A Chat with Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls, Part 2

Maybelle's work has appeared in numerous wedding publications, and certainly on this blog. Here are some more examples of her distinct style (as well as some download-able goodies and a discount...)


Bridal Shower Games and The Perfect Note, available from Chronicle Books.


An map and return address stamp from Maybelle's portfolio.


A Quaker-style wedding certificate.


A whimsical wedding invitation.


Backdrop calligraphy and illustrations for Martha Stewart Weddings.






For the most recent issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, Maybelle created table numbers that you can find and print out here - what a great way to have her beautiful work at your wedding, no matter what the budget.

Another huge thank you to Maybelle for stopping by today - it has been wonderful having you here at Snippet & Ink! Not only was Maybelle kind enough to take the time to stop by, but she is also offering 20% off her return address rubber stamps for all Snippet & Ink readers! Just email her at maybelle{at}may-belle.com with an inquiry and mention that you saw her interview on Snippet & Ink to receive the discount.

A Chat with Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls

I have been drooling over the beautiful calligraphy of Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls even before I knew who was behind the calligraphy, so you can imagine how excited I am to have her here today for a little chat, and to learn a little more about her and her work.



Snippet & Ink: Your website says that the first invitation you designed was for your own wedding. What kind of designing, illustrating or calligraphy had you done before that? Or, put another way, were you always illustrating and making pretty things?

Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls: I was a Fine Arts major with an emphasis in Ceramic Sculpture and Graphic Design. After graduation I got a job as a flight attendant and traveled extensively. I also moved around frequently and lived in Hong Kong, Boston and San Francisco. I really feel that these experiences helped fuel my creativity. During this time, I started illustrating my own maps of my favorite places in the cities I visited frequently. When I was planning my own wedding, I wasn't a calligrapher at the time. The thought did cross my mind that I should take lessons just so that I would be able that I would be able to hand address our own invites. In the end, though it would have been so nice, calligraphy wasn't a part of the overall design concept [of my own invitations].

S&I: Calligraphy is for so much more than addressing envelopes. What other types of projects have you done?

MIS: I have done some non-wedding related projects such as hand lettering for a few advertising agencies and fashion houses, packaging for C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries. Recently I was commissioned to create illustrations for Chronicle Books: Bridal Shower Games and The Perfect Note, which is a stationery kit inspired by the letters and doodles that I used to send from faraway places. It includes note cards, envelopes, labels, rubber stamps and a book on how to write the perfect letter for any occasion. I was involved in every step of the design process and I am so pleased with the way it turned out. In the age of email and text messages, a personal note in the mailbox feels like a gift. The Perfect Note is a very affordable bridesmaid gift and the packaging is so beautiful it doesn't have to be wrapped.

S&I: You have worked with some big names, like Martha Stewart and J.Crew, as well as with smaller businesses and couples planning weddings. Do you have a favorite project, something that really stands out to you?

MSI: Too many! One of my favorites was a story for Martha Stewart Weddings, titled Tailored Cakes. I worked on set in New York for a couple of days. The story featured the beautiful cake designs of Wendy Kromer, Ron Ben Israel and Gail Watson. It was an eight-page spread and I created the background illustrations which were calligraphic swirls and loops done in chalk. The informal background against the elegant cakes created a beautiful contrast. That was so much fun! Another project that I loved working on was for a couple who commissioned me to write out a collection of their favorite prayers and poems. Each guest at the wedding was given a limited edition copy of these books. I felt that everything about this project captured the love between these two people. Most recently I was asked to create a wedding certificate modeled after the Quaker marriage certificate. It is typically signed by each guest at the wedding. The couple wanted to have a keepsake of their union, so they hired me to create this for their special day.

S&I: What is the best part of your job?

