Bustle Bride: Hayden Hurst Creel

This week we are overjoyed to feature Bustle Bride Hayden Hurst Creel! Hayden and her hubby Stone tied the knot in March, and she was definitely #bridalgoals!

Hayden has a fun and unique style, and we wanted to help her find a gown that fit her personality perfectly. She said "yes" to a fabulous Ivy & Aster gown, and she looked nothing short of stunning on her special day. From the hair and makeup to the dress and bouquet, she tied everything together so beautifully and we can't stop ooing and ahhing over her bridal portraits. 

We can't get over this sweet couple and the love between them that is oh so evident! We're swooning over all of the precious moments that were captured on the day they began their happily ever after!

“My favorite part of our day was the first look. For some reason I was so nervous and anxious all morning. Hoping my makeup, hair and dress were good enough (which of course Stone did not care.) I was hoping the food, cake and decorations were all coming together. As soon as I saw Stone I was so relaxed. I didn’t care about how cold it was or that there was a 90% chance of rain. I finally realized that it was really happening, we were getting married! ”

Photography: The McNairs

Bustle Bride: Abby McMurry Smith

Abby McMurry Smith

On a special day in March our newest Bustle Bride, Abby and her hubby, David started their forever together. The couple said, "I do" in Birmingham, Alabama at the beautiful Reid Chapel at Samford University. 

Their wedding day provided some unexpected rain, but they wouldn't let a little rain get in the way of their oh so special day. Plus, the overcast sky made the perfect backdrop for some gorgeous photos (check them out below to see for yourself!)

Abby was such a joy to have in our store. She has the sweetest smile and the kindest spirit, and we had so much fun helping her find the gown of her dreams. She chose a beautiful strapless lace a-line gown by Tulle New York, and it was a match made in bridal heaven. Abby was an absolute dream in her gown on her big day.

“On the day of our wedding, it was 45 degrees and rainy (who would’ve guess in the middle of March?). But, I distinctly remember feeling overwhelmingly grateful as we turned to face the crowd after saying our vows. In that moment, it was so sweet to think that each person chose to brave less-than-ideal weather in order to be there to celebrate our marriage.”

Abby with flowers at Samford

Bustle Bride: Catherine Irwin Thomas

Catherine Irwin Thomas is the newest addition to our Bustle bride features. Catherine and her hubby Taylor exchanged vows on a beautiful Alabama fall day, and we can't get over how gorgeous she looked when she said, "I do."

During her appointment, Catherine fell in love with a one-shoulder lace fit and flare gown by Allure. She decided to sleep on it because it IS a big decision, and she realized she couldn't live without the gown. She came back a week later and made it official - she said "yes" to the dress, and we're so glad she did!

Catherine and her entourage were such a joy to have in our store, and they made the appointment so upbeat and fun. Everyone was smiling the entire time! 

We are so in love with Catherine and Taylor's photos from their special day. The venue, the flowers, the dress - we're swooning! Everything was so beautiful and worked so well to create a day full of love and celebration!

“The whole day was truly the best. I could not have asked for more love, support, or happiness all in a 24 hour time span. I would have to say that my favorite part of the day was the “first look.” Taylor and I dated long distance for a total of 6 years of my undergraduate and masters degrees, and the morning of our wedding waiting to see him seemed longer than all of those years, months, and days combined. My heart was racing as I waited for him in our meeting spot, but when I finally got to hug him and see his face I got this overwhelming mix of emotions joy, excitement, and peace. His kind words and warm hugs made taking on the day so easy!”

Photography by Dunaway's Studio

Bustle Bride: Claire Kellough Hart

It's Fri-YAY because we have a new GORGEOUS Bustle Bride to feature! We're head over heels for Bustle Bride Claire Kellough Hart. Claire and her hubby Brandon said, "I do," on a beautiful sunny day in April at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa. Fun fact: Claire's parents got married at Calvary Baptist as well. Talk about special!

Claire was such a ray of sunshine during her appointment. She's so genuine, and we had the best time with her! She chose a fabulous silk ballgown by Amsale, paired it with a Catherine Deane lace topper, and tied everything together with a rhinestone sash by Anne Barge. She mixed and matched the pieces so beauitfully and created a look that was completely her own, and we absolutely love the finished product!

We can't get enough of the pictures from Claire and Brandon's special day. (The "first look photos are our favorite!) Claire, you made the most beautiful bride, and we're so thankful you chose to shop at Bustle!

