Reason #12 – The SWAG bags are BEYOND swagalicious!!

If you want a swag bag – its easy!  When you purchase your ticket (click here) just add on an extra $25 donation and this super cool product filled bag-o-goodies will be all yours!

It is TOTALLY worth it!!  Not only will your donation go to our charity but the #1 rule of swag donation is that it has to be cool and let me tell you these products are COOL!

I don’t want to give everything away… but here is a sneak peak of just a few of the MANY donations to swag!!

1) Re-usable tote bags from Wedding Chicks 2) Sweet bud vases from Christopher Flowers 3) Double Tree Cookies!!! 4) Wink Cupcakes!! 5) MUSIC from Jason Parker Quartet 6) RAD water bottles from Hans Rasmussen & Liberty Mutual Insurance!!! 7) DRY SODA! 8) Photo coasters from Jean Marcus-Strole !!    Okay – those are the only ones I’m going to tell you about for the moment… you’ll have to buy one and check it out!!

In December of last year a few of us girls were talking about our New Year’s resolutions – like many people do, mine was (is) a silly one – to wear earrings every day of the year.  (so far still going strong minus a few forgetful days.)  When I checked the mail later that week and found THE most beautifully packaged box in the mail – I thought for sure, “this couldn’t be for me…. could it?”  and then I found the note and Brandy from Abaloria became more than just a gorgeous jewelry designer – she became my FAVORITE jewelry designer!!  The earrings she sent are GORGEOUS – perfect for any event (although, I like to save them for special days when I can tell people they were made for me!)

So I would love to introduce you to a beautiful girl, a great friend and a FABULOUS jewelry designer – Brandy

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read on to find out more about her & Abaloria:

Tell us about yourself!
My name is Brandy Thibault and I am the owner/designer of Abaloria Jewelry, I started my company 6 years ago and specialize in custom bridal. I can adorn everyone from the bride, bridesmaids, flower girls and yes, the mothers! The process usually takes 2 week (at the most) and is very fun. I meet with you at my cozy studio and take a look at the dresses and wedding colors and give you helpful suggestions on what I can do for you. The jewelry is hand made by me and designed to fit your individual style. Please feel free to browse my work on my website: www.abaloria.com

What do you love most about your work?

I love everything about my work! I love meeting and getting to know each person, designing and creating pieces that are individual and one of a kind. The whole process from the first meeting to the last really!

What drew you to Get Hitched, Give Hope?
I was really intrigued by the whole concept of a swanky party where brides can learn more about quality products in a fun environment while drinking and eating amazing food, winning prizes and spending quality time with their friends. The largest part of my interest was the proceeds going towards Breast Cancer. My mother in-law is battling Breast Cancer for the second time. She won the battle 12 years ago and recently found out it was back. She underwent a full Mastectomy and is in remission so far. (Keep your fingers crossed!!) To be able to be a part of raising money to help the families make memories that will last a lifetime is a wonderful thing. I feel honored that I was invited to be a part of this.

What makes your business different than everyone elses?

I think the custom part of my business is what makes me stand out from other jewelry makers. I meet with each client and take in the effect their budget, likes and dislikes and come up with the perfect jewelry for them. I wont let them leave unless they are 100% happy. I dont mind re-working a piece, or just plain starting over, thankfully I have not had to do that yet! One of my favorite things to do is take an old family heirloom and recreate a new set out of it for the bride. Many times there are enough stones, crystals or pearls to create a piece for another family member too. Makes for a fun memory of the family member who handed it down to them and something they can pass on to their children.

How are you participating in this year’s event?
I am donating a custom Jewelry Set as well as earrings for the swag bag.  Did you hear that??  Gorgeous earrings in the SWAG bag!!

Here are some gorgeous images of her work in action:

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photos above by www.sharlanechase.com


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photos above by www.asuraphotography.com

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photos above (left) by www.moirephotography.com (right) by www.hansonphotography.com

{post by barbie}

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Last year when we were planning our event we kept talking about the swag bags – I was jumping out of my seat to be part of the planning committee (no joke).  I have been to SO many parties where the swag was ROCKIN (aria!) where I kept the items for a long long time or in some cases gobbled them right up (yum!).  BUT THEN there were always those parties where you get home excited to check out the goods and you find nothing but paper advertisements (boo).  So we at GHGH pull out all the stops – we don’t do anything that isn’t high end, top notch, super cool….you know -  SWANKY !

Once I wiggled my way into being on the swag team the very first company I called was Dry Soda. This is the BEST non-alcoholic drink in town. (There are also many ways to mix it into a cocktail)  and I have to say  – their response was better than I could ever ask for!!  They are a local Seattle company (which we love) they answered on the first ring – remembered meeting me and a couple of the other girls – and best of all they said they would be PROUD to donate to such a wonderful group.

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Dry Soda was definitely one of the highlights for me last year – and I don’t know if it is supposed to be top secret… but word on the street is they’ll be in the bag again this year!!

Okay – now that you know we have swag bags, that they ROCK and you want to know how to be a part of it??  Just send me a message!  hello@gethitchedgivehope.com There are rules though…

Rule #1 – No paper products, cool swanky items only (that promote your amazing business)
Rule # 2 – well, that’s really the only rule!  =)

There will be 100 bags filled to the brim of goodies, fun items and treats, and if you want a swag bag you can reserve one when you buy your ticket (HERE).

{Post by Barbie Hull}