Spoken Bride Vendors | Spotlight, Vol. 6
/Are you recently engaged and ready to book your wedding vendors? Newly married or attending a wedding, and in search of gifts that affirm the vocation to marriage?
We are proud to serve you through the Spoken Bride Vendor Guide, the first online resource for distinctively Catholic wedding vendors: hand-selected professionals from around the U.S. with not only an abundance of talent, but a reverence and passion for the sacrament of marriage that brings a uniquely personal, prayerful dimension to their client experiences.
From photographers and videographers who understand how to capture the most significant moments of your nuptial Mass, to coordinators who understand the needs of Catholic couples, artists whose jewelry, stationery, and prints become enduring keepsakes long after your wedding day, clinical and theological experts in the fields of fertility and relationships, and beyond, Spoken Bride Vendors view their work as a call and find deep joy in putting their talents at the service of the Lord.
What’s more, our vendors are truly engaging and fun. With a range of stories, hobbies, and devotions, it’s our privilege to share who they are and connect them with their ideal clients--you, faithful Catholic couples who are energized by working with like-minded, prayerful individuals. Each month, we’ll be introducing, or re-introducing, you to members of Spoken Bride’s vendor community, and we encourage you to learn more through their full vendor listings.
Our Vendors for This Month:
Photography: Ashley Cook Photography
Katie Michelle Design
Serves clients nationwide and international
Katie Ralls has always felt an inherent need to be creative. With a mind and heart always yearning for her next creative outlet, she finds inspiration everywhere she goes—from a breathtaking view in nature to a unique design in a restaurant. Calligraphy once began as a hobby, but quickly grew into a professional career. Now, she incorporates watercolor and digital design into her wedding lettering and design. “I love to be a part of a community that values the sacrament of marriage and inspires couples, while also helping brides and grooms create a beautiful day!”
What are three things on your bucket list?: Visiting Greece and Croatia, skydiving, and restoring a Historic Building
What are your favorite books, movies, and music?: Two of my favorite books are Present over Perfect and Big Magic. I generally read non-fiction but sometimes I like a good fiction book on a vacation. It seems like good movies are getting harder and harder to come by. I love watching old black and white classics, especially with Audrey Hepburn. I am always up for a good rom-com or an action/mystery movie. I listen to a little bit of anything and everything. Except death metal and super dirty rap.
Do you cheer for any professional sports teams?: Every spring I love cheering for my alma mater Oregon State University, in Beaver Baseball. And also watching our hometown hero Jacoby Ellsbury play for the Yankees.
Learn more about Katie Michelle Designs
31 Four Artisan Jewelry
Ships nationwide and international
Although husband and wife Angie and Jesse Ross come from a family of jewelers, their desire to create custom jewelry is the fruit of a Marian consecration. The symbolism, care and intention of their design and creation process yields one-of-a-kind pieces which not only capture the unique love between a bride and a groom, but also make visible the essence of God’s love and salvation. “Jewelry is used throughout scripture, including in Exodus 31:4 (our namesake) and we love creating one-of-a-kind pieces that tell the stories of our faith using precious metals and gemstones.”
What is your favorite memory of your wedding day?: After the ceremony (before all the rush of photos and the reception), we went over to a nearby lake. We looked at each other and just started laughing. It was such a crazy journey getting to the wedding (this was back in the day before Pinterest and we did everything ourselves armed only with a Martha Stewart wedding book!). We were so elated to be married but also couldn't believe it. After all the effort to create this perfect day, the only thing that mattered was that we were married.
What is your favorite place you have traveled?: Italy & Orkney Islands in Scotland
What does love mean?: Love is the purpose of life--it's why we were made, man and woman. Love means working for the good of the other.
Learn more about 31 Four Artisan Jewelry
Blithe and Blue Design
Washington, DC and surrounding areas
In an effort to make beautiful stationary, lettering, and design more affordable for brides and through her desire to work from home while caring for her two children, Emily Tate founded Blithe and Blue Design. Her initial mission has become the core of her professional inspiration and value. “I love being able to work with excited brides and grooms to help lessen the burden of planning a wedding. Working with young couples is a constant reminder of Christ's love, and of the love I have for my own husband!”
What are your favorite books, movies and music?: My favorite book is The Privilege of Being Woman by Alice von Hildebrand. My favorite novel is Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult. I love any music by Taylor Swift, and my favorite movie ever is Princess Diaries!
How do you take your coffee?: I'm not a coffee girl! Give me chocolate milk any day.
What is your favorite memory of your wedding day?: My favorite moment at my wedding (besides walking down the aisle to my husband...and my sobbing sisters!) was looking around at our reception and having every single person that I love in this world all in one room. I doubt I will ever get that feeling again, and it was definitely one of the greatest moments of my life!
Learn more about Blithe and Blue Design
Divinely Designed Events
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
Elizabeth Felsheim’s love for weddings is rooted in her childhood memories and long-standing passion. She recalls walking down the aisle of the cathedral with a bouquet in hand, pretending to be a bride. As a young adult, she pursued a degree in Meeting and Event Management, gained professional experience in hospitality and eventually started her own wedding planning company when she was “called to share my joy and love of Catholic wedding planning with others.”
What are your favorite saints or devotions?: St. Thérèse is my girl! I am forever inspired by her childlike faith, simplicity, and her “little way” centered in love.
What are three things on your bucket list?: Make a pilgrimage to Lisieux, France; visit all 50 States (24 to go!); become a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)
What is your favorite food?: Tacos with Margaritas
Learn more about Divinely Designed Events