Expert Tips: Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations for 2022

This week on the blog, I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Travel Planner extraordinaire, Abbay Lovell, and talk all things HONEYMOONS. You might recognize Abbay from our recent blog post where we gushed over her monumental New Zealand Elopement - if you haven’t had a chance to behold those breathtaking photos for yourself yet, take a peak here. Abbay is no stranger to adventure and makes it her full-time job to help others plan the trip of their dreams. Today she has opened her heart and given us the key to the honeymoon of a lifetime. We invite you to find a cozy spot, a cup of tea, and join this chat with Abbay as she guides us through the journey to our own wanderlust. Allez Venez!

Photo taken in the beautiful, New Zealand

Expert Tips from Abbay Lovell of Abbay’s Escapes

The age-old question, “Where should we go on our honeymoon?” is one of my favorites. Between all of the noise and reviews on the internet, how will you ever decide? Reading though hundreds of reviews is no fun. I get it. I love to help people just like you!

Travel is my world and honeymoons are my favorite! Today I’m sharing some of my favorite destinations for honeymooners to help you get your juices flowing. From the breathtaking over-the-water huts of Tahiti to fly fishing in Montana, read on for my favorite most over-the-top and romantic destinations for honeymoons. 

Tahiti

Does it get more romantic than an overwater bungalow thoughtfully hovering over a too-blue-to-be-real lagoon? Hardly. Here are more reasons I love Tahiti for honeymooners:

Here you can choose your pace - island hop OR fly and flop.

For active honeymooners, I recommend beginning with adventurous land-based activities on Moorea (go hiking or ride around in ATVs looking for the best vantage point) followed by a stay on Bora Bora in an overwater bungalow. In Bora Bora, you can relax as much as you like (sipping cocktails in your hammock) or take advantage of its amazing water-based activities like jet skis, snorkel trips, manta ray excursions or kite surfing lessons

For honeymooners looking to mostly chill after their nuptials, they may wish to stay on Bora Bora only and pair two different luxury properties. Or for something even more unique, I recommend a private island resort like La Taha’a. An added bonus is it’s only a 7 hour flight from SFO or LAX.

Secret option C: Include a multi-night yacht charter with a private crew that will help you find the best spots for snorkeling and moor in the best places for happy hour cocktails.

Pro tip: Not all resorts on Bora Bora have equal views of iconic Mount Otemanu. If you’re a sucker for views, you’ll want to find a property with views or splash out for a room category with killer views.

New Zealand

Whether you are into world class wine, remote beaches, hiking on glaciers or experiencing Kiwi hospitality at 5-star luxury lodges, NZ has something for every honeymooner.

NZ may feel far away, but once you get there it’s easy to see and cover a lot of ground in a country jam-packed with diverse landscapes and experiences. Especially since the country is expected to open for Americans in July 2022!

A few of my favorite experiences for honeymooners:

• Stay in a luxury treehouse nestled between the sea and the mountains in Kaikoura. While you’re there, be sure to swim with the resident dusky dolphins.

• Stay a few nights in the Bay of Islands, home to some of NZ’s most beautiful beaches. While you’re there, drink in seaside landscapes along the way before settling in with a gourmet picnic on a secluded beach, a hamper of locally sourced treats while enjoying a glass of champagne!

• Spend a night or two near Blenheim in the Marlborough region and enjoy cycling around the wineries, home to NZ’s world-class sauvignon blanc.

Pro tip: Cut down on driving time by taking helicopters or scenic flights - a total splurge but worth it!

Greece

Greece is for lovers. It’s also for travelers who might like 

• history

• wine experiences

• cooking classes

• gorgeous hotels and sailing!

There are multiple islands to suit your budget and tastes. I’m loving the itinerary I recently designed with 2 nights in Athens, 4 nights in Naxos and 4 nights in Santorini. These honeymooners will take a guided tour of Athens that begins at the Acropolis; enjoy a Naxian Cooking experience in a traditional Greek gathering atmosphere, where they’ll pick ingredients from the host's organic farm, take a guided tour of family wineries in Santorini, and hike amongst Santorni’s best caldera views. Then top off the trip with a sunset catamaran cruise that ends with hot springs and a mud bath - divine!

