wedding

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Top 5 Wedding Preservation Tips

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After years of planning and endless anticipation, your wedding day came and vanished in what seems like minutes. We all know that bittersweet feeling. Still mesmerized, you are so thankful the day happened, but how is it over so fast? You want to live in that first dance moment forever. You wish you could see all your friends light up one more time. Your bouquet, your gown, you wish they could stay like this for as long as you live. What if we told you they could? In this blog we are gushing over our Top 5 Wedding Day Preservation Tips. Brides, you don’t want to miss this one!

Before we get into the fun stuff, we want to answer a question that our Bustle team gets asked often, “HOW do I preserve my wedding gown??”

We recommend using weddinggownpreservationkit.com for all your gown preservation needs! Just visit their website and follow the easy step-by-step prompts.

Bustle’s Top 5 Ways to Preserve Your Wedding Day

1.) Bouquet Preservation

The only thing that could possibly make flowers more magical is if they lasted forever. Where is Belle’s enchanted rose when you need it? With Bouquet Preservation that sweet dream is a reality. Our friends at Once Upon a Bloom specialize in making those unforgettable wedding florals last for a lifetime. With so many resin settings to choose from, they have a style that suits every bride - that calls for a garden party!

2.) Disposable Cameras for Wedding Guest Table(s)

We LOVE this idea! As a bride, you can only be in so many places at one time. With all the chaos, it’s impossible to see all the special moments your guests are experiencing. And thus, DISPOSABLE CAMERAS. Instead of dishing out money on wedding favors that your guests will most likely never use, we recommend a more interactive option by placing a disposable camera at every guest table. Let your guests snap away for the evening then ask that the disposable cameras be returned to the newlyweds by the end of the night. Once you and your love come back from your honeymoon, send in your film to be developed. In a couple weeks, you’ll have the best time looking and laughing at the best day of your life through the eyes of the people that love you most. 

Disposable Camera Signs from Zazzle

3.) Song Lyric Art from First Dance

After months (sometimes years) of endless song scrolling in search of the PERFECT music that would tell the story of your love, you want that first dance moment to last way longer than 3 minutes. The idea of having your first dance lyrics tastefully displayed in your home makes us shed a sentimental tear. With so many different styles of lyric art on Etsy, you’re sure to find a look that pairs beautifully with your beloved tune - that’s something to dance about!

4.) New Perfume for Your Wedding Day

This tip might sound simple, but it’s truly one that will have you feeling butterflies. Did you know the brain tracts smells with memory? If you think hard enough about some of your favorite memories throughout your lifetime, you can almost always find a scent associated with that memory. We recommend choosing a new signature perfume SPECIFICALLY for your wedding day. Select a fragrance you’ve never worn before, but smells like how you want to feel on your special day. Then, long after your “I Do’s” you can think about how you felt on your wedding day every time you wear that fragrance. It’s such a beautifully effortless way to keep that incredible day fresh on your heart (and your nose).

5.) Wedding Day Memory Box

This tip is pretty self-explanatory but TOTALLY worth it! There’s something about those wedding invitations that you worked so hard on. Every detail, down to the napkins, was a choice that you pondered over with the upmost intention. Throwing away the extras just feels criminal. With a Wedding Memory Box, you can keep one of every detail that you love about your wedding and relive those moments over and over again. Maybe you want to hold on to a boutonnière, a place card, a copy of your vows, YOU NAME IT. Select a memory box that feels like your style as a couple and then have fun filling it up with all the little details that made your day feel like…you. 

Wedding Memory Boxes from Etsy. Blue - Wood

 We hope you enjoyed these tips and can find something to help you hold on to the best moments from your wedding day. Never lose sight of the true meaning behind all of the details, you and the person you love forever navigating through life together. You found a person who wants to grow with you, hurt with you, live every moment that comes next with you. That is truly something that can never be forgotten. 

Daughter's Baking Grand Opening

We’ve been huge fans of Daughters Baking for the past few years and did an interview in 2019 with owner, Mallory Webb, about this fabulous boutique cake shop and how it all started (read interview here). At the time, it was being run out of a shared kitchen in Homewood, AL by Mallory and one assistant. Since then, the business has grown to a fully staffed team and now Daughters Baking is opening it’s first storefront in the heart of Mountain Brook on July 29th, 2021. During this busy time, Mallory was kind enough to answer some questions for us about her blossoming business, so we hope you’ll take a look!

What made you decide to open your own storefront?
In our previous location, we were limited to only serving customers via online pre-order, and we had limited customer engagement. We have dreamed of having a storefront for awhile so that we can serve customers more conveniently, and accommodate last minute and walk in orders - as well as smaller cake portions for those cake cravings! We also plan for the storefront to allow us to accommodate our bride and grooms more easily in working with them.

