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21st Century Scribes - Custom Wedding Invitations by Professional Calligraphers - Toronto
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#1) Leslie and Brandon are romantics, which is why they were married in the great outdoors, on horseback, on a glorious summer day. And of course, they wanted an invitation that reflected their passion for life. In the next image, we pulled our camera closer to give the handwritten words and the exceptional paper they chose, their full due. #2) We rest our case: this is romance! #3) Leslie and Brandon's reply card envelope, with their monogram specially designed to suggest a horse-and-rider. All our invitation sets include the custom-designed invitation (in whatever script style you want), the response card, the mailing envelope, the reply envelope, (with return addresses on both), and a custom-designed monogram. Of course, we also create programs, menus, thank you cards, and whatever else you require. #4) Araby and Adrian selected our very popular Accordion format - an amazing 21 inches wide when fully opened - and heavyweight white Somerset watercolour paper, with decal edging. The cartouche fastener is emblazoned with their monogram and one of our elegant Copperplate calligraphic hands. A promising start on an invitation calculated to excite the senses! #5) What is there to say, except: enjoy!
#6) A precious Japanese embossed floral print paper, with a delicate two-toned green ribbon, creates a lush first impression. Inside, the highly-flourished Italic calligraphy, written with a feather pen, rests gracefully on the legendary Oriental text paper known as Chiri. #7) Beware of imitation wax seals. This is the real McCoy. #8) We moved closer to number 7 to give you a better look. #9) Florals possess a special appeal for couples who marry in the spring. But some of us like them all year round. #10) Heavy creme watercolour stock and flame-red Thai tissue result in a marriage made in heaven. But wait till you see inside (see #11).
#11) Note the custom-designed monogram "LL" inserted into the background. Lars and Lakshmi were well-pleased. #12) Placecards enscribed by the sure hand of a calligrapher help to establish a special atmosphere for the wedding feast. #13) The marriage of Japanese and Philippino papers is usually a blessed one, as shown here. Raffia tie and an acid-etched leaf complete the casual, relaxed mood. #14) At no extra charge, we will write your names in a manner similar to what you see here. #15) The ancient scroll (rolled) format is back in style. We have enclosed it in this hand-painted, parchment-covered tube which is inserted into an envelope before mailing.
#16) The scroll without its tube. We have used a ribbon fastener on this one, but you could also hold it closed with a wax or paper seal. #17) Colours and gold enrich the surface of the mottled parchment paper, which looks and feels solidly crisp, and is so appropriate for this ancient format. The handwritten calligraphy provides the icing on the cake. 8.5" x 11". #18) There is absolutely no question of making an impact when you choose the scroll format, as Anita and Tommaso discovered when they commissioned this wedding invitation from 21st Century Scribes. #19) This was a “prop” for a marriage proposal for a client in the film industry. He rolled it into a scroll, descended to bended knee, and begged her to accept his unworthy self. She did. #20) Sometimes you need a change of address card when you get married. Here the names of all the family members were woven together to form a border.
#21) You can hold this kind of invitation together with a small paper seal, and just leave it at that. But here, all the stops have been pulled out. Stretch organza ribbons in navy and gray wind around the handmade mother-of-pearl paper, creating a veritable feast for the hand as well as the eye. #22) We use a precious beige fabric, not mere paper, for the cover of this beauty. That's why it is a heavy, heavy invitation. And that's why, when you run yours hands over it, it feels like you’re running your hands over a sofa in Buckingham Palace. Oooh-ahhh! #23) Note the graceful patterning of the fabric, and the delicate, sinfully rich Japanese white tissue, with decal edging. #24) In this image you can really appreciate the tissue. #25) The text paper is pearlized, and is set on a truly rich gold card stock, leaving a thin border to frame the handwritten words. That same extra-weight paper goes into our Ecru Classic Crest envelopes as a liner. You can imagine how your guests' eyes will pop when they slide this stunner out into the light of day. David and Dayna told us that every single invited guest commented - very, very favourably - on this invitation. And why wouldn't they?
#26) This creation is the horizontal version of the two-fold format, except that it measures a full 8.5 x 11, as you will see in image 27. Note the decal edge peeking out at the bottom, and the use of a ribbon fastener. #27) This is a very costly paper, but handle it once, noting its close resemblance to raw silk, and you'll agree it is worth every penny. #28) A stunning custom-made Tibetan box holds a treasure trove of handwritten items inviting guests to a glorious June wedding in Tuscany. Each of the 85 boxes featured the invitees' names enscribed in watercolour within a cartouche on the lid. A yellow wax seal, stamped with the couple's monogram, closes the luxurious green Japanese tissue. See twelve more images following... #29) The waxed cords in sienna and green, the French coldpress watercolour paper, and the incomparable beauty of the pen-written words were calculated to draw ooh-aahs from the lucky guests as they unravelled the string on the bone fastener, gently lifted the pliable wax seal, and unfolded the brown-mottled, textured green tissue. #30) This is the welcome scroll, with each guest's name written in brown across the center. It was rolled, then tied with the sienna & green wax cords. The calligraphic script and the signature Tuscan landscape cartouche, shown at the top, were both created by us especially for this wedding.
#31) Again, the Tuscan landscape cartouche. But here, it provides a means of closing the 3-panelled wedding invitation, awash in nature's summer colours set beneath the handwritten words. #32) We moved the camera in closer, so that you can better appreciate the wedding invitation. #33) The wedding banquet menu, rolled and tied, and enscribed with the names of the guests. #34) YOUR wedding menu should (and can) look as good as this one! #35) When in Italy, one says "Alloggio", not "Lodgings"
#36) A printed brochure was tucked into the left side, and on the right, our calligrapher enscribed information useful to guests during their week-long stay at the Tuscan villa. #37) As the saying goes, “you needed a program” to keep up with all that was happening. So the couple asked us to make one. #38) The first of 3 pages of events, tours, classes and activities. All in calligraphy, glorious calligraphy. No font can match the spontaneity and liveliness of the handwritten words. #39) The Thank You card inserted into the gift basket handed to all the guests upon their arrival. #40) And finally, the tag we created for the bottles of wine placed into the gift baskets.
