Meet Retro Press

Kate, Lauren & Lewi

The trio behind the stationery, all handmade in the Cotswolds

The what

Our ethos is to deliver above & beyond your expectations

Here at Retro Press we aim to create, design, print and produce stationery that’s truly unique and bespoke to you.

From wedding suites, to business stationery and event invitations we cover a broad spectrum of clientele and style.

The who

Kate & Lauren; the faces behind Retro Press

Both graduates in graphic design and art, we share the same foundation and understanding about good design and how to apply this.

Kate founded Retro Press, building a name for herself in the Cotswolds and Lauren joined 4 years later.

Retro Press started as a letterpress led studio until a close friend asked Kate if she could apply her skill to wedding invitations & well, the rest is history.

Laurens presence and literal extra pair of hands shifted the way the company worked and helped form what we are today.

The team

Who we are & what we're all about

Kate

She/her

Hey, I’m Kate, the designer & printer at Retro Press.

Here’s a few fun facts about me:

I’m half Greek, half English, but I can’t say I’ve ever smashed a plate (intentionally).
I have a passion for cooking and spend my life buying recipe books that I never read!
After being scouted at the age of 14, I played football for Bristol City Academy.

How Lauren would describe me: Kate is a one off, a true Aquarius; independent, unique and smart. But she’s also incredibly generous, fiercely loyal and wonderfully, wildly creative. Kate’s a work hard play hard kinda gal, she is unequivocally devoted to Retro Press, nothing will leave the studio that’s not totally perfect.

Founder & Designer

Lauren

She/her

Hi, I’m Lauren, the production & enquiries gal.

Here’s a few fun facts about me:

I’m a Glaswegian through and through, but sound totally English (I can switch it on instantly though)
I swallowed a battery when I was 5… on Christmas eve.
In 7 years, I’ve only cooked for Kate twice; the last time, I passed out on the kitchen floor.

How Kate would describe me: Call me bias, but Lauren has got to be the most loving, generous, caring person I know. She thinks about all the small details in all aspects of life, not just here in the studio; from present buying to random acts of kindness, Lauren will always be there to support, care and lift up her family & friends.

ILLUSTRATOR & COMMUNICATIONS

Lewi

Dog

Hello, I’m Lewi, the naughtiest member of Retro Press team.

Here’s a few fun facts about me:

My favourite food is a McChicken Nugget, but they make me a bit hyper.
I was supposed to be a miniature, turns out I’m massive. Like really big.
I have one trick, say ‘kisses kisses’ … and well, I’ll do just that.

How Kate & Lauren would describe me: Lewi’s loud, strong willed, stubborn and has extremely selective hearing. He’s also incredibly intelligent, totally devoted to us, extremely protective and overwhelmingly loving. We’re convinced he knows exactly what we’re saying and of course think he’s insanely handsome.

Quality Control

The why

Bespoke stationery that makes a big impact

When we entered the world of the wedding industry we realised quickly that stationery was often just functional and not beautiful.

It was informative and necessary, but visually it was easily overlooked in terms of its importance for setting the tone.

Form and function was essential, but style and substance in design and finish was imperative.

What our couples have to say

We love to hear your feedback

Exceptional customer service is as important to us as the quality of the finished product.

"Just wanted to say a MASSIVE thank you for all the INCREDIBLE stationary we had at the wedding! You guys literally took my vision and made it a reality and everyone was complimenting it all day! The table plan, the weekend packs, the menus, the order or services it was honestly so beautiful to look at! "

Gemma & Will

Midlands

"Kate and Lauren have been PHENOMENAL throughout our engagement and subsequent wedding planning - supportive and encouraging, with no query too small or silly. Their designs are beautiful and their work just outstanding. They are absolutely fantastic at what they do, and wonderful people to work with. "

Imogen & Craig

The Cotswolds

"All of our beautiful stationary was just absolute perfection - every single detail. Our entire day was everything we had dreamt of and more and I hope you know how happy we are that you played a part in making it so perfect!"

Lauren & Matt

Buckinghamshire

The Cotswolds

Wedding capital of the UK

Retro Press began in Cheltenham, the thriving spa town in the heart of the Cotswolds. In a bid to gain more space and flexibility we’re now located just a short drive away from Broadway.

It’s here in Broadway that we love to meet our clients over coffee and talk about all things samples and inspiration for your stationery. We’re based at home, so any excuse to get out really!

The who for

We’re ‘the door's always open’ kinda people

We’d like to think in our 12 years as Retro Press that we’ve worked with an array of different people and businesses.

No two couples we’ve ever worked with are the same; same in approach, in design preference, finishes… It’s a new brief every time. The product requirement is the same, but to date, we’ve never recreated the same thing twice.

The planet

Keeping our carbon footprint to a minimum

Being in the stationery sector means we need to make sure that our choices and recycling practices are appropriate. We try to be as environmentally friendly and eco conscious as possible.

Paper

The main concern when it comes to paper is where the wood is sourced.

All papers we use here at Retro Press are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC-C014189).

Hot Foil

We partnered up with Foil Co, and have entered into their ZeroFoil2Landfill scheme.

ZeroFoil2Landfill is a scheme in which they convert any foil waste into SRF, a replacement for fossil fuels.

Plastics

Elements of our packaging do involve plastics like bubble wrap for example.

However, we only use bubble wrap that we receive or collect from other deliveries.

Heard enough

Feel like you’re sold on the Retro Press team?

If you think our personalities are a perfect match and we’re the stationers for you, then get in touch