Bustle Bride: Ruth Allison Griffin

Ruth Allison and Scott’s meet cute was something out of our Grey’s Anatomy dreams. Scott, living in his own kind of McDreamy energy, was in Residency at UAB while Ruth Allison was giving every ounce of herself to her patients as an ICU nurse.

““We were friends for a while then at the work Christmas party at Carrigan’s we decided to finally go on a real date!””

— Ruth Allison

From the beginning Scott had an effortless way of taking Ruth Allison’s inner child by the hand and leading them both into an easy way of serendipity. Their first date was a celebration of that youth, an evening filled with genuine laughter and wholesome interest. 

““We went to the Birmingham Bulls hockey game! It was laid back and fun with hot dogs and french fries for dinner and then we sang to a mixed CD from the high school era all the way home—what a fun throwback!””

— Ruth Allison

The nostalgic music that filled the car on that first date quickly became a foreshadowing scene to what would look like forever. Ruth Allison knew Scott was the one after sharing their love for song.

““When we started singing together, it just felt right.””

— Ruth Allison

Their time together quickly became the melodic jingle that Ruth Allison couldn’t get out of her head. The seamlessness of their aligning outlook on life gave Allison the undeniable reassurance that they would never want to live without each other. 

““I never wanted to live in this life without him. When you know, you know!” ”

— Ruth Allison

It’s no secret that Ruth Allison’s wedding gown was one of our favorites. When this beauty of a dress arrived in the shop, the Bustle girls couldn’t help but dream about who would be the bride that would dawn this gown for their special day. When Ruth Allison tried on our beloved gown, everyone in the room knew it was meant for her.

““{I loved} Every. Single. Thing. It was classic, timeless, modern, modest but also flattering. It was perfect for a church wedding. My mother’s dress had a bow on the back of hers as well. I love that mine captured that sentiment.””

— Ruth Allison

It was no surprise to us that a couple who embodied such true connection would prioritize that intimacy throughout their wedding. When we asked Ruth Allison what moment stood out to her the most, her answer had us looking for the nearest tissue box. 

““It’s hard to narrow it down because there wasn’t one thing we didn’t love about that day. I think our favorite part was our first look and private vows. It was special and intimate. We felt like after that we actually got to spend our entire wedding day together and we wouldn’t want to spend it any other way. Of course the dancing was our second favorite! The band was so worth it!””

— Ruth Allison

Menswear Suits: Mens Warehouse

Wedding Planner: Engaged Wedding Library

Photographer/Videographer: Eric & Jamie photography

Venue: church: Redeemer Community Church ; Reception-The Fennec

Cakes: Telia Johnson Cakes

Flowers: Susan Milner Designs

H&M: hair- Molly Gee Webster with Molly Gee & Co. and Paige Goodwin (Salon U)

Makeup- Bride did her own!

Caterer: In-house catering with The Fennec

Expert Tips: What You Need To Know Before Your Bridal Appointment

“Clothes are the story of our lives. And if you were to gather all the clothes you have ever owned in all your life, each baby shoe and winter coat and wedding dress, you would have your autobiography.”

— Linda Grant (2010). “The Thoughtful Dresser

We believe the process of discovering your perfect gown should feel like falling in love. We all come to love in our own way and choosing the right gown should mirror that significant experience. We hope that this blog will help ease any dress anxiety you might have and give you the confidence you need to say “YES” to your dream dress.

1.) Consider your wedding date when scheduling your appointment

One of the beautiful benefits in being a Bustle Bride is that all of our dresses are Sample Gowns.  This means that every gown you try-on in the shop is available for you to take home that SAME day - no backordered or delayed gowns here! With all of the supply chain set-backs in the industry, knowing that you will leave with your dream dress in hand is the kind of bliss we all need right now. Keeping your wedding date in mind is also important because you want to allow any extra time needed for alterations.

We want to make scheduling your appointment at Bustle completely stress-free. You can visit our website here to set-up your appointment today.  

2.) Be intentional when selecting your Entourage

Your bridal gown appointment is all about YOU. One of the things our bridal experts have learned in their many years of experience is the more you are able to mindfully condense your bridal entourage, the better. The days of needing a crowd of people surrounding you through such a significant decision are over. We have found that intentionally inviting 2-3 of your dearest loved ones makes for an enjoyable day for both the group and bride. We don’t need to tell you that you deserve to feel only love and encouragement on your bridal appointment day - but in case you need to hear it, You deserve to feel immense love and support on your special day. PERIOD.

3.) Don’t exhaust yourself with appointments

You shouldn’t feel pressured to attend more than one bridal appointment in one day. Over the years, scheduling 2-3 appointments in a single day became standard practice and we have seen the stressful effects that has had on our brides. When you are able to give yourself more breathing room, this allows you to make clear decisions that aren’t filled with overwhelmed confusion. By limiting your bridal entourage and the amount of appointments you attend in one day, we promise you will feel empowered to make the decision that is right for you in an unclouded state of mind.

