Our Current Obsession: Leather Accessories from Waltzing Matilda
Brett Thomas Photography
What to give as tokens of thanks for your Most Special People—including your beloved guests—during your wedding festivities can be more of a stumper than you think, as you strive to 1) not give them something they’ve received at a million weddings before yours; and 2) not blow your entire budget.
What we’re loving these days: the beautiful, utilitarian, customizable handmade leather accessories being turned out by Waltzing Matilda owner Mike Balitsaris and his crew at his workshop/boutique in downtown Wayne. Fashioned from recycled top-of-the-line American hides found during Balitsaris’s travels or sourced from factories like Timberland and Coach, each piece has a rugged yet completely luxurious feel.
Give belts and caddies to the dudes and bottle ponchos and clutches to the ladies, or wine carriers to your entire bridal party. (Balitsaris can brand each gift with the recipient’s initials; for extra-special pieces, look into his satchels and duffels.) And for your departing guests, treats they won’t soon throw aside and forget: handsome little coasters—the slimmest of leather disks—stamped with your married monogram or wedding date. Custom brands start at $175; waltzingmatildausa.com
This article originally appeared in the fall/winter 2016 issue of Philadelphia Wedding.
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