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Wedding Wednesday with Carole Lola | Fine Art Wedding Calligraphy

Each Wednesday here on the blog, we hear from a different wedding vendor about their stories, their tips & tricks for brides, and what they do! I’m so excited to feature Carole Lola today! Carole is a calligrapher and artist based in northern California. She specializes in creating fine art wedding calligraphy, fanciful illustrations, and thoughtfelt gifts. Fun fact, Carole designed my logo, did a few gorgeous pieces for my wedding, and creates the gorgeous vow books that I love gifting my brides & grooms!

Read through her interview below to hear about the beautiful and timeless pieces she creates, why she believes escort cards are a must, and how using unusual mediums can add gorgeous texture to your wedding! Be sure to visit her website & social media for more calligraphy inspiration!

Carole Lola
carolelola.com
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Tell us a bit about your background/career path. What led you to start your calligraphy business?

Carole: Looking back, the younger me would have never imagined starting my own business. I studied Art History in college and while I enjoyed studying art, I didn’t know what I was actually going to do with an Art History degree. A few years after graduating, I discovered the art of calligraphy and bought a book on Modern Calligraphy by Molly Thorpe. I also took an online class by Molly Jacques and that was the beginning of my lettering journey. What started as a hobby turned into a way for me to make money doing something I enjoyed while going back to school. And then I thought, why not try to turn it into a business? So here I am today, pursuing my love of art and design and lettering, and loving the work that I do!

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What do you love about working with brides to design special elements for their wedding?

Carole: I love taking the bride’s or couple’s vision and turning it into something tangible for them to use and love. The process of learning about the bride and groom, learning a little about their personalities and their tastes and preferences, is so much fun and is always unique for each couple. The more I learn about them, the better I can create something that I know is a reflection of them as a couple.

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What calligraphy elements would you encourage all brides to incorporate into their wedding?

Carole: Other designers might disagree with me, but place cards or escort cards are always at the top of my list! Even though they’re usually a small element in the overall wedding, it’s always fun to put in the effort to make each card look special for each guest. Plus, there are ways of turning a place card into a take-home favor as well! I also highly encourage wedding signage to my couples. They make such a stunning impression at weddings, whether it’s a welcome sign, seating chart, or even the couple’s favorite quote. Depending on the pieces, they can also be repurposed as decor in the newlyweds’ home.

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What elements do you like to incorporate in your designs?

Carole: My personal style preferences always include greenery illustration, minimal lines, and texture. As much as possible, and as much as my clients’ preferences will allow, I’ll always try to sneak in these elements wherever I can! For example, my favorite way to incorporate texture is through the medium that I’m writing on. I offer calligraphy on materials like cotton handmade paper, marble tile, soft leather, transparent acrylic, and more. It always makes me especially happy when my clients trust me and let me have free reign over what I’m creating for them!

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What’s your advice for brides on a budget?

Carole: For brides on a budget, know what you’re willing to spend and know what can realistically fall within that budget. Stationery design and calligraphy services can be pricey and add up, but having realistic expectations can help both you and your calligrapher/designer from the get-go. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! We’re here to help you understand your options and why things cost the way they do.

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