4.) Come to your appointment prepared

The easiest way to feel confident in your bridal appointment is to come prepared. We can always promise you that with Bustle, our sweet stylists are here to make sure you feel comfortable and seen. But, there are a couple things you can do to feel your best on this special day.

• Wear the right undergarments. What you’re wearing underneath the gown matters. We recommend always wearing nude undergarments.

• Do a little research before hand on what styles you are interested in; but be gentle with yourself. Most often, our brides feel the most stunning in a gown that is completely opposite from what they pinned on their Pinterest board. Knowing what you like, while being open, is the best formula for dress success.

“I want people to see the dress but focus on the woman.”

— Vera Wang

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

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.”

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

Bustle Bride: Brittney Vigna Wysong

In a world full of online dating horror stories, it is beautifully refreshing when one of those “swipes” ends in real romance.  While Brittney and Rory’s story may have started in Bumble DMs, it is no question that the authenticity of their connection is something that each of them had never experienced before.

When Brittney met Rory she was working at The University of Alabama while Rory was temporarily located in Tuscaloosa for work.  Brittney is a huge craft beer fan (we love a girl who knows a good brew!), so it is fitting that they chose Loosa Brews for their first date.  When Brittney arrived to the brewery, she had so many butterflies that she completely darted past Rory and tried to calm herself down.  In true hallmark movie fashion, the warmth of their conversation quickly put Brittney at ease and she laughed more that day than she had in a long time.  Rory failed to mention that he had NEVER tried craft beer before, so Brittney took the lead and introduced him to her favorites.  Needless to say, he quickly realized that craft beer hits a little different - instant fan!  

“ I knew he was the one when he became the first person I wanted to call for anything. That person had always been my mom. It sounds funny, but that’s when I recognized the fact that this is my person, this is my family.”

— Brittney

When Brittney felt that shift within herself, she knew Rory was her person. It was undeniable that Rory had put himself in her heart and she would continually find him residing there.  The earnest thing about love is that sometimes there isn’t one instance that tells you someone is “the one.”  It is all of those little feelings that build onto each other until it is absolutely impossible to see that person as anything else.

Brittney’s wedding day encompassed all of her most significant dreams.  She never saw herself in a ballgown.  When she had her Bridal Appointment at Bustle, Brittney went in thinking that she would go for something backless with long sleeves.  It is no surprise that she did not choose either of those things.  When Brittney tried on the ballgown, she felt like a bride for the first time.  She was no longer just a girl trying on white dresses.  She was THE BRIDE and had all the confidence to go along with her showstopper gown.  Brittney’s dress did not need a single alteration, so she felt like it was quite literally made for her.

“I finally felt like a BRIDE in this gown and the confidence that came with that is the most I’ve ever experienced in my whole life.”

— Brittney

Brittney’s gown is an ethereal masterpiece from the designer, Mikaella.  The high neckline and lace bodice exude sheer elegance while the chiffon skirt is playful and romantic.  We’ve never met a tulle skirt we didn’t like!  Brittney is a true vision in her gown.  She was able to dance and enjoy her wedding comfortably while simultaneously feeling the most beautiful.

We asked Brittney to share with us the most memorable aspect of her wedding day and her answer has us all reaching for the tissue box.

“My favorite part is when I walked down the aisle and saw Rory. I truly felt like time stopped. I didn’t see anything but him. It was so special and I had no doubt that our forever would be just as beautiful as that moment.”

— Brittney

Vendors:

Hair: Shelby Cox

Venue: Clubhouse on Highland

Florist: Three Things Floral

Tent Rental: Pre Events

Catering: Happy Catering Co

Suits: Black Tie

Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulus

Videography: Kate Elaine

Photography: Hannah Sharriee

Officiant: Chris Clevenger

Expert Tips from a Christmas Tree Stylist: How To Trim the Perfect Tree

“There’s no such thing as a bad tree. All it needs is a little love. ”

— A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

If there is anything that has become abundantly clear in adulthood, it is the fact that it is never too early to begin celebrating Christmas.  The pure serotonin that is felt when the storage containers labeled “CHRISTMAS” start coming out of the attic is unmatchable.  We can all relate to the nostalgia of unboxing our favorite ornament or playing the Michael Bublé Christmas album for the first time in a year.  We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the Holiday Queen herself and gleaning from all of her Christmas Tree decorating mastery.  If there is anyone who embodies the meaning of “Merry & Bright,” it’s Madison! 

Meet The Stylist: Madison Box Robinson

Madison began professionally decorating trees last year after coming to the aid of her best friend and co-worker, Leah.  What was originally intended as a routine girl’s day turned into Madison kindly asking her best friend, “what is going on with your tree?” After Leah told Madison that she needed to go out of town for her daughter’s gymnastics meet, Madison decided she would surprise her friend with a little Christmas magic.  Leah returned home to the gorgeously trimmed Christmas tree of her dreams and Madison discovered a new passion.  Now, with over 25 trees under her belt, she is quickly becoming the Belle of the Holiday Ball.  Madison has graciously shared with us her top seven Christmas Tree decorating tips, so that we can all twinkle a little brighter this season. 