Pro tip: If Mykonos is too much of a party vibe for you, consider an island like Naxos which might feel like more authentic Greece.

Mexico

This destination might make you think of college spring break, but I promise Mexico is more than Cancun. Mexico is a super diverse country between arid regions, coral reefs, high snowy peaks, jungles, and ancient ruins. All can be tailored depending on you and your honey's style, budget, and wishes.

My favorite new hidden retreat in Riviera Mayarit is One&Only Mandarina where you can stay in an alluring tree house nestled above the Pacific ocean.

If you’re keen to explore and dine off-property in world-class restaurants, I recommend Cabo where it’s easy to rent a car or explore by taxi. You’ll be spoiled for choice with hotels here.

Near Cancun, I recommend getting outside the hotel corridor and finding the perfect boutique hotel. My favorite white sandy beaches are in Maroma about 35 minutes south of Cancun airport.

Pro-tip: Mexico is hands-down the best option for champagne tastes on a beer budget. If you don’t book an all-inclusive property, be sure to factor in the cost of activities and dining into your budget.

Montana

This destination is perfect for couples who enjoy unspoiled nature and wilderness recreation but also like to do it in luxury! Also, no passport required.

Join your significant other in the saddle, in the raft, or fly fishing in its rivers and experience a variety of activities tailor-made for honeymooners.

I highly recommend its luxury ranches, and there are some that are even adult-only. Honeymooners can hide away in their cozy cabins or jam-pack their schedules with outdoorsy activities (many of which are included in a ranch stay).

Pro-tip: Pair with a trip to a national park like Yellowstone or Glacier National Park. 

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While each of these destinations are fabulous in their own right, the best destination for YOU depends on your tastes and your style! This is where Abbay comes in. As part of her Discover More process, she will ask all the questions to help curate the best destination and itinerary for you and your honey. Do you want adventure, R&R, OR maybe both!? Chill vibes or party vibes? Do you want to stay at your resort or get out and explore? Modern or traditional? Are long flights OK? What do you and your partner like to do in your free time? 

Abbay LOVES finding the perfect match for you. And the best news? With her insider access and in-depth knowledge of the most spectacular places in the world, you can expect a trip full of the “wow” moments and off-the-beaten-path destination options without having to lift a finger.

If you’d like to learn more about how it works, feel free to get in touch with Abbay here, fill out the trip inquiry form here, or just drop an email to abbay@abbays-escapes.com. You can also download a copy of Abbay’s latest eBook full of detailed information on where to travel by month to ignite your wanderlust! Get the eBook in your inbox. She can’t wait to hear from you! 

Birmingham Highlight: General

The Forest Park Historic District is quickly becoming one of the most romantic streets in Birmingham. In just a short walk, you can frolic through the garden of your dreams at Shoppe, have a cocktail at Juniper’s botanical oasis, give your hair a little love at Dream Boat, AND take a stroll though the most endearing general store and cafe that Birmingham has ever seen, General.

General is the neighborhood cafe and general store that dreams are made of. When you enter this local sanctuary you will immediately feel like you’ve been transported to an artisan playground. Every square foot is drenched in character. From the hand-painted murals to the ornate floral arrangements, the ambiance is flawless.

The pastry case is ALWAYS calling us. Our friends at Last Call Baking will never leave you disappointed. These little delicacies are in high demand and we know why. This isn’t your typical cookie and danish situation. The pastries at General are always unexpected and elevated. The flavor selection and artistry that go behind these confections are incredible. Don’t just take our word for it, you must visit yourself. While we have tried almost every pastry they have to offer, on this visit we thoroughly enjoyed the Elote Corn Croissant, Olive Oil cake, and Japanese Almond Bread. The Olive Oil cake had just come out of the oven and was still warm - we devoured it in record time.

General serves lunch from 11am-3pm Thursday through Saturday. We tried the Chicken Salad Plate and the Mac Grilled Cheese - phenomenal. The lunch dishes are all extremely fresh and made with intention. Everything is an experience.

