Coppola Creative | Vendor Love
Based out of the New York City area, Megan is the amazing calligrapher and designer behind Coppola Creative! I met Megan for the first time about a year ago but had been a fan of her work long before. Since then, we've had the opportunity to work together several times (the latest being this week, in fact!) She's wildly talented, sweet as pie and full of incredible travel stories! I have to admit, we've definitely bonded over our love of Hawaii!! Megan was married earlier this year and I was so excited to share some of my insight to planning a vacation to Hawaii when she told me that she and her new hubby were going to be honeymooning there! Megan creates everything from wedding invitation suites to day-of paper goods to signage and more. Every time I see one of her illustrated designs, I'm floored by her skill and talent!! Freshly back from her Ireland trip last week, I'm so excited for you to get to know a bit about Megan and Coppola Creative!
Tell me a bit about you and your business! How did you get started in the wedding industry?
"A life-long love of art led me from drawing on the playroom walls to a fine art degree for surface & textile design. After graduating top of my class from the Fashion Institute of Technology, I've strived to keep putting paint to paper and to not get lost behind a computer screen. Coppola Creative was born to blend my love of hands-on art, technical skill, and the personal customer engagement that make projects so satisfying. I run my business as a full-service design studio specializing in all things lettering and calligraphy. I love to dream and design with my clients to create one of a kind signage and paper products to complete their wedding or special event."
What do you love most about being a calligrapher and designer?
"The people! I love nothing more than collaborating with brides and other creatives. Having worked for large product based companies in the past, it was a happy surprise to find what joy this interaction brought me. There is something so satisfying about bringing a vision to life."
What should brides know about your process and about working with you?
"I want to create something that you'll save forever. I want it to mean something to you. If I'm illustrating a floral wreath for your invitation, I want to use all of the flowers that will be in the bouquet you'll walk down the aisle with. If you want me to create a custom map, I want it to mark every place that makes the two halves of your relationship whole. There's nothing sweeter than getting a text saying 'My grandma got the invitation and put it in plastic wrap to preserve it forever.'"
What is your favorite part about working with brides?
"Their excitement! Having been a bride myself this past year, the emotions of planning a wedding are still fresh. Getting to say yes to forever is simply blissful. I strive to keep the design process happy, stress-free, and memorable."
What (or who) inspires your creativity?
"TRAVEL. There's nothing like going to a new place and taking in their culture. Old customs, traditional food, architecture, and history are all endless sources of inspiration for my work. When it comes to weddings, my couple's relationships and stories never cease to inspire. When I come on to create a whole wedding invitation suite, I don't want to be a cog in the wheel - I want the big picture. I want the suite to coordinate with the event, and be the first glimpse a guest gets into their love fest. So I as lots of questions: Why did you choose your venue? What do you care about most - amazing food? Making sure everyone's on the dance floor? Keeping the affair elegant and classy? My list goes on."
How early should brides book you to ensure you'll be available for their wedding day?
"If I'm working with a couple on Save the Dates, as well as invitation suites and day of goods (signage, escort card displays, programs, menus, etc), I start working with them 8-12 months in advance. All of my work is custom, and it requires lots of illustration/painting/calligraphy hours. I never want to be rushing, or for a couple to approve something they don't love based on time. The smaller day of details are easy to let fall through the cracks, and if I'm around to remind them to keep those in mind it'll save some stress as the day approaches!"
As a calligrapher, what is one tip or piece of advice you'd give a bride for her wedding day?
"After having my wedding, I felt two things rang true: 1) The devil is in the details. I got endless compliments on the small things that made the event "us" (the leaf escort cards, the mirror menu board); and 2) HAVE FUN and let it go. It is easy to get caught up in trying to make everyone happy and trying to stick to your exact plan. But, this day is about celebrating your love. Steal away moments with your groom, revel in the moment of your first dance, and be present. If the worst thing that happens is a groomsman has the wrong color shoes it's all good."
If you don't already, be sure to follow Megan to stay up to date with her latest projects and travel adventures!
Facebook: Coppola Creative
Instagram: @coppolacreative
coppolacreative.com / coppolacreative@gmail.com
I hope you enjoyed getting to know Megan of Coppola Creative! Are you incorporating calligraphy into your wedding day? Share how you're doing so by commenting below!
Vendor Credits
Planning & Styling: Jack & Grace Events | Calligraphy & Invitations: Coppola Creative | Venue: Montgomery Pinetum Park in Greenwich, Connecticut | Florals: Carrie Wilcox Floral Design