#41) Yes, we create custom Thank You cards such as this beauty printed on handmade watercolour paper. You may want to order extra, because you can use them for many different purposes after your wedding. #42) Two of the best calligraphers on our staff. Just kidding; only the orangutan is allowed to wield our pens. Courtesy of National Geographic Society. #43) Yes, some of our clients “have a thing” for B&W. And that includes their wedding invitations. We were most pleased to indulge them, not least because we feel putting white words on black paper is one of the most effective ways of highlighting the beauty of calligraphy, especially the handwritten Copperplate script. #44) Tamara and Mark insisted on a diagonal arrangement, and we hope you agree that the result puts a whole new slant on a couple's big day. #45) Again, white calligraphy is not something you see every day. Exactly. At 21st Century Scribes, we are all about Special.
#46) Tammy and Andreas chose our 8.5 x 11 two-fold format, and a wonderfully thick watercolour stock. As you will see in the next image, the gold paper containing their names wraps around to the inside portion of the invitation. #47) In our minds (and theirs), this is a winner! #48) Here we feature handmade Tibetan paper that is quite cost-effective. Furthermore, these papers present a look that is very different from the humdrum majority, making them a fast-growing favourite among our clients who want to separate themselves from the crowd. The invitation is pictured both folded and opened to its full 8.5 x 11 size showing Tanya and Salvatore's invitation script - a light and loose-limbed Italic with plenty of character. #49) This couple was married in a wine cellar, thus the genuine Portuguese cork they chose for the seal on the front of their sleek midnight blue invitation. #50) This paper features 24-K gold "pebbles" scattered throughout.
#51) The heavy midnight blue cover, sporting a silver/white two piece cartouche and a hint of the gauzy white-on-white underlying tissue, makes a strong and elegant opening statement. #52) For the text, our clients chose the incomparable fingertip appeal of extra thick pergamenata parchment - dappled and oozing Old World authenticity and charm. A very heavy silver card lies underneath, but the translucent oak leaf tissue delicately counterpoints its three hearty companions, melding masculine and feminine together into a pleasing whole. #53) We have a special technique for printing on tissue papers, such as the delicate leaf-embossed paper shown here. The result is magical, is it not? #54) This is a sumptuous paper, as you can plainly see. #55) Vellum is a smooth, milky and translucent paper reminiscent of the skins favoured by Medieval calligraphers. Its simplicity allows you to match it with an extensive range of companion papers and tissues, such as the refined blue tissue shown here.
#56) Imagine your names rendered like this, using a pen, not computer fonts. #57) There is nothing like calligraphy. #58) Danielle & Peter chose a relatively modest seal. But as you can see in the following image (#59), this is hardly a modest invitation! #59) This oatmeal-coloured Thai paper measures a whopping 7" x 21". Welcome to the wide-wide-wide world of our very popular A-C-C-O-R-D-I-O-N format. #60) Yet another A-C-C-O-R-D-I-O-N, this time for a client from Jakarta, Indonesia, who chose the heavenly kingdom of Bali for her fabulous and extravagant wedding. Naturally, her invitation had to be up to scratch, and it was.
#61) A precious soft white Japanese paper combined with exquisite Copperplate calligraphy and a custom monogram resulted in an invitation that received rave reviews from the future bride and groom. #62) A verse from Shakespeare's King John serves as tantalizing prelude to the invitation within. #63) The heavy handwritten Medieval script complements the solid feel of the green slate backing paper. For contrast, it is printed on a lightly-embossed paper alive with swirling patterns reminiscent of pools of water. Both perfect for a Newfoundland wedding, where rock and ocean are constant companions. #64) Genuine rose petals and genuine fern leaves adorn this very special paper manufactured in Thailand. On the vellum text paper we have hand-written the invitation using the 8th century AD script known as Carolingian, after the first Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne. #65) Anyone can have a font-based map. But a map written out by hand lends a little panache, don't you think?
#66) This couple chose ultra-heavy Brilliant White Somerset watercolour paper, which has been folded over twice. An ultra-simple gold cartouche adorns the front of this beauty. #67) Note the unusually delicate pattern gracing the surface of the first of two internal tissue "flaps". Of the hundreds of tissues we offer, this one is undoubtedly one of our finest. #68) Japanese pearlized paper provides the ground for the conservative handwritten text. The couple did not want a border, or any decorative flourishes. And you know what? None were needed. #69) A hand-painted gold border surrounds the couple’s names on the Thai paper cartouche fronting this green beauty. #70) A silver cord runs down the center of this tiny perfect invitation, which measures a mere 4.25" x 5.75". It is a delight to hold in your hands, not only because it features a sinfully expensive Japanese text paper, but also because of the delicacy and grace of the handwritten words.
#71) We kept it simple. #72) And we kept the simplicity going on the inside too. Note the elegantly-embossed paper. #73) This one is all about the penmanship. #74) Tibetan paper. Calligraphy. Designer's touch. #75) This is a pretty invitation. Trite but true.
#76) The extremely popular square format is pictured here. The upbeat candy-coloured scheme chosen by Jamie and Billy is complemented by the large cartouche seal emblazoned with sweet words of affection. #77) This couple just love earth tones, so this 8 x 11 handmade Tibetan paper with decal edging fit the bill perfectly. Chocolate brown calligraphy and chocolate brown self-sealing envelopes from Clairefontaine provide a warm and mellow contrast. #78) Elena and Alexandru selected the same paper shown in #77, but preferred a very different format. Note their wedding site, the gorgeous Paletta Mansion, pictured on the front cover, and the woodchips embedded in the wine-red tissue. #79) Courtney and Rafal told us they wanted an invitation both simple and elegant, and they got it: midnight blue cardstock for the backing; extra-heavy white Somerset watercolour for the text (you have to run your hands over this to fully understand its appeal); and matching blue envelopes. This one is a wowser. #80) Here, the couple-to-be loved the understated look of the dove-grey backing beneath the snow-white purity of the Somerset text paper. This is the invitation that inspired Courtney and Rafal (see Image #79). Of course, the graceful handwritten Copperplate script did not fail to elicit rave reviews from their wedding guests.
Welcome To Special