What do you wish your customers knew about your cakes/your business?
I hope our customers know that this business is so much more than just about making great cakes. we truly want to be a positive influence in the community and beyond, and to spread joy and hope to people through these cakes and the business. This is both to our customers and to our staff.

Do you have a favorite cake flavor? If so, which one?
My favorite is a special item we did last year - the Coffee Banana! I love our Banana Layer Cake as well. and the Pumpkin Brown Butter!

What's your favorite part of running your business?
It is hard to say at the moment! It feels like i am doing so many different things at once. I think goal setting, building up team members, and building a foundation to a positive work culture is fun to me. I enjoy the leadership element of establishing overall operations and work culture.

What are you looking forward to for Daughter's Baking?
I am looking forward to when all new people are fully training, and we are operating smoothly being located in the new storefront, and we can start getting creative with what we want to do with the space — like wedding tasting events, bridal events, parties, and more! We can also start playing around with new products that we may want to serve!

Our goal is to never sell out of our menu item cakes. However, all cakes are first come first serve for the day, unless pre-ordered 3 days in advance via online or paying in the store. Once we open the store, we will have smaller versions of our cakes - served in 5 ounce cake cups. We also will have a “tasting package” option that gives customers an opportunity to try four different seasonal flavors in a 2.5 cup portion.

Daughters Baking store hours are Monday - Friday from 10—5pm and Saturday from 10—2pm. If you’ve never tried one of their cakes, we highly recommend visiting the new storefront! To read more about how this wonderful Birmingham business got started, visit Daughters Baking’s website.

Bustle Bride: Rebecca Atkinson Strickland

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Rebecca Atkinson and Whit Strickland first met in September 2018 on a blind date set up by her aunt and his mom! Rebecca was a substitute teacher at the elementary school where Whit’s mom, Emily, worked as a librarian, and Rebecca’s aunt, Paula, often volunteered. Emily and Paula, who were good friends, decided to play matchmaker and set them up on a date when Whit moved home to Birmingham, AL. Turns out Whit was open to the idea and he called Rebecca to make plans for their first date!

Whit and Rebecca Strickland were married May 2nd, 2020 in Birmingham, AL. Because of COVID-19 they had to forgo their big wedding plans, and instead, had an intimate ceremony with their closest family. Rebecca said, “The only guests in attendance at our wedding were our parents, one of my maids of honor, and my aunt.” Despite the change of plans, Rebecca said their wedding day could not have been more wonderful. “As much as I would have loved to have all of our original guests there, it ended up being absolutely perfect. There was no stress, nothing felt rushed, and everything just went so smoothly. It truly just felt like the whole day was all about us and we were able to focus on what really mattered.”

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“As difficult as 2020 was at times, it will
always hold some of the sweetest and most
beautiful memories for us. ”
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One of Rebecca’s most cherished memories of the day came at the end of the ceremony. All of their original guests had been given a Zoom link so they could watch the wedding live and still be a part of the Stricklands’ special day. “After the ceremony was finished, our photographer (Jessa Torres) asked us to go to the front of the church so that we could take some pictures there. When we got out there we started to take pictures, and then we saw a line of cars coming towards the church. One of my bridesmaids had set up a surprise car parade for our guests to show their support and make us feel loved.” Since their bridesmaids and groomsmen weren’t able to attend the wedding in person, some of them decided to meet together in a nearby parking lot to watch the wedding together on their phones, then they joined the parade! The COVID-19 pandemic may have altered their wedding plans, but it was still a perfect day for the Stricklands.

Rebecca reflected, “I think sometimes people get caught up in all of the planning that goes into a wedding, and when the big day finally comes they aren’t able to fully enjoy it all because there is so much going on. I’m so thankful for the way that everything ended up playing out that day. As difficult as 2020 was at times, it also will always hold some of the sweetest and most beautiful memories for us.”

Congratulations, Whit and Rebecca Strickland! We wish you all the best in your marriage.

Photos by Jessa Torres

Florals by Michelle Wright

Ruth Oneya Illustrations

Ruth Oneya is a talented artist in the Birmingham area. We immediately fell in love with her beautiful work and wanted to share it with our brides. Ruth does live paintings for weddings, watercolor portraits (of people, pets and homes!) and hand-painted champagne bottles. She uses her talents to create lovely keepsakes that people can enjoy for years and years!

We conducted a Q&A with Ruth to find out all about her small business and her journey as an artist.

What made you decide to start your business?

I started Ruth Oneya Illustrations the summer before my junior year of college (2016) after I had an awesome summer internship with a Birmingham wedding photographer, Alisha Crossley. She introduced me to the wedding world and I completely fell in love with it. I couldn't help but want to be a part of it somehow. Since then I have been working toward building my brand and putting my work out there as a wedding artist.

