There’s a moment at the beginning of every year when I walk through my boutique, turn on the lights, and just… breathe. I did that this week, and as I looked around at my redesigned space—the natural light I finally have, the organized materials, the workspace that feels like me—I couldn’t help but smile. 2025 was extraordinary. From the brides who trusted me with their bespoke veils to the styling appointments that reminded me why I love this work, from time with family and dear friends to learning alongside talented colleagues, this year gave me everything I needed.

From bespoke bridal veils and custom wedding accessories to styling appointments with Iowa brides, these ten photos capture the moments that made 2025 unforgettable.

1: Studio Update

This transformation started in 2020. It was years in the making. After dreaming about natural light and a better Boutique space, I finally finished redesigning the Boutique in 2025, with a renovation of the Boutique’s south area into a vintage and everyday-accessory area. Now every morning when I walk in, I feel like the space is working with me instead of against me. The light is everything I hoped for, and styling bespoke pieces in this space feels like coming home. Sometimes the right environment makes all the difference.

 

 2: A Memorable Bride

“This bride” trusted me with creating her bespoke veil, and the moment she saw herself wearing it is one I’ll never forget. She chose a bespoke veil option because she couldn’t find the soft, drapey veil length she was looking for at her price point. This is why I do what I do. Every piece tells a story, and I’m honored when brides invite me into theirs.

 

3: Client Thank You

Reviews like this one remind me why I love this work so much. Every piece I create carries a bride’s story, and knowing I played even a small part in making her day special means everything. Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it.

 

4: Creative Growth – New Technique or Style

My hands at work, surrounded by silk flowers and the beautiful chaos of creation. This is what bespoke looks like—careful hand-stitching, intentional placement, time taken to get every detail right. After 11 years, I still love this part. The quiet focus, the transformation, the moment when it all starts coming together. This is the work.

5: Millinery Class/Learning

Every Month, I head to Karen Morris Studio in Minneapolis for millinery class, and it’s become one of my favorite parts of the year. After 11 years in business, I’m still learning—still discovering new techniques, still getting excited about obscure millinery terms, still geeking out over the perfect hand-stitch. My classmates inspire me, my teacher challenges me, and every session reminds me that there’s always room to grow. This is what owning a bespoke bridal accessory business looks like, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

6: The Details

Sometimes it’s the tiny details that matter most. The way light catches on hand-sewn crystals. The texture of vintage lace against silk. The precise placement of each element. Bespoke work means every detail is intentional, considered, and crafted with care. This close-up captures what I love most about my work—the craftsmanship, the patience, the beauty in the small things that add up to something extraordinary.

7: Family/Community

None of this happens without my people. My family and friends continue to be my biggest cheerleaders. My millinery classmates push me to try things I’d never attempt on my own. The brides who continue to follow me on Instagram. These photos capture the joy and the values we follow at Marti & Company – working together, honoring family heirlooms, and celebrating often. 2025 reminded me that community isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. The work is better, the challenges are easier, and the wins are sweeter when you’re surrounded by people who believe in you. Big thanks to MaraBrides for the collaboration.

8: Styling Appointment/Consultation

Mariah is trying on a bespoke birdcage veil during her bridal styling appointment. This is my favorite part—watching a bride see herself in a piece and just know it’s the one. These consultations remind me that bespoke work isn’t just about the final product, it’s about the experience, the discovery, the confidence that comes from finding exactly what you’ve been looking for.

9: A Favorite Style

This piece. I started in 2024 and finished in 2025. Making the entire headband from scratch is challenging and meaningful. Looking back, I can see everything 2025 taught me: the techniques from millinery class, the confidence from years of experience, the willingness to take creative risks, and the patience that bespoke work requires. I’m so proud of this jeweled headband, and grateful to the bride who will wear it at her wedding.

10: Looking Ahead

 

This is where I am as 2025 ends, and 2026 begins. Grateful for what was, excited for what’s coming. I’ll be at the Love Story Wedding Soiree in February, continuing my millinery education, welcoming 2026 brides through our new gift registry program, and creating more bespoke pieces for brides who want something truly theirs. If 2025 taught me anything, it’s that when you make space for beauty, growth, and connection, extraordinary things happen. I can’t wait to see what we create together this year.

Here’s to 2026, and to all the brides, veils, and stories yet to come. I can’t wait to see what we create together. If you’re planning your 2026 wedding and looking for custom bridal accessories, bespoke veils, or heirloom refashioning in Iowa, I’d love to work with you!

 

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