Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Demeo

Hi Emily, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I have had my hand in creative ventures for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was involved in the competitive dance world and my favorite classes in school were about design and photography. When I got to college, I found myself really missing that creative component of my life, especially studying chemistry in a curriculum with no room for electives. I began learning hand lettering, which eventually led into more traditional pointed pen styles of calligraphy. What began as a hobby slowly transitioned into the business now known as Of Light & Letters.

After completing graduate school in the Spring of 2020, I found myself with an abundance of time on my hands in the midst of a challenging job market. I used that time to teach myself all the foundations of stationery design. I knew I loved calligraphy and wanted to stay in the wedding/service-based side of the house. However, I had visions of stationery designs that I needed to learn how to produce. Looking back, that time was so sweet in developing my very first semi-custom invitation designs. I got my foundation in the print and production world, teaching myself design programs and how to turn them into tangible products. From there, I launched my first website and have steadily seen Of Light & Letters grow into the stationery business it is today.

I now produce save the dates, wedding invitations, and day-of stationery for wedding celebrations across the U.S. While based in New England, the joy of this work is getting to connect with couples nationwide and tell their stories through their paper goods. I love getting to participate in the storytelling and hospitality work that is stationery design. In a digital world, the art of the tangible holds a special significance. After your wedding day is over, the food has been eaten, your feet hurt from dancing, and the flowers have died, there is something meaningful about holding a physical keepsake in your hands. Through intentional design, custom artwork, and hand-drawn calligraphy, we can create an heirloom to be treasured for years to come.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced as an artist is the persistent imposter syndrome. There is a theory about the gap that exists between your taste and your abilities. Your taste develops much faster than skill, and we spend much of our creative lives in that gap. When I jumped head first into the wedding industry, I was watching industry leaders performing at the most creative level there was, and comparing myself to them. The comparison game is a constant battle, but it is best fought by understanding the unique, inherent gifts that I have been given. My faith is a huge driving force behind my work (more on than in my first interview). The best ideas have come from standing firm in my God-given talents and allowing Him to guide my decisions.

The imposter syndrome is also a challenge because creating art is so personal. I still feel the nerves of sending off a first design round and wondering if a client will like it. No matter how proud I may be of a design concept, the couple could go in a different direction. They often make choices that are not my top preference, but there is a beauty in the collaboration that happens between myself, the couple, and the planner. Looking at the design process as a team effort allows for the best ideas to be nurtured into fruition.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I specialize in fine art wedding stationery and calligraphy. My work is most notable for my transitional design approach, modern style of calligraphy, and personalized details throughout an invitation suite. I love to blend old-world tradition with modern and fresh elements to create a unique final product.

What I believe sets me apart from other designers is my storytelling approach and hospitality-focused vision. Each couple that I meet has a unique story – both individually and together. I love being able to weave personal details through each invitation suite I design. For example, I had a bride getting married on her grandmother’s birthday. Butterflies reminded her of her grandmother, so we incorporated butterflies through her stamps and vintage artwork in the envelope liner. Other times, I have created designs that honor the history of the property for which they were designed. Getting to know each of my couples and bringing their story to life allows for fresh inspiration with every design.

Hospitality is a priority for me in my work as well. Leading up to and during the wedding, your guests expectations are set through your stationery. It answers their questions, welcomes them by name, and guides them throughout the space. I believe that the beauty of a wedding day exists in telling your personal love story, celebrated alongside those who will cheer you on in the commitment to forever. Your loved ones are a big part of that story. Allowing them to feel comfortable, welcomed, and celebrated is a big focus for my couples.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

The most important lesson I’ve learned, and still am learning, is that running a business requires playing the long game. Steady progress and consistency are the secret to success. The journey of growth is full of trial and error, learning along the way, and getting better from each experience. It is easy to get frustrated when I don’t see the progress I want in the timeframe I want. But there is power in faithfully showing up, day by day, to deliver for my couples and creative partners. Real relationships require time, which is what it is all about for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oflightandletters.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oflightandletters/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oflightandletters
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/oflightandletterscalligraphy/

Image Credits
Eva Alexandra Photography, Omaria McCrae Photography, Cornelia Zaiss Photography, The New Romantic, Ruth Eileen Photography, Henry and Mac