Precious pieces
Bring special meaning to your special day with heirlooms Story by ALISON JAMES Photos CONTRIBUTED
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hen Franklin County Extension Director Katernia ColeCoffey reflects on her Aug. 29, 2015, wedding, her memories are flooded with visions of the things that helped make her special day unforgettable – family heirlooms. “It’s good to be able to have items that create a legacy,” explained Cole-Coffey. “It leaves a lasting or significant impression. Using that item helps the memory of that person live on, and it helps to connect the past with the present, past generations to the current generation.” Incorporating precious heirlooms into your wedding day can be a great way to pay homage to the past as you begin your future together as a couple, Cole-Coffey
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noted. Sentimental items, like a greatgrandmother’s handkerchief or string of pearls, can strengthen the emotions of the day and also provide “a great conversation piece,” Cole-Coffey added. In her own wedding, Cole-Coffey found numerous ways to deck out the day with items of meaning from her family. With a mother who was an avid collector, Cole-Coffey found she had ready access to vintage cake stands, silver trays and curated serving pieces, as well as beautiful linens. Thinking back on that now makes Cole-Coffey think of her mother – which is an even more precious connection, since her mother passed away in 2017, following her father’s passing in 2016.
In addition to the serving pieces, ColeCoffey’s heirlooms included a display of wedding ring quilts – some purchased, some made by her Grandmother Estella and Great-Aunt Ruth. A large arrangement of flowers was displayed in a ruffled hobnail cranberry glass bowl inside a silver bride’s basket. “It’s a very nice piece – a very elegant piece,” said Cole-Coffey. Brides using something like a bride’s basket – a traditional item dating back to the 1800s – will also be able to keep those memories alive by continuing to use the basket in the home following the wedding, whether as a fruit or candy bowl or to hold mail or serve as a catch-all. “It’s always good to have pieces that can provide double duty.”
Franklin Living
