Table of Contents

1. How It All Began

2. The Learning Curve

3. How Bridal Style Has Transformed — And Inspired My Craft

4. The Pandemic: Starting Over (With Better Lighting)

5. Marti & Company Moments That Made It Worth It

6. The People That Made This Possible

7. What I’m Celebrating

8. Looking Ahead to Year 12

9. My Message To You

10. How I’m Celebrating

 

Eleven years of pearls, crystals, silk tulle — and the most incredible brides a designer could ask for — Celebrating Marti & Company.

After 40 years as a pediatric nurse practitioner, I took the leap in 2011 and started Marti & Company with zero business experience and a whole lot of passion. What I did know was my love for beautiful materials and my vision for giving brides a fun, personal, and truly unique veil-shopping experience. No settling. No “good enough.” Just thoughtful, handcrafted pieces made to celebrate each bride’s style and story — Celebrating Marti & Company.

How It All Began

My dream began to take shape in 2009 and 2010, while I was still nursing. To relax at night, I’d read fashion magazines and made veils for family, then a few customers. Friends of the brides kept sharing the same frustration — they couldn’t find what they wanted and had to settle.

Then came Christy. She wanted her grandmother’s headpiece redesigned into her wedding veil but couldn’t find anyone to do it. Her mom, whom I worked with, asked if I could help. I teamed up with a talented friend for the beading for the refashioned headpiece and designed the veil to bring the heirloom back to life.

When Christy and her mom saw it, they were thrilled.  I’ve always loved history and embellishment, especially on heirloom designs, and in that moment I realized I could help brides tell their stories through beautifully crafted accessories

The Learning Curve

If I could tell my 2011 self anything, it would be: write down everything you dream and want to do — then start with ONE thing and finish it. Then move to the next. I learned this the hard way.

I started on Etsy, joined biz support communities, and dove in. In 2014, I added a boutique and millinery class and haven’t stopped learning since. Right now, I’m enrolled in a 9-month class in Minneapolis because there’s always more to discover.

How Bridal Style Has Transformed — And Inspired My Craft

When I started, brides wanted classic veils in custom lengths. Simple. Elegant. Understated. Then the birdcage-and-feathers era hit — a delightful shift, especially for my petite brides who needed pieces that complemented rather than consumed them.

But the last few years? Chef’s kiss moments. Everything’s evolved in the best possible way. Brides are going bold: crystal-drenched headpieces, luminous jeweled combs, statement headbands — veil optional. The old rules? Gone. And in their place? Fabulous, statement pieces, and unique color usage.

This shift has made my work more intricate and infinitely more rewarding. Every piece requires hunting down high-quality vintage crystals, selecting the exact shade of veiling, and creating something stunning at any price point. Tight budget? I love a challenge.  Dream budget? Let’s create something fabulous.

Today, I’m known for one thing: helping brides discover their genuine style and designing bespoke pieces that feel unmistakably them. My favorite moment? When they see their design come to life and exhale that breath — the one that says, “Yes. This is it.”

The Pandemic: Starting Over (With Better Lighting)

Let’s talk about 2020. The pandemic nearly broke me — not kidding.

At first, I was devastated and exhausted. But I’m not one to stay down for long. I decided action and a gratitude vibe would serve me better than despair.

So I moved the boutique to a new room in our house with a stunning entrance and — here’s the game-changer — the most magnificent natural light you’ve ever seen. Do you know how hard it is to choose between 55 shades of ivory under fluorescent lighting? Nearly impossible. Now? I can show brides exactly how their veil will look in real light. Glorious.

The space feels like an authentic boutique now, cozy and private. Working surrounded by gorgeous materials has reignited my passion in ways I didn’t expect.

But getting seen again was rough. My community was scattered, material availability was chaotic, and marketing had to be completely reimagined. I hustled. Visited bridal shops. Took classes. Rebuilt my community from scratch, showing up consistently even when it felt like shouting into the wind.

The challenges haven’t stopped — business is still rebuilding, and there are fun surprises like tariffs on overseas materials. But here’s the truth: I survived. The business survived. And we’re stronger for it.

Celebrating Marti & Company – Moments That Made It Worth It

In 2020, I organized a styled photoshoot at a historic church without a roof, windows, or doors. Everything went as I dreamed. The photos looked like we’d traveled overseas, but we were 25 miles from home.

That shoot proved what’s possible with bridal styling and gave me the confidence to do two more collaborative shoots. But honestly? The moments that built this business are each small moments when I got up from being overwhelmed and completed one action. Then another. Then another.

The People Who Made This Possible

I love creating designs surrounded by sparkly, beautiful materials. That kind of creative energy? It pulls in other makers, dreamers, and detail-obsessed souls. We become friends. The circle widens. And we are all cheering for each other.

I couldn’t have done this without my people.

My family has been everything — especially my daughter Kelli, who’s a genius at organizing events and knows exactly when to reel me in. My son Curt has a genius-level attention to detail, is tall and handsome, and understands processes like no other. And my hubby, Marv? He can put anything together. Plus, he’s tall and good-looking, so that doesn’t hurt either.

My BFF Eileen saw what I was creating from day one. And Ginny, my veiling supplier, had more faith in my skills than I had in myself.

But it’s the brides who really bring it to life. The wedding industry colleagues who collaborate. The bridal shops that open their doors. The brides who trust me with their vision and still follow me on Instagram years after their weddings — I see you, and I love you for it!

What I’m Celebrating

The business survived the pandemic. I’m still creating and loving this work. I continue receiving rave reviews from brides. I’m elated to be here still.

 

Looking Ahead to Year 12

I’m excited about what’s next—finishing a flower girl accessories collection that works for baptisms, family photos, and celebrations year-round—and developing hat accessories for all-season sales and planning small bridal accessory events in the boutique.

Bespoke orders will always be at the heart of what I do. Creating pieces that tell each bride’s unique story — that’s why I started this.

My Message to You

If you’re a bride reading this, listen up: always go with what you and your fiancé want to do. Not what tradition says. Not what Pinterest tells you. It’s your love story, your wedding day, and your way is the only way that matters.

Do what you want. Wear what makes you feel like yourself. And for the love of all things beautiful, add a few accessories — especially a hat. (You knew that was coming.)

To the dreamers, the rebuilders, the ones trying to finish just one thing at a time — I see you. Keep going. Those small steps matter more than you know.

How I’m Celebrating 

This milestone deserves Prosecco and the people who made it happen. I’m celebrating with family, hosting an accessories-and-Prosecco party with girlfriends (sparkly things and bubbly drinks — perfect!), and opening the boutique for a special open house.

Thank you to every bride who’s trusted me with your vision. You’ve made this journey everything I hoped it would be. Thank you to everyone who’s celebrated Marti & Company.

Here’s to 11 years of crystals, silk, pearls, and the most beautiful community — and to all the sparkly moments still to come. Cheering for you (always).

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