BUSTLE BRIDES

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
Bustle Bride, Ruth Allison McMillin married her sweetheart Scott Griffin.

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.

Bustle Bride, Ruth Allison McMillin married her sweetheart Scott Griffin.
“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
Bustle Bride, Ruth Allison McMillin married her sweetheart Scott Griffin.

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
Bustle Bride, Ruth Allison McMillin married her sweetheart Scott Griffin.
Bustle Bride, Ruth Allison McMillin married her sweetheart Scott Griffin.
Bustle Bride, Ruth Allison McMillin married her sweetheart Scott Griffin.
Bustle Bride, Ruth Allison McMillin married her sweetheart Scott Griffin.
Bustle Bride, Ruth Allison McMillin married her sweetheart Scott Griffin.
Bustle Bride, Ruth Allison McMillin married her sweetheart Scott Griffin.

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

Sisterhood of the Traveling Wedding Dress | Hallie and Caroline's Story

There are very few bonds that have the ability to mold our lives in the way sisterhood does. Having a sister, in many ways, is a lot like living with a mirror in your hands. You see life as both yours but also there’s and eventually you can’t really tell where you begin and your sister ends. Sisters are predictable, but also never a stranger to surprises. If you’ve ever experienced growing up with a sister, you probably know that it’s almost impossible to remember what habit originated where. “You said that first?” “Was that my phrase or yours?” “No, I definitely liked that band WAY before you did!”

In today’s blog we are sharing the beautiful story of sisters and fellow Bustle brides, Hallie and Caroline, and how they shared one of the most significant moments two brides could ever experience. 

If all else fails, one thing is for absolute certain—you ALWAYS knew what belonged in your closet and if something ever was to come up missing, the culprit was only a quick walk down the hallway.

While sisterhood can be one of the most heated relationships you’ll experience, they are often the ones we run to the most. This bond is vulnerable—beautifully honest to a fault. This is a loyalty that will surpass time and space. Every secret, inside joke, every look, even the octave of their laugh has a special meaning that only you share. 

In today’s blog we are sharing the beautiful story of sisters and fellow Bustle brides, Hallie and Caroline, and how they shared one of the most significant moments two brides could ever experience. 

In today’s blog we are sharing the beautiful story of sisters and fellow Bustle brides, Hallie and Caroline, and how they shared one of the most significant moments two brides could ever experience. 

While Hallie is seven years older than her sister, Caroline, their difference in age has never hindered their timeless bond.

“Caroline is one of my very best friends and I often forget our age difference. We can talk about anything with each other and have walked through both good and hard times together. Even though she is younger, I look up to her and want to be like her in so many ways.”
— Hallie
In today’s blog we are sharing the beautiful story of sisters and fellow Bustle brides, Hallie and Caroline, and how they shared one of the most significant moments two brides could ever experience. 
“Hallie and I have been best friends for as long as I can remember. She is my role model and I look up to her so much. Even though we are seven years apart, we have always had a special connection.”
— Caroline

Hallie tied the knot with her sweet husband, Leighton, six years before her sister Caroline said, “I do.” 

In today’s blog we are sharing the beautiful story of sisters and fellow Bustle brides, Hallie and Caroline, and how they shared one of the most significant moments two brides could ever experience. 
“We initially met when I was a freshman at Auburn and he was a sophomore. One of my best friends was dating one of his best friends at the time, which is how we began spending more time together! Funny enough, we ended up both being a bridesmaid and groomsman in the wedding of those friends!”
— Hallie

Hallie knew early on in their relationship that he was the one and that he would be who she chose for the rest of her life.