The general store is hard to put into words. It feels both effortless and ethereal. Every item begs to be held. There is a little bit of everything here. You could find a house-warming gift or a self care splurge for yourself. General has something special for every room in your home. Even their restrooms are a vibe. It is very clear that not a detail goes unnoticed and we are in awe of every element.

If you would like to see a little bit of the magic for yourself, you can follow them on instagram or visit their website. Whether you’re in need of a latte and a cozy window seat or a unique place to impress your friends, we know you will feel significant here.

Bustle Bride: Abbay Lovell

It’s not every day that you hear a love story with such reverie that it ignites every romantic narrative you have so vividly pictured in your mind since the dawn of your adolescent awakening. The kind of incandescent tale that couldn’t actually be real. Abbay and Christopher’s story is one that should be accompanied by its own grand piano score - simply stunning. 

“The best trips, like best love affairs, never really end.”

— Pico Iyer

Abbay met Christopher in a New Zealand-based neighborhood bistro, Gerome, for their first date. The conversation was warm and effervescent. Unsure if it was the red wine or his British accent, Abbay felt flushed in the best way. Christopher’s kind demeanor immediately captured her attention as they so-easily swapped travel tales.

Before finding herself in this cinematic bistro with the company of a beautiful English gentleman in New Zealand, it was actually a European holiday that first sparked Abbay’s wanderlust. What started out as a spirited Girl’s Trip to Europe ended in Abbay coming back to America eager to find that feeling of liberation again. Not long after her return, Abbay’s accounting firm proposed the opportunity of a lifetime. She was offered a 4-6 month secondment abroad and couldn’t help but jump at the opportunity. Having just gone through a breakup, love was not on her radar. She was looking to experience a new country, a chance to learn and grow. Little did she know, this short term commitment would be an exploration that would change her life.

Abbay felt herself falling for Christopher after their second date - immediate SPARKS.

“I half-jokingly wrote in my journal that I was convinced we were in love and maybe I would marry him.”

— Abbay

While it was a little out of ‘the normal’ for Abbay to write something like this. She realized that Christopher made her feel safe. Abbay fell into this incredible state of vulnerability with Christopher. This level of vulnerability felt like a long shot knowing that Christopher was from England and her roots were in America. With only a temporary assignment in New Zealand holding them together geographically, this chance at love was a beautiful risk that the couple was willing to take. They spent months learning each other and enjoying the simple things. It became clear to Abbay that this connection was special and worth the outward commitment. Abbay extended her stay in New Zealand and fell in love with Christopher.

Abbay didn’t have the chance to do any research before she visited Bustle for her initial bridal appointment. She had only been engaged for a week before flying to Birmingham from New Zealand for work. Abbay knew that if she wanted her Mom and Sister to help her pick out a gown, she needed to fit in an appointment while in Birmingham. There was something about going in totally open minded that gave Abbay a fresh sense of freedom. She tried on several different styles, but felt something special after trying on a stunning Anne Barge gown. Abbay was almost sure this dress was THE one. After taking the evening to collect her thoughts, she knew that it was meant-to-be. Everyone experiences emotions differently when trying on their dream dress for the first time. It’s important that we don’t pressure ourselves to feel immediate theatrics because we all experience life in different ways and that is what makes us beautiful. Abbay gave herself time to allow her feelings to settle before making the decision that was right for her and we LOVE that.

“I loved everything about my gown, but if I had to choose one aspect I love the most, it would be the long-sleeve lace top that can be worn over the gown. It completely glams up the gown in a really timeless way.”

— Abbay

Like all love stories (even the most enchanting ones) not everything can go as planned. The last few years have brought a new set of challenges for every pair planning matrimony. Abbay and Christopher had to cancel their big-white-wedding in England and after several failed attempts to reschedule they decided to reimagine their wedding day.

“After all, we met in New Zealand and spending time outside is our favorite thing to do together. So, why not take advantage of New Zealand’s mountains as a crazy, beautiful backdrop for our special day?”

— Abbay

The morning of their elopement, Abbay and Christopher spent precious time together in their romantic mountain lodge, talking and gazing into the lake.

