|
We're still smiling from an amazing 2016 show which was hosted at Quonquont Farm on October 16. This year's show was even more beautiful than our inaugural event and, with the additional of the tented patio, included ten more of the best established and emerging Western Massachusetts wedding pros. Couples have been telling us, "We had so much fun at the show," "We loved meeting all the local vendors," and, "Thank you so much for the curated selection at Valley Wed!" If you missed this year's show, you can still find our vendors here...and there's always next year! We hope you enjoy these highlights. Photos were generously offered by Sandra Costello Photography.   A perfect fall day in New England.  Tanya Costigan Events did an incredible job designing the entryway decor including all the flowers, props and chalkboard calligraphy.  Mainely Drafts Horse and Carriage offered complimentary horse and carriage rides, always a show favorite. Attendees enjoyed the delights of the season.  Live music filled the barn all afternoon from Classic Wedding Ensembles, Claire Dacey of Simple Gifts Event Music and Annika Amstutz and Daniel Plane.  Rob Alberti's Event Services added the perfect lighting accents for the barn.  Big Wheel Press offered custom wine tag hangers with their traditional letterpress!  Rev. Hannah Grace of Grace Ceremonies and Coordinator of Valley Wed. Thanks to all our vendors for being a part of the show, and to everyone who came out on Sunday to meet us. Happy wedding planning!
0 Comments
Show signs by Reclaimed Crafts
We are SO excited for this year's Valley Wed coming up on Sunday, October 16 at Quonquont Farm. Last year's event was a huge success and this show is shaping up to be even better. Tell us more, you ask? Okay! Here's the rundown:
Drinks, Snacks & Live Music
Dean's Beans Organic Coffee with have free coffee brewing all afternoon and the bartenders at Quonquont will be standing by with your choice of cocktails, craft beers and wines by the glass. We'll have snacks on hand and our bakers and caterers will have delicious samples for you to enjoy as well.
Classic Wedding Ensembles at Valley Wed
We've also lined up live music all afternoon from Classic Wedding Ensembles,
Claire Dacey of Simple Gifts Event Music and Daniel Plane with Annika Amstutz of The Rambling Kind. Apple Picking & Carriage Rides
Mainely Drafts Horse and Carriage will offer complimentary carriage rides drawn by their majestic Belgian and Percheron horses from 12-3pm. This was a huge hit last year…it’s definitely not to be missed! Round out your afternoon by visiting the farm stand or picking apples at Quonquont's gorgeous orchard.
Mainely Drafts at Valley Wed
Grand Prize Giveaway
dmg {Don Muller Gallery, Inc} is again offering our grand prize giveaway of a
$500 gift certificate toward the purchase of two wedding bands! Second Prize Giveaway
Pinch is offering our second prize giveaway this year of a
$250 gift certificate for the gallery in Northampton! More Great Giveaways
Celia Grace is offering one winner a $200 gift certificate
toward one of their fair trade, eco-friendly wedding gowns. 
Cakes by Amanda is giving away a free Bridal Shower Cake/Cupcakes for 50!
Someone will walk away with a $50 gift card from Lefty's Brewing Company!
Who will find the Golden Ticket? Get this $50 gift certificate
(and a chocolate bar) from Jackson & Connor! 
More Door Prizes and Discounts
Weehah is adding one of these greeting cards to our gift bags,
PLUS offering 10% off custom wedding stationery orders! 
Megan Barber Ceremonies is offering one couple a free session of
transition coaching during the marriage year! 
Someone will take home this Love & Perry Photography and Films
logo set of 4 beer pint glasses with 4 coasters in a matching gift bag! 
And last but certainly not least, Big Wheel Press will offer couples a glittery
wine tag hanger with your names printed by traditional letterpress! And, thanks to...
We also have to mention these amazing wedding pros for their behind-the-scenes work on the show: Rob Alberti's Event Services for lighting accents, Tanya Costigan Events for designing this year's entryway and Sandra Costello Photography for documenting the show highlights. Thank you all!
Thanks to Hilltown Tents for providing the patio tent and rentals for the show!
Thank you to our sponsors, The Republican and Masslive.com,
The Wedding Day Sourcebook (who you'll meet at the show!), The Daily Hampshire Gazette, The Valley Advocate and WRSI The River. And thanks to our favorite printers, Collective Copies. 
And finally, thank you to Quonquont Farm.
The show would not be possible without your enthusiasm and support! 
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.
Chattman Photography
Meet Rev. Hannah Grace, an ordained Interfaith minister. Hannah is the owner of Grace Ceremonies and the co-creator and coordinator of Valley Wed.