“I would have to say my favorite part of the wedding day was our “first look”. I was so nervous before this but as soon as we saw each other the nerves just went away. The photographers gave us time to just talk and be together before the rush and stress of the rest of the day kicked in and that togetherness was needed! It was a moment where I could just let the nerves go and enjoy just being with him, just the two of us.”

Vendors:

Photography: Eric & Jamie ● Wedding Coordination: M. Elizabeth Events ● Bride’s Dress: Amsale – Bustle Gowns ● Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff – Bridesmaids, Inc. ● Cakes & Catering: Savory Solutions ● Ceremony Music: Black Warrior String Quartet ● Ceremony Venue: Calvary Baptist Church ● Entertainment: The American Flyers ● Floral Design: Fete & Fleur ● Groom & Groomsmens Suits: Burch Formal Shop ● Hair & Makeup: Jordan Pugh ● Reception Venue: Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center ● Rentals: Special Events

Bustle Bride: Dakota Austin Argo

To wrap up the month of May, (it's flown by so quickly!) we are excited to have Dakota Austin Argo as our Bustle bride feature! Dakota and her hubby Jake tied the knot after 9 years of dating.

Dakota wore a gorgeous fitted lace gown with a bateau illusion neckline, and it was a match made in bridal heaven. She looked simply radiant on her special day. Dakota and Jake said "I do," at The Bluff at Ephesians Farm on the top of a mountain, and the photos are absolutely breathtaking. During the ceremony, the congregation huddled around Dakota and Jake and prayed over them. With the mountains in the background and the two families becoming one in the foreground, it made for such a sweet and unforgettable moment.

Dakota was a breath of fresh air when she stopped by our shop. She has the best smile and the most genuine personality. We are so thankful we had the opportunity to help sweet Dakota find the dress of her dreams. Check out the photos below from Dakota and Jake's wedding day - they are gorgeous. From the flower crown to the fierce makeup to the gorgeous bouquet, Dakota's bridal look is #goals.

“We dreamed about this day for a very long time. I’ve always considered myself to be unconventional and I knew that however we did our big day, that it would be a reflection of who Jake and I are. So, we gathered the people we love on the top of a mountain on a cold, rainy day. My favorite part of our wedding was when I got out of the car to walk the aisle. I will never forget how I felt when I saw Jake and I’ve never had a more clearer understanding of how Jesus loves the church than I did in that moment. At the end of the day, you are with your favorite person in the world. It doesn’t matter how many guests you have, how much money you spent on decorations, how many traditions you can break or keep, or who else you can make happy. We just wanted to be together and did what we could to make that happen. Even down to the weather, I don’t regret a single thing about our day other than the fact that it had to end.”

Photographer: Rock Sandretto
Worship: Eddie & Brittany Thomas
Venue & Catering: The Bluff at Ephesians Farm
Coordinating & Florals: BKwed
Cake: Cakes by Kim
Dress: Bustle Gowns, Alterations: Hollow to Hem
Shoes: Free People
Hair: Lynsey Richardson
Makeup: Casey Troulias

Bustle Bride: Abby Johnson Willens

We are ecstatic to welcome Abby Johnson Willens to the Bustle bride family! Abby and her sweet hubby Josh began their forever together on a beautiful February day in Birmingham.

Abby and Josh's wedding day was full of great Birmingham hot spots. They started their special day getting all dolled up at the beautiful and historic Redmont Hotel, they exchanged their vows at First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham (which has a gorgeous red front door), and finally they celebrated their love and danced the night away at The City Club.

We absolutely loved having Abby in our store. This sweet bride shared with us some of her tips and tricks to a great updo. By the end of her appointment she was torn between two gowns that looked nothing short of stunning on her, but after some careful deliberation she knew she just had to get married in her fabulous strapless fit & flare Tulle gown. Plus, we had the honor of dressing her from head to hem! Abby paired her gown with an organza and pearl beaded sash by Anne Barge, and topped it off with an ivory lace floor-length veil.

Abby was an absolute dream when she said, "I do," and we're so honored we had the opportunity to help her find her dream dress!

"Our wedding day was magical for us but I think the best part was having everyone we love in our city for the weekend. We fell in love in Birmingham and were so happy to host our friends and family in the city we love so much! We wanted a downtown wedding and we are so happy that our guests enjoyed downtown as much as we always do!"

