wedding dress

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In The Shop October 2022!

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It’s been a while since we shared a blog post specifically to swoon over some of our favorite wedding gowns. The Bustle bridal shop is often a front door for our team to escape. With a step inside this enchanted closet, we let reality wait in the parking lot for a few hours. If you open a window, some blissful serotonin might find its way out. Each rack is a cadence of texture and softness - a complete dream. A reminder that celebrating love and art will always leave a gentle space for effortless wonder.

“We don’t create a fantasy world to escape reality. We create it to be able to stay.”
— Lynda Barry

We would love nothing more than to have you in our shop so you can experience this simple magic for yourself. If you are interested in booking a bridal appointment with one of our consultants, you can schedule that appointment here.

SEE YOU SOON <3

Bustle Bride: Anna Beth Cross

“I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.”
— John Green
Anna Beth and David touching noses in bridal photo.

Sometimes the best love stories are the ones that develop over time: like a cadence of notes all working together to craft a melody that stays with you and earnestly becomes your favorite song. Every note is a moment in time that is essential in telling your unique story of love. Each one is equally cherished because it strands together a life song that can then be shared with those around us. Anna Beth and David have created the sweetest of love stories through intention and heartfelt patience. The couple met while working together at a Birmingham-based summer camp called Passport. They spent two summers serving on the same team, but didn't start to form romantic feelings until the second year. Their romance began with genuine friendship and even though their time together took place over two summer seasons, it was effortless for them to pick up where they left off each year and grow closer with every meeting. However, it is a camp rule that you cannot date while on staff, so they had to wait several weeks until camp was over to go on their first date.

As the summer came to a close and autumn began, Anna Beth traveled to Raleigh to stay with a friend. In true hallmark fashion, David had also just moved to Raleigh, so the pair were able to finally go on a date. David planned to pick up Anna Beth after lunch and take a walk through the beautiful Duke Gardens; however, the weather had other plans after a slight torrential downpour. Quickly coming up with an alternate plan, David picked up Anna Beth and took her to a European-style cafe since he knew she loved studying abroad in Europe. They sat in the sweet little cafe for over three hours and never ran out of things to talk about. The pair ate dinner at one of their favorite restaurants, Tazza Kitchen, and ended the evening by going to see a movie. While their first date sounds like a pretty classic course of events, the 11 hours they spent with each other on that rainy afternoon was the start of a beautiful life that they would share together.

Anna Beth's wedding stationary and bridal details.

Anna Beth knew David was “the one” because of the unshakable friendship they had cultivated in their summers together. This friendship quickly became the most sincere alliance that would set the foundation for their love story.

“It was evident that we quickly became best friends and each other’s person, even after dating long distance for two years. Our daily FaceTimes and monthly visits helped make it clear this relationship was meant to last and something special. Also, seeing him with my family made it clear that he was meant to be part of me forever.”
— Anna Beth

Bustle’s sweet store owner, Meredith, had the wonderful opportunity to help Anna Beth choose her dream wedding gown. Everything about Anna Beth’s dress spoke to her: the style, shape, color, fabric, the open back. EVERY aspect of her gown was exactly what she pictured in her mind for so long. Anna Beth’s gown is a beautiful Allure fit and flare with a gorgeous v-neck. 

Anna Beth sharing a first look with her bridal party.
“Meredith did a great job helping me find the perfect dress without pressuring me into something I didn’t want. I’m so glad I got my dress from Bustle!”
— Anna Beth
Anna Beth spending time with her bridal party before the ceremony.

One of Anna Beth’s favorite aspects of her wedding was watching their loved ones come together as vendors for their special day. Seeing each of them play such significant roles reminded Anna Beth and David how incredibly loved they are. Anna Beth’s aunt, her friend, and many of her cousins arranged the florals for their wedding, giving her the autumnal garden of her dreams. Most of the greenery came from Anna Beth’s family farm which added an even more sentimental touch.