When did you start your business?
I “officially” launched Grace Ceremonies on January 1, 2012. I wouldn’t be ordained as an Interfaith minister until that July but I was clear about my path and had been officiating weddings and other ceremonies since 2010.
Hannah with some of her seminary cohort
Why do you do what you do?
My middle name is Grace. My first name, Hannah, means “Grace of God” in Hebrew. The week before entering seminary I got two tattoos: on the inside of my left wrist, facing toward me, the word “grace” written in fluid script. On the inside of my right wrist, the same word facing out.
I knew this loop – sharing grace – was a big part of my calling and the reason I became a minister. From its Latin roots, to minister is literally to serve. I do what I do because creating and officiating custom ceremonies allows me to feel connected to the flow of grace – receiving and giving – and feels like a meaningful and much needed service to others.
What is your very, very favorite part of your job?
Very, very as in one thing?? That’s too hard. But okay. My very, very favorite part is after all the meetings, phone calls, emails, discussions, reviews, reminders, tips and advice that go into creating a one-of-a-kind ceremony, I love the actual officiating…partaking in the magic of the moment…seeing all the work come to fruition…witnessing people respond and be affected by the ceremony…
It’s goose bumps every time. It’s total magic. I am so lucky. 
Richard Getler Photography
(Also, I just have to add that I love being an entrepreneur and small-business owner. I cherish the ability to grow and change my business and take it in new directions, and the flexibility is perfect for the mother of a two and a half year old!)
Hannah officiating a family wedding in California
After your first meeting with a new client, what do you want them to leave knowing about you?
I want them to know my work is truly a calling for me. Being a minister and serving people through these ceremonies really is my life’s purpose. I’m still going to be doing it when I’m 80. I’m pretty sure it’s never going to make me rich but it makes me very, very happy.
K. Lenox Photography
What makes you different from other officiants?
Based on the feedback I hear from other vendors, and from my clients and guests at a ceremony, many comment on my calm, peaceful presence. I consider my “energy” to be a huge part of what I offer people as an officiant, helping keep them grounded, in-the-moment and openhearted.
b.lovely photography
I also care deeply and feel deeply. A ceremony for me is never just reading words from a script. My eyes fill up with tears. My voice breaks. I belly laugh. In other words, while holding the space for the ceremony, I also allow myself to be fully present and experience the ceremony as it unfolds. I think people can feel I am personally and genuinely invested, and have said that seeing me helps them also be more present, emotional and engaged.
Love & Perry Photography and Films
After the wedding, what would be the best compliment you could hear about your work? What would make you feel great knowing you had accomplished for your client?
After a wedding specifically, I am delighted when a couple tells me how many compliments they received from their guests about the ceremony. I have heard from many couples that the ceremony was their favorite part of the whole wedding day…and that feels like a great accomplishment!
Lovebird Studio
I am always honored to know when I’ve helped someone have the experience they needed. Sometimes that’s a feeling of rest and reconnection, like in a healing ritual, or a sense of being held and supported, like in a mother blessing. Sometimes it’s a sense of awe and celebration, like for a blessing ceremony, and sometimes it’s finally having the space to grieve and fully feel the loss of someone beloved.
Angela Dimock Photography
Can you tell us something every couple needs to know about planning a wedding or the wedding day itself?
Many people – myself included – advise couples to relax, be present and enjoy. That is a great idea in theory but it can be a bit of a tall order in practice. So I try to help couples find tools and ways to actually do it…mainly s l o w i n g d o w n, breathing, making lots of eye contact, feeling their heels pressing into the ground, letting their shoulders loosen and drop…
Perceptions Photography
Just having a few concrete tips in your pocket goes a long way toward feeling relaxed in and of itself, and the tools are amazingly effective so as soon as you do one thing (like make eye contact), suddenly you’re doing something else that reinforces it (like breathing). Plus, it really helps that I'm also relaxed and present!
Share something you are really proud of…professionally and personally.
Well, I am pretty darn proud of being the co-creator of Valley Wed and pulling off (almost!) this year’s show by myself while also having a record year for Grace Ceremonies.
Hannah at the 2015 Valley Wed by Sandra Costello Photography
Personally, hands down I am proud of and so grateful for my marriage and family. Being a conscious partner and parent requires more energy and thought and attention than I ever could have imagined, but the rewards are more love, fulfillment and happiness that I ever thought possible. Like I said before, I am so very lucky.
Hannah in Maine with her husband Alexander and daughter Bhramari
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.
When did you start your business and why do you do what you do?
