The Story behind the style
Every great celebration begins with a deep love for family and tradition
My own story is rooted in the kind of love that stands the test of time. I am a traditionalist at heart – a hometown girl who has lived in the very same house I grew up in for over 50 years. It’s the home where I raised my three boys with my high school sweetheart and husband of 35 years (and counting!). I was raised with the simple, unchanging values of leaving things better than you found them and always giving more than you are asked for.
My obsession with wedding design actually stems from my own wedding day. My mother is an incredibly talented woman who baked wedding cakes and cookies, and sewed wedding dresses for my sisters. When it came to my own wedding, she planned absolutely everything – from the colors to the flowers to the final layout. I simply showed up and enjoyed the day. Experiencing that absolute peace of mind, combined with the pure magic of her creativity, is exactly why I am so enthralled by wedding design today.
Having recently styled the weddings for two of my own sons, I know firsthand what it feels like to stand in your shoes. I treat every single wedding I design as if it were for my own family. For me, you aren’t just a client on a calendar; you are a story I am honored to help tell. By the time we place the final flower and light the last candle, my goal isn’t just to leave behind a breathtaking room – it’s to leave behind a lifelong friendship, knowing you were able to completely let go, trust me, and simply enjoy your day.
- Mona D’Ambrosia, Owner & Stylist
THE ART OF THE COOKIE TABLE
As an active member of the Pittsburgh-based "Wedding Cookie Table Community", we are passionate about preserving and elevating one of Southwestern Pennsylvania's most beloved traditions.
For us, a cookie table is more than a display -- it is a celebration of family, heritage, and connection. Our expertise has led to opportunities to showcase this tradition on regional and national platforms, bringing this unique custom to audiences across the country.
Featured Projects
TODAY Show Valentine's Day Sisterhood Segment
Bringing the magic of the cookie table to Rockefeller Center for the TODAY Show's Valentine's Day segment was a career highlight for the team at Mona's Unique Boutique. We had the privilege of serving as the remote production and design lead -- curating the style, design plans, and providing the sentimental elements that brought our beloved cookie table tradition to national television.
September 11th 20th Anniversary Commemoration – Shanksville, PA
We were humbled to serve the families of the fallen, the President of the United States, and other distinguished guests at the Flight 93 National Memorial's 20th anniversary, designing a commemorative cookie table and centerpieces to provide a small measure of comfort during such a momentous national remembrance.
WQED Documentary Premiere: "Homecoming: Sgt. Hamilton's Long Journey"
It was a profound honor to create a custom display for the premiere of "Homecoming: Sgt. Hamilton's Long Journey", celebrating the long-awaited return of Sergeant Vernon Hamilton. We designed this installation as a tribute to his memory and a heartfelt welcome home for his family.
Continuing to Elevate the Craft
For the past five years, Mona's Unique Boutique has served as a lead designer for the Pittsburgh-based Wedding Cookie Table Community's "Cookie Table University" (formerly known as "Cookie College"). Scaling our artistry for one of the massive 42-foot signature displays, our team has learned to manage the intricate logistics and styling of a table that has been enjoyed by thousands of cookie enthusiasts over the years. Showcasing hundreds of different cookie varieties, we push the boundaries of traditional presentation, ensuring that every inch of these breathtaking displays celebrates the labor of love that turns a beloved tradition into a national level exhibition.
Mastering the complexities of such large-scale displays allows our team to constantly refine our design techniques. We use the lessons learned from the "Cookie Table University" stage and apply them to your event, ensuring that even the most intricate design visions are executed with precision, artistry and heart.