Brides Who've Been There: 10 Gorgeous Gowns and the Stories Behind Them

I'm taking a blogging break to soak up our sweet Lily Grace (and, let's be honest, to keep my head above water through this beautiful newborn chaos), so I asked some of my married friends to contribute in my absence.  Over the next few weeks, they'll be taking over to chat about wedding planning, bridal beauty and style, and sharing stories about their newlywed days.  

I asked them today to share some deets about their wedding gowns and how they chose them!

People often describe me as old-fashioned.  I love old movies, could listen to “old” music any time, and cherish many values of days gone by.  In fact, I often say I was born in the wrong century!  Knowing this about myself, I wanted a dress that was classic; something that wasn’t too trendy but at the same time didn’t make me look like a grandmother!  When planning my wedding I loved everything lace – lace-wrapped votive candles, lace invitations, lace around my bouquet...so it made sense that when looking at dresses I gravitated toward lace.  I originally found this beautiful, strapless, A-line dress that fit comfortably, and the lace just took your breath away.  I knew, however, that I personally did not want to wear a strapless dress, especially in church, so the store showed me this slightly off-the-shoulder lace jacket that hit at around my waist.  They added a beaded belt to the mix to accentuate my waist where the jacket hit.  When I walked out in that ensemble and my mom saw me, and when I saw myself in the mirror, we both started tearing up.  I used to watch Say Yes to the Dress and would scoff at the girls who cried when they tried their wedding dress on.  I’d say to myself, “Really?  It’s a dress people; get a grip.”  But there I was in the bridal store, tearing up because seeing myself in that dress I felt comfortable, it screamed "me," and I could just see myself walking down the aisle to Chris.  It was like it all came together.  When you feel comfortable and like yourself in anything you wear, you feel more confident and that shows!  Finding a dress that fits your personality as much as it fits your waistline is just as important. - Tiffany

Tiffany...

…and that gorgeous lace. 

Mine was a fairly typical 80s-style dress, with a full skirt and lots of beading.  It was ivory taffeta and was originally long-sleeved, but I had them shortened.  I had had a subscription to Bride magazine since I was a sophomore in college (before I was even dating my husband), so I had plenty of time to look at dresses and figure out what I liked! My senior year, my roommate and I went dress shopping every Friday (we arranged our schedule not to have classes that day).  After all that, the dress I ended up with was basically the one I first tried on. - Leslie

It was a classic A line strapless dress with pockets and a kimono-like bow in the back! - Sylvia

I'm really proud of the money we saved on my wedding dress. On a whim one night, my mom called  asked if we should jump in the car and head to David's Bridal to "just look" at some dresses, since I hadn't started yet and wanted to get a feel for a few before buckling down to actually buy one. We went in with my sisters, and I only tried on a total of 3 dresses before I put The One on! It was originally listed for $250, but because of some tiny flaw none of us could find (including the bridal consultant!), it was marked down to $99.  I knew right away it was the one for me! It actually came as two dresses - a short dress with an attachable long A-line skirt on top, which I just kept on the entire night. It was a sweetheart neckline, strapless, with a poufy-but-not-too-poufy skirt. We added a flowered belt and the look was complete. And for only paying $99, it looked and felt as beautiful and elegant as I had ever imagined! - Hannah

Hannah and David

It was tea length, A-line, with an organza layer on the outside, cream and ivory colored. It was the first one I tried on! I knew that I wanted a tea length dress because our wedding was small, not very formal, and also in December with yucky weather. I knew I wanted an off-white shade because I have a warm skin tone. I was opposed to wearing strapless, but all dresses are strapless, so I bought a very pretty lace jacket and wore that the whole day with the dress. - Rachel

I got married in 2009.  My wedding dress was sleeveless, with a fitted bodice and a full (not puffy) skirt. It was covered with a gauzy material and had lace at the waist and hem. It also had a simple ribbon around the waist that tied in a bow and hung down the back of the dress. I was in. love. with that thing.  I had actually seen it on a website a couple of years earlier -- before I'd even met my husband! A friend of mine was getting married, so I'd spent some time (too much time) indulging my own marital fantasies, looking at wedding dresses online. From the moment I saw it, I was struck. The dress had lovely details but it wasn't fussy. It was simple, but not boring. It was soft and feminine.  In late 2008, when I was engaged, I found that I compared every dress I tried on to that dress. So finally I called around to bridal shops to see if anyone still carried it. One of them did, I tried it on, and I was sold. Literally. - Julie