Photography/ Love Behind The Lens

Hair and Makeup/ Taylor Jones, and Mary James Clements

Groomsmen attire/ Mr. Burch Formal

Floral Design/ Blooming Buds 30A

Cake/ Edgar’s

Catering/ The City Club

Event Planner/ I Do I Do Weddings

Band/ The Expandables

Invitations/ Salt + Paperie

Bustle Bride: Madison Pearson Craft

To wrap up the month of April, we're welcoming Madison Pearson Craft to the Bustle bride team. Madison and her hubby Ben tied the knot on a beautiful Saturday in December. 

During Madison's appointment, we were able to create a complete bridal look for her big day. She chose a beautiful a-line gown by Ellis that has an elegant portrait style neckline as well as full chiffon skirt. She paired her gown with a beaded lace belt and topped of the look with one of our ivory raw edge floor-length veils. 

Madison was such a joy to have in our store. Her heart is as big as her gorgeous smile, and she has the most genuine personality. We were so thankful to be able to aid her with finding the perfect gown. She was an absolute dream on her wedding day, and we just can't get enough of these FAB photos of her and her hubby. They are so sweet together, and you can definitely see the love in these precious moments! 

Images courtesy of Lauren Bailey Photography

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Empress Stationery Launch Party

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Empress Stationery has been offering fine, custom invitation suites to brides since 2007. Just last month we had the privilege of being a part of the launch of their brand new, semi-custom collection! What does this mean? It means beautiful, locally designed invitation suites are now within your budget! Shop now.

There were lots of talented wedding pros at the launch including Pursuit Creative, Invision Events, Edna K. Designs, Sassy Biscuit Monogramming, The Charming Scribe, Leslie Hollingsworth Photography, The Refined Pen Calligraphy, and Beau Tied Affair.

Images courtesy of Sarah Moore.

Bustle Bride: Laura Terry Powell

Say hello to our most recent Bustle bride feature, Mrs. Laura Terry Powell. Laura and her husband Sherman recited their vows on December 17, 2016.

During Laura's appointment, she knew she wanted a satin gown with no lace or embellishments. We love how she made her vision come to life. She purchased an ivory satin skirt, and she paired it with a sweater from J. Crew, and the two pieces complimented each other so well. It looked like they were made for each other. Her bridal look was so unique and completely her own and we absolutely LOVE how it turned out! Plus, the powder blue shoes were such a fun addition, and they definitely topped off the look!

Laura and Sherman's had a beautiful and intimate wedding, and their photos are so gorgeous. The mid-December lighting couldn't have been any more perfect!

"My favorite part of the wedding was seeing our families together. We had only 10 guests, our immediate family. They're all so wonderful and seeing the village that will one day help raise our children warmed my heart."

Images courtesy of Gena Plaxco Images.

Bustle Bride: Anna Case Decker

We're head over heels in love with our new Bustle Bride! Anna Case Decker is our newest Bustle bride feature and we couldn't be happier. Anna and her sweet hubby, Lee, tied the knot on August 20, 2016 in a beautiful church in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Anna and her mom were the sweetest clients and we really enjoyed helping Anna find the dress that best suited her style - it didn't take long, as she quickly realized dress number 3 was the one! She walked away with a fabulous, strapless Jim Hjelm gown that couldn't have been a better match. She paired her gown with a cathedral style veil and with that, the look was complete!

Here's what Anna said about her Bustle experience:

"It seems like only yesterday my mom and I were walking into Bustle on February 20th of last year (my 25th birthday!!). I remember thinking this would be the first stop of many...until I tried on my third dress, a gorgeous Jim Hjelm gown that felt like it was made just for me! I walked out of the store with the dress under my arm and the biggest smile on my face. It was the best birthday present I could've asked for!"

We're still swooning over Anna on her special day. We just can't get enough of her photos; we love that sweet photo of the "first look" with her dad. His reaction is priceless and oh so precious. She looked nothing short of perfect when she and her Lee said, "I do!"

"My absolute FAVORITE part of the wedding day was when my parents, younger sister/maid of honor, and uncle surprised us with an original rendition of "Can't Help Falling In Love" in lieu of a toast at the reception. They had been practicing for months without any of us finding out. It was so special and definitely a moment we won't be forgetting any time soon!!"

Images courtesy of Sunshower Photography.