An eye for good design and classic lettering goes back to Bethany Joy Thames’ childhood, when she played with her mother’s angled calligraphy pens and began crafting a skill that would eventually lead her to launch Joy Unscripted – a business dedicated to hand-lettering for weddings and special events.

Specializing in lettering that is perfect for invitations, signage, place cards, programs, and more, Bethany uses her lifelong skill to add a unique flair to ceremonies and receptions.

“I really enjoy providing special details for brides,” says Bethany. “Nothing makes me happier than seeing a bride or client who is thrilled with the piece I created for them.”

Through Joy Unscripted, Bethany provides a large variety of pieces for clients, including beautifully-scripted invitation suites and hand-addressed ‘Thank You’ cards. But her favorite thing to do for brides to make their special day unique?

“I adore making chalkboard signage,” she says. “Anything from welcome signs to seating charts – they add the perfect touch to a ceremony or reception and the medium is challenging yet fun to work with.”

Bethany opened Joy Unscripted in April 2016 after attending the Modern Calligraphy Summit and learning new techniques which honed her hobby into a skill that she now uses professionally. As a small business owner in the Asheville community, Bethany dedicates personality, individualism, and creative personalization to her work, which is recognized by all of her clients. With a background and degree in engineering, Bethany is able to bring a flair and professional edge to her work that makes her hand-lettered signage and invitations look clean and professional while maintaining artistic integrity.

“I love being able to contribute hand-made details for brides based on the dreams they have in their head. It’s a fun creative challenge together seemingly small details from comments made throughout our conversations… including things they may not even remember having expressed is always a great surprise! – Bethany”

Bethany’s ideal clients are those looking for a way to express an inner thought or message in a beautiful presentation. Whether that is a business logo or website for a new entrepreneurial venture, or custom invitation suites for a wedding or other event, Bethany loves getting to know clients a little more than just a digital “tell me what you want” so that she can capture elements of their personality and style into her work.

In addition to generously sharing her finished products with the world, Bethany also recently began teaching hand-lettering classes for those interested in learning the craft themselves. She provides all of the materials for her fun and exciting classes, including handmade specialized workbooks. Attendees come empty-handed ready to learn, and leave with a wealth of knowledge, resources and a new skill! Workshop offerings include:

·       Hand Lettering (typically 3 hours): how to hold brush pens, basic strokes, letter formation, faux calligraphy tricks, intro to flourishing.

·       Pointed Pen (typically 3-4 hours): how to use straight/oblique holders, nib prepping, basic strokes/drills, letter formation, intro to flourishing.

·       Chalkboard (typically 2-3 hours): seasoning a chalkboard, letter practice, layout tips and tricks, banners/florals, final inked in chalkboard.

·       Coming soon: intermediate hand lettering.

For more information on these courses, which are typically held at the Engaged Asheville studio, visit or follow Joy Unscripted via any of the links below. Upon the opening of Chestnut Ridge, classes will be available at the venue for those who have an interest in learning, or as a fun social event for bridal parties.

Bethany is excited to partner with Chestnut Ridge to provide hand-lettered signage and other custom materials for brides. Joy Unscripted and Chestnut Ridge have the same eye for detail and class, and partnering will allow them to create the perfect outcome for the big day.

“As the owner of Chestnut Ridge, Taylor has a stunning eye for style and is great about suggesting services for brides that she knows will add value or that extra special touch to their event,” Bethany says. “I believe Joy Unscripted is one of those services and I look forward to being a part of many weddings at Chestnut Ridge.”

Check out more of Bethany’s gorgeous work here, or follow along on social media: Facebook or Instagram. To book Joy Unscripted’s services, contact Bethany at bethany@joyunscripted.com or fill out a contact form on the Contact page of her website.

Background image by Anastasiia Photography