The Studio

A Dream Come True: StoneWear Ceramics in What Women Create

I still can’t quite believe I’m writing this…

StoneWear Ceramics has been featured in the national magazine What Women Create! 

“Love what you do more than your need to be recognized for it, and others will recognize you through that love. For when you are motivated by love, you are touching truths that live in everyone.” – Terah Cox (Book of Days – Vol.1)

Ever since my dear friend Linda Mitchell introduced me to this magazine, I’ve admired it for years. It’s where I’ve turned for inspiration, for connection, and for stories of women who lead with passion and purpose. To now be among those pages—it’s honestly hard to put into words.
 
When I first opened the pages of What Women Create years ago, I was instantly drawn in—not just by the stunning art, but by the stories. This magazine doesn’t simply show beautiful work, it dives deep into the lives of women who make. It honors the “why” behind the creation: the healing, the struggle, the grit, the love. That’s what makes this feature so deeply meaningful to me… because this is the kind of storytelling that has always resonated with my own journey.
This magazine is a creative lighthouse for me—something I look to for inspiration. It showcases women who are brave enough to live from the heart and work with their hands. To be included in this issue is more than a professional milestone—it feels like a personal one, too.
 

And now, StoneWear Ceramics is featured among those very pages.

 
What Women Create features women across all disciplines—ceramicists, painters, fiber artists, photographers, writers, and visionaries of all kinds—who open their studios and share their souls. 
 

A huge thank you to the editors of What Women Create for seeing something in my story and my work. Your kindness and belief in what I do means more than I can say.

And of course, I have to thank my incredible team—my mother and daughter. We are three generations working together to make StoneWear and our clients experience one-of-a-kind and purely custom. This is our shared dream, and I’m so grateful we get to live it together.

If you’d like to pick up the issue, you can find What Women Create at Barnes & Noble, Michaels, Joann Fabrics, Books-A-Million, and select local bookstores. You can also order it online at womencreate

I hope you’ll flip through its pages with a warm cup of something, and maybe discover stories that stir something in you—just as it has for me, time and time again.

This moment is a reminder that beautiful things can grow from the hardest seasons of life. That creativity can be a lifeline. And that the stories we tell through our hands really do matter.

Thank you for cheering me on—and for believing in what StoneWear represents. I hope this inspires you to keep going, keep making, and keep telling your story.

With love and deep gratitude,
Erika

The Studio

A Beautiful Note From A Beautiful Bride

Dear Erika,

As I sit down to write to you, I’m overflowing with excitement and gratitude, and I couldn’t wait a moment longer to share something special with you.

Amongst the whirlwind of excitement and joy that surrounded my wedding day, there was one moment that slipped through the cracks amidst the morning craziness — capturing a picture holding the breathtaking dress sculpture you created for me. I truly apologize for this oversight, as I know how much it would have meant to have that moment immortalized.
 
However, I’m thrilled to inform you that we recently received our professional wedding photos, and they beautifully showcase your stunning creation in all its glory. I’ve attached a few of my favorites, and I hope they convey even a fraction of the awe and admiration I feel every time I look at your masterpiece.
Words cannot express how thankful I am to have had the opportunity to work with someone as talented, passionate, and dedicated as you. Your craftsmanship is unparalleled, and the attention to detail you infuse into each piece is truly awe-inspiring.
 

Every time I gaze upon the dress sculpture proudly displayed on my dresser, I’m reminded of the magic of our collaboration and the joy it brings to my heart.

 
Erika, your artistry has touched my life in ways I never imagined, and I am forever grateful for the beauty and elegance you brought to my wedding day. Your talent is a gift to the world, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to admire and treasure a piece of it every single day.

Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for sharing your remarkable talent with me and for creating a keepsake that I will cherish for a lifetime. Your work continues to inspire and delight me, and I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you again in the future.

 
Wishing you continued success, joy, and endless inspiration in all your endeavors.
 
With warmest regards,
Sydney
 
Photo Credit: Aaron Watson Photography
The Studio

A Heartfelt Surprise Between Siblings

“…It was such a magical moment, to be able to surprise Lauren with the exact gown that she would be surprising her groom and guests with in just a few short minutes.”