MSI: First of all, I feel so lucky to have found something that I absolutely LOVE to do. I don't really consider myself a calligrapher but more of an artist. Not only is the actual work very meditative, it's never the same and I love being involved in the overall design and feel of an event - I get excited about these details. I have had the extreme pleasure of working with some of the most talented people in this business, as well as brides and grooms who have considered me to be part of their family. I feel grateful to have been able to build great relationships in the process of doing something that I am so passionate about.

S&I: What advice could you give to a couple on a budget who loves calligraphy but feels that it is out of their price range?

MSI: A nice way to incorporate calligraphy into the wedding invitation design would be to have the couples' names written in calligraphy and then scanned and used as part of the artwork. You could also have a rubber stamp with the return address made, something that will come in handy later as well. If time permits, take a calligraphy class - you will be amazed how relaxing it is to practice.

S&I: Is there anything else that Snippet & Ink readers should know about you?

MSI: I never imagined in a million years that I would be doing this. My husband Greg Stukuls, a woodworker, has always been so supportive of my creative endeavors since the day we met. He inspires me in so many ways and I would not would not be the same person I am today without him. We also own a home furnishings store in San Francisco, called Stumasa. The name of the shop is a combination of our last names and it is a place where our talents and ideas intersect.

S&I: Snippet & Ink is all about inspiration. What inspires you?

MSI: I am inspired by my experiences, life. Whenever I am in a new city, I don't head for the usual places, instead I go to local markets, shops, grocery and hardware stores. I can spend hours looking at gadgets and packaging. I find beauty in everyday objects. I take note about the way a shopkeeper arranges the merchandise or wraps a simple package. I do this because I know in some way this will all come back into my work in some form, and from these experiences I am always learning something new about myself.

Thank you so much to Maybelle for stopping by today - your beautiful lettering and illustrations are such an inspiration, and it is wonderful to get to know a little more about you! Check in later today to see some of Maybelle's incredible work...

A Chat with Elizabeth Messina, Part 2

I'm sure you've seen Elizabeth Messina's work all over the wedding world - including on this blog - but here are some more beautiful wedding shots.











You can also catch more of Elizabeth's work on the covers of two magazines currently on the stands...


Ines del Mar Weddings


Your Wedding Day

Thank you again to Elizabeth Messina, for taking time to stop by Snippet & Ink today and provide a little insight into her work, as well as for sharing these gorgeous photographs. If you want to see even more, be sure to stop by Kelly Oshiro's blog on Friday for a guest post from Elizabeth.

A Chat with Elizabeth Messina

Here we are with another Monday Miscellany! I'm so excited about this one... on the fourth Monday of the month, I will be featuring interviews with some of the most talented people in the wedding industry. Today, we're lucky enough to have one of my very favorite photographers here with us: Elizabeth Messina! Not only is she incredibly talented, she is also one of the sweetest people you could ever hope to meet.



Snippet & Ink: You didn't start out as a wedding photographer, but rather doing editorial work. Why did you decide to make it your full-time work?
Elizabeth Messina: I have always considered myself an artist. Wedding photography found me. When a good friend asked me to shoot her wedding and changed my life. My natural inclination towards intimate and artistic imagery fit so well with wedding photography. There is so much love and emotion at a wedding - I feel so lucky to be part of such a special day in people's lives.

S&I: What is the best part of your job?
EM: That I am doing what I love and meeting so many wonderful people along the way.

S&I: Do you have a favorite wedding that you've shot, or one in particular that stands out to you?
EM: All of the weddings I photograph have a special place in my heart - each one is unique and beautiful.

S&I: What is the farthest you've traveled to shoot a wedding?
EM: France. Last summer I went to the Loire Valley to shoot Christophe Eme and Jeri Ryan's wedding - their wedding was featured in In Style Weddings. It was truly beautiful and they are the sweetest couple.

S&I: So many wedding photographers use digital technology now, but you use film? Why do you prefer that method?
EM: I shoot all film, and I think it greatly contributes to the quality of my work. Film is luminous and beautiful. I've always used film and hope that I will never have to give it up.