In today’s blog we are sharing the beautiful story of sisters and fellow Bustle brides, Hallie and Caroline, and how they shared one of the most significant moments two brides could ever experience. 
“Leighton has the biggest servant’s heart and that was one of the things that attracted me to him the most. He is so supportive, selfless, caring, and also makes me laugh like no one else can!”
— Hallie
In today’s blog we are sharing the beautiful story of sisters and fellow Bustle brides, Hallie and Caroline, and how they shared one of the most significant moments two brides could ever experience. 
“Hallie got married when I was in high school and I remember being blown away by her wedding dress. She looked so elegant and timeless in it, and I asked her after her wedding if she would let me wear it one day. She said of course!”
— Caroline

Fast forward six years later and coincidentally the SAME wedding date, August 20th, Caroline married the love of her life, Hank. 

Caroline first met Hank at his friend's apartment when they were both in town for Labor Day Weekend. She was a senior at Auburn and Hank was getting his masters at UGA. The pair immediately hit it off the first night they met. So much so, that Hank drove into town the next weekend to take Caroline on their first date. The rest is history!

In today’s blog we are sharing the beautiful story of sisters and fellow Bustle brides, Hallie and Caroline, and how they shared one of the most significant moments two brides could ever experience. 
“I told my mom after just a few weeks of knowing Hank that I was going to marry him. She hadn’t even met him yet and I told her I was confident he was the one and that she would probably think I was crazy for knowing so early, but she said she knew early on with my dad, too. Hank is the most genuine person I’ve ever met and even early on I felt like I could completely be myself around him.”
— Caroline

When it came time for Caroline to have her moment as a bride, she knew exactly what she wanted to wear on one of the most special days of her life. 

Caroline’s wedding day is pictured in the top two photos and her older sister, Hallie’s wedding day is pictured in the bottom two photos. We love how even their beautiful church venues match.

“I remember sometime after my wedding, Caroline asked if she could wear my dress for her wedding one day. I was so honored and of course said yes. What is so neat about this is that Caroline got married 6 years after me! So a good bit of time went by and she never changed her mind. And even more amazing, it literally fit her perfectly. I added a blush satin belt to mine, and we wanted for Caroline to have a detail to make the dress unique for her too. She chose a beautiful ivory rhinestone belt from Bustle, and I got to go with her to have a Bustle experience to try on different belts with the dress! It’s a memory that I will cherish forever!”
— Hallie
“We have very similar personalities and think the same way, so whenever I need advice I go to her.”
— Caroline
“She is one of my biggest fans and is always there for me.”
— Hallie

Photography:

Hallie’s Wedding Photography - Brittany Sturdivant

Caroline’s Wedding Photography - Jana Musselwhite

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!

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

Wedding Day Horror Stories - BOO!

The start of spooky season has us feeling inspired to sit around a non-existent campfire and tell some of our most horrific wedding day ghost stories. We asked our readers on instagram to submit some of their frightening faux pas and you all did not disappoint. We highly recommend enjoying this telling of little terrors with a some freshly popped popcorn and a bowl of halloween candy.

EEK! We are firm believers that no make up artist should risk their own safety ever, but we are curious to know how that hair and makeup turned out! From unannounced wedding “guests” to first dance slip-ups, these brides have seen it all.

We hope your halloween season is filled with way more treats than tricks! For our future brides, be safe out there - BOO!

10 First Dance Songs for Your Wedding

In a society that worships love, freedom, and beauty, dance is sacred. It is a prayer for the future, a remembrance of the past and a joyful exclamation of thanks for the present.
— Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

We think Jane Austen said it best when she wrote, “to be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.” The first dance between you and your love on your wedding day is a moment most of us have dreamt about since we knew what a wedding was. Something so beautifully sacred and joyful needs just the right track to accompany it - We’ve had many lost hours of sleep trying to make these decisions so you don’t have to. Below you’ll find a list of some of our favorite songs for lovers. No matter the tune, we think the best song to dance to on your wedding day is the warmth of the love in the room.

Bustle Bride: Hannah Davis

Hannah and Luke’s love story began straight out of a Grey’s Anatomy episode, in an operating room. Luke works in orthopedic medical sales and Hannah was working as a surgical assistant at the time. Luke often worked with the orthopedic surgeon that Hannah assisted, so you could say fate and a little magic made by her co-workers brought them together.

