Bustle Bride: Sara Katherine Bracewell Miller

Sara Katherine and Sam's love story began on the other side of the world in the land down under. They met in Brisbane, Australia when Sara Katherine took a year-long internship with Campus Outreach at the University of Queensland. Sam just started working on staff the same month that Sara Katherine moved and began her internship. 

This sweet couple exchanged vows on July 22 at the beautiful Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church and danced the night away at the Avon Theater in Birmingham, AL. Sara Katherine looked nothing short of incredible in her fit & flare, french chantilly lace gown by Paloma Blanca, and we're over the moon that she found her dream gown at Bustle! 

“One of my favorite part about our wedding day/weekend was really how worshipful it all was. Saying our vows may have been the coolest moment for me. The most impactful line of mine were “Where you go, I will follow, your people will be my people, and your God, He is my God.” It felt very big and significant because two weeks later I moved permanently to Australia to do ministry with Sam.

Along with this, my favorite part was how the wedding brought together people from two very different cultures. We were able to have our close friends and family fly over to celebrate with my American friends and family. This will likely never happen again until heaven, and so we were soaking in every moment.”

Vendors:

Ceremony- Oak Mountain Presbyterian

Reception- Avon Theater

Photographer- Lauren Bailey

Videographer- Frank Daley

Flowers- Allison Kynerd Thomas//AKT Designs

Caterer- Happy Catering

Cake- Pen and Pastry

Makeup- Emmy Carswell//Emmy Hunt Makeup

Hair- Merrell Hubbard

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

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: Katie Murrell Reeves

Bustle bride Katie Murrell and her husband Jeremy Reeves became officially husband and wife on April 8th, 2017 at The Sonnet House in Leeds, AL. The pair initially met when randomly assigned to the same kickball team - adult intramurals for the win! Katie and Jeremy were friends for several years before they started dating. 

We loved having Katie at Bustle, and we're so glad we could help her find her dream gown! She said, "yes!" to a beautiful Paloma Blanca ballgown with a beaded lace bodice and a white silk band at the waist which she paired with a fingertip veil with satin edge to complete her overall bridal look!

“My favorite part about our wedding day was just being with all of our family and friends, and knowing that so many people had traveled so far to celebrate our marriage. We really felt their love, and had the sweetest night celebrating with everyone. ”

Vendors:

Venue and Catering: The Sonnet House

Photographer: Love Behind The Lens

Florals: Corey Daniel Florals

Wedding Cake: Magnificent Cakes

Ceremony Music: Cahaba River Strings

DJ: DiJital Entertainment

Bridal Hair and Makeup: Amber Wright at Morgan Ashley Salon

Tux: Brooks Brothers

Bustle Bride: Taylor Lindsey Bruin

Taylor Lindsey Bruin is our newest addition of Bustle Brides, and we couldn't be happier! Taylor and her husband Chris said "I do," while surrounded by mountains on June 24th on a breathtaking ranch in Jackson Hole, WY where the sweet couple first met! 

Taylor and Chris met in Jackson Hole shortly after she moved there for a job. She did not plan on meeting anyone while she lived there, but Chris introduced himself one of her first weeks at Cornerstone Church, and they seemed to have the same interests. "Before you knew it, I was falling hard for this guy!" He lived in Idaho Falls, so they would see each other on the weekends. They spent nearly every weekend camping, hiking, or exploring in the mountains as this was something they both loved to do. In December, Chris planned an incredible proposal at the top of a mountain in Salt Lake City, where both of their families were hiding out, and Taylor said yes!

Taylor was an absolute dream in her Olia Zavozina a-line lace gown, and we can't get over the photos from her big day - even horse jumped in their photoshoot which made for some truly majestic photos!

“My favorite part of the wedding was having everyone from all the different stages of our lives come together in one place. Everyone that said they wanted to visit us was able to come out and see Jackson Hole and celebrate with us. Our church community in Jackson Hole really pitched in to help everything come together, and the whole day was a representation of the gospel at work. It was easily the best day of our lives for so many reasons, and we are so thankful to be on this journey of marriage together!”

