What makes the perfect registry? Our Dream Registry series answers just that, providing an endless source of inspiration for those putting together their own Over The Moon registries. We enlisted the help of some of our most stylish and in-the-know friends—whether they’re single, engaged, or already married. (Because we’re taking a page from Carrie Bradshaw’s playbook and saying one should be able to register for Manolos no matter what their relationship status!) Peek inside the registries of tastemakers, from editors and stylists to wedding planners and beyond. Your dream registry is just a click away.
By day, Kathleen Higashiyama is a sourcing manager at Sonder, and Alexander “Alec” Totto is a lawyer; however, they’re also the masterminds behind the entertaining and recipe-centered site, The Heirloom Pantry. The pair, who have been together for 11 years, are also engaged (!!) and are getting married this November at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. Since their real registry is centered around future fun dinner parties, who better to create a Dream Registry for us?
Kathleen describes her style as “a mix of old world and California casual. This includes a mix of timeless textiles, family heirlooms, antiques, and fresh neutral colors.” When she decorates her San Jose space, she looks to the future and imagines what she’ll like in five-to-ten years. “If it’s an investment piece, if I ask if it is something that will transcend time and be part of our lives forever. My dad is a talented woodworker and my mom collects antiques, which has influenced how I collect and decorate a space. Each piece can tell a story, which adds character and warmth to a home.”
Today, Kathleen gets interior inspiration from Bunny Williams and Clemen
And since she and Alexander have been together since they were 19, their styles have pretty seamlessly merged together. “Alec is from Honolulu, and I’m from Los Angeles, so we’re influenced by the beach culture and natural elements. His one request for when we move next is to have a shed dedicated to his surfboards and a sectional, which I am on board with!”
For their Dream Registry, Kathleen focused on items they’ll reach for on a regular basis: a Staub French oven, beautiful bedding like the Amanda Lindroth Batik quilt, and luxe appliances like the Jura E6 coffee machine. The talented chefs also added a Social Studies gift card, which delivers dinner party rentals for at-home soirees.
The pair leaves us with some great advice for couples creating their registries for the first time: “Register for items that are multi-use, high-quality, and will be used often. This mindset will help you select items that will grow with you and your partner over the course of your marriage and have potential to become heirlooms you will love forever. If you’re someone who cooks every day, register for items that can be used for all types of cooking and entertaining, like a braiser and beautiful stemware. If you and your partner love to relax and lounge—who doesn’t?!—a cozy throw and bathrobes are a must.”
Shop Kathleen and Alexander’s Dream Registry below!