– Kaitlin

My sister, Lauren, got engaged in September of 2022 to her best friend and the love of her life. They set the date for the wedding to be September 7, 2024 which meant that we, my brother and I, had just about 2 years to figure out what to get for our sister as a wedding present. Sure, money was an option, but we wanted something more, something that she could look at over and over again and know how much she means to us.

I started searching online, searching places like google, and etsy, and pinterest, but nothing was really speaking to me. My brother, Ken and I tried to brainstorm, but in true younger brother fashion, Ken let me take the reins on this “gift search” mission. I should mention, Ken and Lauren are twins. They have a bond like no other, and I knew that Ken was entrusting me to find just the perfect gift for his twin sister – so the search was on.

I eventually stumbled upon the Stonewear Ceramics instagram page. I was immediately hooked. The idea of preserving Lauren’s gown in stone, creating a sculpture that would show the beauty of her dress, of what she wore to marry her best friend, seemed so perfect! 
 
Ken immediately agreed that the idea was perfect. With his blessing, I sent an inquiry message to Erika, at StoneWear Ceramics on Instagram. This was in August of 2023, just shy of a year out from the wedding. 
Erika was always so kind and cheerful, and always super quick to respond to any questions and emails, it made the whole process feel like I was asking a friend to create something for us, and not a “stranger” that I found on instagram. Erika sent me updates via picture, little snippets of the dress on turntables, after the first firing, after the finishing touches. She kept me in the loop the entire time. My anticipation grew with every picture that I received. I could not wait to see the final result!
 
I waited until I was home to unbox the gown, and when I did, I was blown away. It was stunning, absolutely spot on to the pictures that I had sent of the gown! Breathtaking! I texted my brother and told him about it, he was even so excited that he asked me to send him a picture, forgetting that he wasn’t allowed to see the gown yet! I, of course, did not send him a picture but assured him that it was perfect and that Lauren was going to love it.

If you are lucky enough to have a little sister, you know that from the moment she is born, you think she is the most beautiful and most deserving little lady in the world. Fast forward 20-something years and you still feel that way, but now you know for certain that your sister is the the most genuine and kind hearted woman out there.

Lauren was an absolutely stunning bride. I had seen her in her gown multiple times, but to behold, tears were still shed when she pulled on that gown on her wedding day. She did her first look with our dad, and then called Ken in. She stunned him too!

Now, it was our turn to surprise her! She was in awe! She couldn’t stop staring at the sculpture and then her gown, over and over again. Ken too was amazed as this was his first time seeing the sculpture!
 
It was such a magical moment, to be able to surprise Lauren with the exact gown that she would be surprising her groom and guests with in just a few short minutes. We put so much trust into Erika to recreate the gown, to capture the beauty and radiance that Lauren emitted on her wedding day, and she nailed it. She was able to forever capture the beauty of Lauren’s bridal gown in stone and for that I am forever thankful.
 
-Kaitlin Adair
Photo Credit: Millimeter Photos
The Studio

Memories in Her Heart: The Keepsake of Love

“My wedding gown is such a special symbol to me and it reminds me of the overwhelming feeling of love I felt the first time I put it on.”

– Marissa

I am so grateful for the initial planning I did with my mom, as she was so excited to see Melanie and me get married.

I cherish the moment I got to pick out my wedding gown with her, as it was only one month before she passed. It was a private appointment at a local bridal shop; we had the whole store to ourselves and shared such a special moment, just her and me, when I said yes to my dress. She was the only person who had seen the dress on me.

During the months leading up to the wedding, I was thinking of ways to include and represent my mom and I thought of using a piece of fabric from her favourite scarf to sew inside my dress in the shape of a heart… near my heart.
The individual who altered my dress was happy to fulfill this request and I was so touched to see the final result.

Finding StoneWear Ceramics on Instagram was simply by chance, as I still followed many wedding accounts and influencers. I had never seen anything like this before. I thought it was such a unique and brilliant keepsake to cherish for years to come, so I just had to reach out to Erika!

Erika is such a delight to work with. Our back-and-forth conversations via email were always full of fun, lightheartedness, and so much kindness. She really made the process feel seamless and provided updates with pictures at each stage of the creative process! I requested to have the heart inside my dress featured in the sculpture, and Erika was more than happy to do this…
and she delivered!

