Welcome Dana Hepler

Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Dana Hepler as the newest member to the Alternative Hitches team!!

We are so excited for Dana; she recently planned her own special day earlier this year and has experience with coordinating and conceptualizing events for others. She has a great eye for detail, a fresh perspective on fun, inventive and inexpensive ways to make any wedding day special and we know our brides are going to love her.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dana you can email her at danahepler@hotmail.com.

In her own words about her Day to Remember...


Michael and I were married on June 20, 2009.



Our wedding was held in my hometown of Meadville, Pennsylvania, in the same church that my mom, sister, and aunt were all married in. The feeling I had on our wedding day could never be described, but it was the most perfect feeling! It was so wonderful to be marrying my best friend and to have all our friends and family there giving us so much love and support. On top of all that I got to wear a gorgeous gown, carry a beautiful bouquet of peonies, and eat two pieces of wedding cake!



Here are some of the details:

• Dress: Saison Blanche, Bridal Beginning, Pittsburgh, PA
• Veil: David’s Bridal
• Tux: MW Tux
• Invitations: Carlson Craft
• Flower: Peony, Timberland Frame and Floral, Conneaut Lake, PA
• Church: Stone United Methodist, Meadville, PA
• Cake: Gourmet Creations, Julia Armstrong, Linesville, PA
• Reception: Iroquois Club, Conneaut Lake, PA
• Photographer: Ever After Images, Jodie Farbotnik

Much Needed Vacation

The family and I recently took a vacation to St. Augustine, Florida and stayed at a BEAUTIFUL beach house just 5 doors down from the ocean. This is the first vacation we have been on since Abigail has been born (my youngest who just turned 1).

Talk about days to remember...these moments my husband and I share with the kids being this young I will never forget. Where every little thing is this huge amazing experience to these little people. The ocean, the sand, sea shells, boats, even the seagulls held Wyatt's and Abi's attention for hours. They just could not get enough of this whole other world they have never encountered before.

Wyatt took to swimming right away, he is my little fearless daredevil anxious to try the new and unknown. Abi has adopted a new nickname "GODZILLA", because her biggest joy on vacation was stepping on and crushing all the sandcastles Wyatt and Chris attempted to build.

Needless to say we had a wonderful time. Always cherish the time you get with your loved ones, it is very few and far between and goes by way too quickly.

Get Your Holiday Cards Early!!

This may sound crazy, but I have already found the perfect holiday greeting card for my family! I just received new catalogs for this seasons greeting card collection from Carlson Craft, and I must say it was a difficult decision. There are a lot of neat and contemporary ideas available.

My husband and I have been married for 4 years now, and one thing I have learned is if I don’t start early with my holiday mailing, it won't get done. What's so nice about starting early is that the printers offer deep discounts prior to November. But once November hits everything is full price. Also, the closer you get to November the less options you have to choose from. So if you ever wonder way you received the same card from multiple families, chances are they got to the stationery store a little late in the game and that’s all that was left. None the less, the important thing to remember is the spirit of giving and the fact that someone was thinking of you during the holidays.

Happy (early) Holidays from Alternative Hitches!

Three Birthdays, One Party

Ok so like everyone else, I feel like there are never enough hours in the day!

My son, daughter and husband are all celebrating birthdays next week on September 30th, October 2nd and October 3rd. It's embarrassing to say but I don't have time to custom create my own families birthday invitation. I ended up listening to my own advice that I always give clients and simply emailed the specifics of the event to one of our designers. And WOW, I received the most PERFECT design in less than a day. I really gave Sarah a challenge because I am throwing one birthday party for Wyatt who is 3, Abi who is 1 and my husband who is 32. I wanted it to be fun, I didn't want a theme and I needed something that required no assembly. Sarah designed the CUTEST z card, that on the front has a picture of my husband Chris and it says "Our daddy is turning 32". Then when you unfold it there is a picture of Abi and Wyatt. The entire invite is set up as if the kids are the ones sending out the invite and hosting the party. It was perfect for our special day.

Take a look and see what a great job Sarah did.

It got me thinking, that I don't think our Alternative Hitches friends realize how easy it is to make a custom announcement for any occasion that is kick, easy and most importantly inexpensive. Have fun planning your fall parties and tailgates.

A Day to Remember...

February 5, 2005 - My husband and I launch Alternative Hitches

While Chris and I were planning our wedding we found that many services we wanted for our special day were either not available, too costly or unfortunately lacking customer service. I had experience in the bridal industry as a regional Bridal Manager for Macy’s Department Stores and knew that this industry requires more than just good service, but an expert at making people feel outstanding about the decisions they make for their big day. I had always dreamed of owning my own business and the bridal business seemed to be a good fit for me. I started with one invitation catalog, one little table at a small bridal show, and met my first Customer.

Over the years, I have been asked many questions about the name Alternative Hitches. It actually has special meaning to me. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Textile Science. While attending, I was assigned a project to design a clothing line and create a marketing strategy. I chose to design very unique styles of wedding dresses that had a sort of punk appeal and named the line Alternative Hitches. At the time, the Alternative Hitches line stood apart from all the rest of the student competition because it was something different from what was currently seen on the runways and designs were inspired by asking fellow students what details they would want to see one day in their dress on their wedding day.

Today, Alternative Hitches no longer has a punk appeal, but what does still hold true is that our product and service is based on the clients needs and making your dream day come true.


September 4, 2005 - My wedding

It was the day I had dreamed of...deep rich fall colors, dark red calla lilies, curve hugging candle light dress and the most wonderful man waiting at the top of the aisle. I couldn't have imagined a more perfect day or a more perfect person for me to spend the rest of my life with.

August 23, 2009 - The launch of the new Alternative Hitches website and blog

Almost five years later, Alternative Hitches continues to grow and evolve with our clients. WELCOME to our new website and blog, complete with updated information, new pics, new services and stay tuned because even more to come. I hope that everyone enjoys the new look!


Since 2005 there have been many "Days to Remember" in my life and the life of Alternative Hitches. My main goal in launching this company was to help others to create their day to remember because when it comes to your wedding you are not just planning a single day, you are planning the rest of your life!