Real Weddings: Katharine and Nick - A Winter Celebration

Welcome to the first instalment of the Real Weddings series, where I share wedding stories that feature Studio Bim  stationery and I couldn’t be more excited to introduce a wonderful couple as my first: Katharine and Nick.  

In the heart of London's Royal Arsenal, Katharine and Nick transformed the industrial bones of a converted fireworks factory into a rich, winter forest haven for their December wedding at the Woolwich Works. From the very start, it was clear that Katherine and Nick had a vision. 

The Stationery 

Katharine and Nick chose the Grassetto design collection as the foundation for their stationery requirements. To make the collection truly theirs, we collaborated on a custom design element, a clean, firework illustration that paid homage to the history of the venue. 

We began by developing a series of firework illustrations that complemented the bold typography of Grassetto. The final motif was simple yet striking and appeared throughout the suite, from the digital save the dates to the invitation envelopes and later across their On the Day stationery pieces. 

Their palette was deliberately refined, the shade Cobalt Blue, a rich, commanding tone paired with Pristine White. This colour story carried through every item in their stationery, each one digitally printed for a sleek, contemporary finish. 

Though Katherine and Nick kept much of their wider styling details under wraps during the design process, their stationery selections hinted at a carefully thought-out experience. 

 For their welcome signage, we designed a reversible arch sign: one side greeted guests, while the other side bid them goodnight which was a thoughtful and eco-conscious detail.  

Their menus and placenames introduced layering into the tablescape, the round names were placed on top of the sleek rectangular menus. A standalone arched drinks menu was designed to be beautiful, functional and tactile, with a sturdy backing, allowing it to stand upright whilst resisting spills.  

The Reveal 

As a stationer, I am always curious to how these designed pieces come together within the wider wedding story and yet every time, I am left truly speechless. I was amazed at the wintry vision brought to life inside the exposed brick and steel of the old firework factory. Each element felt natural, intentional and deeply personal.  

Reflections 

This project was a lesson in the synergy between type and illustration. At Studio Bim, each collection is rooted in typography, but this experience showed how a well-placed illustration can elevate a suite and add layers of meaning, while staying true to the collection's design character.  

Katharine and Nick's wedding was a celebration of their story. It was a joy to be part of and a true highlight of the season. 

Wedding Photography: Emma Wilder