Nelle

04 Feb, 2010

Our Engagement Story + the Ring

Posted by: Laura In: Behind the Scenes

February and it’s hard to believe that we’ve already been engaged for two months! During this time I’ve experienced a number of emotions, been flooded with ideas, and have enjoyed the excitement that is starting to grow over the big day. In honor of the month of LOVE I am going to bring you up to speed on the happenings around our upcoming nuptials, starting with the engagement!

December 2nd was our seven year anniversary and it also happened to be the night that Cameron popped the question. It’s funny, after seven years with the same person people still asked me if I was surprised. Though I anticipated that he was going to ask me eventually, I never thought he would ask me on our anniversary. He’s so good! I was very surprised, completely caught off guard and even let out a delightful scream of epic proportions.

To pop the question Cameron decided to create a children story about our last seven years together. The book was titled The Grumpy Bear and Cameron illustrated it, wrote it, and bound it in the casing of an old Golden Rule book. You may be wondering why would he ask me with a children story? For years, if I was having trouble sleeping, I would ask him to tell me a bedtime story, (I know please control your gag reflex), he would always say “no”, thus having the request become a running joke between us. The Grumpy Bear is my bedtime story and one that when the time comes we will be able to share with our future child. (No I am not pregnant or planning to become anytime soon.)

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Like I said he is so good! We both noted that there were no clothes on me in the story teehee. At the end of the book Cameron dropped to his knees, took my hands in his, and asked if I would spend the rest of my life with him. My eyes were squeezed so tight failing to hold back the tears, and I could barely breath due to my own laughter over the book. I squeeked out a “YES” and I felt a ring slip on my finger. We embraced, hugged, hugged some more, kissed and beamed at one another. At this point he asked me if I had looked at the ring? “No, I hadn’t looked at the ring”, and the fool that I was, I stated that it didn’t matter. Cameron replied rather forcefully, “look at the ring!” I looked down at my left hand and let out an obnoxious, wall shaking scream. There sat the most beautiful ring I had ever seen, made just for me. It blew my mind and was more than I expected.

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Cameron worked with a wonderful little boutique in NYC called Covet to create my engagement ring. The ring was then designed by Alexa Garner Sidaris who is based out of LA, Covet happens to be her NYC boutique. They have amazing pieces there and Cameron just informed me last night that he would go to them for my other jewelry needs in the future, which makes me giddy!

I LOVE my ring, the band is thin but durable, the micro pave is sweet, and the princess cut center stone is just the right mix of vintage and modern. You might say that it is something others will “Covet”. hehheheheee! I seriously find myself gazing at it throughout the day always with a huge smile on my face.

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After we collected ourselves, Cameron took me out for sushi & then we decided to go to my favorite place, Nye’s Polonaise. Nye’s is a good old fashion polish supper club from the 50’s and has a piano bar and polka room. (side note: I love the place and think that if they has wifi I would curl up there every afternoon with a brandy old fashioned and my lap top.) We had dessert and coffee and got the “colorful” scoop on marriage from the 50+ year old waitstaff. So funny!

Thank you Cameron for such an amazing memory, a beautiful ring, and for loving me so much that you want to wake up to me, everyday, for the rest of your life. You Rock.

xoxo - Laura

UPDATE: NELLE was able to raise $200 for VISIONS OF HOPE MINISTRIES EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND! Thank you to all of our customers who participated in our online fundraising event, Handbags for Haiti!

Handbags for Haiti is Today!! 30% of each purchase made today will go to Vision of Hope Ministries Earthquake Relief Fund!

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So, if you have been contemplating your NELLE purchase OR if you are a Bride that was planning on purchasing NELLE for your maids OR if you are a boyfriend, secret admirer, husband/fiance’ that has no clue what to get your lady for Valentines Day…. May I suggest that you make your NELLE purchase TODAY! Together we can help VOHM bring aid and relief to earthquake survivors.

If you would like to make a donation to VOHM Earthquake Relief Fund please go to www.vohmhaiti.com

Have a Marvelous Day! - Laura

25 Jan, 2010

Why Host Handbags for Haiti?

Posted by: Laura In: Behind the Scenes

I decided to host Handbags for Haiti, an online fundraising event, for a few reasons:

1) I wanted to raise awareness & contribute to Visions of Hope Ministries (VOHM), a close friends, family run organization that at this moment is on the ground in Haiti changing lives for the better.

2) Though it may seem like I live “a glamorous life”, I don’t , and I have to keep a close eye on my finances and cash flow. One thing that I can do is sell handbags, I have a surplus of fabric and supplies for making handbags!

3) This is why I have chosen to encourage brides who were planning on purchasing NELLE for their bridesmaid gifts, or Valentines Day shoppers, to make their purchases on Friday, January 29. Together we can support an important cause!

So, for anyone filled with skepticism, please give it a rest. We all are trying to contribute to Haitian Relief Efforts in any way we can.

xoxo - Laura

21 Jan, 2010

VOHM Saves Lives of Hatian Orphans

Posted by: Laura In: Inspirations

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My heart is filled with JOY! Vision of Hope Ministries (VOHM) was able to provide food and water today to 56 orphaned Children & Infants who were on the brink of starvation and dehydration. This near death situation was put to end by the generous donations made last night via friends and family of VOHM on Facebook.

Seriously, if you are looking for an organization to donate to, but are concerned about the red tape, please consider vohmhaiti.com. This organization is managed by friends of mine, who are on the ground in Haiti right now saving lives. If you have the ability to make a cash donation please do so at your earliest convenience.

And if you are a Bride who was planning on purchasing NELLE for your wedding day I ask that you plan to make your purchase on Jan. 29 here at nellehandbags.com. You will be saving lives!

XOXO -Laura

19 Jan, 2010

Handbags for Haiti

Posted by: Laura In: Promotion & Press

On Friday, January 29, 2010, thirty percent of each purchase made at Nellehandbags.com will be donated to Vision of Hope Ministries Earthquake Relief Fund. VOHM is a non-profit organization that has been empowering the people of Haiti since 1993.

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In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in southern Haiti on January 12th, VOHM has taken a leading role in coordinating medical care and shelter in northern Haiti for those evacuating from Port-au-Prince. All donations to VOHM’s Earthquake Relief Fund will go directly towards buying food, medical supplies, clothing, and other items needed to shelter and care for evacuees.
“VOHM is working in conjunction with hospitals to obtain the necessary medical supplies for earthquake victims”, said Greg Schuenke, President of VOHM. “We will be converting our church and school facilities into shelters where evacuees will be fed and cared for.”

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“After the devastating earthquake on January 12, like many other small business owners, I felt compelled to contribute”, said Laura Nelli, Founder of NELLE. “VOHM, an organization near to my heart, is providing necessary care to those most in need, through donations made to the VOHM Earthquake Relief Fund.”

Each purchase made on January 29 will be shipped in time for Valentines Day with the inclusion of a small note mentioning that a portion of the sale has been donated to the VOHM Earthquake Relief Fund. Those solely interested in contributing to the VOHM Earthquake Relief Fund are encouraged to visit www.vohmhaiti.com. There they can donate as well as learn more about VOHM and their mission of economic and social development.


  • Mary Aspell: Laura and Cameron, My wish for you , Grab all the happiness in the whole wide world. You both have my best wishes,; And more stories you'll be abl
  • Rebecca: too sweet for words! congrats, Laura!!
  • NELLE: Thanks Ladies:) So fun to be able to share his creativity!
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