I officially opened Cakes by Amanda's brick and mortar location on June 7th, 2014. Before then I had been working out of my home for almost a year. I was gaining customers every weekend and decided (well, my husband decided) I should probably have my own spot. I made the decision on April 7th and made it happen 2 months later.
Tiny Toes and little Bows Photography
I love what I do so it never feels like work. I could never picture myself working for someone else and I always knew I'd do something creative as I am an art major...so this just fit.
What is your very favorite part of your job?
My absolute favorite is getting thank you notes or great reviews after a wedding. It really means a lot when a couple takes the time to thank me, or write a review. I love hearing how they enjoyed the cake (or in some cases, didn't get to because their guests devoured it all before them).
What do you want couples to know about your business?
After I meet with clients I always like them to know that they are one of only a few people getting a wedding cake from me that weekend. I limit how many wedding cake orders I take so that each cake gets the attention to detail it deserves. I also like to personally deliver every cake myself.
I really enjoy when a couple tells me, "You made this process so easy." Wedding planning is hard and stressful. I like to make the process as easy as I can for every couple I meet with.
What's the best compliment you could hear about your work?
"It tasted as good as it looked!" A lot of people feel like you have to sacrifice flavor and taste for a work of art. I like to prove that you can have both!
Do you have any advice for couples about planning a wedding or the big day itself?
My one piece of advice for the wedding day would be, "Don't sweat the small stuff." I kept having to remind myself of this during my big day! Remember that you are the only person who knows what the wedding of your dreams looks like. If there are a few things out of place or minor mishaps, ignore them and continue with the day. Chances are all of your guests will have no idea anything is even wrong and everyone will have a blast.
And try to take in everything because it goes by so fast! 
Amanda on her wedding day by Gumula Photography
Share something you are really proud of…professionally and personally.
One of the things I am most proud of is my wedding cake! I still can't believe I managed to make my own cake the week of my wedding with everything else going on. It came out exactly as I envisioned and matched our style and personality perfectly. This year I also won a Wedding Wire award, running such a small operation I just always assumed I'd never get one!
Amanda's wedding cake by Gumula Photography
When I am not slaving away making cakes I really enjoy spending time with my husband :) sappy I know. My schedule is so hectic that we really enjoy the little time we have together. We enjoyed going out to eat, driving around finding things to do, fixing up our old house, traveling when we can, and spoiling our princess cat Cashew.
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 Lynn Newdome and Phil Helzer, founders of Classic Wedding Ensembles.
When did you start your business and why do you do what you do?
Phil and I formed the core of our string quartet in 1999. We had played "gigs" together, and wanted to create a quality and consistent performing group. (This was a time when the primary form of advertising was the Yellow Pages, and business communications were done through mail and telephone!)
What is your very favorite part of your job?
Witnessing a small child experience live music for the first time – seeing her eyes fill with wonder as she hears the magical sounds of music being created from strange wooden 'boxes.'
What do you want couples to know about your business?
I want clients to know they can count on us to play their favorite songs beautifully, and that we'll help them with professional service, from planning to performing.
After the wedding, what's the best compliment you could hear about your work?
Strangely, the best compliment is often, "Your music made my cry," meaning that our playing touched their soul. I love knowing that we played exactly what the clients had dreamed of, and that this created the "magic" that only live music can add to a couple's wedding day.
What is something every couple needs to know about planning a wedding or the big day itself?
RELAX. Pause, breathe deeply and listen to your music, letting it enter your being. Soak in the wonderfulness of this occasion.
Share something you are really proud of…professionally and personally.
Music, created in time and perceived in the moment, is hard to display online, but this track gives you an idea.
Also, hearing from a client that that we helped make their wedding wonderful. Here's an example:
“Your talent, your love for your music, and playing our favorite song set the stage for the entire wedding. It was so beautiful. Thanks again for helping to make our ceremony and wedding celebration the one we had always hoped for. We will close our eyes and hear your music in our hearts forever." 
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.
When did you start your business and why do you do what you do?
I started my jewelry line 10 years ago, but in 2011 I held my first Wedding Ring Workshop. I love making, and using my hands, I love gritty, industrial, ancient processes and jewelry making fits that bill. Five years ago, I started teaching and it opened up a whole new joy of jewelry making for me: to take couples through the process of creating their own "forever" ring is the best.
What is your very favorite part of your job?
Listening to the couple's stories. I always ask how they met, how they got engaged, all about the wedding... I love watching them smile as they tell the story, interrupting each other to add little forgotten details. Everybody loves telling their love story, and I can't get enough of hearing them!
