Something I love about being a wedding photographer is the community Randy and I have built with our ADS brides and ADS grooms. The first wedding that Randy and I ever shot together – really, the start of the ADS weddings family – was with Cory and Cheryl. It was THAT wedding that made us realize that weddings were more than just a one-day celebration … being a wedding photographer is about really being part of their lives, going to Christmas parties (I still rock my Santa Snuggie, thank you Cory!) and grabbing beers together. Their wedding was mostly DIY and I remember telling Cheryl she should open up her own business, because I just knew that brides all over would LOVE Cheryl’s style.
Annnd – I’m thrilled to share that Cheryl DID open up her own Etsy shop, called Nostaglic Revivals. Cheryl is taking over the blog today, talking about her business and how creating a personalized gift is quick, easy and something your bridesmaids/friends/family/everyone will LOVE. Without further adieu, take it away, Cheryl!!
Looking back to all planning and celebrations leading up to the big day I would have been lost without my best girlfriends standing by my side. The ones you have laughed with and cried to, you know… the ones who have seen you and your future Mr.’s relationship develop. The ones who knew he was “the One” before you both knew it!
How do you thank them?
They have been your rocks and even told you that all that matters on the big day “is the man standing at the end of that long walk” (you know the one, where everyone you know is staring at you and the most important person is the one staring right back at you!).
How do you thank them, keep it classy, unique and stay within some sort of a budget?
There are countless gifts you can create or even give, that they will ACUTALLY use down the road. I know some people struggle with being crafty and that’s ok … here’s my tip!
For our wedding, all of us ladies got to stay at a farm house at the venue, the night before. All I could think of was the next morning. … All of us ladies sipping on mimosas, girl talk, getting our makeup and hair done. What could I give them to remind them what they meant to me and to thank them?!
I actually turned to Etsy: a crafters dream, and those who are less crafty go to have someone create for them! I got them all robes with their names on them. I also found some wood hangars and added their name. I even made their jewelry they wore on the wedding day. I have always been the “crafty” person and I know this talent has been handed down from my mother, and from her mother. We both love to sew and even love to figure out how to make gifts fun.
Our wedding had tons of DIY items right down to the horseshoe and table card attached to them. To this day we still have people telling us it was one of the only wedding gifts they actually kept and use.
I decided to take this talent and spread my joy of crafting and creating for others after our wedding. I opened an Etsy shop, after watching my mother’s success on there since 2009 (Mrs. Dale owns Sunset Dreams on Etsy). She makes bags, totes, diaper bags and even zipper couches (we can personalize them).
My success has been amazing so far and I have been loving it! It’s crazy to think back that because of the wedding planning, DIY items and the gifts for our bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers, my crafting love would turn into a small business for me. Currently my joy is sewing pillows. My most favorite are the Mr. & Mrs. Pillows and the quote pillows. I even made my hubby one and it sits on a chair in our bedroom. I can honestly say this quote tugs at my heart string every time I read it… “grow old along with me, for the best is yet to be”. Sure is… and I can’t wait to see where our lives takes us.
I think making items personalized makes people feel special.
You can buy gifts just about anywhere, but to add a name, a date or even a moment in time, makes it just that much more special!
I am hoping to expand beyond the pillows and soon offer personalization of hangars, tumblers, and even koozies for weddings (maybe baby onesies-ha!). If you have anything in mind, I would LOVE to help create that special gift to give to those who have been by your side and your soon to be Mr.!
Let’s create that gift for those you want to thank for making your life and days leading up to your wedding day special for them too!
I’m so proud of Cheryl and her new business … and I know some of you guys would LOVE to incorporate some of Cheryl’s cute goodies into your wedding (and your home!), and she is offering a 15% discount coupon code JUST for you guys. Use the code:
ADSBRIDES
And you save 15% off your purchase, good between 9/17 and 9/20!! 🙂
Took a look at her shop- absolutely LOVELY personalized gifts!
Her pillows are lovely! It’s amazing what you learn about yourself through planning your wedding.