Yes, you can settle for alphabets straight out of the can. You can settle for fonts. But why should you, when you can afford the real thing? Why be content with the machine-made uniformity and cold precision of ditto...ditto...ditto, when you can have the art of calligraphy?

Think about it: every stroke a calligrapher makes in his or her lifetime is unique. One-of-a-kind. With fonts, on the other hand, nothing is unique. It's all out of a can.

The handwritten word enchants with its spontaneity, its diversity, its personality. When it comes to making an impression, calligraphy easily trumps fonts not because it is perfect, but because it is human.

Calligraphy is truly special, and the more that font-based media penetrate into all aspects of our lives, the more special calligraphy becomes.

There are other reasons an invitation from 21st Century Scribes is special. We have access to over 1000 papers from the orient and around the world. We have the mature design skills to advise you wisely on the selection and combination of these papers to achieve maximum impact in a wide range of formats including the roll-up scroll, the expansive accordion, and the folded square, which opens like a gift-package.

When you purchase your invitations from 21st Century Scribes, we create a custom monogram for you, which you can use for years after your wedding to personalize your embosser or wax seal stamp, stationery, thank you cards, and other items.

And finally, we are not your typical invitation provider because all our invitations are custom-designed especially for you. We are not an off-the-shelf, take-it-or-leave-it service.

Welcome to 21st Century Scribes! Welcome to Special!

D.I.Y Option

If you have decided to create your own invitations from scratch, or by using some sort of pre-fab kit, naturally you want them to be absolutely brilliant. Otherwise, why bother?

We have an option guaranteed to draw ooooh's and aaaah's from your guests: let one of our master calligraphers handwrite your invitations. You do the rest.

It's so simple. You email us the wording of your invitation, response card, return address, or whatever, and we email you gorgeous handwritten ready-to-print images in the calligraphic style of your choice. You print them on your papers, mail them out, then sit back and wait for the raves to come pouring in.

When you send handcrafted invitations to your guests, it speaks volumes about your desire and commitment to please them. Go all the way by using handcrafted words, rather than fonts, to invite them to your celebration of love.

Just fill out the DIY Order Form, and we'll get started on your handwritten invitations.
21st Century Scribes - Custom Wedding Invitations by Professional Calligraphers - Toronto
21st Century Scribes - Custom Wedding Invitations by Professional Calligraphers - Toronto

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