Past Perfect
by Cate Murway
“Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind
Memories, sweetened thru the ages just like wine”
Do you stash an elaborate sentimental collection of sepia-toned memories in an old shoebox?
Create unique presents for your family, your friends, or thank your bridesmaids for being a part of your wedding! Your bridesmaids and maid of honor fielded late night phone calls, hosted showers, addressed envelopes and had hankies at the ready during the ups and downs of your wedding preparations. They are your cherished friends whom you’ve chosen to stand beside you on one of the most important days of your life. A thoughtful gift will show your gratitude for their support and camaraderie.
Bridal miniatures are unique, custom-made recreations; hand sewn craftsmanship and a total replicated style from your own photograph. They are a beautiful keepsake for the bride, or can make an exquisite centerpiece; perfect for a bridal shower or birthday party.
The artist, Borough resident, Annette [Capriotti] Gottsabend, Villa Joseph Marie, Holland, PA Class of 1978, expertly creates a miniature gown of your child, grandchild, parent, spouse, old or new wedding photo that can be proudly displayed in your home or office for years to come. It excels in its eye appealing prolific and splendid fabrication and is skillfully finished down to the minutest detail.
Even Fox 29's Gerald Kolpan, who “interviews artists, among others, and conveys the newsworthiness of their project”, paid a visit to Annette who “has created an entirely new career by shrinking down the basic element of the biggest day in a woman's life.”
"Your most beloved gown and dresses recreated in miniature to cherish forever."
Annette always knew what she wanted to do. The fast-paced fashion industry, rich in career opportunities for individuals with an eye for color, line and texture, a keen business sense and a bold creative vision, enticed her. She made the daily train trek to the Mayer School of Fashion Design in Manhatten, NY., pursuing her dream.
She lost her dad, Blair B. Capriotti while she was still in High School and unselfishly made the decision to financially assist her late mom, Natalie [Casmirri], one of 10 children, who taught sewing at St. Ann School, Levine’s Fabrics in the Levittown Shopping Center and in their home through the Bucks County Cooperative Extension. Annette and her drywall contracting business owner husband, Joseph John, BHS ‘76 have three St. Ann School graduate children, commercial art major, Joseph Earl, BCTHS ’05, football/wrestling/track athlete Michael Blair, BCTHS ’05 and soccer/bowling athlete/aspiring journalist, Nicole Marie, BHS ’10. Her brother, Blair Capriotti, Jr. is the proprietor of Blair's Service Center, a certified Bumper-to-Bumper Auto Value Service Center on Beaver Street.
“Of holding hands and red bouquets
And twilight trimmed in purple haze
And laughing eyes and simple ways
And quiet nights and gentle days with you”
Some brides strut their stuff in strappy sandals, slingbacks, or retro pumps, and want a
special keepsake of her most memorable wedding day. Each Bridal Miniature is displayed on an hourglass shaped wire form and can become a unique wedding favor or bridal party gifts that say thank you with style. This expert seamstress hand sews and embellishes these couture quality miniature richly detailed wedding dresses as if they were a bride's actual wedding finery.
The professional quality piece shines with satin, lace, ribbons, rhinestones, sequins and even embroidery, reflecting the materials and embellishments featured on the original wedding gowns. She “decided to revive the wedding tradition of yesteryear with a twist”, the old tradition of bridal dolls for each attendant that made it to the head table for the reception. According to her website, the artistic recreations commemorate more than just weddings. They are perfect for the many special occasions in a young lady’s life; Holy Communion, Bat Mitzvah, Quinceanera, [in the Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central and South American traditions, a celebration of the young girl and a recognition of her journey from childhood to maturity, highlighting God, family, friends, music, food, and dance] Sweet 16, Prom, or milestone anniversaries.
Annette is currently a production pattern maker with Jones Apparel Group in the design division for the Jones New York label, the foremost brand in women's classic apparel that provided the highest standards of quality in fit and design. She has been informed of their plans for major restructuring and significant layoffs. After working as a garment industry professional for over 25 years, she has honed her sense of design and truly established a way to make the most of her considerable natural talent. The plus side, is that Annette can now focus on her cornucopia of beautiful fabrics, laces, trimmings and exclusive miniature treasures, capturing a place where wishes, fairytales, and dreams really can come true.