“Growing up in Mobile, I remember watching my Mom and the women in my community decorate like this and it just feels like home.”

— Madison

The Stylist’s Top 7 Christmas Tree Decorating Tips

1. You don’t need a huge budget to decorate a stunning Christmas Tree. Cultivating an enchanting tree experience is all about taking your most valuable decor and marrying it with affordable options to craft the best look for your own personal style. Don’t be shy about buying ribbon from Amazon or some staple ornaments from Walmart. You can even utilize natural aspects like pinecones from your family home to adorn the perfect tree.  The sky is the limit. 

2. NEVER mummy wrap your tree. Ribbon is one of Madison’s favorite decor components for Christmas trees because it can really add so much texture and fullness to your tree’s overall aesthetic.  The term “mummy wrap” refers to the technique of wrapping ribbon around your tree horizontally which can take away from an elevated look.  Instead, Madison recommends her signature technique where the ribbon starts at the top of the tree and beautifully cascades down vertically.  This elongates your tree and feels incredibly special.

3. Buy ornaments in various sizes! Don’t be afraid to play with different sizes and textures. Madison is adamant about never skipping out on the big ornaments. She usually adds a minimum of 3 very large ornaments to every tree because it immediately catches your eye & feels grand.

4. Let your family be part of the process. If your spouse doesn’t have an eye for decorating, but wants to be involved, let them help by putting ornament hooks on your ornaments. Kids love doing that too and it often helps create the sweetest memories together. One Christmas when Madison and her brother were children, their Mom let her younger brother help decorate the tree. He was just barely walking at the time and put Vanilla Wafers & Goldfish around the entire bottom of the tree. They always look back at those photos and get the best laugh!  We have to agree that edible decor is the best type of decor.

5. Always buy decor in odd numbers. Whether you are buying ornaments, sprigs, or ribbon, always buy in odd numbers. This helps to avoid anything looking too “perfect.” Incorporating this technique will ensure that your tree will always have an organic and effortless look.

6. Get creative with your tree skirt! If you have a hard time finding the tree skirt that lives rent free in your mind, don’t be afraid to get creative. Blankets and fabric from a local craft store can be transformed into the most beautiful tree skirt. If you come across the perfect fabric for your tree’s aesthetic, you can absolutely drape it around the base of your tree for a stunning image that is completely your own.  No sewing required!

7. Coordinate the gift wrap for your holiday gifts with your tree’s color scheme. If you want to elevate your decorating game to the next level, try coordinating your gift wrapping paper with your Christmas tree. The overall aesthetic will make you feel so put-together and allow you to give your tree it’s full moment!

“I always listen to my favorite Christmas playlist while decorating because it puts me in the best mood.”

— Madison

If you would like to keep up with Madison and her Christmas masterpieces, you can find her on instagram (@MBRTrees).  While she is officially booked for this season, she will be taking new clients for Christmas 2022.  You can reach out to her via instagram to book your own holiday magic for next year!  Madison is eager to work with your budget as she brings the spirit of Christmas into your home.  When she isn’t spending her time creating a winter wonderland for clients, Madison teaches a precious second grade class in Homewood.  This year she decorated her classroom to the theme of Candyland, complete with the sugarplum-filled tree of her students’ dreams.  That is what we call a very Merry Christmas!

Bustle Bride: Lauren Sullivan Wright

It's a new week, and we have a new bride to feature -  Lauren Sullivan Wright! Lauren married the man of her dreams, Drew, on June 3 at Brookwood Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL.

Lauren and Drew have the sweetest love story, which you should read from Lauren herself...

"Drew and I were set up on a blind date.  His cousin's mother-in-law works with my mother at The Blue Willow and they played matchmaker (without my knowledge) and then surprised me next time I walked into the store asking me if I wanted to go on a date with him.  I said yes and he called me that night and set up our first date at Starbucks for the following Monday.  When I walked up to him at Starbucks, Drew stood from his seat and, unfortunately, his feet got tangled under the legs of the table. He tripped and said, 'Well that was smooth. Hey, I'm Drew!' Because of that, he likes to say he fell for me the first time he saw me."

Lauren has the most genuine personality, and we loved helping her find the perfect gown for her special day! She said "yes" to a beautiful Paloma Blanca ballgown with a strapless draped bodice with ribbon at the waist, and an organdy ruffle skirt with sweep train.

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“My favorite part of the wedding day was walking out of the ceremony, driving to the Club, and then having a few minutes with Drew to catch our breath and eat some snacks before we went into the reception. I was so happy to finally be able to call Drew my husband and have a few moments alone with him to reflect over the day and relax. It was also a relief to know all the pre-ceremony festivities and the actual ceremony had gone according to plan!”

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Vendors:

Photographer: Rachel Coffey Photography

Ceremony Venue: Brookwood Baptist Church

Reception Venue: The Club

Flowers: Bronwyn Cardwell

Wedding Hair: Micah Hooten

Band: Jimmy Allen and the Reminder Band

Cake: Magic Muffins

Invitations: Fine Paperwork

Menswear: Mr. Burch Formal Wear