We're always looking for the perfect bridesmaid's gifts and we think these are pretty spot-on. These custom goodie-boxes are from Bridesmaid Gift Boutique and include a floral monogrammed robe, a monogrammed wine cooler cup, and a personalized gift box. It's easy, affordable and your gals will love you for it.
If you're still looking for groomsmen gift ideas, check out our blog post featuring some easy custom gifts for them as well.
Bustle Bride: Callie Barganier Hanahan
Callie Barganier Hanahan met Gil in college at Auburn where they became best friends. His family lived at the beach and he would often join her family when they came to the beach for summer vacation. Callie said it wasn’t until Gil came to live in Birmingham (after she had started a job there) that they became more than friends and developed a romantic relationship. When they finally started dating, Callie knew within the first week that he would be the one she married.
““We know it was the Lord’s perfect sovereignty and timing as He grew our hearts to love each other as more than friends.””
Callie’s favorite part of the day was her first look with Gil. They exchanged heartfelt letters with each other during this time. She loved getting to soak in their special moment together and all that was about to come on their wedding day. They were married March 24th, 2018.
“”Happy tears came when Gil found out he was getting my grandfather’s ring— I had been bursting at the seams to tell him!“ ”
Bustle Bride: Darcy Echols Wilks
Darcy Echols and Jake Wilks met in high school. Jake asked for Darcy’s number and things went from there. “A good bit of time went by and we found ourselves still together in college and crazy in love,” said Darcy. They were married on January 6th, 2017!
This particular couple is so special to me because I know them and actually got to attend their wedding. It is so easy to see that these two people have so much love for each other and for God. It was so beautiful getting to worship with them as they became husband and wife.
“My favorite part of our wedding day was the snow. It was the sweetest touch the Lord could have given to the day. The reception got cut short, but we got to dance in the middle of the street while the snow was coming down and in moments like those, we didn’t notice the cold.”
“We are each other’s absolute best friends. He’s always the one I want to tell things to, and we just have a blast together. Marriage is the most amazing adventure and I’m completely smitten with my goof ball of a husband. ”
Bustle Bride: Mary Kate Young Scott
Mary Kate and Charlie Scott got married on March 10th, 2018. They met their freshman year at Samford University and have been together ever since! We adore this lovely couple and are so excited to share their beautiful wedding day with you. So happy for this bride and groom!
“There was a time in our ceremony where Charlie and I were able to stand, hand in hand, worshipping our Lord with all of our loved ones as we all sang All I Have is Christ. It was such a sweet moment for us to reflect on the covenant of marriage that we had just entered. ”
Vendors:
Photography: Josh Rigsby Photography
Floral: Gregg Foster
Hair and Makeup: Cotton Rouge and Company
Cake: The Bakery off Augusta
Ceremony: Daniel Chapel at Furman University
Reception: The Cliffs at Mountain Park
Entertainment: Mo' Sol with Sam Hill Entertainment
Rentals: Professional Party Rentals
Event Planning: Bespoken Weddings & Events
Dress: Bustle (Yay!)
Bustle Bride: Danielle Fillmore Jaudon
We're over the moon for our newest Bustle Bride, Danielle Fillmore Jaudon! Danielle and her husband Chris said "I do," on a beautiful Alabama March day!
The pair met their freshman year at Auburn University. Chris attended Danielle's sorority fall formal with one of their mutual friends. Then, about a month later, out of the blue, Chris asked her out. Danielle didn't remember meeting him at formal, but after doing a little digging on Facebook, she agreed to the date. "Who knew my first date with my future husband would be a blind date at a college dining hall."
Danielle said "yes" to a stunning Allure lace fit & flare gown, complete with bateau neckline and illusion back! It was a match made in bridal heaven because she was an absolute dream on the day she and Chris began their forever together!
“My favorite part of our day was leaving our reception as husband and wife, and seeing how many friends and family stayed the whole night to celebrate us. Everyone was lined up, standing in the rain with sparklers, smiling and cheering for us. It was the only time we will ever have that same group of people we both love and care for in the same place, and we’ve wished everyday since then that we could go back. It was just the BEST day!
”
Vendors:
Venue: Iron City Bham
Photography: Eric & Jamie Photography
Florals: Bloom & Petal
Cakes: Telia Johnson Cakes
Bustle Bride: Erica Lawrence Hoffman
This week all eyes are on the beautiful Erica Lawrence Hoffman! Erica and her husband, Allen, began their happily ever after on April 7, 2018 on a gorgeous Alabama day.
The pair knew each other growing up, but their love story didn't begin until they ran into each other 4 years ago at the doctor's office. They reminisced on old times, then a few weeks later and much to Allen's persistence, the pair went on a first date, and the rest is history!
Erica's dream dress was a Theia lace fit & flare beauty which she paired with a gorgeous beaded belt to complete her bridal look! We so loved helping this sweet bride find her perfect dress!!
“My favorite part about our wedding day was watching Allen wait for me. It’s like we saw each other all over again. As if God gave me that frozen moment in time. I remember watching his Mom with tears as she watched me get closer to him, my Papa arm & arm walking me down the aisle, and my little girl smiling ever so big looking just as beautiful as God designed her to be. So many beautiful moments frozen in time. We very well could of been frozen.. it was so cold that day!”
Vendors:
Photography: Koli Nichols Photography
Catering: Classic Catering and Events
Florals: Sue's Flowers
Hair & makeup: Lauren Vining Hunter
Rings: Rebecca's Jewellers
Bustle Bride: Haley Walker Taylor
The gorgeous Haley Walker Taylor is our featured Bustle Bride, and we are over the moon! She and her husband, Dylan, became officially husband and wife on March 16, 2018. The pair met on a church serve project, and the rest is history!
