Create Memories with Hannah Weeks Illustration

Hey there Hannah, tell us a little about yourself!

Here at Hannah Weeks Illustration, I create every type of bespoke Wedding Stationery that can be imagined; from Save the Dates and Invitations to Table Plans and Fingerprint Guestbooks. I am passionate about creating designs that are as unique as my customers. I believe as wedding stationery is the first impression of the wedding a guest will get, it should be special and encompass the feel of the day and the couple. Every couple is different, they all look different for a start! Everyone has different stories, backgrounds, interests and a vision of how their wedding will be. Therefore, because every design is created entirely as a one-off, no two projects are ever the same.

In addition to Wedding Stationery, I also specialise in illustrating custom Artwork and Memento Portraits. Everything from Wedding Dresses to complete wedding scenes can be imagined (or re-imagined) through an illustration. Dress Illustrations and Bride and Groom Portraits make fantastic wedding gifts or keepsakes and can be drawn either in advance of the day (created from the information and photos I am provided with) or commissioned after the event to commemorate it. It takes so much time to find THE dress, and to plan the best day of your life so why not remember it with a truly unique piece of art.

The beauty of an Illustrated Portrait, and what makes it different to a photograph, is that the sky's the limit in regard to what can be included in the composition. Whether you want an accurate representation of the scene and exactly how everything was laid out, or you'd like different elements of the proposal, the venue and items that are sentimental to you incorporating into one piece, this can be done. My customers call the shots! 

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My customers! They are fantastic. I begin with having a conversation with them either on the phone or via email to find out as much info as I can about what they are looking for with their commission. I ask (lots of!) questions about their interests, likes, personalities and wedding to get to know a bit about them. This is a really important part of the process that enables me to get to know them, and ultimately helps me to design their wedding stationery or artwork that truly reflects them. I get to hear so many romantic stories about their lives, proposals and how they met - it's great! I also ask for as many photos as they can give me that they think will help and inspire me to create their bespoke design.

Do you have a favourite wedding illustration(s) you have done?

I can honestly say that I love illustrating all of my customers and each project is so different, which keeps it really interesting for me. I love the whole process from hearing all about them, right through to actually drawing them and sending them a preview of their artwork. I do have a particular fondness for Marie and Jon Morely's Wedding Illustration which they commissioned following their special day. It is a lovely concoction of items that are meaningful to them (a platinum rose, a silver sixpence, song lyrics, a white feather), the story of how Jon proposed, Marie's Hen Do and elements of their wedding day itself. I just loved hearing all about them and their day and am particularly pleased with how it turned out. You can see it here.

When you're not illustrating, what do you like to do?

I must say, I do spend a LOT of time illustrating - because I love to draw. So even if I'm not drawing for a customer, I can often be found doodling or painting something...just because! I adore being outside. I love walking in the countryside, pottering about in my yard (which is now overflowing with containers and pots full of things I am growing) and visiting open gardens around the country. I hope to move out to greener surroundings one day! I do love to travel and fit it in when I can. My favourite part of the world is South East Asia - particularly Malaysia and Cambodia. If you haven't been, go. The food is FANTASTIC and the people are so incredibly friendly. Saying this, I am as happy at home with my partner in crime, Tom and a nice glass (...bottle!) of red as I am anywhere else. 

Have you seen any trends in the wedding industry?

It's been popular for a while, but I continue to notice the love for retro touches. I recently illustrated a beautiful green and cream VW Camper Van as part of a Wedding Portrait. It was a great, fun addition to the couple's wedding.

Top tip for couples planning their wedding?

Allow more time. You don't want to have to be making compromises on what you want just because there isn't enough time to get it done. I sometimes get enquiries from Bride and Groom-to-be's looking for Illustrated Invitations, and I am unable to help them because the time-frame is too short. I hate to disappoint people, so I will always do my best to accommodate any request and rearrange my diary if possible, but sometimes timings are just too tight.

Website    |    Twitter    |    Facebook    |    Pinterest    |    Email    |    Instagram