A big thank you once again, Erika, for your beautiful work and your kindness through it all.

-Marissa

Stronger Than Stone

Strength, Courage, & Love: Alyssa Palmer

This story is special in so many ways. Usually, I discover the inspiring stories of my STS Brides, reach out to them, and ask if they would be willing to share their stories as part of this initiative.

But Alyssa’s story is something profound — and it was actually her best friend, Jillian, who found me first. She stumbled upon the Stronger Than Stone initiative and instantly knew Alyssa’s incredible strength and compassion deserved to be honored and shared.

Jillian’s desire to honor Alyssa in this way speaks volumes about the incredible bond they share, and it’s a testament to Alyssa’s courage and resilience.

I’ll leave it to Jillian to share Alyssa’s story in her own words…

I’m writing to nominate a beautiful friend to be a Stronger than Stone bride, her name is Alyssa Palmer. Alyssa is the kindest, most welcoming soul you’ll ever meet. She’s also sneakily witty, and insanely talented in more ways than I can count (trust me… you want her input on your next playlist and your next paint choice).

I was so fortunate to have met Alyssa our freshman year of college at Quinnipiac University, where we became fast friends, and roommates for the remainder of our time there. I always admired Alyssa’s ability to look at situations with such a level head and a sense of humor, seeming mature beyond her years. Unfortunately, part of this maturity came at the expense of devastating loss.

Alyssa tragically lost her father, Orio Palmer, on September 11th, 2001 in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Widely considered one of the strongest and most intelligent men of the FDNY, I’d be lying if I said I felt well-enough equipped to even begin to describe Orio Palmer. On that eleventh day of September, Orio Palmer climbed 37 flights of stairs with approximately 50 pounds of gear. He made it to the South Tower sky lobby on the 78th floor, and he is one of the few reported first responders able to make it that far up. Lots of news organizations have covered his heroic actions, and you can learn more about Orio and his heroic sacrifice here.

How does one even begin to navigate this loss in the 4th grade?

Alyssa, always very close with her mother, became even closer to her during this never-ending time of healing and establishing new “normals”. Debbie Palmer was infectiously radiant. She was truly the best kind of human being; you were never not smiling in her presence. Lovingly called “Mama Deb,” she was happy and healthy until late March 2021. Debbie rapidly developed some unexplained symptoms, and very quickly passed away from complications of undiagnosed cancer.

This all happened in a matter of days; needless to say, it was brutally unexpected and earth shattering for their family. Debbie was kind, generous and warm – the kind of person you crave to be around.

Alyssa’s older sister Dana remarks: “Alyssa’s strength is rooted deep within, because from a very young age she never wanted to burden anyone else with her pain. She gets that from our mom.”

Alyssa married the love of her life, Tony, on 10/11/2024. I am one of her bridesmaids and biggest cheerleaders; when reading about your beautiful business, I truly could not think of a more deserving bride and human than Alyssa. She has already persevered through heartache that no one should see in an entire lifetime. I can’t wait to watch her and Tony build a stunning life together from the ground up.

I love you Lyss.

Always rooting for you. Xo Jillian

Stronger Than Stone

A Beautiful Sign: Amy Rose Perry

“…The most meaningful moments are the ones that unfold in unexpected ways, touching our hearts in ways we could never have imagined.”

The inspiring stories of my Stronger Than Stone brides have a way of finding me, and Amy’s was no exception. When I saw the captivating image of her on her wedding day, adorned in a gown with magnificent butterflies, it moved me just as it had countless others. Her journey was so powerful and uplifting that I felt compelled to reach out. I’m thrilled that she agreed to join StoneWear’s Stronger Than Stone brides and share her heartfelt story of love, loss, and healing.

Amy holds vivid memories of her father, despite losing him to cancer when she was only seven. She recalls the joy and happiness he brought into her life, as well as his incredible strength. Many of these memories are kept alive thanks to her mother, who captured countless videos and photos of him, sharing them with Amy and her sister throughout their lives. Though her father was initially given just three months to live, he fought for three more years, creating cherished moments of love and joy that Amy has carried with her ever since.

