Rachel and Noah Ray are a husband and wife photography duo based in Birmingham, Alabama. They have such a unique eye for photography, and capture the most beautiful moments perfectly by using both film and digital cameras to get the most variety of photographs. Their mission is to create a finished product that will still be relevant 50 years from now.
Olexa's Cafe
Diane Olexa is the brilliant chef behind Olexa's Cafe, Cakes, and Catering, and from a young age she was introduced into the world of wedding cakes. She watched her mother create beautiful wedding cakes for brides on their big day. Diane, herself, created her first wedding cake in her early 20s as a gift for a college friend, and from that point on she fell in love with the creative art. That love blossomed into starting her own business in the kitchen of her alma mater, Southeastern Bible College right here in Birmingham, Alabama.
A few years later, she and her mother joined forces and expanded her business to include corporate and social event catering. Diane explains that she remembers one reception where a wedding guest approached her and complimented, "Everything is so delicious, where can we go to eat your food?" Thus, in 2004 Olexa's Cafe, Cakes, and Catering opened its doors.
Today, guests can enjoy everything from homemade quiche to panini sandwiches to their well-known buttercreme cakes all while dining in a european-style cafe setting.
Kate Morris Jewelry
Our good friend Kate Morris is an amazing jewelry artist. She creates stunning pieces that go with virtually any outfit, and the story behind her company is rather interesting. When Kate was 16, she traveled to Bolivia on a mission trip. While she was there, she discovered all kinds of people using a vast variety of materials and colors to create art. She also discovered different types of gemstones, metals, and the jewelry making process.
From then on she was sold. She was inspired to experiment and make jewelry of her on. It began as just making some pieces for herself, which led to making pieces as gifts for friends and selling to friends, which in turn led to online sales, local stores, and artisan shows.
Today, because of her love for missions, at least 10% of every order goes to the International Mission Board. We, at Bustle, are big fans of Kate Morris, and her jewelry is absolutely exquisite!
Great Bear Wax Company
Great Bear Wax Company is a candle business based out of Birmingham, Alabama. The candles that founder Jake Carnley creates are mainly scents that can be found in nature such as, campfire, forest, and jasmine. The company has a really cool story of how it all began.
Carnley explains that he's always enjoyed working with his hands, and he's loved what candles bring to a room, so he made a leap of faith and created Great Bear Wax Co. with only about $900 (which broke even within the first 48 hours of opening). He believes that his company is personable and creates a relationship with the consumers who buy his product versus buying a mass made candle at a chain store.
In the words of Jake Carnley, "Candles bring comfort, peace, friendliness, communion, and familiarity to a room. A lit candle means 'something's happening.'"
Augusta Cole: Artistry
Our friend Augusta Cole has such the creative eye. She's both an incredible artist, and a fabulous stylist. Augusta started her own business, Artistry, so she could, as she says, "bring an artistic vision to memorable events whether that be a photoshoot, or your wedding day." She definitely does just that. We think she has such a God-given talent, so we wanted to share some of her amazing work with you!
Images by Mandy Busby
Image by Jennifer Pharr
Augusta was born and raised right here in Birmingham, Alabama. She attended Samford University, and had the opportunity to work for an event coordinator and floral designer. She has such a passion for art, and she felt the Lord calling her to create Artistry. As you can see, her work is truly a reflection of her passion.
Image by Mandy Busby
Pop-Up Sunday Shop
Sip mimosas & enjoy cupcakes from Gias while you shop lots of wonderful artisans from Birmingham! Shop for mother's day gifts, birthdays gifts, bridesmaid & groomsmen gifts, and even gifts for the bride in your life!
Below are some of the vendors you'll see::
The creative work of Mandy Busby.
Who is Mandy Busby? In a word... sublime.
Mandy is a wonderful wife and mother as well as an amazing photographer and florist. Furthermore, she is the most humble and kind woman you could ever hope to meet. She is pictured here with her husband, Joel, and their son, Henry.
We're so happy to be able to share with you a little of her work.
Photography::
Her floral work is breathtaking::
And this is only the tip of the iceberg! If you're dying for more, visit her website, here.
Valentine Delight
We had the most wonderful time at the Valentine Pop-Up Shop! Thank you to all who came and supported our very talented friends, Mandy Busby, Holly Hollon, Nancy McColl and Susan Gordon.
Photos by Laura Jett Walker.
Valentine Pop-Up Shop
Bustle is excited to be your one-stop shop for Valentine goodies! Gorgeous flower arrangements by Mandy Busby Creative, calligraphy & original Valentine cards by Holly Hollon and the most delicious macarons from Magic City Macarons.
Bustle will be open to the public for your shopping pleasure on::
Friday, February 13th from 12:00noon - 6pm
Saturday, February 14th from 10:00am - 2:00pm
Small flower arrangements will be available on the spot and large arrangements are available by pre-order. Contact Mandy by emailing Mandy@MandyBusbyCreative.com
Macaron orders of 1 dozen or more will also be available by preorder. Contact Nancy by emailing Nancy@MagicCityMacarons.com
Charlie Party
The Charlie Party at Bustle on December 3rd gave us a chance to feature some of our favorite man-stuff. We had some of the greatest local artisans in Birmingham selling their merchandise and delivering high-fives. Charlie Birmingham launched their new line of pocket squares, Salence featured their incredible outerwear, Huckstraps brought their 100% recycled thermoplastic belts, ML Leather sold all types of leather goods and we did have something for the ladies... Kate Morris was there with her line of beautiful jewels and gems!
Not only were there tons of manly gifts to choose from, we also had some yummy bites from Happy Catering Co., custom cocktails by Noah McCullough, fresh coffee from Fivezies, and the best beats from DJ Coco. It was a wonderful night to say the least.
Photos courtesy of Jett Walker Photogarphy.