Forge & Finish Jewelry landed a spot in the latest issue of Philadelphia Wedding, highlighting our sculptural Ripple Cuff in sterling silver as a dynamic accessory to punctuate a magnetic wedding ensemble. Throughout the magazine, Kristen Schott puts together a lovely array of looks, local venues, charities, caterers, and florists that can be accessible on a shoestring budget. Including ways to go big while eloping, since weddings in 2021 can tend to be tentative. Where there is a will there's a way, and setting intentions is the first step!

This is a topic that we are quite familiar with having orchestrated two DIY weddings within the past 7 years. Granted it was pre-pandemic and our guest lists far surpassed what is achievable these days, we knew that we wanted to splurge on food and beverage and save on location, decor, and attire. As artists and craftspeople, we firmly believe in both A.) doing it ourselves and B.) sourcing from local and family-run businesses. Our business consists of 3 women, 2 of whom curated their own wedding environments in non-traditional establishments strongly utilizing our community and local vendors to bring the celebration together.

Carly Mayer, ⅓ of Forge & Finish, opted to have her wedding ceremony at her husband’s Quaker elementary school Greene Street Friends, and officiated by his Rabbi Uncle. Cost: $100 donation to the school. The reception took place a short mile down the road at a furniture warehouse called Material Culture. The showroom came with the decor; outfitted with mix matched tables, chairs, festive lighting, sculptures, and Turkish carpets. Cost: $2k plus liability insurance. Guests enjoyed an abundant Mexican-style buffet catered by Center City restaurant Smith’s located on 19th and Chestnut (where Carly once worked). Cost: $7k. Libations were trucked over from Delaware for $800 tax free. Wedding party and altar bouquet’s created by family friend’s Overhill Florists, costing a cool $400. Friend, John Penn serenaded with classical guitar during cocktail hour and DJ Frosty provided beats to get the party started! Cost: $500. Most importantly, Carly’s wedding gown was made by Emily as a gift. Free 99! It pays to have talented artists in your life! Lest not forget Carly’s personal design touches added to each bridesmaid’s handmade earrings including her own stunning bridal earrings. Granted most of these were “friend” rates, the overall expenses totaled well under $12k and the guest list was over 250 people.

Emily and her partner Andrew’s wedding was held in Ocean Grove— a stone's throw from the iconic Asbury Park in New Jersey. They felt being near the ocean was integral to their story together. Andrew having been raised in the area, created a strong bond for them with frequent visits over the years. The ocean-front Victorian mansion set to house the ceremony & reception was rented via VRBO. The couple booked a long weekend joined by the wedding party. Having a location for multiple days was key for allowing friends and family to gather and dine multiple days in a row, which helped save on costs for travelers and guests. From the very start of planning many friends and family were called upon to play roles in creating a magical day for the couple. Long time friend & graphic artist from college, Sarah Green, created the invitations and save-the-dates—each one hand dyed with indigo. Another college friend, Danielle Charleston, fulfilled the overall design of the picnic/lounge seating arrangements, along with organizing the flow of logistical transitions on wedding day. The flora decor came together very organically by natural florists Peg Kane (mom) and Aunt Ann Vallandingham. Dear friend & creative, Kimberly Frey, blessed the scene with a lovely embroidered banner that hung over the balcony waving in and welcoming all the guests. As for the jewelry, special pieces were handmade by Forge & Finish partners. The bridal earrings by Desiree, engagement ring by Carly, Andrew’s wedding band by Emily. The wedding gown was purchased online from Reformation at a modest price that ranked relatively low on the list of expenses. For Emily & Andrew, food was the necessary splurge. The spread from cocktail hour to dinner and dessert was provided by a local female restaurateur & surfer, Marilyn Schlossbach. Marilyn’s mediterranean cuisine was the perfect fit for a late summer wedding by the sea. Masters of ceremony, you guessed it, were performed by friends. Ashley Wagner lead guests in sentimental readings and speech describing the couples’ love & journey and Robby Sachs officiated the marriage in the Jewish tradition before the chuppah. Formerly Philadelphia-based Brae Howard succinctly captured the tight-knit familial vibes as main photographer; with exception from the aerial drone shots on the beach of guests holding hands by the ocean—a magical image dreamt up and made everlastingly true by Emily. Last but not least, dear friend & cousin of Desiree, Raymo Ventura provided a stellar music backdrop sparking celebration and dancing into the moonlight hours. The night ended in exclamation with everyone belting Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”