Simply Special SARATOGA creates heirloom keepsakes that celebrate lives and legacies
one design at a time WRITTEN BY ANN HAUPRICH PHOTOS PROVIDED
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hat began a quarter of a century ago as a hobby that celebrated the lives and legacies of friends and relatives has been re-imagined as an exquisite upstate New York business where proprietor Beth Pechtel puts heart and soul into creating personal and meaningful heirloom keepsakes, one design at a time. In addition to celebrating such joyous occasions as births, graduations, weddings and anniversaries, Beth excels at crafting commemorative treasures honoring deceased loved ones. Often on her mind as she contemplates how best to serve her clients at Simply Special Saratoga is Maya Angelo’s inspiring adage about trying to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.
24 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | HOLIDAY 2020
“Suffering a loss is so difficult. Having a keepsake to cherish can be a great comfort to those with grieving hearts,” reflects Beth who photographed boots for a memorial project after her own beloved Uncle John’s passing four years ago. “The boots represent hard work and the impact my uncle had upon my life. He was such a hard worker and made such a difference in so many lives. I never noticed the heart-shaped knot in the wood until I came home to edit the photos. Of all the places that I could have photographed them. My wink from the universe. A reminder that everything will be okay.” For the full interview, (and more photos!) please visit SimplySaratoga.com. Or check out Beth’s website: SimplySpecialSaratoga.com
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