S&I: I have my own way to describe your photos (magical and timeless are two words that come to mind), but I'd love to know how you describe your style?
EM: My work is very intimate and artistic. I think it has a timeless quality and yet is also very contemporary. I try to be very thoughtful and aware while I am shooting, so that I can capture the nuances of every wedding I have the honor of being a part of.

S&I: What should a couple keep in mind when choosing a photographer for their wedding?
EM: It's important to feel good about not only a photographer's body of work, but also feel comfortable and at ease with the photographer as a person. A wedding photographer is intimately involved with most aspects of the day. The more at ease a couple feels, the more natural and beautiful the moments of their wedding day will be captured.

S&I: What would you say to a couple who is planning a wedding on a budget and considering skimping on photography?
EM: There are wonderful photographers in every price range. Be thoughtful when making a choice about photography - the images of your wedding are truly time capsules, family heirlooms. So much of the day is just a moment in time...the images allow you to share the magic of your day with generations to come.

S&I: As a recent bride yourself, do you have any advice for Snippet & Ink readers?
EM: Enjoy every moment. My wedding was such a special day, something I will always cherish. And when I want to transport myself back to that moment, I look at my amazing photographs (taken by the very talented Thayer Allyson Gowdy).

S&I: Finally, Snippet & Ink's tagline is "daily wedding inspiration." What inspires you on a daily basis?
EM: My three beautiful children...

Elizabeth, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by Snippet & Ink - your work is such an inspiration! Check in later today to see some of Elizabeth's beautiful photos...

A Chat with Laura Hooper

Laura Hooper is one of the talented people who inspires and makes possible the inspiration boards on Snippet & Ink. I have drooled over the work on her website time and again, and now she has a blog, with even more eye candy! Laura was kind enough to stop by Snippet & Ink today to answer a few questions.



Snippet & Ink: Your website says that you have been interested in calligraphy since you were twelve. What is it about calligraphy that you have always loved so much?
Laura Hooper: I have always been creative- I have liked to draw and paint since I can remember. I love calligraphy because it is very relaxing for me. I love to watch the flow of the ink onto the paper. It is so graceful..I never get bored.

S&I: There are so many incredible styles that you offer on your website. Are they your take on classic styles, or did you develop some of them yourself?
LH: Some of them are and some are not. Copperplate, Bickham, Bickham Swash Caps and Rook are all classic calligraphy styles that computerized fonts have adapted, but then I sort of add my own spin to them. I am completely self-taught, so I do somewhat of my own thing with the styles. Other styles, like Costello, Rosen and Splendid Flourish are my own creations that have evolved from other styles. It's funny when I look back at my samples from two years ago for Splendid Flourish, they look completely different to me.

S&I: Do you have a favorite style of project that you have done?
LH: My favorite style and project is one I just sent to print for letterpress. It has inspired me to start my own invitation line. I am planning to have about seven suites to start and they will all be calligraphy for letterpress printing. But I have to finish my website first!

S&I: What style is a favorite among your clients?
LH: Copperplate and Bickham, probably because they are classic styles as I mentioned, they match pretty well to anything, and they are reasonably priced. I also get a great response to Massy and Baby Script as well.

S&I: Calligraphy obviously isn't just for addressing envelopes - you have even hand lettered on compasses! What are some other examples of things that you have used your talents for?
LH: Spanish tiles, Lucite placecards, sand dollars, capiz shells... I love doing all these things because they are so unique and custom. I love creating new ideas for seating arrangements with luxurious papers, ribbons, or other things.

S&I: What advice could you give to a couple who love calligraphy, but have a limited budget?
LH: Don't use a computer or labels! Enlist someone like your mother or your bridesmaid with nice handwriting to address your envelopes. Please remember that the first thing your guests will see with regard to your wedding is not the invitation. It's the outside of the envelope. If you've slapped a label on it or the writing is crooked, it completely negates the gorgeous invitation inside. Factor calligraphy into the budget and perhaps select a less expensive invitation so that you have room in the budget.