What is your favorite medium to work with?

My favorite medium to work with is a tie between watercolor and acrylic. I don't like working with the same medium for too long because I get a little bored. So, bouncing back and forth between these is a great way to keep me motivated and excited. 

What is your favorite product/service you offer?

My favorite service is definitely my live paintings. I get to put my best dress on and attend a party... to paint! But honestly, I just love the celebration of love and truly enjoy weddings. Also, because I have a sweet tooth I enjoy getting to try (and judge) wedding cakes.

What is your most popular product/service?

My most popular product definitely depends on the season, this summer it has been my Champagne bottle and live paintings. This is actually really exciting for me because these are mostly local and I love being able to cater to my Birmingham clients and vendors. 

What do you love most about being an artist?

I love being able to use my art to make people happy and also contributing to special moments in their life such as weddings. Knowing I am creating work that will be enjoyed in a home for years to come is a very fulfilling feeling for me. I also enjoy being a small business owner and doing what I love daily. Personally, I don't know if I would still be an artist today if I didn't follow this direction.

Do you have recommendations or tips for someone wanting to book a live painting session?

When deciding the moment, you would like painted, be open to what you ultimately want the final piece to be. This allows an artist to choose a moment more candid by choose where they see the best connection between you two. Also, it's always best to book as soon as you know your wedding date (especially if its a popular date) calendars fill out quickly.

Ruth has so many helpful resources on her website to help her clients. If you are interested in booking a live painting or ordering one of Ruth’s many other beautiful creations please visit Ruth Oneya Illustrations for more details.

Bustle Bride: Elle Parker Rist

On this lovely December day we're featuring the beautiful Elle Parker and her hubby Tyler Rist. Elle and Tyler began their happily ever after on July 28, 2017 at Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, AL. Elle explained that the way she and Tyler met, "is every father's dream." Her dad introduced the pair at church! A few months later, they reconnected through mutual friends. But according to Elle, her dad takes all the credit! 

Elle looked absolutely stunning in her Anne Barge lace gown with an organza overskirt, and we're swooning over photos from the day she and Tyler tied the knot!

“The morning of the wedding it was pouring rain and there were flash flood warnings, I was pretty bummed. But it cleared up! It was a great gift from the Lord! Walking down the aisle, was very special. Everyone was singing “In Christ Alone” I will never forget that feeling walking towards Tyler and feeling the support and love from all our family and friends. We also, had the best band! I didn’t want to stop dancing or leave our reception! Lastly, it was great marrying my best friend!”
“The morning of the wedding it was pouring rain and there were flash flood warnings, I was pretty bummed.  But it cleared up! It was a great gift from the Lord! Walking down the aisle, was very special. Everyone was singing “In Christ Alone” I will never forget that feeling walking towards Tyler and feeling the support and love from all our family and friends. We also, had the best band! I didn’t want to stop dancing or leave our reception! It was great marrying my best friend!”

Vendors:

Photography: Lauren Bailey Photography

Videography: Four10 Films

Hair and Make Up: NeoMode Salon

Church: Southwood Presbyterian

Reception: Baron's Bluff

Flowers: Theresa Green

Wedding Coordinators: April Boodie and Cathy Mayer

Suits: J Crew

Bridesmaid Dresses: Nordstrom

Band: Creativity

Custom Gifts For Your Groomsmen!

Finding the right gifts for your groomsmen can be difficult, but we recently discovered a site that offers personalized, manly things and we really like what they do! The money clip/cuff link combination is practical, hip and comes packaged in the coolest personalized wooden box. The price is right and your groomsmen will love them! Visit groovyguygifts.com

cuff links money clip personalized groomsmen gift
personalized groomsmen gift cuff links
personalized groomsmen gift money clip engraved

Bustle Bride: Claire Hovater Jackson

Our newest Bustle Bride is Claire Hovater Jackson and we couldn't be happier! Claire and her husband Daniel began their forever together on May 6, 2017 at the beautiful Hargis Wedding Chapel in Chelsea, AL. 

Claire and Daniel's love story began long before they started dating. They grew up going to the same church and Claire was best friends with Daniel's sister, Erin, and their parents were long time friends. So Claire grew up around Daniel, but since he was a few years older, they didn't really know each other until she began working with his mom after she started college. Claire always had a little bit of a crush on him, and Erin knew so when Daniel moved back to Birmingham, she played cupid and would invite Daniel and Claire over for dinner at the same time at her parents house to get to know each other. One thing led to another, and one night in December Daniel told Claire he liked her. They started officially dating after that, and the rest is history!

