While marriage rates might be declining in the United States, more than 2.1 million weddings took place in 2014. And about 15 percent of those were likely between spouses of a different race or ethnicity from one another, according to data from the Pew Research Center – more than double the share in 1980.

Koreatown business owner Karena Higgins, 41, and her firm Swirly Celebrations have taken advantage of that trend by creating culturally specific wedding cake toppers and bottle stoppers for couples.

The business launched last year and Higgins has since expanded the company’s offerings to include more than two dozen handmade male and female porcelain figurines, including Latino, Korean, and Jewish designs.

“We’re highlighting cultures with a truly niche product,” Higgins said. “I’m approached all the time by interested people who say, My wife is Chinese, or My husband is Thai,” Higgins said. “People want more global figurines.”

Higgins came up with the idea after her Filipino cousin and her Caucasian fiancé struggled to find a topper that reflected the bride and groom’s different cultures. The result was “Karla,” Higgins’ first Filipina character.

Each hand-sculptured figurine stands 3.5-inches tall and is sold online through Amazon.com and Etsy for $29 to $39. She declined to disclose company financial figures, but Higgins said the figurines are sculpted in Highland Park.

“We want everyone to be included,” Higgins said. “Anyone can mix and match cake-topper styles to better represent their cultures at weddings.”

– Jonathan Ponciano