The couple shared intimate vows in front of their lodge followed by a scenic drive to the mountains. Passing sheep and an endearing flock of ducklings on the way, they finally arrived to their spot. This place would make even the most cynical person believe in love. And just as she dreamed weeks prior, Abbay got her special moment with the crazy, beautiful mountains as the backdrop. 

“I loved our first look - We both cried. It was a really lovely ‘I’ve-been-waiting-for-this-moment-forever’ type of feeling that came over both of us.”

— Abbay

While Abbay and Christopher had each other on this significant day, they also found unexpected friends in their vendors. Eloping comes with a beautiful effortlessness that allows room for laughs and candid moments without the fear of others’ expectations. The pair hit it off so well with their photographer, that they invited Charlotte and her husband to a private dinner that evening. The beauty in this love story is in the unexpected details. How fate and a sequence of particular circumstances brought Abbay and Christopher to this moment. Falling into a life of love is truly done one little adventure at a time.

“As tough as it is to plan a wedding these days, I love the freedom that the pandemic has given us to rewrite the rules when it comes to weddings and events. There really are no rules anymore, and there is so much less expectation around what a wedding ‘should’ look like.”

— Abbay

Abbay, originally from Alabama, started a travel business and loves helping couples plan their dream honeymoon. You can glean from her knowledge in this precious blog post or visit her website to learn more about her phenomenal services. Your dream honeymoon is only a few steps away.

Accommodation: Matakauri Lodge

Photographer: Charlotte Kiri Photography

Celebrant: Liz Maluschnig at Chosen for Beautiful Weddings

Flowers: Crimson Wedding Flowers

Hair and makeup: Charm Beauty

Dress: Bustle Gowns

Travel Planner: Abbay's Escapes

Galentines Date at Juniper

Most of us grew up captivated by Disney films. In these movies, we were able to place ourselves in the front and center of a fairytale. It’s impossible to forget the feeling of wonder that came when Alice stumbled upon the enchanted garden in Alice in Wonderland. The excitement of being immersed in a valley of life-sized blooms felt indescribable. Birmingham’s new dream girl, Juniper, feels like that.

Juniper is an awe-inspiring cocktail bar and restaurant nestled in the heart of the beautiful Forest Park historic district. The lush outdoor garden courtyard and whimsical botanical interior are reminiscent of ornate gin palaces popular during the Victorian era. This is your neighborhood bar, reimagined.

Upon entering Juniper, you immediately feel like you’ve left Birmingham and have fallen down the rabbit hole to enchantment. If the immersive decor wasn’t enough, Juniper sets the scene with their mood lighting and ambient nature. Although gin focused, their inventive craft cocktail menu features a wide array of spirits, in addition to aperitifs, wine and beer. Let’s talk our favorite cocktails….

Trying the gin based cocktails at Juniper was genuinely unlike any other drink experience we’ve ever had. Birmingham is known for its innovative bar scene, but Juniper has exponentially raised the beverage bar.

Juniper’s phenomenal team didn’t skip a beat when giving us the best recommendations. We love a team that is well-read on the menu. Every person we met on staff was so incredibly warm and inviting. Allison gave us the full run-down of her favorite cocktails and what made them special, which made ordering easy and intentional.

Jillian ordered the Bengal Merchant. This cocktail was rich and exotic. It was a gorgeous blend of matcha, orgeat, and lime. This beverage was delicious with beautiful depth and the soothing light green color makes for the perfect photo op.

Laine ordered the house specialty, The Buzzword. This cocktail lives up to its name in a very real way. This beverage comes with a deceivingly innocent szechuan flower bud (also known as a Buzz Button) on top. Once you take a bite of the flower bud, your mouth immediately starts to tingle and you feel a sensation that neither of us had ever experienced before - truly REMARKABLE. This sensation goes beyond taste. The effervescent, Champagne-like zing takes over slowly, dancing around the top of the tongue before giving way to a surprisingly welcome numbing, cooling effect. This sensation paired with the cocktail is true magic. We highly recommend trying the cocktail before and after biting the szechuan flower so you can fully experience the difference.