“Losing my dad was incredibly challenging. I faced moments of deep sadness, especially on milestones that he should have been a part of. My mom has been my rock during this time; she embodies resilience and strength. She often shares stories about my dad, helping me keep his memory alive. Her unwavering support has taught me to cherish every moment and find joy even in the smallest things. She reminds me that grief is a part of love, and it’s okay to feel both sadness and joy simultaneously.”

One of the most challenging milestones for Amy was her wedding day, knowing her father wouldn’t be there to walk her down the aisle to her beloved husband. In a heartfelt tribute, she chose to honor him by releasing butterflies—a symbol of his presence—after saying her vows. What she didn’t anticipate was how this small gesture would turn into such a beautiful and unforgettable moment.

“A year after my father passed, I was on a hike with my sister and my mom. At exactly noon, the time in which he had passed, a monarch butterfly landed on each of us. Ever since that day, monarchs have appeared on my father’s birthday, Father’s Day, and other special occasions. I could not think of something more fitting than being surrounded by a symbol of his presence on my wedding day.”

As 50 monarch butterflies were gently released from a small container, they didn’t immediately take flight. Instead, something truly magnificent unfolded. The butterflies lingered, delicately landing on Amy’s gown. It was a breathtaking display that seemed almost otherworldly, filling the air with a sense of peace and connection that words couldn’t capture.

“It took me a moment to process that they only landed on us three. It was unanticipated as I thought they would all fly away. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful moments are the ones that unfold in unexpected ways, touching our hearts in ways we could never have imagined.”

Half of the monarchs gracefully landed on Amy’s gown, her bouquet, her sister’s bouquet, and one even rested on her husband’s corsage. It was a profoundly moving moment, one that will forever be etched in their memories and hearts. This beautiful experience serves as a reminder to everyone who has lost a loved one: they are never truly far from us.

“My outlook on the future is filled with hope and resilience. While I still navigate the waves of grief, I’ve learned to appreciate life’s beauty more deeply. My past has taught me to value connection, love, and the moments that make life special. I feel empowered to honor my dad’s memory by living fully and embracing new experiences. I hope to inspire others to find meaning in their losses and celebrate the love that remains. If there’s one thing I’d like to share, it’s that grief and joy can coexist, and honoring our loved ones in meaningful ways can bring healing. My wedding gown is a beautiful blend of my father’s memory and my own personal style. It’s made from delicate lace, symbolizing the intricate connections in my life, particularly with my family.”

Creating Amy’s wedding gown in stone was an incredible honor. The delicate butterflies were intricately added to the gown and hand-painted to capture the profound moment they represented. Thank you, Amy, for sharing your heartfelt journey of love, loss, and healing.

News, The Studio

Enchanting: Connar Franklin and Aaron Carpenter at The Biltmore Estate

Love is in the air at The Biltmore Estate as I reflect on a truly enchanting celebration — a wedding fit for a princess! Amidst the grandeur of the estate, I recently had the honor of creating a StoneWear gown replica for a fairytale wedding; a magnificent celebration, that mesmerized all who were in attendance.

Last August, Connar Franklin married Aaron Carpenter and wore an iconic Elie Saab gown. What an honor it was to sculpt! Photographer, Jose Villa, captured this beautiful moment in time as Connar received her StoneWear gown sculpture from her her mother, Cherise, on her wedding day!

Outstanding wedding planners, Josiah and Justin with Samkoma World,
worked with Cherise to have this unique surprise for Connar.
And what an amazing surprise it was!

A regal wedding design for a prince and princess! Connar & Aaron exchanged vows and celebrated their love story on the grounds of the magnificent Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina. Their ceremony aisle stretched nearly 200 feet down the center of the Biltmore’s front lawn and a 20 piece orchestra played as the bride walked down the aisle! The splendor of the Biltmore, with its sweeping landscapes and timeless elegance, provided the perfect backdrop for a day steeped in romance and regal charm. What an unforgettable moment in time.

Connar wore the iconic Elie Saab Bridal Fall 2023 Look 1 wedding gown. Elegance defined, with long sleeves, a column silhouette with dramatic skirt and train, and layered bodice. I just fell in love with the drama of this gown and the most delicate details of a button closure and buttons on the sleeves.