It was a big 'ole ball gown.  I initially wanted zero bling, but then I tried on my future dress which had beading everywhere on the bodice and my mind was changed in an instant.  - Sheena

Sheena, her hubs Anthony, and the dress

My gown was a Priscilla of Boston Platinum Ball Gown. It was huge and sparkly.  The very first day my maid of honor and I started working at a bridal shop, she looked at it and said, "That's your dress, Andi." She was right. I went gown shopping with my parents when we visited Houston for Thanksgiving and after trying it on and seeing their reactions, I knew it was the one! And by that point I had tried on several gowns at work doing weekly bridal fashion shows, so I knew exactly what I wanted! - Andi

Ironically, I wanted an ivory non-strapless dress and I ended up with a strapless, white dress. It was chiffon and had a little bling on it and it just fit me perfectly. I felt like a princess! - Emily


Once Jim and I got engaged, one of the things I was most excited for was to shop for my wedding dress with my Mom. I always knew and had a picture of what I wanted. Growing up, I had a deep love for old movies and elegant Hollywood actresses like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. I swooned for many years of Grace Kelly's exquisite wedding dress and knew I wanted something similar with lace, modesty, and elegance. I actually ended up only trying on maybe 10 wedding dresses at two different shops. I ended up picking one with simple beading, lace, and it made me feel like a modern day Princess Grace.  What really helped me in picking a dress was not taking a lot of people with me to shop; I just went with my Mom which was awesome time to bond as well as it was easier to not have so many extra opinions. Also before you go shopping, have a good idea of elements of what you would like to see in your perfect dress. And be sure to go in with a set price point! Know ahead of time exactly what you can afford, and be sure to stick to it! - Patty

Patty, giddy to have found The Dress!

How about you?  Brides-to-be, what are you looking for in your dress, if you haven't found it yet?  If you have, or if you're already married, I'd love to hear the story behind your gown!

The Ultimate Fiance Gift Guide: Guest Post from Elise!

Elise and I are natives of the same state and have discovered through our email friendship that we have a ton of friends and experiences in common.  Somehow, and despite our best efforts, we have yet to meet in person…here's to changing that in 2016.  Elise is a grad student who does freelance media and branding marketing, and just one glance at her blog, Anchored Hope, shows how legit she is.  I have such admiration for Elise's love of the good, true, and beautiful, her amazing wardrobe, her podcast, Caritas, and the fact that through her work and storytelling, she really acts as a missionary of beauty.  She and her fiancé, Hunter, are planning their wedding, and today she, with her excellent taste, is sharing her gift picks for your sweetheart!

Being engaged during the holiday season is so much fun!As a couple, you are slowly building your lives together,which means you might be spending the holidays with each other for the first time. It’s also a romantic time of year where you can drink hot cocoa by the fire, steal a kiss under some mistletoe and maybe even skip around the city viewing your favorite Christmas trees.

My love language is gift giving so I always have so much fun picking out a present for my own fiancé each Christmas. Looking to gift your man with something personal and fun? Here are some of my favorites that I’ve gifted Hunter in the past and some ideas for the future:



1. Experience gifts: My guy loves adventure and I’m sure he’s not the only man who does. Find a relatively inexpensive experience gift for your guy that you can both do together. It could be something as simple as ice skating or hiking and a picnic. You could even plan a day trip to a nearby town or city for a day of adventure. Groupon has great deals for this type of gift!

2. Icons: The Byzantine Catholics understand icons as windows into heaven.  What a beautiful reminder for your man to have on his desk or beside his bed. These or these icons are great options.

3. Quality Flannel: This shirt is awesome and so versatile. Your fiancé can wear it out, as comfy pjs, camping or for yard work. The possibilities are endless and he’ll get so much use out of it!

