Bustle Bride: Mollie May

an auburn love story: will and mollie

Their love story began one evening at a local bar in their college town. Will and his friends were enjoying a boys' night out, while Mollie was out with her girlfriends. From a platform above the dance floor, Will noticed her, and their eyes met in a moment of mutual intrigue. Despite several exchanged glances, neither made a move until they found themselves walking in the same direction after leaving the bar.

““When we all stopped at the crosswalk at Toomer’s Corner, Will decided to make a move. He said ‘hey’ and started asking me questions, and we walked down the street to the pizza place where he and his friends were going. We talked for about 5 more minutes until his friends yelled “get her number already!””

— Mollie May

knowing he's the one

Mollie wasn't quick to say yes when Will asked her to be his girlfriend—three times, in fact, before she finally agreed. Her hesitation speaks to her desire to wait for what feels right.

““He completes the other half of me, takes care of me, and loves me unlike I had ever felt before. That’s how I knew he was the one.””

— Mollie May

What ultimately won her over was their uncanny ability to see eye-to-eye on everything that mattered: from future plans of marriage and family to shared values and beliefs. Will’s unwavering patience and deep love showed her that he was the one she had been waiting for.

““We are always thinking the same thing, he matches my love and my crazy. He is everything and more.””

— Mollie May

the gown

Mollie's wedding gown was a genuine reflection of her personality—sleek and symmetrical with a flair for the dramatics–like we said, her genuine personality ;)

What made Mollie’s gown truly special was her decision to incorporate elements from her mother’s gown.

““My mom had a long sleeve, cathedral train, impeccably embellished European/Princess Diana type dress.””

— Mollie May

The buttons from her mother's gown now adorned the back of her own, and the embellished train, so cherished by her mother, now felt perfectly at home on Mollie’s gown. Through this marriage of two distinctly different love stories, Mollie and her Mother can see hints of each love story in one timeless gown.

““My seamstress was Katherine Ryles of Mountain Brook, I have to give it all to her for making my true dreams come to life.””

— Mollie May

wedding bells

Their wedding day was filled with cherished moments that Mollie holds dear. One of the highlights was the intimate dinner they shared after the ceremony—a quiet moment to reflect and savor their first meal together as husband and wife. The playful sunset photos taken on the beach captured their joy and love in a way that words couldn't describe.

Another unforgettable memory was the surprise choreographed dance Mollie and her father performed for their first dance. What started as a slow dance morphed into a lively, choreographed routine that delighted their guests and added to the joyous atmosphere.

And then there was their grand exit—a boat ride under the stars as they bid farewell to their loved ones. It was a magical end to a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Mollie and Will’s wedding day wasn't just a celebration of their love; it was a reflection of who they were as a couple, surrounded by the people who meant the most to them. It marked the beginning of their journey together as husband and wife—a day they will cherish forever.

Photography - Abi Inman

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

THE BEST PLACE TO FIND AN EASTER DRESS IN BIRMINGHAM: CLOVER AND BEE

If you’re like us, you probably also just remembered that Easter is around the corner and you STILL have NOTHING to wear—oopsie daisy! Do not fret, dear reader, you don’t have to go on any easter egg hunts for this info.

At Bustle, we help guide you into the wedding dress of your dreams. We know how valuable it is to create meaningful connections with you. It’s our biggest desire to introduce you to our remarkable gowns while making you feel at home—comfortable and treasured. Needless to say, our expectations are high when it comes to local boutiques. Clover + Bee checks every box effortlessly!

““Whether it’s the perfect fit, a unique accessory, the ideal gift, or a memorable connection, we hope you feel like one lucky girl when you visit us at our boutique in Birmingham, AL.””

— CLOVER + BEE

Formally known as Cradle + Bee, this local treasure trove sits pretty in the heart of Cahaba Heights in Birmingham, AL. Clover + Bee is a burst of color, waiting to give you your daily dose of serotonin. This boutique is INSPIRED floor to ceiling. Every little corner filled with something that will make you smile—so whole-heartedly happy.

““We consider ourselves truly lucky to have you as our customer, and our personal service is designed to let you know how special you are to us. You can expect a welcoming environment, attentive service, and a genuine smile from everyone on our team.””

— CLOVER + BEE

Our Bustle girls took a stroll around the shop and fawned over all their new inventory. If you are still in need of an Easter dress, they truly have something for EVERY style. From clean lines and classic silhouettes, to whimsical color palettes and trendsetting styles, they have it all.

