Always Yours Occasions

When we founded AYO, our story began as wedding and event planners. Both of us loved creating events that reflected our clients’ hearts and freed them up to enjoy the moment.

Through the years we met more and more people who needed to eat gluten-free or cook for someone else who did. And we saw a need to help others with the transition. People would ask us what to buy at a grocery store or how to serve gluten-free foods with confidence. Others wanted to know how to cook gluten-free for themselves or family.

24 years ago, when Cheryl began her gluten-free journey, there weren’t many resources. We laughingly reminisce about the early days of gluten-free food tasting like cardboard. Unwilling to accept a sentence of unappetizing food, Cheryl dug deep and taught herself how to cook, host, and live gluten-free without compromising flavor or texture.

It’s a new world.

We know that even with widespread improvement and greater off-the-shelf options, it can feel like a whole new world when first dipping into a gluten free table. A community and someone to coach you along the way is like a secret sauce. 

Many years ago we listened to a message about saving a seat at the table that inspired and changed our lives. From there, we noticed how important it was to choose to see beauty in life and make it a part of our seemingly ordinary day. Cheryl, especially, is no stranger to the struggles of not only facing the challenge of what to eat when many common ingredients make her feel wretched, but also feeling estranged from normal everyday dining.

Eating gluten-free shouldn’t be isolating.

You, my friend, are worthy of eating well and dining freely with family and friends. We want you to have a seat at the table regardless of your challenges and enjoy every minute of the meal, savoring all the good flavor and confident the food you eat is good for *you*.

We’re in this together.

Eating together can be an integral part of the time we spend with those we care about. That’s why we created a place that helps you discover how to gather with a gluten-free table. We’ll cover how to plan a gluten-free gathering, cook gluten-free, avoid cross contact, and set your table for peace of mind. You’ll find that although gluten-free meals are the main focus, there is great ability to adapt recipes to your own needs and we often talk about other ingredients we switch out to suit various needs.

Online and in-person classes offer easy-to-access education for planning your own events and gatherings and incorporating gluten-free options. Connecting, learning, and some intentional fun while creating yummy treats or event items set the stage for thriving and enjoyable occasions. 

Gathering and food has been a part of Cheryl’s life from as long as she can remember. From the legacy of one-on-one meals in her grandmother’s kitchen to family reunions and holiday gatherings, she is from a line of home cooks who knew how to make food taste delicious.

Not only was the art of cooking tasty food passed down, the gift of teaching was too. Her grandparents and parents were recognized for their teaching abilities and Cheryl followed suit and got her Bachelors and Masters Degrees at Virginia Tech in what was once  known as Home Economics with an emphasis in Family and Child Development, teaching, and parent education.

Known for her creativity, planning skills, and zest for celebrating life’s events, she feeds not only your stomach with delicious gluten free food, but welcomes you to her Kitchen Studio, inspiring you to be empowered. With over 24 years of eating and hosting gluten free, Cheryl is passionate about sharing what she has learned so others can rise above the feelings surrounding “What can I safely eat?” and overcome the frustration for those who long to include gluten free friends in their special occasions and don’t know where to start.