Spoken Bride Vendors | Spotlight, Vol. 10
/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:
Designs by Jessina
Bismark, North Dakota and surrounding areas
Jessina Kary began taking photographs as a hobby. Over time, her skills, experiences and desire to make financial contributions for her growing family inspired a business venture. Designs by Jessina is a way to support couples and to empower marriage throughout the challenges of daily life.
“When I started my photography business, I realized I wanted to do more than just show up for a photo session. I want to cultivate a sense of hospitality and friendship with everyone I work with. Marriage is hard. Life is hard. I want to live the Gospel for the people I encounter simply by my example and by being someone others can talk to. I don’t want to just photograph weddings. I want to see marriages succeed.”
My coffee order: Cream and brown sugar
Love means: Putting yourself last. Apologizing first. Forgiving quickly. Letting go of the small things.
My favorite thing about working on weddings: I would say the wedding day itself. It's busy, but everyone is happy, excited! I enjoy being able to make sure the couple gets a few moments alone for their first look shots, and for the photos of just the two of them - it's most likely the only time they will have alone the entire day - not counting the photographer ;) I also enjoy getting to know the members of the wedding party, the family, and the light banter that goes on throughout the day.
Fine & Fun Cookie Co.
Sweets delivered throughout the contiguous continental United States
Diane Able has decades of experience as a wife and mother, homemaker and baker. Through the years, a Christmas cookie-baking tradition transformed into a hobby and, now, a professional endeavor. Through Fine and Fun Cookie Co, Diane strives to bring joy to others through her creative cookies. But at the core of her sweet passion is a love for family.
“My family inspires my work. My husband has supported us in the same job for over 40 years. Because I stayed at home, finances have always been tight. Now that he wants to think about retirement, I want to really make a go of my business so that when he does retire, we can work together.”
Love means: Making things work. Being generous. Trying to be as unconditional as possible. Accepting faults. Saying you're sorry and meaning it if you're at fault. Biting your tongue when you really want to lash out. Being a good listener. Giving your best as often as you think of it.
My favorite books and movies: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and all books by Jane Austin.
My favorite memory of my wedding day: The moment we took our vows. It was such a spiritual and emotional moment. I loved the confidence in my husband's voice when he spoke his vows before God and me and our friends and family.
Abbey Rez Photography
Southern California and available for travel
Abbey Reznicek thought she had discerned a vocation to religious life. But her spiritual director encouraged her to pursue film school and the trajectory of her life quickly changed. While at film school, she met her husband. They collaborated on film projects, laughed together, got engaged, planned their own wedding and got married. Now, Abby and her husband use their shared passion for storytelling to tell the love stories of the couples they serve.
“In a culture where traditional marriage and the family is under attack, I feel called to inspire others in their marriage, keeping Christ as the center of their life both on their wedding day and every day after.”
My favorite saints: St. Joseph, St. Therese of Lisieux, and Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati!
St. Joseph was key in my discernment and ultimately helped bring me to my vocation! I like to consider St. Therese my business partner, as we have dedicated the business to her - in an industry where over-the-top expense is encouraged, I think she is a great role model for every bride because of her simplicity, pleasing Christ being her only desire. Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati become a patron of our marriage. Verso L'Alto has become our family motto and we named our son Pier Giorgio (Gio for short).
My favorite food: Pizza all the way! I married a Chicago man and we take this very seriously.
Three things on my bucket list: Impact and encourage marriages through our photography business. Travel to Turin where Bl. Pier Giorgio lived and hike one of his mountains. Turn my little patio garden into a home solarium one day.
BEBEATI Catholic Jewelry
Serves clients nationwide
Siggy Everts has been creating jewelry since she was a child. With tools from her father’s iron workshop and an eye for sparkly trinkets, she would make something beautiful out of found materials. She continued making jewelry for many years; it wasn’t until her reversion to the Catholic faith when BEBEATI began. Siggy’s passions for creating beauty and pursuing intimacy with Christ faith meld together through this full-time work.
“My Catholic faith is the center of my life. Since my reversion, the business was reoriented to creating Catholic jewelry. I have always made jewelry for brides… [now] I can provide an opportunity for brides to purchase their bridal gifts and jewelry from a Catholic source.”
Favorite place I’ve traveled: This is a difficult one. I've been fortunate to have traveled to some beautiful places. I would say, La Salette, France.
The inspiration for my work comes from: God and everything that He created; beaches , landscapes, sky, flowers—anything inspires me and the jewelry I craft. My Catholic faith is the ultimate source of my business and the center of my life.
Languages spoken: English, Portuguese, and Spanish
