Where to Find That Inspired Wedding Gift

By Linda Busetti
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 2/14/02)

No newly married couple needs three toasters. A more personal gift will be treasured for years.

At the Irish Walk in Old Town Alexandria, owner Bernadette Troy displays handcrafted Belleek Parian china wedding cake toppers and vases. China figurines and Celtic crosses feature the Claddagh design — a heart, symbolizing loyalty, held by two hands, suggesting caring friendship — of Galway legend. The Irish Walk maintains a bridal registry to help with making selections. Wedding candles, Irish toasting glasses and linen bridal handkerchiefs are also sold at the shop at 415 King Street.

People who come to the Catholic Shop in Chantilly for a meaningful wedding gift find crucifixes of all types, sick call sets (including candles and holy oil vial), and family Bibles, Pam Gaunt said. Garden statues and religious art are also available. The Catholic Shop is located at 13939 Metrotech Drive in the Sully Place Shopping Center.

"Most people ask for a family Bible" when shopping for a wedding gift at Pauline Books and Media in Alexandria, according to Sister Linh, manager of the book center. The store has Bibles in a variety of bindings. Other suggested wedding gifts include framed house blessings, pictures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Nativity sets, which are popular at Christmastime. The shop is located at 1025 King Street.

The Clifton Gallery and Irish Collection at 125 Mill St. in Occoquan feature fine Galway crystal, toasting glasses, a wide collection of Belleek Parian china, Mullingar pewter, wedding quilts, unity candlesticks, Claddagh wedding bells, cups and cake knives, and Irish linens, which make lovely wedding gifts. Claddagh and Celtic wedding rings are also available, according to Pat Condron, manager of the Irish Collection. The shops maintain a bridal registry. For information on the Irish Collection and Clifton Gallery, go to www.irishco.com.

A Wing & A Prayer in Woodbridge stocks crucifixes and silver blessing cups that can be engraved with a couple’s names and wedding date, according to co-owner Deirdre Jett. A "Family Book of Life," to record the marriage, births of children, First Communions and other family milestones, is available at the shop at 14100 Jefferson Davis Highway. 

Copyright ©2002 Arlington Catholic Herald.  All rights reserved.