At its core, Thee Mercantile is about more than beautiful décor—it’s about heart, connection, and community. Their name reflects this mission, drawing inspiration from the nostalgic charm of traditional mercantile stores that offered a little something for everyone. Today, the shop embodies that same spirit with elevated style, positioning itself as “thee” place to find meaningful pieces for every home.
For Jennifer, one of the greatest joys of the business is forming relationships with customers who share a love for design. “We get to experience some of life’s greatest moments with our customers as we help them through moving out for the first time, buying gifts for loved ones, or furnishing their forever home,” she says. “Each memory… is cherished and adds to the importance of our jobs.”
Madison, too, finds deep purpose in her work, saying, “I am always glad to help customers with design advice, ranging from creating a centerpiece to styling a mantle or customizing a cohesive look for a space ready for a fresh start. That is my passion, and I am blessed to be able to share it with others.”
Jennifer says her favorite part of the journey has been walking beside her daughter. “Watching her natural eye for design, her passion for the business, and her love for decorating is truly inspiring. Never did I think that I would get to share something so meaningful with her.”
Seasonal Inspiration
As the shop continues to grow, so does its seasonal charm. This spring and summer, customers can enjoy the return of the beloved “Lake House Living Collection,” a nod to Thee Mercantile’s proximity to Lake Erie. This collection blends natural textures, rich and dreamy blues, and elevated coastal-inspired pieces, bringing Lake Erie into everyday living. And as seasons change, the Andrews family is already preparing for their festive Fall and Winter Open Houses, popular events that bring the community together with cozy inspiration and a touch of magic.
Heart for Community
Community, after all, is at the heart of everything Thee Mercantile does. From donating to local schools, churches, and charities, to creating a space where customers feel seen, Jennifer and Madison are proud to give back to the place that has supported them so generously.
Jennifer and Madison are open in their gratitude, saying “We are deeply grateful for our supportive customers and community. We would not be where we are today without [them]” and “We feel so blessed to do what we love each and every day and share it with the community.”
Madison adds, “We are so grateful to God...His hand has touched every step in this journey—from our amazing customers who walk through our doors, to the vision, and the ability to keep our dream alive. My mom and I do not take any of that for granted, and we give Him all the glory!”
from the home team
CHASING SUNSHINE
Thereis nothing like warm weather in Western New York. After a long winter, it feels like the whole region comes alive, and now that I have a two-year-old son, Emmett, I find myself seeing it all through a new lens. Each sunny day feels like a fresh opportunity to explore, play, and make so many memories.
I feel so lucky to live right between Buffalo and Rochester — it gives us the best of both worlds and so many great places to explore. One of my favorite things to do lately is scout out new playgrounds and parks. It’s amazing how many family-friendly spots there are throughout our area (indoors and outdoors!), and each visit makes me even more grateful to call this area home.
Of course, no summer would be complete without some time spent by the water. We love heading to the beach, feeling the sand between our toes, and soaking up the sunshine whenever we can. A sunny afternoon with a picnic, a few sand toys, and some splashing around is the kind of day I’ll never take for granted.
From South Buffalo’s Porchfest to Taste of Buffalo over to Letchworth Arts & Crafts Show even up to Brockport’s Art Fest, we love spending the day at local events.
But beyond playgrounds, beaches, and festivals, one of the best parts about this season is getting out and supporting the incredible local businesses that help give our towns so much character. Whether it’s stopping into Julie Muscato Gifts, or Main Street in East Aurora, wandering through local greenhouses in search of the perfect flowers, or spending a Saturday browsing at an art festival, it always feels good to shop small and support the community. WNY is filled with creative, passionate people, and being part of that spirit — even as a shopper — is something I truly love.
Some of our favorite days are the simple ones spent right at home. While Emmett is busy running around in the backyard, we’re usually nearby in the garden. Our new dog, Muddy, is always close by—digging in the dirt and making sure she’s part of the action. There’s something really special about slowing down, getting our hands dirty, and just enjoying these everyday moments together.
No matter where this season takes us — a new playground, a local shop, or fun at Canalside—I’m grateful for all the ways WNY shines in the warmer months. Here’s to the sunshine, the community, and all the memories still to come.
See you out there! Go Bills.
ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Do you love WNY? Join us as a freelance writer to create inspirational, uplifting content about the cities we love. Email a cover letter and two writing samples to our content manager at: suziew@featuredmedia.com
JUST A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
I can never resist bringing home a bunch of local blooms.
farmers markets
Heading over to my local farmers market for fresh goodies is always a treat. blue toad cider
The perfect way to unwind and savor the local flavors (Lilac is my favorite!). fresh flowers everywhere
the home team
SALES
LAURIE ABBOTT
CARMEN CAMPBELL
Marketing Consultants
EDITORS
SARAH CHRIST
Designer + Photographer
KARA IVISON
Assistant Creative Director CONTRIBUTORS
SUZIE WELLS
Lead Content Writer
KAITLIN DONNAN
Proofreader/Content Writer
VIVIEN REED
PAYAL BANSAL
NIKKI LO
JODY GREER
Contributing Writers MANAGEMENT
STEVE HARRISON President
MANUEL KARAM General Manager
KELLY NOLAN Creative Director
Shop & stroll over 100 vendors 56TH ANNUAL
SALE & STREET FESTIVAL
Saturda�, Jul� 26t�
Preview Sidewalk Sale on Friday, July 25th 10am-5pm in front of Brick & Mortar businesses on Main Street and (NEW!) Elm Street. Street Festival on Saturday, July 26th from 10am-4pm, on Main Street from Olean Road to Elm Street.
Whether you make a day of it or stay the weekend, our Sidewalk Sale & Street Festival is a summer must for all the quaint village feels here in East Aurora.
Saturda�, Se�tember 6t�
Indulge in tasty food and beverage samples from area restaurants and food trucks from 11am-3pm on Main Street from Olean Road to Elm Street. Plus participate in the People’s Choice vote for our flavor contest!
falling in love
pg. 12 Arbor Venues: Rochester's Perfect Setting
pg. 14 Handcrafted with Love: the Wedding of Rhiannon & Dan
PhotographybyJuliaHart
Every Stitch A Story
For Rhiannon and Dan, choosing a wedding venue was easy. They chose to marry in their favorite place: Allegany State Park in Cattaraugus County. It’s a place of quiet and tranquility, free from the distractions of technology, with lush trees and calm waters making it a perfect backdrop for their special day. Rhiannon says, “We really based our entire wedding on the peace and intimacy that being secluded in nature brings.”
That intention carried through in every aspect of their wedding, including her veil. The veil, a $20 find, evolved into a priceless heirloom over the course of nine months as Rhiannon hand-sewed embroidered pieces into the delicate fabric.
Each piece was chosen with love for a person of significance in her life. There was an eagle for Dan (a favorite animal of his and to represent his tattoos), an orange cat for Dan’s daughter, Ava, and a bumblebee for his son, Daniel, that referenced an inside joke. There was a raccoon for Rhiannon’s oldest daughter, Delilah, and a paw print for her youngest daughter, Lydia, in honor of their recently lost family dog—Rhiannon hand-embroidered that piece herself. She chose sunflowers for her father, an owl for her mother-in-law, and a squirrel for her father-in-law.
“It was wonderful to share the [veil] with them and show all of them that they were a part of this important item,” Rhiannon said. “It was a secret I kept from my husband the entire time, stitching whenever he was out.”
Treasures, Tacos, + Tulle
The thoughtful details didn’t stop at Rhiannon’s veil. Her sister-in-law, Edie, handcrafted all the bouquets and boutonnieres, crocheting roses intertwined with beads and fresh-picked local flowers.
The wedding décor was a collection of thrifted treasures. “Beautiful, mismatched vases and serving ware that used to grace someone’s beloved grandmother’s China cabinet now held new life,” Rhiannon reflected.
Even the food was crafted with meaning. Dan and his best friend cooked a taco-themed dinner, a nod to the first meal Dan made for Rhiannon when they were dating. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, the couple opted for a Whole Foods Chantilly Berry Cake (which Rhiannon highly recommends), that she decorated with gold flakes and flowers just before the ceremony.
One of the most deeply personal touches of the day was their officiant—Dan’s mother, Julia, who became ordained just to marry them. Rhiannon recalls, “Her words were loving and impactful, and to share that moment with her and my husband meant the world to us.”
