Marie A. Sutton is a wife, mom, writer and professional communicator with more than 20 years of experience. She has penned articles and essays for local and national publications, been a radio talk show host, featured speaker and blogger. In 2014, she penned the book, The A.G. Gaston Motel in Birmingham: A History Landmark, published by The History Press. She has served as Director of Student Affairs Marketing and Communications for the University of Alabama at Birmingham as well as Director of UAB Student Media. Today, she currently serves as the Public Information Officer for the City of Birmingham as well as a member of the mayor’s Executive Leadership Team. Marie is married to Mississippi-born James Sutton and mom of Simone and Stephen. She is also a grateful six-year SURVIVOR of Stage III Breast Cancer.

Mykola Vyshyvanyuk moved to the United States in 2022 from Lviv, Ukraine. Mykola is a husband to Olena and father to three daughters who inspire him both inside and outside the boutique. He received training at the Veloudakis College of Art and Fashion in Athens, Greece. After spending 11 years as an assistant designer and pattern developer for the Italian brand Maurizio, he decided to embark on designing wedding gowns for his own brand, starting with his bride-to-be's gown. For 10 years, Mykola and his wife ran a successful bridal shop, the original NiEl’, in Lviv, Ukraine. The boutique was known and respected for its exclusive designs and full-service approach. Due to the Russo-Ukrainian War, the Vyshyvanyuks were forced to leave Ukraine and their business behind. Mykola and his family are in the process of reestablishing NiEl' in Birmingham, to provide the same renowned service and care to a new set of clients, akin to the reputation their shop is known for.