As I reminisce on this magical affair, I’m reminded of what a privilege it is to be a part of life’s most precious moments. I take immense pride in crafting artworks that hold memories that last a lifetime. To the newlyweds, may your journey together be timeless and as enduring as your StoneWear gown heirloom.

News, The Studio

Stone-Where? StoneWear Ceramics at the Cavalier Resort

Come and see the StoneWear Ceramics Lindsey Gown sculpture on display at Virginia Beach’s historic Cavalier Hotel and Resort!
So much gratitude to beautiful bride Lyndsey, who was my inspiration to create this exquisite ceramic wedding gown sculpture now on display at 
 
It’s such an honor to have one of my pieces on display in this magnificent hotel. I am truly grateful to Joslyn, Director of Weddings, for collaborating with me and providing the opportunity to showcase this beauty in such an elegant space.
With so many brides choosing The Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club for their forever vows,  The Bridal Showroom is the perfect setting to exhibit how wedding gowns can be turned into cherished works of art!
 
With lovely white sandy beaches, historic gardens and timeless luxury ballrooms there are so many amazing spaces here for the ultimate storybook wedding that celebrates love, family and future! 
News, The Studio

Love Inspires: Aaron Michael & Project Runway

Project Runway celebrity designer, Aaron Michael is presented with a StoneWear Ceramics gown replicating one of his signature new bridal gowns from his collection. This design was inspired by his grandmother’s wedding dress.
Virginia Bride Magazine owner/publisher, Angeline Frame, made a wonderful connection and got me in touch with Aaron Michael, designer from Project Runway, Season 19. The rest is history! After speaking with Aaron about his wedding gown collection and inspirations, one thing was evident, his love for his grandmother. That love turned into inspiration which developed into a beautiful work of art, The Black Ribbon Gown.

About Aaron Michael 

“Aaron Michael grew up in Moorefield, a small town in West Virginia, where he always had a passion for fashion. After the loss of his mother, he was raised by his grandparents, who made sure he never felt less than others and would always be himself. A self-taught designer, Aaron cut his first pattern by tracing his body onto fabric while lying on his friend’s basement floor. Much of his early work was for drag queens and other performers he knew from his 20-year stint in the drag scene—he hosted a weekly drag show at the only gay bar in central Mississippi. Over the years, he has dressed multiple national pageant winners, Rupaul’s Drag Race contestants, university and regional theater actors, and others. Aaron’s focus now is on his two design lines: Aaron Michael and Aaron Michael Costume Shoppe. In 2019, Michael showed his designs at New Orleans Fashion Week, which put him on the map and was a defining moment in his career. Aaron recently competed on Bravo’s Project Runway Season 19!”
The Studio

Commemorating A Dream Destination Wedding

Thanks to the rise in remote work, office romances aren’t so common these days. Recent statistics show that one in every ten couples who marry first met on the job. When it happens, as it did with Alli and Matthew, it’s special… and definitely worthy of commemoration.

An Acquaintance Becomes A Friendship 

Alli and Matthew’s journey from co-workers to couple is a story of instant chemistry, delightful secrets, and a shared love for ancient cultures and traditions. When Alli approached us shortly before her first wedding anniversary, she wanted Erika Hitchock, founder of Stonewear Ceramics, to incorporate some of these elements into her ceramic gown commission.

Alli met her husband in 2019 at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, where both had graduated from the nursing program. Their manager, noticing their compatibility as co-workers, asked them to jointly interview a candidate for a Patient Care Technician position. Afterward, the two decided to have a late breakfast together and ended up spending four hours at the restaurant getting to know each other better! Their casual work relationship strengthened as they began carpooling into work, but something else was happening.

A Friendship Becomes A Romance

Alli told us, “We started talking more and more… and started liking each other as more than friends, but we didn’t know if the other person was just being nice.” While Allie’s feelings for Matthew developed, she was happy to know he felt the same way when he asked her out on a date. After an evening at a local trampoline park, Alli said, “We were hooked. We spent all our time together.”

