It’s hard not to be in awe over the beautiful blue color scheme and gorgeous logo we have for The Brides Project, but have you ever wondered who the genius is behind the design? Wonder no more – this edition of Volunteer Spotlight is all about our web and graphic designer Kellie Bambach!

Kellie was one of the very first volunteers to get The Brides Project up and running. When she got involved with her friend Ashley, then marketing chair, The Brides Project was just an idea on paper. As the need for marketing materials and a “face” to the project was apparent, Kellie was asked to develop the look and feel of The Brides Project – no simple feat! When reflecting on the inspiration for the design, Kellie says, “because the shop has unique, one-of-a-kind dresses, each comes with it’s own personal history. This individuality translated to a personal touch, and from there the hand-drawn dress form out of type was born”.

What inspired Kellie to get involved with The Brides Project during its conceptual phases? She loves working with entrepreneurial clients! Kellie had experience working with non-profit organizations throughout her career and understood the challenges non-profits face trying to find funds or resources to get their message out in a professional, strategic way. We more than appreciate and love her willingness to use her design skills for a good cause!

The Brides Project is a great source of revenue for The Cancer Support Community and there isn’t a person around that hasn’t been affected by cancer in one way or another. The Brides Project is a great cause and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. – Kellie

Kellie runs her own company (launched in 2010), Sparklefurry, that provides full service branding solutions. What’s the story behind the creative company name? Kellie explains, “Sparklefurry is such a fun, memorable name. If you think of things that are sure to attract attention… it’s sparkles.  It demonstrates what we try to get our clients to do everyday … Attract attention, get noticed!” Of course, Kellie also focuses on providing results for her clients, and she certainly has provided The Brides Project with results oriented designs and strategic thinking in every detail of the marketing materials we use to support our mission. Her work has been so meaningful that she won TWO Addy Awards (see picture at the top) for The Brides Project, as well as People’s Choice and Best of Show. Very well deserved and we are proud and thankful that Kellie is receiving great recognition for all she has done for us!

In true bridal spirit, we asked Kellie if she had any tips for new brides, and she gave us great advice from a design standpoint: “Planning any event can be overwhelming, but particularly your wedding! When planning, think of one element that you are really passionate about (could be a color, the flowers, a location, a cake, a season…) and build a theme around it. Once you’ve chosen your one key component, take your design cues from that. Being involved in The Brides Project, I have become involved in designing wedding invitation suites (save the date, invitations, programs, menus, thank you cards, etc). The invitation is the first real opportunity to set the tone of the upcoming event and it’s a perfect opportunity to be able to put your personal touch into it. The option of having matching programs, menus, thank you cards, etc. is just the icing on the cake. This level of consistency takes a beautiful wedding and makes it an extraordinary event. It’s your wedding day, your dream, and it shouldn’t be like anyone else. Don’t be afraid to make it your own.”

We love Kellie’s thoughtful insight and eye for detail in everything she does. Kellie has been instrumental in bringing life to The Brides Project and we are forever thankful to have her on our team! Thank you, Kellie!

Kellie can be contacted through her website, Sparklefurry.

On Saturday, at our temporary location, Kathy rounded up a couple of beautiful bridal models, Liz and Eva, to help The Brides Project showcase a few of the gorgeous gowns waiting for their perfect bride. Kathy is a Detroit based photographer, who graciously travels to Ann Arbor to volunteer her time with us. She found out about The Brides Project when one of her best friends purchased a dress from us,  “I came with her and everyone was so helpful and amazing.”

Kathy wanted to get involved as a volunteer because she believes in the mission of The Brides Project and the support provided by the Cancer Support Community. She knows first hand how much help additional support can be for the family dealing with cancer. Kathy’s uncle was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, passing away last week; “It makes me even more determined to make people aware of what a great thing The Brides Project is.”

What does Kathy love about volunteering for The Brides Project? “Taking pics of the beautiful dresses of course!” She especially loves being involved because all the dresses are different; “there are some super cool vintage ones that you probably wouldn’t find at any other bridal shop!”

We asked Kathy to tell us her favorite thing about weddings: “I love capturing the moment, when no one is watching. I love bringing out the beauty in everything, and being a part of someone’s special memories. I also LOVE my couples, they are always so amazing, and I have so much fun with them.”

We have a lot of fun with you too, Kathy! The energy Kathy brings into the salon is incredible, and she does a fantastic job of showing off the dresses we have for sale.

Pictured above, Kathy and awesome models Liz and Eva. Thank you Kathy for all you do!

Kathy can be contacted through her website.