As the night wound down, only the couple’s closest loved ones remained. Everyone sat by the fire, roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, and playing with sparklers. “To sit next to my husband, surrounded by all that love, joy, and laughter, enjoying the people that we have brought together by us happening to fall in love—made everything worth it,” Rhiannon says.
A Lens On Love
The couple’s photographer, Brandon, describes how beautifully such personal details wove into his photos. “Incorporating something like this into the photos of the day becomes so seamless. My job is to be present, capturing the day as it unfolds, focusing on the things that are most important to the bride and groom.”
Brandon started photography in college as a creative outlet. Inspired by a friend’s DSLR camera, they spent time exploring Buffalo to practice their craft. Brandon initially had no intention of shooting weddings, but a friend’s request led him to photograph his wedding, and he “fell in love” with it.
“My faith is integral to who I am as a person and has given me a good perspective on the significance and beauty of marriage,” Brandon shared. “That perspective allows me to feel the great privilege I have in capturing someone’s day. I truly love what I do.”
Weddings like Rhiannon and Dan’s are why Brandon says he does what he does. And in capturing this wedding, it was clear that love—woven into every detail—was the true masterpiece of the day.
brandonmcclinsey.com
@brandon_mcclinsey_photo
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in the garden
pg. 31 The Heart of Healing Poem Farm: The Beautiful Wedding of Bari & Sean
The Heart of Healing Poem Farm: Bari&Sean
Picture this: It’s September 7, 2024, in South Wales, NY. On this day, you witness Bari and Sean exchange vows beneath a handmade chuppah. Crafted by Sean’s dad, the traditional Jewish wedding canopy was made from tree limbs gathered around their home. The chuppah is adorned with dried broccoli raab seed pods, cover crop grains, and wildflowers from their farm. Surrounded by loved ones, the couple weds in a ceremony filled with personal touches contributing to an overarching story of nourished connection.
While their farm couldn’t practically host the celebration, they found unique and resourceful ways to bring its spirit to their big day. In bringing the farm to their wedding, they offered guests the same gifts and values that ground their daily lives. From the venue to their vows, every detail was whimsically placed, casting playful shadows that shaped their special day:
THE CEREMONY
Floral arrangements represent new beginnings, and the pair chose to carefully arrange their own. Bari says, “Our flowers for the centerpieces, bridal bouquet, and groom boutonniere were grown, foraged, and designed by us at the farm. The florals included sunflowers, zinnias, calendula, amaranth, tulsi, flowering coriander, and dill, oat and millet cover crop, grasses, and goldenrod. All the plants support pollinators on the farm. The cover crop served several purposes - improving soil, supporting pollinators, providing foliage for floral arrangements, and feeding birds.”
WEDDING ATTIRE
Formal wedding attire reflected eco-conscious choices as well. Bari’s wedding dress was purchased on consignment from Still White, and guests were encouraged to wear thrifted or already-owned clothing.
THE RECEPTION
A big part of Bari and Sean’s reception was offering a banquet that encouraged communal sharing and indulgence, while also minimizing food waste. Bari says, “We love familystyle meals for the intimacy of passing and sharing dishes. It creates an opportunity to taste an assortment of foods, resulting in quality conversation.”
Their menu was inspired by seasonal produce from their farm, with a focus on also supporting other local small farms and businesses. A highlight was a grazing table prepared by Pizzeria Florian, who also provided an intricate, blue mosaic-tile wood oven. Pizzas topped with farm-grown mushrooms, shishito peppers, tomatoes, and other toppings were served fresh from the oven.
Connect with Bari and Sean at healingpoemfarm.com + @healingpoemfarmny on IG
For the family-style dinner, Marble and Rye tended the bar and plated service, including Healing Poem Farm beet carpaccio, Plato Dale Farm grass-fed beef bolognese, and Healing Poem Farm falafel.
Table settings, featuring upcycled wine bottles and vibrant vegetables from Healing Poem Farm, added to the décor, creating a picnic-like backdrop for guests to enjoy the day’s hand-picked selections.
Bari says, “As a couple, one of our shared love languages is hosting friends with produce and protein grown on our and other local farms. Our family and friends filled their bellies with the fruits of our loving labor. Collaborating with chefs dedicated to sourcing ingredients from local farms was easeful and joyful.”