What do you want couples to know about working with you?
I want them to trust me, and the process. Many couples come into the sessions not really believing that they will be making their rings from start to finish. But they do, 100%! I walk them through each step: we make a practice rings first, and somewhere along they way they gain the skills and confidence. Sure enough, they will emerge from the session with two gorgeous, custom made, perfectly fitting wedding bands that are more special than anything they could purchase at a store.
What makes you different from other vendors in your field?
There are only a few places that offer a workshop like this. I run my Wedding Ring Workshops alone; I am an independent artist, working out of my private studio. Some of the other places that offer this service are corporations based in big cities, that contract local jewelers to run the sessions for them. I am just me, a local artist, inviting couples into my studio for a day of learning, making, eating, chatting, and celebrating love!
After the wedding, what would make you feel great knowing you had helped accomplish?
Couples often send me photos of their hands/rings from the wedding or honeymoon, with sweet words about how much they love their rings, and how wonderful the experience of making them was. This makes me ridiculously happy. Knowing they are now wearing the rings they created under my guidance is super humbling, special, and satisfying. Together, they hand crafted a symbol of love, and their first heirloom, that they will wear for the rest of their lives.
What is something every couple needs to know about planning a wedding or the big day itself?
Be you. Be intentional. Don't get too caught up in the "industry" must-haves. Instead, curate a wedding that reflects you and your kind of love.
Share two things you are proud of…professionally and personally.
Professionally, I am always proud of the engagement rings I make.
And personally, I have really been loving the slack line recently. Sounds silly, I know, but slack lining has been fulfilling the side of me that wants to have adventures but doesn't have time. I can be physically and mentally challenged in my own back yard. And you cannot successfully walk on a slack line without getting all zen n' stuff, which is a huge reason I love it.
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 Jena Sujat, owner of Pinch in downtown Northampton.
When did you start your business and why do you do what you do?
When I purchased Pinch ten years ago, I wanted to continue its tradition of carrying local and national artisans. I also hoped it would fulfill my hope to have a career uniting my analytical ability and love for the arts – that I could make a living doing something I love.
In my first year, I received a note from a new artist I had started ordering from, thanking me for my support of her business. That's when I realized that not only was I fortunate to have succeeded in finding work I love, but that I was doubly fortunate by helping others do what they love, too.
What is your very favorite part of your job?
Displaying new pottery when it comes in, and doing new window displays. It’s important to me to display each artisan’s work as best as possible and to show our customers the array of each artisan’s work. I have a talent at making pleasing compositions, and really enjoy going back into the shop the next day to look at the new displays again.
What do you want couples to know about your business?
I’d like clients to feel excited about what they’re purchasing from us, and by only two degrees of separation from the person who made it. I hope people leave Pinch feeling we’ve been friendly, kind, helpful and knowledgeable. Having a registry with us is a personal experience and we love discussing with each couple’s friends and family the pieces they’ve chosen, so when someone makes a purchase off their registry, they also feel excited about it.
Actually, that’s another favorite part of my work at Pinch – showing a couple’s friends and family the pieces that couple chose. I’m able to say things like, “They really liked the robin’s egg blue glaze Tiffany Hilton works with,” and, “They know they might not get everything they registered for, but I know this Judy Jackson set of ramekins was one of their favorites.”
What would make you feel great knowing you had accomplished for your client?
The best compliment I could hear is that the couple and their friends and family had a good time shopping at Pinch – that they felt taken care of and proud of the choices they had made.
What's something every couple needs to know about putting together a wedding registry?
What comes to mind is that the wedding registry experience can feel like a loving one. It has often felt that way for us at Pinch, and I think for the couples and their families, too. That might sound funny, but I’ve heard couples talk after the wedding about how happy it makes them every time they use Lucy Fagella’s mugs for their morning coffee or how much they enjoy serving salad in a Spencer Peterman wooden bowl.
They talk about feeling connected not only to the small, local business of Pinch, but also to the person who made each piece. On the one hand, they might have to wait longer for their custom dinnerware to be made, but on the other hand, it was made especially for them! Couples feel proud and happy about the pieces they received from their registry, and good knowing their friends and family also felt proud about their gifts. All of this makes it feel very loving.
Share two things you are proud of…professionally and personally.
I'm really proud of having great relationships with both customers and staff.
Personally, I'm proud of my new kitchen; of creating a space for all the pottery and pieces from various artists I've collected over the years. When I look around my house, I see a lot of friends!
|
Valley Wed BlogGet to know us. Categories
All
Archives
March 2020
|
RSS Feed
