Tell us a little bit about your business.

While Oliver Lettering Co. has an inventory of vintage ornate mirrors for couples to choose from, I will write on just about any surface for your special day.

I am a self-taught modern calligrapher and chalkboard artist. I have enjoyed calligraphy and lettering for as long as I can remember. As a child, I wanted to be a teacher only so that I could write on chalkboards every day. As an adult, I was always the designated writer and sign maker for my friends. Once I noticed myself looking forward to party planning just so I could create more signs, I decided to take the leap into making this a business.

I grew up in Pittsburgh and spent many years in the service industry. Because of that, my business started with doing mostly restaurant signage for friends in the industry. When mirror signage started growing in popularity, I began collecting mirrors, starting with the highly sought-after triple oval mirror. I now have mirrors of all shapes and sizes to cover all of your bases, if need be. If you love the look of calligraphy, but aren’t into the mirrored signs, I also offer acrylic signs and chalkboards. Further, wood, canvas, terracotta, vases, glasses, and so much more can be used to create signs and decor and convey messages to your guests.

I provide delivery, set up, and pick up for all of my rentals so that couples have one less thing to worry about on their wedding day.

What makes your work unique?

My writing is entirely my own. While fonts can be fun, my hand lettering gives your wedding signage a timeless, classy look so that no two signs I create are the same. What also sets me apart from other Pittsburgh calligraphers is, aside from day of signage, I also offer engraving and bottle painting services. Champagne bottle paintings are a perfect gift for the couples or individuals who may already have everything or are simply hard to shop for. They are completely customizable and can potentially depict their entire love story. Partners can gift their soon-to-be spouse with a gift they’ll cherish forever. Couples can gift their wedding party with these personalized gifts as well.

What is your ideal client like?

I appreciate clients from both ends of the spectrum – the ones who know exactly what they want and the ones that give me full artistic freedom. Most commonly, couples give me the verbiage they’d like to use and let me do my thing. But I also love a client that has a vision and gives me extensive details so I can hit the mark. If you’re a client that likes to take the lead, great. If you need a little help putting your vision together, I am ready to lead the way. I want you to feel comfortable. This is your day and I want you to have as much of a hand in as you’d like.

How do you work with couples to bring their wedding dreams to life?

Most of my initial communication with couples is done through email (via my website or Instagram) where I gather essential information like wedding date, venue, and the type of signage they are interested in. I like to give couples an overview of what to expect from me and when. This minimizes the anxiety that comes with planning a wedding. Closer to the big day, I gather information about the finer details. I like to know how to reach the day of coordinator, their venue contact, and the florist so I can coordinate with their set-up and timeline seamlessly.

One thing I know for certain is that your wedding guest list will be changing up until the very day of your wedding. I do my best to work with you in accommodating those never ending changes.