Just in case this wedding isn’t already the sentimental work of our cinematic dreams, the couple’s camp coordinator officiated their ceremony and made everyone feel right at home.  Their loved ones set the scene from beginning to end by personally designing their wedding invitations and acting as instrumentalists and vocalists to set the mood for the day. (Where is the tissue box?) Anna Beth’s dear friend, Jenny Dansby, helped keep the day together by stepping up as the day-of coordinator. A wedding day is so much more than the love between a couple. Seeing that love radiate and spread from family and friends is a reminder that a full life is meant to be shared.

Anna Beth and her bridal party holding their beautiful colorful bouquets.
“My favorite memory from our wedding day was seeing all of our people in one place, my hometown. David is from Virginia but lives in North Carolina and I’m from Birmingham but lived in Texas. We also worked camp in many states, so seeing all of our people from various places and stages of life in one room to celebrate us was so special. We cherished getting to see and dance our hearts out with everyone we love!”
— Anna Beth
Anna Beth and David with their wedding party.
Anna Beth and David on the dance floor with wedding guests during their reception.
Anna Beth hugging her bridesmaid on the dance floor.

VENDORS:

Dress: Bustle

Suits: Men's Wearhouse

Photographer: Allison Naylor Photography

Venue: The Barn at Shady Lane

Cakes: The P'Pool's Bakehouse

Flowers: Beth Edwards and Jenny Loughridge

Day-Of Coordinator: Threefold Events (Jenny Dansby)

DJ: Disco Hristo (Chris Sarris)

H&MU: H+MU by Nat (Natalie Moore)

Caterer: Happy Catering Company

Invitation Suite (plus design for cups, napkins, koozies, & signs): Lauren Brawley Creative

Rehearsal Dinner Venue: The Up & Up at McLellan's

Expert Tips for Your Dress Shopping Experience

You’ve just said “YES” to the man of your dreams, now it’s time to find the perfect gown. If you've ever seen "Say Yes To The Dress," you've seen some super stressed brides and gown shopping horrors. Here are a few quick tips to keep your day stress-free.

Real Bustle bride, Trina Cobb Ware. Photo courtesy of Jett Walker Photography.

1. Make an Appointment

Making an appointment with a wedding gown salon is just as important as scheduling an appointment with your doctor - you would never just pop-in on your dermatologist, right?

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Making an appointment allows the salon to prepare for you. They’ll be expecting you on the decided date and time and your consultant will be able to focus entirely on you. Without an appointment, there may not be anyone available to show you dresses - yikes! 

Okay, so you’ve made an appointment. Don’t get caught up in the moment and make 3 appointments for the same day. If you don’t find your dress at the first salon, then go ahead and make second appointment. Decision exhaustion is real - your brain can't handle looking at too many dresses in one day!

2. Know Your Budget

Knowing the dress budget before the first appointment will relieve so much stress. I PROMISE.

If you are paying for the gown, do some research and come up with a number both you and your fiancé are comfortable with.

If someone else is paying, have a conversation before your appointment. This may be uncomfortable initially, but totally worth it in the end. If you know the budget is $2,000, you won't need to wonder if you should try the $3,000 gown in the window!

Consider accessories and alterations. Go ahead and budget for accessories such as a veil or earrings. Most brides need some amount of alterations on their dress, even if it’s just a hem, so make sure your budget has some wiggle room!

3. Limit Your Entourage

It may be best to leave the big party for the wedding day and other bridal festivities. Too many opinions during your appointment can be overwhelming and confusing.

You’ll be the one wearing the gown when you say “I do,” so it’s important to bring only those whose opinions you trust and who encourage you to find the dress that makes you feel the most beautiful.

4. Have an Open Mind

So, you've probably been adding photos to your wedding dress Pinterest board for years. That's ok! In fact, it’s a great idea to do some research on different styles and fabrics to find what you like before your first appointment. However, it’s equally important that you go into each appointment with an open mind. It's not uncommon to fall in love with a dress that you never even imagined trying on!