THE UNION
The foundation of their union continues in their daily lives. Since their wedding, Bari and Sean continue to cultivate purposeful relationships through simple living and sharing what they grow. Their farm share feeds more people in the community each season, providing 18 weeks of ecological, human-scale veggies, herbs, and hand-tended produce, all with fullest flavor and nutrition.
Bari reflects on how their values continue to align in both their relationship and in their farming journey: “Leading up to the wedding, I began to delve into the works of Bell Hooks and her book All About Love. Through her, I learned that ‘love is a combination of care, commitment, and trust.’ So is farming. Farming grounds us to live and love simply.”
We can all learn a lot from Bari and Sean who remind us of our shared need for human connection and how important it is to steward the earthly gifts we’ve been given.
“Gardenette designed my perfect garden and gave me everything I needed to install it myself, saving thousands in contractor fees.”
� CHRIS M., CLIENT
Are
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Robin F
Each piece Frey creates is made from real, preserved moss sourced from North America. Through a sustainable process, the moss’ natural moisture is replaced with a plant-safe glycerin solution, allowing the moss to retain its look and feel for up to ten years with no watering or sunlight required.
Frey offers transparency about the materials she uses—ranging from reindeer moss and pillow moss to hickory branches, tallow berries, and hanging Amaranthus. Every installation is a one-of-a-kind blend of textures, colors, and natural elements. Clients can even request custom designs that reflect personal landscapes, memories, or desired moods.
“You don’t have to be a nature lover to appreciate the serenity moss art brings,” Frey notes. “It’s about creating an emotional connection–bringing the outdoors in.”
Beyond the artwork itself, Frey shares her passion through educational content on WonderMoss.com, where she guides readers in using natural materials to create peaceful, nature-inspired interiors. Whether you’re crafting your own moss wall or simply exploring the calming effects of biophilic design, her mission remains the same: to reconnect people with the grounding power of nature. For Frey, moss art is a practice of healing and an invitation to rediscover wonder, one leaf at a time.
Create a Peaceful Space with Natural Materials
Biophilic design is all about embracing nature in a way that feels personal and meaningful to you. By incorporating natural materials, textures, and elements into your home, you can create a space that promotes peace, balance, and well-being. Start with small changes, and soon, you’ll find yourself feeling more connected to the beauty of the natural world, right within your own home. Here are some tips to do so:
1.Add a Moss Wall for Instant Tranquility: Preserved moss walls are one of my favorite ways to introduce a sense of tranquility into a space. Unlike living plants, preserved moss requires no maintenance—no watering, no sunlight, just effortless natural beauty. Whether it’s a statement wall in your living room or a small, framed piece in your office, moss art helps bring the calmness of the forest indoors.
2.Fill Your Space with Layers of Live Plants: Plants are essential in biophilic design. They purify the air, add texture, and bring life to any space. One of my favorite ways to display plants is by installing handmade shelves in windows to create a cascading green wall of light-loving plants like pothos, ferns, and trailing ivy. Short on floor space? Hanging planters or wall-mounted plant holders can create a lush, calming effect without taking up valuable real estate.
3. Incorporate Natural Wood and Organic Textures: Wood instantly adds warmth and grounding energy to a space. Whether through reclaimed wood furniture, driftwood sculptures, or natural wood shelving, these elements create an earthy, welcoming atmosphere.
4.Layer in Textural Natural Fibers: Fabrics like linen, wool, cotton, and jute add depth and a cozy feel to your space. Try using woven baskets for storage, linen curtains that softly diffuse light, or a wool throw blanket on your couch. These materials connect us to the organic world and promote a sense of comfort.
5.Use Earthy, Nature-Inspired Colors: Color has a psychological impact on how we feel in a space. Opt for a palette inspired by nature—soft greens, deep blues, warm browns, and muted earth tones create a sense of serenity. Even small accents, like mossgreen throw pillows or sandy beige textiles, can make a difference in establishing a peaceful environment.
6.Engage the Senses with Natural Scents: Scent has a powerful connection to our emotions. A simple way to bring nature’s fragrance indoors is by hanging a bundle of eucalyptus in your shower. Steam releases its refreshing, calming scent, turning an everyday routine into a spa-like experience. Additionally, natural beeswax candles, essential oil diffusers, or my favorite, pinion wood incense, infuse your space with grounding, earthy aromas.