However, they still worked together and weren’t certain if others at the hospital, especially their manager, would accept their romance. Alli and Matthew decided to keep their love a secret, and managed it for several months until they planned a trip together and co-workers figured out their coincidental requests for time off and travel plans. Thankfully, their manager okayed their relationship so long as it didn’t interfere with their duties.

A Romance Becomes A Celebration

Before he proposed, Matthew spent six months searching for the perfect engagement ring for Alli, accepting help from fellow co-workers. With some COVID restrictions still in effect, the couple decided against a traditional wedding, preferring to elope and indulge in their love of travel. “We hadn’t really discussed what type of ceremony we wanted but, when I was looking for wedding planners, I discovered the Mayan Ceremony,” Alli said, after her mother suggested marrying in Mexico. “It incorporated everything we valued and more.”

Alli and Matthew wed in two ceremonies on Valentine’s Day, 2022. During the legal ceremony in Playa Del Carmen, the officiant accompanied them to a beautiful spot in the jungle. Alli, forgetting her hiking shoes, had to walk out in her dress and her wedding slippers!

For the spiritual Mayan ceremony, Alli and Matthew were wed in a sacred Mayan cenote, Hatsuts, by a shaman. The wedding party floated on a wooden raft in the groundwater formation, surrounded by traditional offerings to the Gods held in large sea shells. Each item, Alli told us, symbolized an aspect of marriage and helped connect the couple with the earth and universe.

The ceremony began with the blowing of the Ritual Conch Shell horn, and copal incense was burned to purify the ceremony and cleanse it of negativity. Rose petals, signifying love from Mother Earth, the Cosmic Energy and the couple’s families, were showered over Alli and Matthew. The presence of the corn and bean offerings in their shells symbolized prosperity and fertility. 

“One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was when we ate the cacao bean with honey,” Alli said. The shaman told them the significance of this tradition, how the dual flavors of the cacao–sweet and bitter–would represent the “for better and for worse” moments in their marriage.

“Even when things are bitter or hard, always remember the sweet part of your relationship. It’s what makes the Cacao bean whole. You can’t have the sweet part of it without the bitter, too,” the shaman told them. 

Following the ceremonies, Alli and Matthew spent the remainder of their stay in Mexico as their honeymoon. They explored the beaches and unique attractions, including a zipline tour that sent them through several rings of fire! The experience seemed to connect with their wedding ceremonies, symbolizing their dedication to remain in love through “trials of fire.”

A Celebration Becomes Immortalized In Stone

As their first anniversary approached, Alli discovered Stonewear Ceramics and decided to have her gown cast in stone to commemorate her magical Mexican wedding and honeymoon. She asked Erika if it was possible to include the many symbols of the Mayan ceremony into the sculpture. Enchanted by Alli’s story and eager for the challenge, Erika set to work.

The entire sculpture, consisting of the gown, the wooden base serving as the “raft,” and the Mayan elements, took thirty hours to complete. Erika embellished Alli’s mermaid-style gown with glass beads, pearls, and sequins. The same clay sculpted and fired for the dress was used to create the scattered red rose petals and the sea shells used to hold the cacao beans and corn offerings to the Gods.

When Erika delivered the finished gown sculpture, Alli was amazed by its beauty and attention to detail. “I was so excited to see it that I opened it immediately once I walked inside! I couldn’t wait any longer,” she told us. “When I unpacked it, I was speechless. It was so beautiful. It was perfect. The tiny details were amazing. And every time I look at it, I’m reminded of our special day.”

A Sculpture Becomes a Legacy

Every wedding begins with an incredible story, just as every wedding gown has a special significance for the bride. For Alli, the memory of her wedding included more than the beautiful dress she wore when she exchanged vows with Matthew. Thanks to Erika Hitchcock of Stonewear Ceramics, her enhanced gown sculpture will show everybody who sees it all the symbols of their poignant, spiritual ceremony.

What unique elements of your wedding would you include in a gift sculpture? Whatever you envision for a wedding, anniversary or birthday gift, Erika can create it. Browse our gallery of one of a kind wedding dress sculptures and ceramic special occasion gowns to see the possibilities, and contact us today for more information on commissioning your own keepsake gown.

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