After a few hallway conversations between cases, a job change, and the help of a few co-workers who were bound and determined to get us together, we ended up going on a few dates - the rest is history!
— Hannah

For their first date, Luke invited Hannah to hangout with some of his friends downtown. The day of, Luke mentioned to Hannah that his friends were coming to his place beforehand and he would love to see Hannah there. After a sequence of rainstorms, when Hannah arrived to Luke’s home, she was greeted with a little surprise.

I showed up to Luke’s house, only to find out that all of his friends had cancelled due to the rain. I walked into Luke’s place to find him and his SIBLINGS (who I had never met before) ready to party! We ended up playing games for the rest of the night, which turned out to be a super laid-back and fun evening – one that we still joke about today.
— Hannah

Although their attraction to each other came effortlessly, the logistics of their relationship made things a little more complicated. Because the pair worked together, they knew in order to experience this love story in its fullness, some decisions would need to be made. Hannah knew Luke was the one when she was willing to change jobs for their love. The relationship was a slow burn. One that came with understanding and endless compassion. 

I was guarded – I had previously experienced a lot of heartbreak and I was so scared of repeating the past. He makes me feel safe, seen and taken care of every single day.
— Hannah

Luke and Hannah’s Italian nuptials will live on our Pinterest mood boards forever. Because the couple traveled abroad for their wedding, the guest list was more intimate than it would have been if they had tied the knot in their hometown. The more laid back nature of their wedding gave Hannah and Luke something they wouldn’t have gotten otherwise - precious free time. Because they had the time and ability to do so, their wedding photographer suggested the brilliant idea of heading back into Florence after their ceremony and take several sunset photos. These moments became Hannah’s favorite memory of their wedding day. Every time she looks at each photo, she is instantly brought back to the best moments of her life, laughing and feeling loved.

The experience was so much fun. Getting to have our “first dance” to a live street performer in Florence, kissing on the oldest, most famous (and most beautiful) bridge in Florence, and experiencing the gorgeous view from San Miniato al Monte – one of the highest points in the city. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and one that we will cherish forever.
— Hannah

Knowing they were getting married in Italy, Hannah wanted a gown that was romantic and fitting for the grand location. What Hannah loved most about her gown is how it truly became one-of-a-kind.

After finding a gown at Bustle, with the help of the team and their creative vision, we turned my gown into one that was truly “my” gown. Initially, I was hesitant that the dress was “the one.” However, my consultant, Jessica, truly helped transform my dress, creating a vision that I didn’t even know existed. It was the BEST, most intimate experience, and far greater than any dress shopping I had experienced before.
— Hannah

When we asked Hannah how she knew Luke was the one, her answer left us reaching for a Kleenex or two.

He makes me a better person, less selfish, more compromising. Hopeful and trusting for the first time, and he loves me even though I sleep with my mouth wide open. Three years, a purchased home, some travels around the world and the full approval of everyone I know, this is my guy. For life.
— Hannah

Menswear Suits: Brooks Brothers – Summit  

Wedding Planner: Elizabeth // Original Tuscan Weddings  

Wedding Dress Alterations: Something You Couture  

Photographer/Videographer: David Bastioni Studio // Aqua Wedding Photography 

Venue: Villa Le Fontanelle, Tuscany, Italy  

Flowers: Viola Malva Decor 

H&M: Pamela Leti 

Caterer: Villa Le Fontanelle 

Strings/Musicians: Music & Co Italy 

Lighting: Alma Project 247 

Spray Tan: Glow Tanning Salon, Mt. Olive AL 

10 Love Poems for Your Wedding Day!

Deciding on a poem that eloquently embodies your partner on your special day is not an easy task. Your spouse-to-be is every beautiful word all at once and you want to personify that feeling in your wedding ceremony. This is the moment you get to share that beauty with your loved ones. It’s special. We hope that these poems give you a glimpse into your own love story. If you are planning a wedding or know someone who is mapping out their day, we encourage you to share this list with them. In a world that sometimes gets overshadowed by negativity, let’s share the words that bring light and love. Cheers to you and your wonderful story of love!

