WEDDING

Personalized Service for Your Perfect Wedding Registry

Photos by JAMIE ALEXANDER

Wedding season is quickly approaching for many area couples. Choosing a date, selecting a venue, securing a florist and hiring a caterer are all major items to check off before the big day.

Creating a wedding registry is another important task couples complete during their engagement. A wedding registry lists items the couple has selected for their future household. It is a helpful tool for friends and family who wish to celebrate the wedding with a gift to the couple.

Two local shops offer wedding registry services that are free and allow couples to select items to match their unique styles and personalities. Wesleyan Park Plaza is home to Julep Home and Gift. Downtown, at the corner of Second and St. Ann Streets, is Willow and Pine Market. Both stores offer dinnerware and entertaining items. In addition, Willow and Pine Market also carries kitchen and baking items, and Julep Home and Gift offers linens for the bed and bath.

“One of our joys is helping couples select beautiful registry items they will enjoy for a lifetime,” said Sharon Wilson, co-owner of Julep Home and Gift. Anne Higgins, owner of Willow and Pine Market, agrees, “It is very exciting helping couples create their registries, knowing these gifts will become part of their gatherings and celebrations for years to come.”

Creating a wedding with a local business has many advantages. Bride-to-be Madeleine Edge registered at Julep Home and Gift and Willow and Pine Market and said,” I chose to register locally for many reasons, but my top three (reasons) were being able to physically touch and see all of the goods I wanted to put on the registry; to experience the unmatched customer service of small businesses; and to support local businesses, establishing relationships with these stores to last through the years.”

Personalized service influenced Bride-to-Be Caitlin (Griffin) Hurt. “Willow and Pine provided a personalized experience that we were unable to have anywhere else. Anne always knew us by name,” said Caitlin, “We truly felt that our registry was important, making it a fun experience for us and our families.”

Bride-to-be Chelsea Howard added, “I decided to create my registry locally with Willow and Pine Market because their products are high quality and crafted to last. As a small business owner, I understand the importance of shopping small. It gives me peace of mind knowing that we are helping out a local business and the (local) economy.”

Megan Rittmeyer, a bride-to-

be registered at Julep Home and Gift, agreed,” I work for a small business, so I was passionate about finding a local business to be included in my registry.” She explained that she talked with friends and shopped the store’s social media, finding pieces she loved. “When I went to the store, Elizabeth and Sharon were extremely knowledgeable of the products and their history, helping me find the perfect pieces for my registry. They offered a personalized shopping experience for me, and made me feel so welcomed and comfortable.”

Both local businesses offer free gift-wrapping and delivery services.

To register at Willow and Pine Market, contact Anne at 270-478-1002. You can also view their wedding registries on their website, which includes a shareable link, at www.willowandpinemarket.com.

Julep Home and Gift offers online registries on their website www.julephomeandgift. Couples can register online and link their registry to their personal wedding website to help out-of-town guests. Couples can also call 270-215-7750 to schedule an appointment. OL