a beautiful oval-shaped card or a detailed outline cut close to the artwork, the possibilities for shape help create a unique suite by working outside the confines of a rectangular card.
We want to say a huge thank you to Aileen for welcoming us into her studio for this interview. She really is a master of her craft – every intricate detail, tool, embellishment and piece of her work is both thoughtful and intentional, and it was a treat to spend time with her in her studio space! We hope you have enjoyed this interview featuring Plume Calligraphy, a premium vendor for wedding stationery in Calgary.
We can’t wait to feature even more incredible wedding vendors with you in future posts, so stay tuned! And if you’re engaged and still need a photographer for your wedding, your favourite Calgary Wedding Photographers would love to connect!
xo,
David & Breanne
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