Valley Wed Vendor Spotlight: Tiffany Hilton

9/20/2016

Meet our vendors and find out why we're not your average wedding expo.

Valley Wed is a unique wedding show offering couples a handpicked selection of exceptional wedding pros in Western Mass. It's designed especially for couples that want to go their own way, but they don’t want to go it alone.

Meet Tiffany of Tiffany Hilton Pottery, co-creator of Valley Wed
and maker of beautiful handmade pottery and dinnerware.

When did you start your business?

I started in 2005, working part-time as a potter and part-time as a librarian. In January of 2015 I made the leap into being completely self-employed. Making a living as a potter is no easy task - but I am positive that it is exactly what I am meant to do!

What is your very favorite part of your job?

My absolute favorite part is trimming a bowl or plate and taking pride in my craftsmanship. I enjoy envisioning that pot in another persons hands, knowing it has the potential to bring joy to others - knowing it will go out into the world and be part of someone's life. When working directly with a couple on their wedding registry I get to make pots specifically for people, in the shapes and glazes that they have chosen. It's a very rewarding experience.

Another favorite part of the registry process is when a couple is first deciding on what size dishes and bowls they may want and how many they might need. While they may perhaps be in a small apartment at the time of my asking, I prompt them to envision their lives three years from now, perhaps hosting their first Thanksgiving or a big pot luck celebration. This may be the first time they have ever thought about that and it's fun to see their faces light up as they visualize their future together...sharing meals with family and friends and using handmade dishes that they got years ago from a little potter in a big studio in Northampton, MA.

Charley Freiberg Photography

What do you want couples to know about you and your business?

When meeting with a couple to discuss a handmade wedding registry, I want them to leave my studio knowing that I have ten years of experience doing gift registries and that each and every piece of pottery is handmade with lots of love. I want them to trust that I am running a successful, professional studio and that their pottery will be well crafted with food safe, durable glazes they will use for decades to come.

What's the best compliment you could hear about your work?

My clients often tell me how much they love eating from their handmade pottery every day. The best is when a family member calls me to say they had dinner at so and so's house and just loved all the pottery - and can they add to their collection for a holiday or anniversary gift?! Repeat customers and recommendations are the best compliment!

Clients often send me notes after their wedding and they say it best: “We are so glad we chose to have our wedding gift registry with Tiffany. First, because it was important to us to have locally hand-made gifts and because we are so impressed with Tiffany’s beautiful pottery. Second, because the personal touches Tiffany included as part of the registry service created human connection and community around the gift giving and wedding celebration. And finally, because now, everyday we eat dinner and drink coffee and share meals with friends and family around this love-filled pottery, each piece with it’s own story. It’s really special to us and we are grateful to the potter and the gift-givers alike!” – Meg & Joey

John Polak Photography

Can you share one true gem of advice for couples?

I think people are really craving human connection these days. Eye contact, hand holding...the gift of being present. The addition of meaningful, handmade objects into your life and home can change how you share meals and time with friends and family. Don't be in a hurry, enjoy your tea or coffee - and make time to be present with those you love.