Their staff is so incredibly kind and welcoming. We felt so taken care of from the time we walked in.

You really need to visit Clover + Bee to experience it yourself! You can visit their website here, or check out their instagram for all the latest updates.

Crafting with Claire: Valentines Day Gift Basket

Tis the season for heart-shaped everything—from candy boxes to cereal bowls, pink and red have officially covered the grocery stores shelves like a blanket of “he loves me..he loves me not.” Personally, I thrive for the vday aesthetic. It’s playful and often the kind of romance I once wrote about in a 9th grade journal. It’s pink fuzzy hearts and swirly cursive handwriting personified. Valentines Day isn’t meant to be fussy. The best part about the whole holiday is getting a green light from society to be inexplicably cheesy. 

Our resident Pinterest golden girl, Claire Jackson, has successfully put us in a lovestruck daze by pulling together a beautiful (and majorly affordable) Valentines Gift Basket. She took to the shelves of Dollar Tree to build a basket worthy of all the vday praise—complete with a softball-sized HERSHEY’S KISS. Let this be your sign to get creative and genuinely have fun putting together something for your special someone. The gifts that mean the most are often the ones without the big price tag.

Claire Jackson is such a refreshing part of our Bustle family. When she isn’t wowing us with her endearing creativity, she is spending time with her sweet husband, Dan, and their two precious children, Eleanor and Henry.

And not that you really need a reason to watch a sappy movie that will make you feel things, but we think Valentines Day is the perfect excuse to cry or laugh at your TV with the ones you love. We’ve put together a little list of our favorite flicks of the season. Whether you’re cuddling on the couch with your sweetheart or sharing a big bowl of popcorn with your best girls, we hope your Valentines Day is filled with sincere love. Soulmates come in all shapes and sizes <3

1.) You People

2.) Valentines Day

3.) Crazy Rich Asians

4.) The Notebook

5.) 50 First Dates

6.) Sleepless in Seattle

7.) 10 Things I Hate About You

8.) First Wives Club

9.) Portrait of a Lady on Fire

10.) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

To Veil or Not to Veil? | Why We Love Them!

Did you know that wedding veils go back to ancient Greek and Roman times? While the symbolism of this timeless accessory has absolutely evolved over the last couple-thousand years, we are still swooning over the beauty of this tradition. But, let’s get real—WHY should you consider wearing one? Are they worth the extra money and effort? We happen to think so for several reasons, and here’s why!

But FIRST, did you know that veils come in just about any length AND that every length has a special name? We love how no matter the details of your day, there is a veil for every bride.

Birdcage 12-18″

This veil is a vintage calling card—STUNNING yet understated. You can wear it by covering the face down to the chin or swept to the side for a more striking look.

Blusher 30″

This veil is probably what most would picture when you talk about a “traditional” wedding veil. Dawning a short, single layer worn over a bride’s face as she walks down the aisle, later pulled back by her betrothed—simple and romantic.

Shoulder-Length 20″

Maybe your gown has a PHENOMENAL back that you don’t want to cover up, but you also don’t want to sacrifice the drama of a veil—then a shoulder-length veil is for YOU. This length is perfect for laying gently over your shoulders without covering one of your favorite parts of your gown.

Elbow-Length 32″

Since this veil falls at your elbows, it is the perfect style to complement a ball gown (or any gown with a voluminous skirt) because of where the veil ends and the skirt begins. We love the silhouette of this look.

Fingertip 38-40″

This veil is ideal for those who really want to dip their toes (or fingers, lol) into dramatic territory without the fuss. While this veil is a bit longer, it doesn’t hide your dress—universally being one of the most beloved styles.

Knee-Length 48″

Knee-length veils are your “it girl” if you want to wear a long veil, but also keep it on throughout your reception. The length screams “I AM THE MOMENT” while still being short enough that you aren’t tripping over it through your reception—no dancing will be harmed at the hands of this veil.

Floor-Length 72″

Our stylists love floor-length veils! They really love the idea of this veil for brides that maybe don’t have a long train on their gown. That way, the veil can gently graze the floor in place of a train—giving you the wow-factor in the back.

Chapel 90″

This veil is DRAMA in all the best ways. While this length is not for those who want a no-fuss situation, it is absolutely perfect for brides who want to feel like the main character in a fairytale (major royal wedding vibes).

