5 minutes with... wedding stationery designer Ink & Press

I can't get enough of these beautiful paper goods by Wedding stationery designer INK & PRESS CO. What a beautiful way to invite your guests to your wedding! Using only the finest and most luxurious materials, Mikyla prides herself on the process and the products she uses. "This is why we use antique letterpress machines, paper sourced from Italian mills that have been owned by the same family for generations, and silk ribbons hand dyed and hand torn. These small details allow us to curate invitations that evoke an old-world sense of beauty that is unparalleled." Read on to learn more about her.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO CALLIGRAPHY & STATIONERY? Over the years my life has encompassed many forms of artistry. I trained as a classical ballerina for over 18 years and was fortunate to have the opportunity to perform at a university level. Although I majored in business, I studied art history, photography, and painting in between ballet rehearsals and accounting homework. My dream was to work in arts administration supporting local galleries or with a classical ballet company. Upon graduating, I worked at the nationally acclaimed ballet company Ballet West. After two years in this career, I found myself yearning for more creativity on the individual level. At this time, my now-husband proposed to me and I dove headfirst into planning our wedding. I fell in love with the wedding industry and its unique fusion of business analytical skills and pure creativity. Although I loved all aspects of wedding planning, I found my creative niche with stationery and invitations. Once my invitation suites were mailed out, I felt such a sense of loss now that the stationery process was "over." This feeling was a driving force for me to start Ink & Press Co. even while I was still engaged. Admittedly everyone thought I was crazy starting a business during the most hectic time of life, but looking back, jumping in with both feet was the best thing I could have done.

ARE YOU SELF TAUGHT OR HAVE YOU DONE SOME TRAINING? Unlike most stationers in the industry who start as calligraphers, I started out as a stationer first adding in calligraphy second. Adding in calligraphy was a very natural progression for my business and myself as an artist. After my wedding, I signed up for a calligraphy class with my local university. It was the perfect push to help me learn the principles and foundation of Copperplate calligraphy, one of the most traditional calligraphy scripts. Learning the rules of Copperplate better equipped me to develop my calligraphy style. After much practice, I have been able to create my unique style rooted in traditional practices and infused with my personal taste creating a refined, modern script.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? I would describe my style as romantic, organic, and fine art. I am drawn to fine details like the delicate edge of handmade paper or vintage stamps. I’ve found that my training as a ballerina has embedded in the beauty of strength with delicacy – a beautiful juxtaposition that is engrained in my work. I love the strength of a masculine type paired with the delicacy of sweeping calligraphy. Or a powerful neutral colour palette played against the soft texture of handmade paper.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? The couples I work with! One of my favourite quotes by Vincent Van Gogh is, “I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love…” Van Gogh wrote these words in a tender letter to his brother as he expressed his utmost gratitude for his support during his career. Van Gogh recognised his brother’s love and support is truly what made his work possible. His brother was encompassing art in its purest form – love. Like Van Gogh’s brother, I have found time and time again that the couples I work with encompass art in its purest form. I am continually inspired by those I work with and is my favorite part about being a creative in the wedding industry.

WHAT WOULD YOUR DREAM WEDDING BE LIKE? I love intimate weddings!

WHERE WOULD WE FIND YOU ON A SUNDAY MORNING? I love lazy Sunday mornings spent at brunch with your closest friend, a good yoga class, and afternoon hike. I love spending Sundays connecting.

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF? An early morning started with warm apple cider as I read a few chapters in my book followed with a favourite yoga class. The afternoon spent getting tasks done with an evening of dinner to look forward to with my husband. I love days where you feel so productive and accomplished with a mini celebration.

Wedding stationery designer INK & PRESS CO. is a valued member of our vendor guide. Using only the finest and most luxurious materials, they pride themselves in their process and the products they use. And it's why they use antique letterpress machines, paper sourced from Italian mills that have been owned by the same family for generations, and silk ribbons hand dyed and hand torn. These small details allow them to curate invitations that evoke an old-world sense of beauty that is unparalleled. See more of their beautiful work in their portfolio here.