The small plates at Juniper need praises of their own. We devoured the Duck Fat Fries and Crab Cakes. Next time we decided to bring more friends so that we can try MORE of this brilliant menu. The flavors and textures in these small plates are a harmonious work of art. If you are craving something sweet, they have a bread pudding that looks to be a creation of the gods.

Go ahead and give yourself bragging rights if you recommend Juniper for your next date night or hangout. This little sanctuary is something that demands to be experienced and we cannot wait to hear about your favorites. Visit their website here to check out their hours so you can plan your next visit.

If you would like to see Juniper in action, you can watch our latest Instagram Reel HERE.

Bridal Gowns as Taylor Swift Eras

At Bustle, we know All Too Well that finding the gown of your Wildest Dreams can be almost as hard as finding a Message in a Bottle. Most of us have been Enchanted at the idea of our bridal gown since we were Fifteen. We want to see Sparks Fly, we don’t want to just Tolerate It. Everyone’s Love Story is unique to their own experience and your dream Dress should always reflect that journey. Call It What You Want, you are Gorgeous. You are Fearless. You spent years looking for your Forever and Always, your Holy Ground. We’ve all had our fair share of Champagne Problems. Now is the time to be your own White Horse and enjoy what you worked so hard for. We Are Never Getting Back Together with the idea that we aren’t enough.

In the off chance that you haven’t picked up on it yet, this week we are inspired by the ever lovely, Taylor Allison Swift. For so many of us, this woman has helped shape the way we look at love and heartbreak. She gave a voice to our feelings at every stage of our lives. We couldn’t think of a better way to channel this inspiration than taking a trip down the many eras of Taylor Swift. We hope you enjoy our tribute and find the perfect gown from the album that pulls on your heartstrings. Whether you’re a Lover kind of girly or a Folklore type of bride, at Bustle we have a gown for every aesthetic. 

Are you ready for it?

“I think that the perfection of love is that it’s not perfect.”

— Taylor Swift

Debut Album

Gown Designer: Rebecca Schoneveld

Fearless

Gown Designer: Paloma Blanca

Speak Now

Gown Designer: Jenny Yoo

Red

Gown Designer: Wtoo By Watters

1989

Gown Designer: Anne Barge

Reputation

Gown Designer: Tiadora

Lover

Gown Designer: That’s Bliss by Monique Lhuillier

Folklore

Gown Designer: Wtoo By Watters

Evermore

Gown Designer: Modern Trousseau

If you would like to see the gowns in action, check out our Instagram Reels for all the twirls.

Bustle's Local Valentines Day Gift Guide

Image by Gaia Florals

When it comes to matters of the heart, we think Birmingham is THE sanctuary of love. The beautiful creators and business owners in this city know how to make an impression that lasts. While this community is a remarkable pool of talent and innovation, we tried our best to narrow down some of our favorite spots to grab a Valentines Gift for your honey. If romance isn’t on your February forecast, then by-all-means make this a gift guide for yourself. After the last two years, YOU DESERVE IT.

“Love planted a rose, and the world turned sweet.”

— Katharine Lee Bates

Everyone needs one of those go-to shops where you can pop in on a whim and confidently pick up a last minute gift. Charm is THAT place. Just a moment in this little wonderland is self care at it’s finest. Their vintage accessories and ornamental novelties will have the special person in your life feeling like a golden girl. This women owned local haven will always have the most unique gifts for yourself or the ones you love most. Whether you’re having a galentines celebration or a romantic night with your significant other, we highly recommend a visit. You can shop Charm at their new Downtown location or online!

The wonderful founders of Cala, Josh and Melanie Cosio, want to bring something bright to your mornings. Born and raised in California (Cala = California + Alabama), they moved to Birmingham, AL in the summer of 2016 without ever stepping foot in the state before. The pair began roasting coffee in 2021 and have cultivated such a special beverage experience. Each blend is unique and aromatic. Valentines Day is all about giving love and comfort to those that you care for most and the heartfelt blends from Cala do just that. Their light roast is a marriage of Floral notes, Berries, Dried Apricot, Honey, and Jasmine while their dark roast has deep notes of cocoa and nuts. Give a gift of warmth and rejuvenation. Cala recently announced that they will be opening their FIRST brick and mortar in Cahaba Heights this year, so keep your eyes pealed for the in-person shopping experience to come. Until then, you can find them online or at one of their many pop up locations!