4. Grooming Supplies: Even guys like a little pampering now and then. I gifted my fiancé with a straight razor for his birthday this year and I’m pretty sure he’s in love with it. Even if your man doesn’t want to wade into straight razor territory, he’ll love a safety razor that he doesn’t have to throw away after a few uses. He can spiffy up his routine with a shaving brush and fancy shaving cream. It’s an investment, but one that is totally worth every penny in the long run.

5. Books: The gift of knowledge is always valued! Help your fiancé delve deeper into his faith with some of these amazing reads: one, two, three, four, five.

6. A Pocket Knife: I was nervous to suggest this one but my fiancé (and brothers) insisted! Apparently, it’s a necessity. This one is sturdy and affordable.

7. Rosaries: This website has a great selection of themed rosaries, from the Sacred Heart of Jesus Rosary to the St. Benedict Medal Rosary.

8. Guy’s Night Essentials: Equip your man with fun things for a night with the guys: Do It yourself Beef Jerk kit, Fish flask, Drinking with the Saints: The Sinner’s Guide to a Holy Happy Hour, Diamond Whiskey Glasses, Geometric Drink Rocks
 I hope you find something meaningful and exciting for your fiancé this Christmas!   

xoxo,

Elise

@elisecrawford

anchoredhopeblog.com

How about you?  Any surprises up your sleeve that you're especially excited to give this year?  

Inspired: Cold-Weather Bridal Accessories That Won't Cramp Your Style

If we're being completely honest, Fall and Winter weddings aren't entirely fashion-friendly, at least in the keeping warm department.  But that doesn't mean you're relegated to wearing your old stuff that clashes with your dress, with shivering your way through photos, or that you can't take advantage of the weather to add an extra element of coordination to your wedding party.  Can I suggest coordinating items for you and your bridesmaids, like a neutral scarf you can all wear in outdoor photos or cozy socks and robes for your getting ready pictures, and splurging a little on a special piece like a coat or boots you can wear again (my fave is that gorgeous blanket--it's wintry and festive and can later take up residence on your bed or couch!)?

Here, a few toasty picks that could coordinate well with most palettes:

1. Moroccan Wedding Blanket  2. Trapper Hat (similar)  3. Fur Jacket (similar)  4. Embellished Earband (if you're wearing your hair down!)  5. Boots  6. Infinity Scarf  7. Over-the-Knee Socks  8. Opera Gloves  9. Robe (similar)

What do you think?  Do you have a stay-warm game plan for your colder-weather wedding, and are you planning to pick up anything new to go with your wedding look?

P.S. Here's a post from the archives on warm, modest toppers for your dress (the exact items, obviously, won't be available anymore, but use the inspiration as a starting point for hunting down your accessories).

Interview with a Catholic Wedding Planner: Andi Compton of Now That's a Party on Pre-Pinterest Wedding Planning, What Not to Forget, and How to Help Your Wedding Coordinator

Never-before-shared fact: I spent the first 20 minutes of my wedding night taking off my makeup and going about my usual, semi-elaborate skincare routine because I forgot to pack the face wipes I bought, specifically for wedding night purposes, in my overnight bag.  Maybe if I'd had a someone to help me keep on top of those details, things would have proceeded differently…

I'm happy for this opportunity to share the tip of, yes, packing an overnight bag, but even more so, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Andi Compton, a wedding planner based in San Diego who works primarily with Catholic couples.  I have such admiration for the fact that in every sense, Andi really did turn her childhood love (wedding collages!) into a thriving business, Now That's a Party, and that her passion for the sacrament of marriage flows from her work directly into her vocation with her husband and kids.  I'll let her take over the storytelling now!

All photos from Andi's event portfolio; photo by Weddings by Chad Cress

By the sound of it, you've loved weddings and had a creative streak for a long time!  How did you get started in this business?

I've been planning parties since my 4th birthday, when I told my parents we were having it at Chuck E. Cheese, and each year my parties got increasingly complex. My parents were very supportive of my ever growing love of crafts: always taking me to the craft store for classes and demos and letting me take over a cabinet (then closet) for all of my craft supplies. I'm sure my parents looooooved it. 