Cathedral 108-120″

The Cathedral veil is the veil of ALL veils. This theatrical wonder is both traditional and awe-inspiring. Perfect for those with grand venues or long wedding aisles—be prepared for audible gasps from your guests in this type of veil!

Veils are GORGEOUS in photos!

It’s pretty hard to deny that veils are a sure-fire way to look editorial in your wedding photos. You cannot replace the drama of a beautiful veil gently blowing in the wind while you are kissing the love of your life.

Veils are a beautiful way to incorporate an Heirloom

This sentimental accessory can easily be passed down through generations. We love the idea that you could wear a piece of your history in such an effortless way—No need for costly alterations and reconstructions!

A veil can TRANSFORM your look—giving you two look options for your big day!

The best part about fashion is there are NO rules. Just because you want a veil for dramatic gasps at the ceremony and cinematic pictures, doesn’t mean you have to be tied down to it all night. Make your fashion choices work for you! So many brides dawn a veil during their ceremony and then switch up their look by removing it for their reception.

This may be the only time in your life when you get the opportunity to wear a veil!

We think it’s important to consider that for a lot of people, this may be the only instance in your life where you can wear a veil. For so many of our brides, the veil is the crowning jewel of a perfect gown. This moment is one you have romanticized for most of your life—why not do it big and live out your dreams?

Did you know we specifically offer veil appointments at Bustle? We can help guide you into the perfect veil whether you’ve sad “YES!” to your dress or not—You can visit this link here to schedule an appointment!

What NOT To Do Before Your Bridal Appointment

We recently watched one of our FAVORITE romcoms of all time, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, and if there is ANYTHING to be learned from that emotional circus, it’s the fact that knowing what NOT to do in any given situation speaks volumes. There are few things that sting worse than reflecting back on a moment where you went into something blind and wish that you could go back and try again—WHY can’t we all just have a pretty little do-over button?

This blog is here for you so you don’t have to mentally rewind your bridal appointment, wishing you could do things different.

Your wedding season is TOO SHORT to be stressed over every tiny detail!

TIP #1 - Don’t schedule too many appointments in one day

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—talk about DECISION FATIGUE. Scheduling multiple bridal appointments in one day is a lot like trying to navigate that mile-long menu at Cheesecake Factory. TOO MANY CHOICES is a real thing. 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 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.

Tip #2 - Don’t come to your appointment in the wrong undergarments

What you’re wearing underneath the gown in your appointment matters. We recommend wearing skin colored undergarments with a smooth texture. That way, the gowns you try-on will look seamless and will give you the best foundation to make a decision that you are confident with. Avoid undergarments that are not your skin tone with a lot of lace.

Tip #3 - Don’t let ANYONE pressure you into a gown that isn’t you

While it should be a given that what you choose to wear on your wedding day should be YOUR CHOICE, for many brides it doesn’t always feel that way. It’s not a foreign feeling to have pressure from your family or friends to pick a dress that just isn’t you. We ESPECIALLY don’t want that pressure to ever come from your bridal consultant. At Bustle, we solidify a commitment to always being there to guide you into a gown that brings every bit of the magic that you deserve. As hard as it can be to fight the feeling to please everyone else on such a big day, please remember all these people are here to celebrate YOU finding one of the most beautiful opportunities life has to offer—love.

For more in-depth tips on managing good mental health during the wedding planning process, you can visit our blog here—we sat down with local therapists, McKinley and Melanie, and they gave us some much needed tips on keeping up the mindfulness.

To book your bridal appointment with us, you can visit this link here. We can’t wait to meet you!

Our Favorite Christmas Memories!

““Christmas is the day that holds all time together.””

— Alexander Smith

Christmas is a kind of magic that is almost impossible to replicate in any other way. You find yourself looking forward to the season of candy canes and carols way past childhood. In fact, sometimes the genuine appreciation of love means more as the years move forward.

This year we had local photography angel, Jana Musselwhite, over at the shop during our Christmas Sweater party! Our team had the best time fawning over each-other’s sweaters as we arrived. From 90’s kid snowmen to hand-beaded poinsettias, each sweater was absolute serotonin. What a fun surprise to watch your best girls walk through the door in their jolliest attire. 10/10 recommend!