5. Don't Be Afraid to Say, "Yes!"

Most likely you'll be able to find a dress you love at every bridal salon you waltz into. That being said, it’s okay to find "the one" at your very first appointment! Don’t overwhelm yourself by thinking you need to try on every gown in the city before you can decide. It’s actually pretty common for brides to purchase one of the first dresses they try on when working with an experienced bridal consultant.

So, when you find a gown you love, stop looking and say, "YES!"

Real Bustle bride, Emily Brooks Hamby. Photo courtesy of Sweet Julep Photography.

Bustle is a bridal salon nestled in Homewood, Alabama providing a high-end shopping experience to style-savvy brides on a budget. Bustle specializes in designer sample wedding gowns straight off the rack. Visit Bustle's website to learn more!

Bustle Bride: April Miller Atchley

We're so excited to kick off the new year, and to celebrate 2018 we have the sweetest new Bustle Bride! April met her now husband during their freshman year at Samford University. John Kelly says it was then that his crush on April started, but it wasn't until a year later when he asked her on a date, and the rest is history. April and John Kelly said, "I do," on a beautiful September day in North Carolina.

April has the most genuine heart and the sweetest spirit to match, and we so loved helping her find her dream dress! She looked absolutely stunning on her special day in her Anne Barge tulle ballgown with a beaded lace bodice. Also, her lovely bridesmaids wore the champagne Eliza & Ethan multi-wrap gowns that we carry in store! 

“It’s hard to narrow it down to one thing, the whole day felt like an absolute dream. Aside from marrying my best friend, the dance floor is high on the list and maybe only second to having everyone we love and treasure all in one room celebrating with us. At one point we took a moment to look around at all the faces around us and let it sink in. Joy does not even begin to describe how we felt!”

Vendors:

Venue: Charlotte Country Club

Photographer: Christine LeGrand Photography 

Flowers: Tina Bondurant 

Wedding dress & Bridesmaid Dresses: Bustle

DJ: Mike at Split Second Sound

Expert Tips: Alterations for your Dream Gown

You've found the perfect dress but it doesn't fit!

Relax, you’re in the norm! Almost every bride needs alterations to her dress, but there’s no reason your dress can’t fit like a glove, even if it’s several sizes too big.  Here’s what you need to know:

Photos courtesy of Derek Phillips Photography

 

1. Hire an expert

There isn’t a school for alterations, so everyone has different ways of doing things. Taking a dress apart, resizing it and putting it back together is not an easy or quick task, especially if the dress has beading, lace, an open back or plunge neckline. The final finish and quality of work should be as good or better than the factory.  Your typical walk-in clothing alteration shop may not have the experience or customer service that you need and deserve for this most important garment alteration.  Make an effort to hire the best specialist, with the best reputation you can find for the job, as your overall experience and final results will be a direct reflection of them.

hollow to hem alternations alabama

2. Make room for alterations in your budget

It can take several hours or even days to complete all the alterations your dress might need.  Remember, you’re paying a local person for their skilled labor.  The cost won’t be proportionate to the wages paid to the factory workers who put your dress together.  The total price will vary depending on who does the work, so don’t be afraid to ask for a quote.  You’ll need to provide details on what needs to be done and likely need to bring the dress in person or send detailed photos for an accurate estimate of alteration costs. Plan ahead- Don’t wait until the last minute to think about alterations.  Not many people can do this type of work well, so the best will get booked up early.  Ask what the turnaround time is, we recommend one week.  Waiting several weeks or months for your dress to be finished is not only stressful, but in our experience produces less accurate results.  A good time to start alterations (if the turnaround is quick) is six to eight weeks.  If your size and weight are always consistent, start the alterations process earlier.  Many brides worry that they will gain or lose weight just before the wedding and their dress will no longer fit.  Don’t worry, this very rarely happens in our experience.

hollow to hem alterations alabama

3. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion

If your alterations person says “it can’t be done”, it may just be that they don’t know how to do it.  Many seamstresses aren’t professional dressmakers and won’t have experience with complex dress customizations and alterations, such as making sleeves, altering the curve of the bust or adding material to make a dress larger. Find a patternmaker (dressmaker) if you can, they will have the technical training to complete these more complex tasks with less effort.  