Then, when I was 15, the movie The Wedding Planner came out. I had no idea that people could earn a living getting to help people with parties! This is way before Pinterest, so I would save up my allowance to subscribe to any bridal magazine I could get my hands on and then cut and paste together mock weddings. Soon it was time for college and even though I was accepted and registered in Loyola Marymount's film program, I decided to walk away and stay close to home, which ended up being such a blessing. My craziest job in college was working at Mon Amie, the largest bridal store on the West Coast. I learned so much about the wedding industry and even got to model dresses on the weekends. Win win win! 

In 2006 my husband proposed, we came up with a budget, and I FINALLY got the chance to learn how to put together all the details and ideas I had been reading about for 5 years. After our wedding we were blessed with a bunch of babies (and lots of birthdays to plan!), and I would occasionally help a friend with her wedding.  Soon I was being asked to essentialy coordinate these weddings. Things kept snowballing and I really felt a pull towards making things official with a name, branding, and a website. Then came networking and offering to coordinate styled shoots, where I could get to know other local vendors and build a relationship. And now I get to help couples with their weddings and am also on the committees for a few fundraising galas in my area.

Do you work mostly with Catholic couples, or with others, as well?  Regardless, what, to you, sets a Catholic wedding apart?

The majority of the couples I work with are Catholic, and I would really like that to be my focus. I still work with secular couples, but they are mostly friends of our family or of other friends. 

JESUS is what sets a Catholic wedding apart! Having the body, blood, soul, and divinity of our Lord truly present in the Blessed Sacrament at a wedding is just beyond phenomenal. I mean, heaven is kissing the earth at your wedding! 

As a Catholic bride yourself, do you have any stories of seeing the faith come alive in the couples you've worked with? 

I arrived to the church an hour early before one wedding and just sat and prayed in the Adoration chapel until the wedding party arrived. At that time, I noticed the groom was nervous. I told him to just go and sit in front of our Lord for awhile, and it was so beautiful to see him, his brother, and a friend just praying. 

GPT Photography

Your business, Now That's a Party, offers services from basic wedding day timelines to full-on coordination from start to finish.  What aspects of wedding planning are your brides most surprised by? 

I think the biggest surprises are all the little details that can easily be overlooked- like ordering meals for your vendors (we work better with full stomachs!), packing an overnight bag if you're staying with your new husband in a hotel, identifying who is going to take your gifts home, and thinking about cleanup even though the bride and groom get to skip that part. 

One San Diego wedding I did, for instance, was in a little park overlooking the ocean, and the bride had ordered rose petals. I had to have her look over the regulations the city has, pack a rake for after the ceremony, and schedule the petals into my timeline. For Catholic weddings, many brides don't realize that the Church has restrictions on the type of music that can be used in weddings. It varies parish to parish, but it's super important to remember that it's not "all about you" as the magazines say.  It's still a liturgy, and the music needs to be in line with that.

Brides have so much access to visual inspiration, message boards, and dozens more resources when planning their weddings, often before they even meet their vendors.  As a coordinator, have you noticed pros and cons to this? 
Absolutely! Pinterest can be an awesome tool to visually lay out all your ideas and be exposed to trends and lots of new things. On the flip side, it can make everything seem so overwhelming, almost paralyzing, for some brides, too. The biggest downside for me is having people tell me, "Sorry, this isn't really going to be Pinterest-worthy wedding," as if that were the goal of their wedding. NO! Becoming a Pinterest trend or getting featured on a wedding blog should never be the focus.  People will care about it for maybe a day then move onto the next thing, but the man you're engaged to wants to be your husband for the rest of your life.

True Photography

Obviously, you are there to make a bride and groom's wedding day go as smoothly and memorably as possible.  What's the most helpful thing the couple can do for you, as their planner, before and during the big day? 
Hands down, send me copies of every single contract they have signed with all other vendors and give me the contact info of each vendor, friend, or family member who is planning to be there for setup, as well as who I can contact in case of an emergency. Once I have all of that info, I can contact each person so I know what to expect and can weave together a timeline for each person so we are all on the same page. That timeline is gold on the day of! 