In this blog, our team spent some time reflecting on our favorite Christmas traditions and memories. We hope you enjoy reading through each person’s holiday highlight reel. Maybe some of our traditions are your traditions too. However you are spending the Christmas season, we hope you find warmth through sincere love. Whatever that looks like. There is no wrong way to be with the people you love most. Merry Christmas and a very happy new year <3

Meredith - Shop Owner

My favorite Christmas memories were waking up at my grandparents' house and walking with my grandmother to the living room where a fire would be roaring in the fireplace and stockings would be stuffed with goodies. We would spend the day with the whole family playing with new toys, talking and listening to Christmas music by the fire. My Christmas memories are probably my favorite memories of all.

Cherry - Bridal Consultant

I’m so thankful the celebration of Christ is seen and heard everywhere this time of year. A tradition in our family is going to my brother’s hunting camp before Christmas. My brother loves to decorate for Christmas so the camp is very festive! We really enjoy the hay rides, skeet shooting, looking for arrow heads, and the Saturday night gingerbread house competition. 

On Christmas Day our family gets together for dinner and our kids and grandkids enjoy getting a stocking filled with goodies. We cherish our time together and for that I’m grateful!

Jessica - Bridal Consultant

My family and I have a tradition of picking out a real Christmas tree the day after thanksgiving every year. The tradition began when I was a little girl. We went shopping for our tree together and my Dad would go to the front door with the tree and ring the doorbell as if he were delivering it to us. My husband and I have continued this tradition, and our boys love going and picking out our tree. They get so excited when Daddy rings the doorbell and asks, "Did someone order a Christmas tree?"

Laine - Creative Director

Every year, my Grandmother makes a BIG production out of Christmas. There’s a theme, a story to tell, puppets for the little ones, and my favorite part: costumes! My eccentric Grama and my usually very serious grandfather (we call him Podges) don the most ridiculous costumes they can find that fits the theme of the year, and show up with a car full of presents to put on the Christmas show. She has dressed up as a giant Apple, The Eqyptian Queen Cleopatra, a Wild West Saloon Girl (yep, you heard me) and this year, a big brown bear. It’s always something, and we never leave Christmas without a few good belly laughs! 

Lily - Bridal Consultant

One of my favorite Christmas memories was watching my mom make homemade Christmas wreaths. It was a small touch, but it elevated our home and looked better than anything you would find in the store! Although I didn’t always partake in putting together the wreaths growing up, it’s something I want to start incorporating into my own Christmas traditions.

Jillian - Blog Strategist

What I love most about the holiday season is how traditions that mean so much as a child grow with you and become part of your life as an adult. Growing up, my grandmother always gave each grandchild a special ornament to open on Christmas Eve. I love remembering how excited me and my siblings would get over what our ornament would be. My grandmother always made sure the ornaments reflected our lives that year and represented things that were significant to us. I carried this tradition into my marriage. Now every year, my wife and I pick out an ornament that represents a memory of the year before and it makes decorating our tree each Christmas season sweet and a little teary.

Mckinley - Bridal Consultant

Every Christmas my husband’s grandma makes homemade gingerbread houses from scratch. Every year during the Christmas season all the grandkids get-together to decorate and it’s so much fun! She makes all the gingerbread, icing, and extras all herself!

Elizabeth - Bridal Consultant

My favorite Christmas tradition is making and decorating homemade sugar cookies with my two sisters and grandmother. I now have three nephews who are a part of the tradition and we look forward to it every Christmas Eve! 

Kathryn - Bridal Consultant

My favorite holiday tradition has always been breakfast on Christmas morning. My family does a big get-together on Christmas Eve, so by Christmas morning after all the presents are unwrapped we are ready to settle in for some calm. My mom cooks a big breakfast and we sit around the table and take time to reflect on the past year and share stories from Christmas’ past. This time of reflection and being together has always been special to me. It’s a time I cherish each and every year 

In The Shop October 2022!

It’s been a while since we shared a blog post specifically to swoon over some of our favorite wedding gowns. The Bustle bridal shop is often a front door for our team to escape. With a step inside this enchanted closet, we let reality wait in the parking lot for a few hours. If you open a window, some blissful serotonin might find its way out. Each rack is a cadence of texture and softness - a complete dream. A reminder that celebrating love and art will always leave a gentle space for effortless wonder.

“We don’t create a fantasy world to escape reality. We create it to be able to stay.”