7.Create a Dedicated Nature-Inspired Retreat Space: Set up a small area dedicated to mindfulness and relaxation. This could be a reading nook with natural light, a meditation space with floor cushions, or a cozy chair near a moss art installation. Incorporate elements like candles, crystals, or nature-inspired artwork to make it a personal retreat.
NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOME!
IS YOUR CHIMNEY CRACKED OR CRUMBLING?
DO YOU HAVE ANY MISSING OR LOOSE BRICKS? NOTICE A CHANGE IN THE COLOR OF YOUR BRICKS OR ANY WATER DAMAGE?
BEFORE
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�T YoU �N FEEL
WEAVING HERITAGE INTO THE MODERN HOME WITH �PAYALBANSALDESIGN
BY PAYAL BANSAL
PHOTO BY BHAWNA BHALLA
For me, design has always been more than arranging beautiful things in a room—it’s about feeling. The way a space wraps around you, the way light plays on texture, the way history whispers through handmade details.
That love for meaningful, soulful spaces started early. My mother, Vinita, had a remarkable eye for color and a natural talent for making a room come alive. She approached design with both boldness and heart, and watching her work inspired my own passion for interiors and the arts. Growing up in India, I was surrounded by centuries-old architecture, intricate craftsmanship, and homes that held stories in every corner. That world shaped how I see design today, with modern luxury and timeless tradition living in harmony.
That deep-rooted appreciation for craft is what draws me to traditional Indian art forms—not as relics of the past, but as living, evolving expressions of culture and emotion. There’s something powerful about art that speaks through texture. Beauty lies not only in how something looks, but in how it’s made, what it carries, and how it makes you feel in a space.
REFRAMING THE RUG
Take hand-knotted rugs. For generations, these pieces have graced the floors of homes around the world, quietly grounding rooms in comfort and elegance. But I began to wonder: What if we stopped looking down at them? What if we lifted them up—literally—and gave them a new voice on the walls?
When you hang a finely woven rug at eye level, its craftsmanship becomes undeniable. The intricate knots, the nuanced dyes, the play of light on the wool—it all transforms into something sculptural and soulful.
A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND CRAFT
The journey these rugs take is remarkable. It begins in the lush fields of New Zealand, where the wool is sourced, then travels to India, where skilled artisans handspin, dye, and weave each piece using ancient techniques passed down through generations. Natural dyes—madder root, pomegranate rind, iron oxide—infuse the fibers with subtle, luminous tones. Each rug becomes a story told in thread.
THE LIVING STORIES OF PHAD PAINTING
Similarly, Phad painting—a centuries-old art form from Rajasthan—captures me in a different way. These narrative scrolls were once used as portable temples, unfurled by storytellers at night to the glow of lantern light. Today, they continue to pulse with meaning. Their vibrant hues, dense compositions, and spiritual depth bring character and history into any space they inhabit.
ANCHORING WITH INTENTION
What ties these art forms together for me is intention. When I bring a rug or a Phad into a room, it’s not just about decorating—it’s about anchoring the space with memory, craft, and soul.
CHOOSING MEANING OVER TREND
In a world chasing trends, I believe in slowing down and choosing pieces that mean something. Whether it’s through the delicate weave of a rug or the storytelling brushstrokes of a Phad, these works connect us to history, to culture, and to each other.
Style WITH SOul
Hang Textiles as Art: A handknotted rug or Phad painting above a bed, sofa, or console adds softness and quiet drama. It’s a tactile alternative to framed prints.
Build a Palette Around Tradition:
Echo the colors in your textile art with complementary pillows, ceramics, or upholstery. Let the piece guide the room’s energy.
Layer Old and New: Pair heritage pieces with clean, modern lines. It’s this balance of past and present that creates a space that feels rich and timeless.
Style Unexpected Spaces: A hallway, reading nook, or powder room can come alive with a single hanging textile. These small moments often leave the biggest impression. Create Cultural Galleries: Mix framed Phad sections with embroidered textiles, block prints, or vintage rugs for an organically curated feel.
while
hues of
Down
1.Latest Version of GM's EV Battery
2.Popular Jeep SUV with a plug-in 4xe option
3.Toyota's iconic hybrid
5.Required after installing new tires to ensure even wear
6.Iconic Chevrolet sports car
7.GMC's upscale trim line
Across
4.Truck brand with the 2025 1500 REV electric pickup
