We were lucky to catch up with Michelle McMurray de Luces recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One deeply underappreciated facet of being an entrepreneur or creative is the kind of crazy stuff that happens from time to time. It could be anything from a disgruntled client attacking an employee or waking up to find out a celebrity gave you a shoutout on TikTok – the sudden, unexpected hits (both positive and negative) make the profession both exhilarating and exhausting. Can you share one of your craziest stories?
Yes, to start off I must explain how I work. Part of my writing process involves establishing a personal connection with my clients, as I delve into the task of documenting their life stories. Through this immersive experience, I acquire an understanding of their character traits, as well as the behaviors exhibited by their friends and family members with whom I speak.
An example of this occurred during a wedding in Costa Rica. The Covid pandemic changed the wedding date multiple times and all the guests seemed to have pent-up energy and were ready to celebrate and celebrate hard. I traveled there, where the couple and their friends exuded a “vibrant and lively atmosphere” in the days leading up to the ceremony.
The second night I was there the couple hosted an elaborate welcome party. The outdoor venue was absolutely enchanting, with beautiful furniture placed on the sandy floor, and a hut with elaborate tabletops cloaked in white linen, overflowing with an abundance of flowers. Lively music drifted in the wind along with the smell of delicious cuisine. The sunset was pink and quite magnificent draping over the ocean, like a dream. It was a beautiful evening.
However, as the event unfolded, a severe rainstorm developed, forcing an early conclusion. Unfortunately, we were taken to the private location via bus, down a very steep hill to the beach. The previously navigable dirt roads descending the hill to the party transformed into a treacherous expanse of mud, making it impossible for heavy buses to climb but halfway up, although they gave it a good try. All three buses found themselves stranded, with 80% of the passengers a bit more than tipsy. Despite the cautionary advice, a group of 15 guests attempted to push the first bus, yet even their collective strength wasn’t enough.
During the commotion, one of the guests didn’t notice that the edge of the road was actually a precipice and literally fell off the side of the cliff. His wife let out a blood-curdling scream and without thinking, lunged after him, but was grabbed by another party before she, too, fell. Miraculously, the individual somehow managed to survive due to getting caught by a tree on the way down.
As a consequence of the incident, the resort had to employ machinery to safely rescue and transport the injured guest, covered in mud and as white as a sheet, but with only some minor cuts and bruises. Although the person didn’t sustain severe injuries, the incident cast a pall over the festivities, leading to a more subdued atmosphere for the remainder of the wedding celebration.
Personally, this incident had a profound impact on me, as it brought me face-to-face with the fragility of life. Witnessing such a harrowing event during such a happy celebration was both unexpected and emotionally jarring to me for months afterward, although it certainly made a great story.
Michelle , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
When I was just a three-year-old kid, I developed a fascination with my mother’s bridal gown, and that’s where my love for weddings began. Instead of reading comic books like other children, I begged my mom to buy me Modern Bride and Brides magazines. Dressing up in wedding gowns became my favorite pastime, either with outfits she would find for me or dresses she made herself. I designed bridal attire when I was only 8 years old.
At the same time, my grandparents instilled in me the value of family stories and the importance of preserving them. They taught me from an early age that these narratives hold significance and should be actively documented throughout one’s life. So, I find myself as the embodiment of both these ideologies, combining my passion for weddings with the appreciation for family history and storytelling.
While in college, I couldn’t help but notice a gap in the wedding industry when it comes to capturing and preserving the complete narrative of a couple’s special day. While photography plays a crucial role and is an absolute necessity for all couples, it tends to capture only one side of the story. On the other hand, videography, also essential, often condenses the entire twelve-hour wedding day into a brief compilation of the most exceptional moments, lasting only under an hour. I genuinely appreciate the artistry in both mediums, but what was lacking was someone dedicated to recounting the true, comprehensive story.
Upon successfully completing my MBA degree, I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, aiming to establish and develop my own company. The groundwork began in 2010, and three years later, in 2013, I launched Wedding Story Writer at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Now you may be wondering, what exactly is it that we do?
Our primary focus is to meticulously document the journey of a couple, weaving together stories into captivating and beautifully hand-crafted hardbound books. These books serve as a lasting testament to their love and also encompass a comprehensive exploration of their family history, rooted in narratives passed down through generations.
To further enhance the storytelling experience, we offer the inclusion of illustrations within the books, allowing for a visually captivating representation of their journey.
In addition to our custom storybooks, we also innovated a unique product known as the “vow book.” It serves as a cherished item to be read at the altar during the ceremony or in private before the wedding begins. Our signature vow book collection encompasses a range of sizes, cover choices, and colors and is specifically designed to hold the couple’s wedding vows. We also design custom vow books.
What sets our vow books apart from others coming after us is the quality. We use the finest materials produced, of archival quality. Our vow books also have removable pages, which allow the couple to easily replace the paper and pass down their vow books to future generations. This feature ensures that their heartfelt words can be shared with their children and grandchildren, creating a lasting family heirloom that can be treasured for years to come and also saves a few trees.
Our studio accommodates a Chandler & Price letterpress from 1907, a remarkable device that plays a pivotal role in our creative process. This antique printing press serves as an invaluable tool for us to transform ideas into tangible works of art perfect for a wedding celebration. Additionally, we have a foil press and a guillotine for precisely cutting our paper and boards, and a collection of other crafty tools, stamps, and supplies to enhance our creations.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
The Covid pandemic was a huge pivot. Our client base fell to one or two stories, which had to be delayed multiple times. Our vow book clients increased due to elopements, but our suppliers disappeared. We were forced to use up the supplies we had on hand, which meant our clients had fewer choices than normal. Even finding paper was difficult. Although we are past the pandemic, there are still supply chain issues, but it has improved.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My primary mission is to transform my clients’ visions into reality, crafting enduring memories and cherished heirlooms, and wholeheartedly engaging in the union of my clients. Their love stories inspire me, allowing me to narrate them within my storybooks, but also through every design project I undertake.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.weddingstorywriter.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/weddingstorywriter
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/weddingstorywriter
- Twitter: @wedstorywriter
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNyNqku23sU&themeRefresh=1
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wedding-story-writer-cary
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Tulle & Grace, Jennifer Scott Photo, Kristin la Voie Photography, Radostina Boseva Photography, Joanna Fisher