Ascenders and descenders, flourishes and counters. Words that are foreign to us are everyday vernacular to Val Cole, Nashville’s go-to calligrapher. Whether it’s a traditional script for a wedding or a modern technique for a fundraiser, Val’s handwriting has added a refined touch to innumerable events for more than 20 years. A project in the sixth grade at Harpeth Hall sparked her interest in the art, and what began as a hobby blossomed into a full-time career. Her clients went from family and friends to the Swan Ball in no time. In addition to the white-tie gala, she made invitations, place cards and other pieces for the Ballet Ball, Frist Gala, Sunday in the Park, Conservancy Gala and Symphony Ball — to name but a few of her 2017 projects. When she's not mixing inks for events, Val is custom-blending colors at her other full-time job, Daniel Cole Collection, the exclusive cosmetics line she founded with her late mother, making her a one-stop resource for brides. Val put down her pen to answer a few questions for us.
Name: Valorie Ward Cole
Profession: Owner, Daniel Cole Collection; Owner, Valorie Cole Calligraphy
Hometown: Born in Memphis but moved to Nashville at 4
Zip code: 37205
Years in Nashville: All my life less eight years in Washington, D.C., and one in Paris
Number of pens owned: About 200 Nibs? 5,000
What's your favorite font? The one that enhances the invitation the best! But I do love a simple script with an elegant flourish.
How much time does it take to prepare Swan Ball invitations? I like to have eight weeks, [but it] doesn’t always work out that way.
What's the most interesting project you've worked on? The backdrop for a photo booth, but I love the nonprofits because I get to do something different each year!
If you were throwing a last-minute dinner party, who would you call? My husband [Curt Cole]
What's your favorite restaurant for dinner? Firefly Grille Lunch? Firefly Grille and The Picnic
What's the best place for cocktails? Firefly, again (because I married my favorite bartender!)
What's your favorite coffee shop? Dose for coffee and pastries; The Well to visit with a friend
What's the best shop for buying a gift? It depends on who the gift is for, but typically stationary personalized in calligraphy
What are you currently reading? Just finished Cooking for Picasso. A friend gave it to me because it combines all my favorite things: France, French food, art and a bit of romance.
What's your favorite locally made product? Custom lipstick at Daniel Cole Collection
Where do you like to go for a quiet getaway? Seagrove Beach
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would be? I’m pretty happy in my own skin — just wish there was less of it! I learned a long time ago, there will always be someone prettier, smarter, skinnier and richer than me, so I had to try to make the most of what I have.
What was your first job? A tour guide at the Country Music Hall of Fame
What is your favorite local event? I like many, but one of my favorites is Sunday in the Park because it combines elegance with the outdoors.
If you had $1 million to donate to a local nonprofit, who would you give it to? I’m passionate about programs that promote learning foreign languages and living in different environments, experiencing other cultures. I’d like to donate to several programs throughout the city, to both public and private, to send kids of all economic backgrounds to have the experience of learning that we are all really not that different! Education promotes tolerance in every situation.
What is one thing you'd like to cross off your bucket list? Living in a different country at least one month every year ... and my family coming to visit!
What is one luxury you can't live without? A bubble bath
When you have out-of-town guests visiting, where do you love taking them? Bars on Lower Broad and The Bluebird and Cheekwood, showcasing all the facets of Nashville!
Where is the best place in town to bike, hike or picnic? Warner Parks
What is your biggest pet peeve? Chewing gum in all ways — but specifically smacking it
What is the trait you admire most in others? Integrity
As a kid, who did you always want to be?That Girl, Marlo Thomas' character
Who is the person who has influenced your life the most? My grandmother Nanny. She encouraged me to do anything I wanted. She always said, “Be careful what you wish for, for surely you shall have it!”
What is currently in heavy rotation on your iTunes or car stereo? Carole King is always a good choice.
What is your all-time favorite movie? Love Actually
What is your favorite place to get dessert? Dessert Designs for cream cheese cake and white icing and Anne’s Cakes for coconut cake
What do you hope never changes about Nashville? That we continue to have no state income tax!
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