Real Weddings, Advice, & Inspiration

Catalyst Wedding Company highlights weddings by and for game-changers. We seek to amplify and empower voices and viewpoints that are usually missing from the Wedding Industrial Complex. We're a community of badass wedding professionals who love all things funky, fresh, diverse, unique, and personality-driven; we convene twice yearly for (un)convention, a collaborative workshop, styled shoot, and dinner party. We're also the publishers of Catalyst Wedding Mag, a resource for couples looking for inspiration and affirmation that doing things differently in wedding-world is not only ok, it's wonderful!

With These Rings Handmade Wedding Bands Port Townsend Washington Stephanie Selle DIY

Catalyst Wedding Co. may receive compensation or products from companies mentioned in this article. This helps support our site.

“With this ring, I do wed.” This, or some variation of the phrase, is something many of our readers will hear on their wedding day. It’s a big moment when you place your partner’s ring on their hand in marriage. It’s an emotional moment full of anticipation, immeasurable beauty, and often the result of months of planning. For many, it’s a moment you only get to experience once on your wedding day, but With These Rings you can capture some of that beauty and emotion ahead of the wedding while crafting your own custom rings over the course of just a few hours.

Stephanie Selle, owner of With These Rings, firmly believes that “you can’t buy love, but you can make it.” In fact, it’s her tagline! Her studio in Port Townsend, Washington gives couples the unique experience of making their own handcrafted rings!

With These Rings Handmade Wedding Bands and Rings Port Townsend Washingtong Stephanie Selle DIY MJ Photography

Crafting Your Own Wedding Rings is a Bit Like Crafting Your Marriage

“We live in a culture full of disposable things, but your wedding rings are meant to last. I wanted to give people the opportunity to make rather than shop” Stephanie said.

Many of Stephanie’s couples opt for simple, classic bands, but there are also customizing options for those who have special designs in mind. The parallels between crafting a ring and crafting a marriage weren’t lost on either of us during our conversation.

“I want them to walk away with memories. Almost everyone worries that they might screw it up, but there’s always a moment when they realize that they didn’t and it is beautiful. They become present while they’re here. They eventually get it. They’re off their phone for hours and working on this tiny thing,” she said.

Like Marriage, You Can’t Predict What the Ring-Making Process Has in Store for You

After a series of steps that includes practicing with copper, cutting the raw stock gold down to size, annealing the metal with a torch, soldering the seam, sanding, and polishing, two beautiful rings are prepared to go home with the couple where they will await that special moment on their wedding day.

“Some people break for lunch and some work all the way through it. You can’t predict how long it’s really going to take, but anyone can do this. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if the idea lights you up then it is meant for you” she said.

For more on With These Rings’ creative process follow them on Instagram, Pinterest, & Facebook, then head to their website to plan your visit!

Pictures courtesy of MJ Photography

JORDAN MANEY

Jordan A. Maney is an Assistant Editor at Catalyst Wedding Co. and is a San Antonio-based wedding planner. She she started her company as a planning haven for all the couples the industry chooses to ignore. Instead of just making a brand, she's building a community. Find more of her sass, humor, and Southern hospitality at allthedaysweddings.com.