We so loved being part of Claire's wedding gown decision. She was such a joy to have in the store, and she has the most genuine heart. She was nothing short of stunning in her Anne Barge strapless ballgown with full tulle skirt. We are swooning over her photos from her special day!

“I was in my dressing room up until the wedding pictures and first look, and I didn’t go out of the dressing room in case Daniel saw me. But every time he would pass the room, someone would say “There goes Daniel, don’t let him see you!” in a playful way and my heart would skip a beat. Every time I thought of him the whole morning my heart would just flutter. When I finally saw him turn around and smile at me for the first time, I was so at ease and so happy that nothing else mattered. I was just so incredibly thrilled and grateful that I was getting to marry him and be with him forever. ”
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Vendors:

Venue: Hargis Wedding Chapel

Photographer: Katie Jewell Beech

Cake: Telia Johnson

Caterers: John and Susan Brolund

Flowers: Elaine Hill

Makeup: Summer Burk with Gypset Beauty Co.

Hair: Michelle Schaefer with GlowPro

Bustle Bride: Jacquelynn Myrick Dunn

Jacquelynn Myrick Dunn is our newest Bustle Bride! She and her hubby, Chris, began their happily ever after on a gorgeous fall day! On her special day, Jacquelynn wore a fit & flare gown that had the most stunning lace detail. She was an absolute dream when she said, "I do." We're so thankful we had the chance to help her find the perfect dress!

When Jacquelynn and Chris were planning their wedding, they chose 3 values that they wanted to plan, not only their wedding day, but also their lives around. First was a life abundant by worshipping Christ, the second was a life filled with family and friends, and lastly was a life characterized by fun and adventure! 

“When I walked down the aisle with my dad I could hear the band playing the instrumental to my favorite hymn “Be Thou My Vision,” saw over 350 of our friends and family in the garden to support us, and giggled as I saw my groom squinting at me in the bright sunlight. Our first kiss as husband and wife was the most perfect kiss of my entire life! This moment encompassed everything I had hoped our wedding day and life would reflect.”

Bustle Bride: Caitlin Ogren Green

Our first Bustle Bride Feature of the month is Catilin Ogren Green! Caitlin and her hubby, Andrew, said, "I do," on a beautiful Friday evening in May. They both wanted a wedding with a more intimate atmosphere, so they had 31 family members in attendance for the ceremony, then extended the celebration with friends on the following Saturday!

Bustle owner, Meredith, helped Caitlin find her dream dress! She chose a gorgeous strapless lace gown by Essence of Australia, and she looked absolutely radiant on her special day!

“I’d say one of the best parts of the day was having such a relaxing and enjoyable day. We loved having a small intimate dinner with just our family, then we met up with all of our friends at Otey’s after dinner. We had another small party on Saturday night at my in laws house with Saw’s BBQ and Big Spoon Creamery catering. We had a blue grass band, and it was again another amazing relaxed evening with family and friends. ”

Vendors:

Photos - K. Olis Photography

Hair and makeup - Boma Beautiful

Church - Highlands United Methodist Church

Dinner - Birmingham Country Club

Florist - Susan Geddie

Bustle Bride: Helen White Lee

This week's Bustle Bride Feature is the beautiful Helen White Lee! Helen and her hubby, Hunter, became officially Mr. & Mrs. on May 28! They said, "I do" at The Nest in Avondale and had their wedding planned through Tiny Weddings Bham!

The couple knew that they wanted an intimate wedding, so they invited immediate family and their closest friends that made up 25 guests! Helen explained, "we were able to laugh and giggle at the alter together, recite personal and heartfelt vows to one another, and enjoy our special day with those who have been with us throughout the course of our relationship."

Our sweet bride chose a gorgeous Ivy & Aster gown that fit her oh so beautifully on her special day. She looked nothing short of stunning, and we're so glad we had the opportunity to help Helen find the gown of her dreams! She has the sweetest smile and the most genuine spirit, and we absolutely loved having her in our store!

“Hearing the vows Hunter wrote to me was by far the greatest part of my wedding day— hearing the person you love most stand in front of a (small) crowd and promise you forever, no matter what it takes, gives you a whole new perspective on what God’s purpose for marriage actually is. In that moment I had a clearer vision of my life than ever before, and a greater love for my husband than I had ever experienced up to that point. I truly believe that the entire day was perfectly orchestrated by God, because it was everything we ever dreamed it would be and more. ”

Wedding Planner: Ann Marie Leveille//Tres Beau Weddings// Tiny Weddings Birmingham

Photography: Photos By Heart

Florist: Gold Leaf Floral

Lettering: Swan Lindsey Lettering

Catering: Savoie Catering

Baker: Pastry Arts

Venue: The Nest

Hair/Makeup: Sophia Cross