S&I: What is the best part about your job?
LH: Not sitting in a cubicle selling mortgage loans. :) Yes, it's the freedom. I love being able to work from anywhere that has a flat surface and not having to worry about sick days and vacation days. I do have to worry about deadlines though, but that's okay. Also, seeing a project through to the end. Sometimes I start with a bride's save-the-dates a year and a half in advance, and then I work with them all the way through the escort cards, menus and other reception items. I really develop a relationship with them and it's always sad, after a wedding is over, to know I won't hear from them anymore (Until their younger sibling gets married two years later, which has just started to happen! It's a pleasant surprise.).

S&I: Is there anything else that Snippet & Ink readers should know about you?
LH: Yes. I remember all my clients and what styles they ordered. Also, I love creating new custom ideas, so if you see something you like, call me up and let's get started!



Laura, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by Snippet & Ink! Your work is lovely, and we look forward to seeing more of it on your new website and blog.

A Chat with Ariella Chezar

Some of you may have noticed that there are a few sources and vendors that I return to time and again in my inspiration boards. The brilliant and talented Ariella Chezar of Ariella Chezar Design is one of those people. When you see the lush, organic beauty of her work it is easy to understand why she is a frequent contributer to bridal magazines, and today we're lucky enough to have her stop by and answer a few questions!


photo by Phil Mantas

Snippet & Ink: On your website, it says that you are inspired by a flower growing in its natural state. What else inspires you in your designs?
Ariella Chezar: Nature in general, both cultivated and wild, never ceases to inspire me. I am inspired by color and beauty. Whether it's the early grey winter light on a field, an amazing painting, a stunning couture dress or one of your inspiration boards! Anything that takes my breath away.

S&I: I love that you say art and life can be intertwined. Who are some of your favorite artists (either in the traditional sense, or otherwise)?
AC: Rousseau, Rothko, Botticelli, Lucinda Williams, Bach, Shakespeare, Pablo Casals - it is a very long list.

S&I: What kinds of things do you consider when creating an arrangement for a client's wedding?
AC: The three most important things to consider are my client's vision, the overall feel/style of the location, and which flowers are at their peak. I feel like it's my job to show my clients in their best light. To understand their vision well enough that I create what they would if they could.

S&I: What is the best part of your job?
AC: There are so many bests! I love stepping into other people's minds for awhile and helping them put together a beautiful night. I love working with flowers - who could ask for a better medium! I love growing many flowers that I use. I love color. I love working with my team of designers - we have the best time. I love sourcing beautiful props and decor items. I love bringing the bride her bouquet as she's getting ready.

S&I: What should a bride look for when choosing a floral designer?
AC: She should choose someone who listens well and whose work she loves.

S&I: What advice would you give to a bride whose budget doesn't allow for the flowers she imagines?
AC: Focus the budget where it will have the most impact. Personal flowers matter because you will see them in the pictures forever after. Centerpieces are important because your guests spend a lot of time looking at them during dinner. If you can't do anything else, have lovely centerpieces and personal flowers.

S&I: Your book, Flowers for the Table, is gorgeous. Do you have any upcoming projects or publications that we should look out for?
AC: I have a few things cooking, but nothing definite yet. My most recent press can be seen in the current issue of Modern Bride.

S&I: One of the events highlighted on your website is your 30th birthday party. If you were to give a party for yourself right now, what would the flowers look like?
AC: Probably much more subdued. I'm still obsessed with green, always have been and probably always will be, but I'm very tired of pink with green. I would probably time the event around tree peonies - June locally, or October when they come up from New Zealand. I can't get enough of this spectacular flower, they just blow my mind.

Ariella, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by Snippet & Ink! Your work is such an inspiration, and it is clear that you truly love what you do.



For fun, I have created three inspiration boards based on three of my favorite arrangements by Ariella. Check in later to see them!