Thanks to the assuring advice from the longtime BHS guidance counselor, Philomena [Phil] Quattrocchi, BHS ‘65/ Susquehanna University ‘69/ Masters in Counseling, College of N.J., (then Trenton State), Annette blazed her personal vocation trail to NYC.
Philomena, who currently shares her multi-talents in her sister, Anne’s custom embroidery business, “Great I.D.’s by Anne”, states, “My philosophy is to encourage students to pursue their goals, not discourage them”. Annette says, “She was a great help to me” and her words were a determining factor.
The awe-inspiring dresses are a wonderful way to recapture your “dream-walk” down the aisle in your same breathtaking designer wedding gown for a fraction of the price. Sometimes in life we are blessed a second time…..
“Memories, memories, sweet memories”
(words & music by Bill Strange - Scott Davis)
Annette Gottsabend
Bridal Miniatures, Inc.
Joseph J. Gottsabend
Bucks County Courier Times
Joseph J. "Buddy" Gottsabend
passed away peacefully
surrounded by his loving family and friends
Tuesday, June 22, 2010,
after a courageous battle with Cancer.
He was 52.
He was born and raised in Bristol Borough
and spent the majority of his life there.
He was a graduate of Bristol High School,
Class of 1976.
He was a member of the Bristol Sons of Italy.
Mr. Gottsabend was owner and operator of J.J. Construction Co. for more than 20 years. He was a skilled and talented sheet "Rocker" who took pride in his work.
Buddy loved his family and cherished the times they spent together. He was a wonderful family man who loved life. He had a unique sense of humor and found humor in any situation. Hunting and fishing were his passions throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph A. Gottsabend. Buddy will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 23 years, Annette (Capriotti). He was the beloved father of Joseph E., Michael, Nicole, and Desiree Gottsabend and Lauren Zocholl; and great grandfather, "Crazy Pop Pop," of Jadyn Marsh. He also is survived by his mother, Mary (Moffo); his siblings, Louis Gottsabend and his wife, Joan, Joan Ruggieri and her husband, Tom, Dean Gottsabend and Jackie Nolan; He was brother-in-law to Paul Nolan, and Blair and Ginny Capriotti; and is also survived by many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family; and numerous good friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, at Galzerano Funeral Home, 430 Radcliffe St., Bristol Borough, followed by his funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Ann Church. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.
The family requests contributions in memory of Joe be made to Gottsabend Children education Fund, NBA Credit Union, 23 Commerce Circle, Bristol, PA 19007, to help continue Joe, Mike, and Nikki's education.
To honor Buddy, please have a cocktail in his memory. Galzerano Funeral Home, Bristol.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Annette Capriotti Gottsabend
"Cousin Herky's Obituary
God rest his kind soul."
Posted: Friday, February 1, 2013 4:00 am
Henry 'Herky' Capriotti, of Bristol passed away peacefully
on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, at Manor Care in Huntington Valley. He was 82.
Born and raised in Bristol Borough, Herky was a long time employee
of Cesare's restaurant in Bristol and was well-known for making pizza
for almost 50 years. He was previously employed with the former Ideal Bakery.
Herky was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served during the Korean War.
He was also a very accomplished bowler and bowled the first '300' games at the former Fairlanes Bowling Center in Fairless Hills. Herky was an avid fan of the horse racing track.
He was a quiet and unassuming man who was loved by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Anna (Mari) Capriotti and his brother, Louis Capriotti.
He will be missed by his brother, Mike, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family at Cesare's restaurant.
Relatives and friends are invited to call 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at Galzerano Funeral Home, 430 Radcliffe Street, Bristol Borough. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. at St. Ann Church. Interment will be in St. Mark Cemetery. Galzerano Funeral Home, Bristol
TEMPORARILY NOT TAKING NEW ORDERS
Natalie [Casmirri] Capriotti