— Lynda Barry

We would love nothing more than to have you in our shop so you can experience this simple magic for yourself. If you are interested in booking a bridal appointment with one of our consultants, you can schedule that appointment here.

SEE YOU SOON <3

Join Us for a Dress Appointment at Bustle

At Bustle, we want your dress shopping experience to feel special and catered to you. We know how easy it is to get overwhelmed at the thought of dress shopping for the first time. Sometimes the anxious feelings of what to expect in your appointment can be a voice that is hard to silence. We want to take you along with us on a bridal appointment so you can get a peek into what this experience is like at Bustle - no worries, no pressure, just magic. As always, if you have any questions or concerns that are not covered in this blog, please don’t hesitate to send us a message. We want your experience with us to be as effortless as falling in love with your special someone.

1.) Schedule an Appointment

We want to make scheduling your bridal appointment as stress free as possible. You can easily book your appointment by visiting our website here and following the prompts. Our bridal suites are intimate and allow enough room for the bride to bring up to 4 guests. 

2.) Share your vision with your consultant for your special day

Your Bustle stylist is here to make your dress dreams a reality. Our consultants have hours of training on the art of all things wedding gowns. They will listen to your vision so they can pull dresses that you would expect and some that you might not have seen coming. Often times, our brides say “YES” to a gown that is totally different from their original ideas. Our consultants’ job is to make sure YOU are the best thing about your wedding dress.

3.) Relax as your consultant thoughtfully pulls dresses for you to try on

Our collection of gowns is a bridal wonderland! Each consultant has spent intentional time getting acquainted with every gown. We love to take in all of the beautiful details and are trained to give you the best fit possible. Each dress is a unique work of art ready for its muse (i.e. YOU). While you sit comfortably in our relaxing bridal suite, your stylist will pull gowns for you to try. Everything about this process is purposely crafted for you.

If you are curious on what you can do to best prepare for your dress appointment, visit our in-depth blog post here! 

4.) Take your beautiful gown home the SAME DAY you purchase it

One of the BEST parts of our shop is that every dress in our collection is a sample gown. When you say “YES” to your dream dress, you get to take that beauty home with you that same day! No anxious waiting, no hiccups, just you and the dress that you can’t get enough of.

If you want a closer look into what it means to buy a sample gown, visit our blog post on Sample Gowns here!

To book your appointment, visit our website here! We can’t wait to see you.

Bustle Spring Gallery 2022

“Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it’s a rebirth of the spirit.”

— Toni Sorenson

With April among us, the birds are caroling, the blooms are greeting us with their effortless radiance, and the weather has us wishing we could do everything outside. This serotonin filled season brings a sigh of relief to those that ache for a little extra sunlight - sayonara seasonal depression. Mindfulness is the mantra this spring. Wherever you are reading this blog, we invite you to take the deepest breath you’ve taken all day, hold, and on the exhale think about someone you love deeply. The natural smile that comes to you in those moments is your mindfulness at work. At Bustle, we know that Spring can be a demanding (and sometimes stressful) wedding season for brides. Taking a few moments out of your day to engage in mindfulness is a beautiful way to show adoration for the profound body that holds you.

Reflecting on this intention of self-admiration, the Bustle team cultivated a photoshoot to exude the essence of this declaration.

“You are the handiwork, the ultimate craft.”

Let this season be your spring. Find yourself blooming with radiance for the year ahead. Not for the pleasure or enjoyment of anyone but yourself. We hope you enjoy this Bustle photoshoot of grand self-love.

This gallery wouldn’t be possible without the expertise of a brilliant collective of Birmingham women. Every detail considered with the most significant care. You can find each of these breathtaking artists linked at the end of the blog.

“We are all in our Bridgerton era. We don’t need to be anyone’s diamond. We are the entire earth’s crust that gives the diamond. Long live the queens.”

— Bustle

If you would like to visit the shop and try on one of these sensational gowns for yourself, you can make an appointment here. We cannot wait to help you find the dress of your dreams.

BUSTLE PHOTOSHOOT CREDITS

GOWNS & STYLING: BUSTLE

PHOTOGRAPHY: ASHTYNN BREE PHOTOGRAPHY

VENUE: CHRISTOPHER GLENN & THE FARRELL

FLORALS: GAIA FLORALS

HAIR & MAKEUP: ASIA NICOLE

MODELS: Hyelim Cho Stockard, Trudie, Ashton Loreal

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT: Laine White & Jillian Darling