Haley was simply radiant in her Enaura fully beaded fit & flare gown, and we're so thankful we had the opportunity to help her find that gown of her dreams!
“My favorite part of my wedding day was getting ready and spending my last moment as a miss with all of my best friends and getting to marry the man I had prayed for, for so long.”
Vendors:
Photography: Katie and Alec Photography
hair and makeup: Brittany Scoggins
Catering: Kays Katering
Bustle Bride: Caitlin Baggett Hagedorn
We're so thrilled to announce Caitlin Bagget Hagedorn as our newest Bustle Bride! Caitlin and her hubby, Grant, began their happily ever after on a beautiful March day at Bluff Park Methodist Church. The pair has such a fun one-in-a-million story of how they met! We'll let Caitlin tell the story in her own words:
"Grant and I met our freshman year at the University of Alabama. My maid of honor and best friend found a wallet in the dorm hallway, so she reached out to that person on Facebook. The person she reached out to ended up being Grant’s roommate, so that’s where it all started! Grant and I attended many date parties together, became best friends, and finally before senior year, we started dating! We prayed a lot throughout college and after that the Lord would give us the right timing for every part of our relationship, so we are so thankful for His goodness!"
Caitlin is such a gem. She has the kindest smile and heart to match, and we so loved helping her find the perfect gown! She looked nothing short of gorgeous in her mermaid alencon and corded chantilly lace gown by Enzoani!
“It is so hard to find a “favorite” part of the best day of your life! So I have to give two… one being getting to the end of the aisle and standing with Grant, my dad, his dad, my sister/Matron of Honor, my Maid of Honor, and my grandfather, who officiated the ceremony. I will never forget the feeling of overwhelming thankfulness and joy. Number two is when Grant and his groomsmen got up on stage during the reception and danced. Grant got out in front and did a hilarious little dance move, and I will always remember that!”
Ceremony: Bluff Park Methodist Church
Reception: Iron City
Bridal Photos: Grace Bedsole, Associate Photographer for Eric and Jamie Photography
H&MU: Danielle Ivy
Flowers: Flowers from the Heart by Linda Bearden
Guest Post: Eleanor Stenner Photography
4 Tips For Your Dream Engagement Session
You’ve booked your engagement session…now, how do you make it into the dream you envisioned? Thoughts are racing around your head… What to wear? Where to photograph? What makeup to chose? How shall I do my hair?
Are you stressed yet? That’s why I’m here to help. Here are four tips to preparing for your dream engagement session without all the stress!
Outfit Choices
The most frequently-asked-question in regards to engagement sessions is, “What do I wear?!” It can feel intimidating choosing an outfit that everybody will see when the images are posted online! But, girl, you can do this! Whether it means rummaging through a friend’s closet, buying a new outfit or putting together a fun combination you’ve always wanted to try, you’ve got lots of options. When looking for your outfits, however, keep these things in mind...
Bad choices:
tiny patterns, as they mess with the camera’s sensor
bright red or orange
matching outfits (let’s go with coordinating, instead!)
Good choices:
long, flowy skirts or dresses
variety in your outfit choices (one formal, one casual)
something that flatters your best features and makes you feel confident
Network To Find Your Dream Location
I always ask my couples to think within their network of connections for a special place to photograph their engagement session. Maybe a family member owns a boat, maybe they know the event coordinator at a beautiful venue or maybe their first date was at a significant place. I encourage couples to choose somewhere meaningful to them so we can create something personal and unique. Urban or botanical? Beautiful architecture or a wide open field? The choices are yours, and there are plenty of them!
Invest in Hair and Makeup
Just as you want to look your best on your wedding day, why not splurge a little on your engagement session? Investing in professional hair and makeup can be an extra fun way to celebrate the occasion and allow you to be extra confident during your shoot! If you're not able to splurge, consider false lashes. That will make the most impact on your portraits!
Respect The Sun
You’ll always hear photographers rave about “golden hour,” but is it really that great? The answer is yes!!! Photographers plan around the sun, and being late cuts down on the time you have to capture the best light! Try to leave earlier than you usually would out of respect for your photographer and the sun.
Eleanor Stenner is a wedding and portrait photographer in Birmingham, Alabama, who photographs endless love with vibrancy and class. As native of England, her accent is a strange mix of British-Southern. You can catch her photographing weddings, going on walks in Homewood or serving at her church. Follow her work at @eleanorstenner or visit her website at eleanorstenner.com
Bustle Bride: Lauren Hanna Nilsen
We're over the moon to introduce Lauren Hanna Nilsen as our newest Bustle Bride! Lauren and her husband Jonathan met at Ashley Mac's in Birmingham where they both work, so they have Andy and Ashley McMakin for being their matchmakers!
The pair tied the knot on January 7th, and Lauren was an absolute dream in her Anne Barge fit & flare lace gown! She also added a stunning crystal belt and beautiful catherdral length veil to complete her look, and we're so glad we had the opportunity to help her wedding gown vision become a reality!
“My favorite part about our wedding day was when we privately shared our personal vows with each other. There is something so real and raw about telling your other half how much you love them and how you will commit to them and your marriage. We are best friends who are in love, and there is nothing greater than that! ”
Vendors:
Photography: Jenn Davis Imagery
Hair/Makeup: Rachel Hardesty
Cake: Megan Gust
Venue: Hargis Wedding Chapel