Bring literary elegance and vintage charm to your wedding reception
Nathan McWhitney (poet, artist, scholar) writes custom (bespoke) poetry for your guests on a vintage typewriter based on the topics they offer and the conversations that unfold.
During cocktail hour and the reception, guests love to gather around his aesthetic desk, chat with one another, and take photos, while he writes.
When reading their personalized poem, guests often laugh, or cry (in a good way).
Nathan holds a master's degree in literature from USC and has been writing poetry and other genres for 20 years. He is a natural collaborator and will curate his attire, table design, and literary themes to compliment your special day.
Nathan has a beautiful gift and created the most sincere poems for our wedding guests. He is personable and genuine conversationalist. He worked through out the night to make sure each guest had a poem. His set up was so cute and fit in perfect with our set up. Working with Nathan was easy and quick. He made the process super easy and simple!
- Nancy (Via Wedding Wire)
Book or Partner with McWhitney's
In just the past six months, McWhitney's has worked with notable San Diego organizations such as the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, Business for Good San Diego, and Creative Mornings.
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Bring McWhitney's bespoke typewriter poetry to your event or organization.
Public Arts and Dialogue
Much of the literary work that Nathan does is out in public places throughout San Diego. Here in public, he asks only for modest donations (sometimes nothing), and this enables people from all walks of life to access his art. He also donates much of his teaching and scholarship labor to non-profit settings. To keep this lively work going, he would love your support (Note: You can get cool merch and custom poetry)
I met Nathan by chance and left with something I’ll keep forever. We only spoke for a few minutes, but from that brief conversation he created a poem that felt deeply thoughtful, personal, and honestly a little bit magical. It wasn’t just the poem (which was perfect for me). It was the rare, genuinely human experience of connecting with a stranger—and somehow leaving with something that felt like a new friend.
- Meg Jenkins (met on the Oceanside Pier)
Literary Education and Workshops
The philosopher Plutarch held that "The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled." Part of the work of McWhitney's Poetry Service is to inspire literary learning outside of the setting of the conventional classroom.
Since concluding his teaching assistantship at USC in the Spring of 2025, Nathan has taught haiku at the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, facilitated a "Dinosaur Poetry and Stories" session for kids (see photo gallery of him dressed in a Dino cape), and held countless literature and philosophy discussions with folks of all ages in the open air of Balboa Park.
He is excited to work with you and your institution to design a one-of-a-kind learning experience.