On your wedding day, every bride dreams of looking beautiful and timeless, yet unique. But how do you do that in a simple white gown? Accessories!
Nickie Summers of Nichola, Paisley Umbrella's custom jewelry designer, knows just how to make each bride look chic and extraordinary through her accessories. We sat down with Nickie to get the inside scoop on Nichola and how to express your personal style on your big day!
Q: How did you get started making jewelry?
Nickie Summers: The short and sweet of it is this... It was during a time in my life when I was expressing my creative spirit through interior design, home staging, faux/detail painting, woodworking, hardscaping and landscaping. My family and I had purchased an older home to renovate. Shortly after we moved, our home was broken into and all of my and my daughter's jewelry was stolen. Many pieces were special pieces I had collected over the years and they were irreplaceable - I tried, but to no avail. True to my personality, I decided to make my own jewelry to replace what was stolen. I developed my skills and realized an enjoyment with creative process. I fell in love designing pieces that were funky but pretty, vintage but trendy. An opportunity arose to make bridal jewelry for a friend's wedding. Shortly after that began working with other brides and felt a passion to develop this into a business endeavor; it was that time that Nichola, Inc. was launched.
Q: Who is your ideal bride?
NS: A Nichola bride is creative, independent, whimsical, yet classic. Although I offer silhouettes from which brides can choose, she can also pick custom colors to coordinate with their bridal and bridesmaids' wardrobe, custom design services are available to create unique pieces that reflect a bride's personality and persona. A Nichola bride also enjoys carrying that style into her everyday wear and we work together creating unique pieces for her everyday wardrobe.
Q: Why do brides fall in love with Nichola?
NS: First, clients tell me I am as passionate about their wedding day as they are, and it's true. Every wedding is different; every bride is different. Secondly, clients say I'm easy to work with. Nichola Bridal has a definable style - classic, vintage, uncomplicated. But I have many facets to my personal style and can draw from that to create unique and one-of-a-kind pieces for brides who have something specific in mind. For many brides I am happy to meet them at their wedding dress salon for fittings. This allows the bride to try everything on together to ensure the earrings hang and necklace lays perfectly.
Q: Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?
NS: Usually, my designs will begin with a single piece that I find at antique stores or estate markets. I'm drawn to 40s and 50s fashion styles. However, I also have a 60s and 70s bohemian heart that peak into my designs from time to time. Fusing crystals and pearls with leather and suede, throw in a natural stone or two, is common in my designs. And I must say, my daughter is a huge inspiration for me; she is stylish and has an incredible flare for color.
* Photo provided by Lytle foto
Paisley Umbrella bride, Avery, married her groom, Jeff, on June 13.
