Client Stories: Claire & Ed
When Claire and Ed approached Wilde & Scribe, they were in the final stages of planning their spring wedding at the majestic Durham Cathedral - a venue steeped in history and architectural grandeur. With such an iconic setting, they wanted their wedding stationery to feature this stunning building in a way that felt personal and artful.
A Cathedral in Pencil
They envisioned a custom illustration of Durham Cathedral, seen from the vantage point of their nearby reception venue to reflect the building as it would be seen by their guests. Claire and Ed were drawn to a monochrome style, and so suggested an expressive rendering in either pencil or ink. After sharing inspiration and references, I created two versions for them to consider.
They ultimately chose the pencil sketch for its subtle shading and softer texture which the lent itself to the inherent romance of the day. Soft greys and bolder shadows in the drawing were gently framed by the suggestion of trees on either side, with the iconic Rose Window the stunning focal point. The illustration became a beautiful through-line across their Order of Service, Order of the Day and Table plan, adding a beautiful celebration of place throughout.
A Personal Touch: Calligraphy Place Names
For their place cards, Claire and Ed asked for handwritten names that would bring an artistic, slightly informal touch to the tables. To echo their spring green palette, I mixed an exact watercolour shade, ensuring it matched the rest of their décor perfectly. We opted for a freehand calligraphy style - more expressive and informal than traditional calligraphy - to add a sense of ease and creativity to each setting.
Spring Adornments: The Cards Sign
One of the last pieces they needed was a sign for their cards table. With so many other details in motion, they asked me to take the creative lead. From what Claire and Ed had told me about the venue and their floral styling, I proposed incorporating cherry blossoms - which would be in full bloom at the time in the venue grounds and were also part of their venue interior décor.
The final design featured the word “Cards” hand-scripted in the same spring green, each letter adorned with delicate cherry blossom illustrations hugging the curves and strokes. Claire and Ed were thrilled with the way it reflected both the season and their surroundings.
‘‘The sketch absolutely exceeded expectations - we love it so much we are going to frame the original. She listened to us and relished the creative process that came from our conversations.’’
Weddings by their very nature are such personal affairs, and bespoke stationery offers the opportunity to ensure that personal detail is captured and represented in thoughtful details. Whether it’s capturing a beloved venue in pencil, finding just the right shade of green, or uncovering those little flourishes that can add depth and meaning, I work closely with couples to make sure each element feels thoughtful, personal, and beautifully cohesive.
Looking for something bespoke for your wedding day? I’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Professional photos courtesy of Rosie Davison Photography