Another huge disadvantage of visual inspiration overload is that often the images we see on Instagram, Pinterest, and blogs are simply unattainable to the average person, but it can tap into our vanity because we want to fit in. Have you noticed that none of the style blogs feature simple receptions in church halls? I've happily coordinated those and let me tell you, the couples are so filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit from their wedding and it is just infectious to all their guests. 

I'd love to hear stories from some of the weddings you've worked on! Are there any particularly profound moments that stand out to you? Any funny or otherwise memorable ones? 
One of the most fun moments at a wedding was when a bride and groom surprised their families with a belly dancing ensemble. One of the groom's cousins came out and played drums with the drummer and everyone there was really into it. They even danced with swords! Another couple went all out in smashing cake into each other's faces. That was rare for me: most couples are nice and don't want to make a mess.

Though I'm 4 years removed from my wedding, writing this blog often calls to mind memories of my engagement and wedding day.  Do you experience something similar?  Does being immersed in weddings and, by extension, marriage, influence your relationship with your husband and family, and vice versa? 

Yes! A big trend I've seen over the past 5-7 years is big, showy proposals. They are featured on blogs, become YouTube trends, and are all over Pinterest. Even though I love my husband, he absolutely did not give me my "dream proposal" and I've had to try really hard to learn humility, accepting the reality of what happened and learning to be grateful for having him in my life. A proposal is all of 5 minutes, but having someone by your side that is constantly choosing to love you in sickness and in health, in bad times and in good…well, that's real love.

Katie Beverley Photography

Any planning tips or secrets you could share with Catholic brides-to-be? 

Before booking any vendors, book your church! Many dioceses require 6-9 months of preparation before the wedding. Each diocese also has different marriage prep requirements (ours has a Pre-Cana day and your choice of Engaged Encounter or Evenings for the Engaged). Also, look into Natural Family Planning. For many, it's the first time they've ever heard of it and learning about the body God gave you is truly empowering.

***

That, friends, is what, to me, sets a Catholic wedding apart; not just in the way that you, as the bride and groom, choose to celebrate the sacrament, but in the fact that you have a choice to support our brothers and sisters when booking your wedding vendors.  Catholic creatives who see their work as a call and a ministry can not only give your day an extra-special spin (I love Andi's story about inviting a groom to kneel before the Blessed Sacrament, and consider that a Catholic photographer will be able to get amazingly meaningful shots during your wedding Mass), but in my opinion, their craft deserves to be honored and seen.  I've been spending a good deal of time on discernment and emails with Jiza and Elissa in the last few weeks, and we are feeling a pull to create a new Catholic wedding site that combines resources for brides with community and marketing for Catholic wedding vendors.  I can't wait to share more as our ideas shape up over the next few months, and in the meantime your prayers are so appreciated.

Andi, thank you infinitely much for sharing your heart, your business, and a few planning secrets!  If you're planning a wedding in the San Diego area and looking for a coordinator, I think it's safe to say you've found your woman.  Be sure to visit Andi and check out her gorgeous work on her website and on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

Something New: Splurges For Your Wedding Day and After

Have you seen the Pinterest images and heard the stories about brides who buy a pair of Jimmy Choos or something to wear with their wedding gown?  Me too.  That's not what this post is about.  Well, not entirely.

I do really like the idea of treating yourself to a little something special for your bridal look, but since most of us don't have a ton of disposable income while dealing with other wedding expenses, let alone $600 for a pair of shoes, I think it makes financial sense to splurge (moderately!) instead on an item that's not relegated just to a formal, once-in-a-lifetime occasion.  You get something versatile that also has the potential to be a new favorite and reminder of your wedding.  Personally, I like the classics:

Twisted pearl necklace, J. Crew.  Signet ring (for your new initials, and to pass on one day!), Sarah Chloe.  Chandeliers, Kate Spade.  NARS The Multiple & Dolce & Gabbana The One, Sephora.  Deborah Lippmann nail color in Chantilly Lace, Nordstrom.  Ankle-strap sandals, Vince Camuto.  Original wellies (for inevitable outdoor photos), Hunter.  Navajo sandals, Jack Rogers.

What do you think?  Are you planning to get something new to wear both on and after your big day?  What's the best investment piece you've ever gotten?  I'd love to hear the stories behind your special pieces!