Hi, Hey, Hello! A Bit About The Artist Behind Letter & Lyse

Hi, I’m Elyse, and welcome to my site! If you’re here, you might already know Letter & Lyse (or maybe you found your way here through a friend, Instagram, or a late-night Google spiral – all valid). Either way, I’m really glad you’re here.

Letter & Lyse is my modern calligraphy, engraving, and live-event artistry studio based in La Grange, Illinois, serving wedding clients, brands, event hosts, and thoughtful gifters throughout Chicago and beyond. Through this blog, I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes looks at projects and events, thoughts on creativity and presence, insights from the wedding and events world, collaborations I’m proud of, and the occasional reflection on why small, intentional details can make people feel seen.

Because often it’s the quiet moments that stay with us.

A name written gorgeously in real time, by a skilled artist. Guests slowing down and gathering to watch. An on-brand product personalized just for them, before their eyes.

Live calligraphy isn’t just pretty writing. It’s a presence enhancing moment. One that transforms ordinary items into meaningful keepsakes and turns events into experiences people remember.

But before I dive into all of that, I figured it made sense to start with how I got here.

How This All Started

I’ve always been pulled toward creative expression, and have had a love for writing, drawing, music, and dancing since childhood. Even before Letter & Lyse had a name, I was always passionate about how words, lyrics, and really self expression of any form – felt.

In 2018, a dear friend asked me to address her wedding invitation envelopes, and that’s when my calligraphy journey began. What started as curiosity and a creative outlet quickly turned into a passion, then a side business, which I now run full-time. I found myself completely absorbed in the slow, intentional nature of hand lettering – how it required presence, patience, and care in a world that moves increasingly fast.

At the same time, I was working in client services roles across a few different industries, learning how to anticipate needs, communicate clearly, and create calm within chaos. Without realizing it, I was building the exact skill set that would later become the backbone of my business.

From Hobby to Heart Work

As requests started coming in – first from friends, then friends of friends, then people I didn’t know at all – Letter & Lyse slowly took shape. What began as “I can make that for you” grew into something much more intentional.

Today, I live in La Grange, IL with my husband and two sons, and run Letter & Lyse from my home studio. I specializes in live event calligraphy & engraving, wedding day-of signage, and in-studio commissions, creating personalized details designed to enhance presence, create connection and unforgettable guest experiences. I am also a calligraphy instructor with Sip & Script, helping spread the art of modern calligraphy through fun, laid-back classes at local venues across Chicagoland.

Whether it’s a couple seeing their names beautifully written for the first time on their wedding day, a guest watching their keepsake come to life in real time at an event, or someone gifting a hand-lettered or engraved piece to mark a meaningful milestone — the magic lives in that pause. That presence.

More Than Pretty Writing

If there’s one thing I hope people understand about my work, it’s that this is about more than calligraphy. It’s about connection. About making people feel considered, cared for, and celebrated through thoughtful design and a seamless, supportive process.

I often say I’m not just your artist: I’m your creative partner, your visual translator, and your behind-the-scenes calm. The art matters, of course. But so does how it’s delivered, how it feels to work together, and how supported you feel along the way.

Why This Blog Exists

This blog is an extension of all of that. A place to share stories, ideas, inspiration, and the realities of building a creative business rooted in heart, intention, and people-first values.

If you’re a couple planning a wedding, a brand dreaming up an event, a fellow creative, or someone who just appreciates beautiful details and meaningful moments, I hope you find something here that resonates.

Your Turn

If you’re an artist, business owner, or someone in the middle of figuring it all out – I’d love to hear your story. How did you start? What pulled you toward what you do now?

Stick around, explore the site, and thanks for being here at the beginning of this new chapter. 🤍

— Elyse