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One of the things I love about commissioning art for your wedding is that is becomes decor you can display in your home after your wedding. There’s so much waste involved in weddings, why not choose mindful decorations that can be used and enjoyed for decades!? Today, I’m sharing the custom wedding art by Samantha Louise Designs with you all. Her thoughts about intentionally selecting pieces for the wedding and the home are fantastic!
When I asked Sam about how she got started with art, she told me the loveliest story of her journey:
“Creativity has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up in an artistic family and went to a small liberal arts school in Atlanta from pre-K through graduation. The arts were a heavy influence in my education and I can still remember learning about Picasso from my elementary school art teacher. I am really fortunate to have grown up surrounded by so many creative and inspiring people. My parents always had music playing in our house and my Mom forever made sure our craft closet stayed stocked. My Dad is a really talented musician (keys & sax mostly but he can play everything) and my Mom is an insane artist and landscape designer. They are my biggest fans and best influences.
I have always been fascinated with hand lettering and started doing calligraphy seriously a few years ago. Calligraphy led me to watercolors which opened up a whole new world for me. I started checking out other types of paint and becoming really aware and attracted to abstract art. I wish I could remember the exact piece I was looking at when I decided, “I have to do that” but I remember getting the itch in a big way. I started experimenting and spending a lot of time at my local art supply store. I asked a ton of questions, absorbed all of the knowledge I could and just let myself have the freedom to play. Eventually, a style and rhythm started to develop and I was hooked.”
One of the things I always love to learn is how artists are inspired. For me, it’s through TV (lighting/cinematography), architecture, fashion, and light. For Sam, music heavily influences and inspires her work:
“I get the most inspiration from my surroundings and music. I can’t do anything with music. I find a lot of parallels with the melodies & beats and the way that I work. There is a flow, progressions, highs and lows, and a beautiful harmony I’m always searching for when I’m painting. I am all over the map with my music taste and will go from listening to TV on the Radio to Beyonce to Led Zeppelin in one sitting. I love discovering new music and am forever nerding out on Spotify.
I work in a lot of layers, so in between drying time I like to get outside and take in beautiful San Diego. I have lived here for 3 years and still walk around wide-eyed like a kid in a candy store that I get to live in this insane paradise. People and relationships inspire me too. I love being able to connect with clients and draw inspiration from their personalities and environment.”
Sam totally agrees with me about the value of turning wedding into home decor, adding “It makes so much more sense to invest in your wedding and really consider what is happening with your decor post-wedding. I always encourage my couples to reduce their wedding waste and skip the unnecessary clutter that they feel obligated to buy.
It’s easy to get caught up in the designing and planning and want to stockpile every blush thing you see, but being strategic about what you are using your decor budget on is key! Investing in your wedding with items you can enjoy much longer than one day and incorporate into your new married life is the way to go.“
On her most commonly ordered pieces by couples, Sam says, “Abstract painted backdrops have been my most popular wedding pieces. It’s really refreshing to see so many brides moving away from recreating something they have seen on Pinterest or Instagram and focusing on more custom elements that are unique to them and their special day. The abstract backdrops can be cut and stretched to any custom size post-wedding for you and/or your loved ones to hang in your home.
I’ve even had a bride that got a larger backdrop and ended up giving a finished & stretched piece to everyone in their bridal party. It’s a great way for people to keep a piece of that big day with them and have a pleasant reminder of their wedding day.”
“Your art can be used all throughout your home post-wedding! Most of my brides end up using their pieces in an area they spend a lot of time in so that they can enjoy it the most. Pieces that hang above your fireplace, in the kitchen, above your bed – those types of areas are great.
I try to encourage most of my calligraphy clients to use quotes, or cheeky phrases for signage so those pieces can also become a part of your decor. Bar signs with quotes like, “Cheers my dears” are great for styling a fun bar cart or cocktail area in your home.”
Asking Sam how couples can find her, she says, “Send me an email at hello@