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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Daniel Claire-Ceremony-0065.jpg

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: 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: Mary Claire Crane Ansley

Today we're featuring Bustle bride Mary Claire Crane Ansley! It's a special day for Mary Claire and her hubby Hunter because today is their 1 year anniversary! This time last year they were saying "I do," at the timeless Old Car Heaven where they began their happily ever after. 

Mary Claire and Hunter met while on a blind date, and she knew he was the one. "He was my first kiss, first date, and first boyfriend. I immediately knew I couldn't see myself being with anyone else because we worked so well together, and it was like he already belonged in our family."  Mary Claire and Hunter and their son John Taylor make the sweetest family, and they looked oh so perfect on their special day!

Mary Claire was absolutely breathtaking in her strapless organza gown by Watters. She was such a joy to have in our store, and we're so thankful we had the opportunity to help her find her dream gown!

“My favorite part of my wedding day was finally getting to see Hunter. I was so nervous and I just knew when I finally got the first look over with we could spend time together before the ceremony and make jokes (which is 90% of our conversations) and just talk to each other to get our minds off of being in front of so many people.  Another favorite was getting to see John Taylor in his wedding outfit. He’d just learned to walk a few weeks before so his legs were still super chunky and he was so excited to see me in a big dress. It was a very laid back day and couldn’t have been more perfect.”

Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception: Old Car Heaven

Catering: Teresa's Catering

Cake: Magnificent Cakes

Photography: Sarah-Peyton Green Photography

DJ & Lighting: B. Brian

Bustle Bride: Rachael Thompson Panik

To kick off the beginning of the month, we have a new Bustle Bride to feature - Rachael Thompson Panik! Rachael and her husband William began their happily ever after on a lovely August day. 

Rachael and William said "I do," at the beautiful Faith Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, AL. Our lovely bride looked nothing short of ravishing in her Romona Keveza Vneck satin gown. The pleated bodice and modified a-line skirt was the perfect style for Rachael, and we couldn't be happier that she found her gown at Bustle!

“Our officiant was our pastor who has known us for a long time, so having him officiate our wedding was so sweet and joyous. It was wonderful to be totally surrounded by our closest friends and family members while we had a close friend and mentor help us recite our vows together. I also loved overlooking Birmingham during our wedding reception at Vulcan. We love the ‘Ham, so it was just perfect to have an amazing view of the city while we celebrated being married!”

Vendors:

Planner: AK Brides

Caterer: Happy Catering

Photographer: Love Behind the Lens

Reception Venue: Vulcan Park and Museum 

Ceremony: Faith Presbyterian Church

Florist: Rita Weller Designs 

Favors: Church Street Coffee

Cake: Katie Moon

Linens and Draping: Decor to Adore 

Invitations: Annabelle's

Tuxes: Mr. Burch Formal Wear

Bustle Bride: Julie Hill Schall

Julie Hill Schall is our newest Bustle Bride! Julie and her hubby Clay exchanged vows on a beautiful June day at Stone Bridge Farms, and she looked nothing short of gorgeous in her Rafael Cennamo peplum gown.

Julie and Clay met briefly through mutual friends during their freshman year at the University of Alabama. However, a year later they ran into each other again in the library and Clay knew he didn't want to miss the opportunity to get to know his future bride, so he quickly asked Julie on a date and the rest is history!

“My favorite part of the wedding day was right after we said I do. Clay and I slipped into a trance where only he and I were there, no one else was around and nothing else mattered. We took in each other and those special vows we made. All the details we had stressed about and all the planning that took place no longer mattered. We were Mr and Mrs Schall!”

Vendors:

Venue: Stone Bridge Farm

Hair/Makeup: Danielle Ivy

Photography: Smith Squared Photography

Videography: Ramsaur Films

Dress: Bustle

Tux: Jos. A Bank

Floral: Stone Bridge Farms

Catering: Stone Bridge Farms