Flowers are never a cliche at Gaia. The handcrafted bouquets that come out of this stem shop are truly the beauty that we all need in our lives. These straight-out-of-wonderland arrangements have us believing in magic. Sarah is the powerhouse behind this ethereal escape and we couldn’t be more spellbound by her work. The deep tones in their Valentines Day collection conjure complete romance. We love that you can order an arrangement crafted by the floral goddess herself, or you can take a peak inside their gorgeous shop and create a bouquet on your own. We’ll take an entire garden to-go, please!

By K. Morg

Kelcey is the wonderwoman behind By K. Morg. This multifaceted designer, maker, and illustrator has created a powerful collection of clay earrings that will uplift the soul. We love that each piece is created with confidence in mind. By K. Morg puts humanity and connection at the center of their artistry. Everything about this collection is empowering from product to packaging. If you want your valentine to feel radiant from the inside-out, By K. Morg is where you need to be this holiday. You can shop this beautiful collection online and in the words of the founder herself, “When you shop small, an actual person does the ‘whoa’!"

Naughty But Nice

KettlE Corn Co.

Naughty But Nice is the local artisanal kettle corn company of our dreams. They have lovingly coined the term, “Popheads” for their ever expanding fan base and we couldn’t agree with that title more. NBN has taken one of the most universally beloved snacks and exponentially raised the bar. Our favorite flavors are Green Apple Pie and French Toast. Whether you are a sweet tooth or prefer something savory like their Eugene’s Hot Chicken flavor, they have every taste bud in mind. If your date could do without the chocolate, we think a freshly popped bag of artisanal kettle corn will do the trick. You can shop their amazing line-up online or visit their storefront!

Studio 264

Meredith Taylor is the phenomenal visionary behind this little piece of heaven in Birmingham. Studio 264 is straight out of all our 1970’s fantasies. Their clay and multimedia accessories have an incredible ability to completely captivate anyone who beholds them. We have truly never seen anything like Meredith’s work. Her earrings are inspired and will always capture all the attention in a room. Studio 264 is launching their Sleepover Collection for Valentines Day and we couldn’t be more obsessed! We would happily fall in love with anyone who gifts us a pair of their earrings this holiday season - no glass slipper needed! You can shop their collection on their website or check out their instagram for their next pop-up location.

Chocolata is an ethereal chocolate shop, beautifully nestled downtown on 2nd Avenue North. Each treat is incredibly special and always starts with the highest quality chocolate, made with ingredients from South America. You will immediately feel like you have arrived in a chocolate nirvana upon entering this place. The smell of sipping chocolate and bonbons fill the air and it’s truly something straight out of a fairytale. We love how it’s not only the taste of these delicacies that are elevated. Chocolata has a remarkable way of making each treat just as captivating to look at as they are to taste. If you want your honey to feel special this Valentines Day, Chocolata is the place for you. You can visit their gorgeous storefront and follow their instagram for the most luxurious sugar rush.

Ask Our Readers: Worst Date Stories

We’ve all been there. You get dressed up for a date, you’re excited, you spend 40 minutes making sure your hair is curled in the right direction and…. the date is a disaster. In the year 2020, there were a whopping 44.2 MILLION users swiping right in the US alone, and it’s estimated that this number will increase to 53.3 million users by 2025. So, when we tell you that you are not alone - you are most definitely NOT alone. Like most things in life, it helps us to feel like our experiences are shared, dating triumphs and defeats included. With February approaching, this month of love can be pretty polarizing depending on which side of the Valentines spectrum you stand on. Whether you are pro all the heart-shaped candies and twitterpated feelings or you treat the 14th like any other day; we can all agree that bad dates happen to the best of us. We asked you to share some of your worst date experiences with us and you guys understood the assignment. We invite you to sit down, grab a snack, and enjoy yourself as we bond through our failed attempts at romance together.

“On our first date, he told me that he liked that I used big words like “wonderful.””

“The girl I was dating told me that she planned a romantic date night. But when I showed up, she had invited 10 other friends and they were all doing jager bombs.”

