Welcome back to another edition of Cocktails with Calluna! We love using this series as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible creatives and industry partners who help bring our clients’ celebrations to life. This month, we’re catching up with Mikayla of Montana Paper Co., to chat about her creative process, what inspires her work, and a few fun things beyond the world of stationery.
Tell us a little more about yourself and Montana Paper Co.?
“I’m Mikayla, the owner and designer behind Montana Paper Co., a luxury wedding stationery studio creating custom paper goods for celebrations around the world!
I spent my childhood following my dad’s career with the National Park Service, growing up surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. I think that’s why I’m so drawn to the magic of nature – I am so enchanted by a secret garden tucked away in the middle of a city, the iridescence of a butterfly’s wing, or the gold veins of aspen trickle down mountains and makes me want to curl up with a cup of tea in an oversized mug!
Every suite I design starts from scratch. I love combining timeless typography with vintage illustrations, thoughtful craftsmanship, and little unexpected details that make each project feel deeply personal. My hope is always that the stationery becomes part of the experience, that my client’s guests begin to feel the story of the wedding long before they ever arrive.”
Photo Credits: Logan Cole Photography
What is your favorite part of the design process?
“The beginning! I’m a researcher, so I love disappearing into museum archives, antique books, old maps, historic photographs, and learning everything I can about a venue and its history. I’m always looking for tiny and unexpected connections between a couple’s story and the paper world we’re creating around their celebration.Once that concept clicks into place, the design flows out of me!”
Photo Credits: Jess Leigh Photography
What trends are you seeing right now that you love?
“What excites me most right now is seeing people embrace craftsmanship again!! Whether it’s in interiors, fashion, or paper, there’s such a renewed appreciation for the handmade!! The influence of the Arts and Crafts movement is everywhere right now letterpress, hand-painted artwork, natural materials, beautiful textiles, and objects that feel curated rather than mass-produced.
In an era where so much can be created with technology and AI, I think people are craving things that feel very human. There’s something so special about seeing the impression of a letterpress plate or knowing an illustration was painted by hand, and I love that couples are valuing those details more than ever!”
Photo Credits: Paula B Photography
Where do you find your inspiration?
“Before starting Montana Paper Co., I studied and worked in architecture and interior design, designing everything from homes to hospitality spaces and commercial projects. That background still shapes the way I design stationery today. One of the first things I ask clients to send me isn’t invitations they like – it’s interiors they love! Those images tell me so much more about how they want their wedding to feel than someone else’s invitation ever could. I also love old illustrations, travel, and architecture. I think some of the most interesting ideas come from looking well beyond the wedding industry.”
Photo Credits: Nathan George
How far in advance do you recommend couples inquire and begin the custom stationery process?
“I recommend at least a year – the kind of work we create is slow. Custom artwork, hand-painted illustrations, letterpress plates, specialty papers, and artisan printing techniques all take time. Many of our invitations are printed one sheet at a time, and that’s exactly what makes them so gorgeous.
Starting early allows us to enjoy the creative process without rushing and gives couples the opportunity to create something truly one of a kind.”
Photo Credits: Nathan George
What’s the best advice you’d give your younger self?
“I would tell my younger self that a life in the arts is absolutely possible!!
I started college as a history major planning to go to law school, and I think there’s so much pressure to choose the “practical” career, but I’ve learned that if you’re passionate about something and willing to work incredibly hard, you really can build a wonderful life doing what you love! I get to paint birds for a living – younger me wouldn’t believe it!”
Photo Credits: Caroline Robert Photography
Give us a glimpse into life outside of work!
“If I’m not in the studio, I’m probably planning my next trip with my husband! Travel is one of my biggest sources of inspiration, and I almost always come home with a notebook full of ideas. I also love painting just for myself, wandering through antique stores, and spending way too much time thinking about historic and iconic hotels. And I have two very spoiled cats, who are convinced they’re official employees of Montana Paper Co. A surprising amount of my day is spent rescuing ribbon and tassels from tiny paws.”
What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you loving to drink currently?!
A special thank you to Mikayla for sharing more about the creative heart behind Montana Paper Co.! Be sure to check out Montana Paper Co. HERE to explore more of her beautiful work + more.