 

Sammie is a seamster and consultant at Hollow To Hem, where he and his wife specialize in bridal and competition dress customization, alteration and pattern making.  Appointments: Hollowtohem.com  Phone/Text: 205-MY-DRESS  FB/Instagram: hollowtohem

Bustle Bride: Laura Matthews Barman

Laura Matthews Barman and her husband, Michael, began their forever together earlier this year on a beautiful day in March! Laura's favorite moment from her big day was after the ceremony, "Our venue set up dinner in the bridal suite for just the two of us. It was a special time to slow down and enjoy our first few moments as husband and wife."

We are so thankful to be able to dress Laura from head to toe! She looked oh so beautiful in her Alvina Valenta lace v-neck gown which she paired with a blush veil with silver trim which complimented her bridal look perfectly!

“Michael and I met when I was visiting our mutual friend Mallory in Atlanta for the weekend. The charmer that he is, Michael asked for my number and ended up visiting me in Birmingham the next weekend. I never thought we would end up doing long distance for almost 5 years, but it was definitely worth it.”

Vendors:

Photography: Sweet Julep Photography

Venue: Mathews Manor

Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie

Hair and Makeup Artist: Danielle Ivy

Groom's Attire: Men's Warehouse

Catering, Cake, & Floral: Mathews Manor

Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

Calligraphy: Bess Booth

Ring Boxes: End Grain Wood Shoppe

Signage: RosaLilla and Flora South Designs

Videography: Woodnote Media

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: Marianne Gurak Miller

We're elated to announce that Marianne Gurak Miller is our newest Bustle Bride feature! She and her hubby Lance tied the knot at First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham on a beautiful Saturday in December, and they danced the night away at the Clubhouse on Highland. 

Marianne was an absolute dream on her special day. We had a great time helping her find the gown of her dreams. She chose a fabulous lace fit & flare gown by Watters, and she looked nothing short of phenomenal on her wedding day! We absolutely loved having her in our shop. She has such an infectious bubbly personality and the kindest spirit. We wish all the best to Marianne and Lance!

"Our wedding day was everything we dreamed it would be! Having all our loved ones under one roof was indescribable! We wanted a 'non-Christmasy' Christmas time wedding. That being said, we gave a fabulous nod to the holidays when the entire reception sang a Christmas carol my grandmother wrote years ago to the tune of Jingle Bells... we had the lyrics printed and handed out on the dance floor. The big group photo happened right after we all sang together- it was one of the best highlights of our big day!" -Marianne Miller

Images courtesy of Amore Vita Photography

Bustle Bride: Hallie Lawrence Weaver

On a beautiful Saturday in August, Bustle bride Hallie Lawrence Weaver and her hubby Leighton said, "I do." Hallie tied the knot in a gorgeous Watters fit & flare lace gown. She wanted to add a little something extra to her gown, so she chose an elegant ivory sash to bring her look together.

We absolutely loved having Hallie in our store, she has the kindest spirit and the sweetest smile. We're so glad we were able to help her find the gown of her dreams! She looked nothing short of breathtaking on her and Leighton's special day!

Photos courtesy of Love Be Photography.

Bustle Bride: Caroline

Caroline Wheeler was such a beautiful bride on her big day. She tied the knot at Trinity United Methodist Church here in Homewood, AL. We loved helping her find her dream wedding dress. She chose a gorgeous drop waist ballgown adorned with impeccable beadwork on the bodice, and she totally rocked her dress. Her reception was quite the party. She transformed The Barn at Shady Lane into, as her photographer put it, "an unbelievable art installation."

We were so overjoyed to be apart of helping her choose the gown of her dreams!

Images courtesy of Jett Walker Photography