“They showed up in a glow-in-the-dark tshirt and demanded that we go somewhere dark.”

What To Wear: Winter Wedding Edition

There is something so effortlessly magical about winter weddings. We can’t quite pinpoint what it is that makes them feel this way. It could be the deep jewel tones and festive florals. It could also be that most winter weddings take place around heartfelt holidays or at the start of a New Year. Whatever the reason, your wedding gown should always reflect the beauty of your wedding day. When most of us think of “Winter Wedding Dresses” usually what comes to mind are long sleeves and velvet fabric. While these winter staples will always remain iconic, at Bustle we believe that your wedding gown should be whatever YOU want. This is us telling you that if you want to wear the spaghetti straps, you should ABSOLUTELY wear the spaghetti straps. In this blog we are going to share a couple of our favorite tips to find that seasonal magic without sacrificing your own personal style.

“You never have to worry about ‘pulling off’ any wedding look. If you are wearing it, you are pulling it off. You are what makes your dress.”

— Meredith Carter: Bustle Owner

Bustle Stylist’s Winter Gown Tips

Texture

We love how a wedding gown becomes fantastical when you add textural details. The winter season embodies so many unique patterns and textures. When you are able to represent those elements in your dress, enchantment follows.

Festive Accessories

There is nothing that says holiday sparkle like a statement earring or captivating hairpiece. It is truly beautiful how quickly a bridal look becomes a moment when paired with festive accessories. The holidays are grand and your wedding should reflect that momentous occasion because YOU are worth it.

Fabric

The touch and feel of your gown should always encapsulate home. When you choose a gown, the fabric matters! Whether comfort is at the top of your wishlist or you live for the drama and comfort can wait; the overall makeup of your dress is what you will remember for years to come. How did you feel in it? That is what makes a gown sensational.

Structural Details

Sometimes the opulence is in the details. The structural elements of your gown can captivate a room in a way that words never could. The whole idea of making a “statement” is just that. Giving a clear message without the need of vernacular. When words fall short, it’s those significant details that will make your winter wedding the day of your dreams.

“As someone who was also a winter bride, the most important aspect of your bridal look is that you feel the warmth that embodies the holidays & your love in your gown. The rest will fall in to place.”

— Jillian Darling: Bustle Blog Author

Bustle Bride: Anna Beth Cross

“I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.”

— John Green

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 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. 

“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

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.

“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

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

2021 Bustle Christmas Gathering

“The discovery of a new dish confers more happiness on humanity, than the discovery of a new star.”

— Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

In the wise words of Kacey Musgraves, “let me set the scene…” It’s a beautiful December night in Ross Bridge and the community is now a panoramic view of fresh poinsettias and glistening lights. The Bustle Team is welcomed into Chef Tyler and Jennifer Lyne’s charming home for our very first Supper Club. The environment is incredibly warm and buzzing with intimate conversation between familiar faces and strangers alike. Chef Lyne opens up our ten course meal with sincere sentiments expressing the profound influence that can be experienced when a thoughtful meal is shared among loved ones.

The beauty of food is that it has the ability to bring everyone together, regardless of our differences. With every glass held high in the candlelight, we eagerly await the meal to come. The amount of intention that the team at Tasting TBL puts into each course is truly remarkable and unlike anything we have experienced before.

Our meal begins with a canapé course complete with Blue Crab Hand Rolls, Beef Tartare, Pomme Aligot Mochi, & Black Truffle Puffs - sensational. Each course somehow felt like the main character in its own production, leaving every person on our Bustle team unanimously agreeing that this is the best meal we have ever had. We finished the night with a decadent chocolate cake, layered with eight (yes EIGHT) layers of absolute perfection. The cake is a merriment of hazelnut praline and chocolate mousse, adorned with warm chocolate sauce. Can we come back every night, please?

Celebrating the Christmas season is easy when we have all of you to be thankful for. We want to extend the warmest wishes to you and your loved ones this holiday season. Merry Christmas from Bustle. We hope your days are merry and filled with the best bites. If you would like to attend Supper Club for yourself, visit TastingTBL.com.