1.) Lighthouse - Nayyirah Waheed

I am your friend

a soul for your soul

a place for your life. home

know this. sun or water. here or away.

we are a lighthouse. we leave. and we stay.

2.) Touched by an Angel - Maya Angelou

We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free.

3.) Wedding Toast - James Bertolino

May your love be firm,

and may your dream of life together

be a river between two shores—

by day bathed in sunlight, and by night

illuminated from within. May the heron

carry news of you to the heavens, and the salmon bring

the sea’s blue grace. May your twin thoughts

spiral upward like leafy vines,

like fiddle strings in the wind,

and be as noble as the Douglas fir.

May you never find yourselves back to back

without love pulling you around

into each other's arms.

4.) In One Another’s Souls - Rumi

The moment I heard my first love story

I started looking for you, not knowing how useless that was.

Lovers don’t meet somewhere along the way.

They’re in one another’s souls all along.

5.) In Your Light I Learn How to Love - Rumi

In your light I learn how to love.

In your beauty, how to make poems.

You dance inside my chest, where no one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.

6.) Devoted - Lori Eberhai

My heart can be your home,
my soul can be your refuge.
You can turn to me when you are weak,
you can call to me when the way is not clear.
I will be your promise and your prayer,
I will always be there,
Constant and complete.
Run to me,
reach out for me,
and I will love you in a unique and tender way.
Bring your love to me,
share your love with me,
sing your love to me,
and I will offer you peace, ease and comfort.

7.) Our Souls Are Mirrors - Rupi Kaur

god must have kneaded you and i
from the same dough
rolled us out as one on the baking sheet
must have suddenly realized
how unfair it was
to put that much magic in one person
and sadly split that dough in two
how else is it that
when i look in the mirror
i am looking at you
when you breathe
my own lungs fill with air
that we just met but we
have known each other our whole lives
if we were not made as one to begin with

8.) Habitation - Margaret Atwood

Marriage is not
a house or even a tent
it is before that, and colder:
The edge of the forest, the edge
of the desert
the unpainted stairs
at the back where we squat
outside, eating popcorn
where painfully and with wonder
at having survived even
this far
we are learning to make fire

9.) You Came Too - Nikki Giovanni

I came to the crowd seeking friends
I came to the crowd seeking love
I came to the crowd for understanding

I found you

I came to the crowd to weep
I came to the crowd to laugh

You dried my tears
You shared my happiness

I went from the crowd seeking you
I went from the crowd seeking me
I went from the crowd forever

You came, too

10.) I Carry Your Heart With Me - E.E. Cummings

I carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Bustle’s Top 10 Wedding Poems.

Beautiful photos of Bustle Brides Morgan and Anna. Photography by Jana Musselwhite

Top 5 Wedding Preservation Tips

After years of planning and endless anticipation, your wedding day came and vanished in what seems like minutes. We all know that bittersweet feeling. Still mesmerized, you are so thankful the day happened, but how is it over so fast? You want to live in that first dance moment forever. You wish you could see all your friends light up one more time. Your bouquet, your gown, you wish they could stay like this for as long as you live. What if we told you they could? In this blog we are gushing over our Top 5 Wedding Day Preservation Tips. Brides, you don’t want to miss this one!

Before we get into the fun stuff, we want to answer a question that our Bustle team gets asked often, “HOW do I preserve my wedding gown??”

We recommend using weddinggownpreservationkit.com for all your gown preservation needs! Just visit their website and follow the easy step-by-step prompts.

Bustle’s Top 5 Ways to Preserve Your Wedding Day

1.) Bouquet Preservation

The only thing that could possibly make flowers more magical is if they lasted forever. Where is Belle’s enchanted rose when you need it? With Bouquet Preservation that sweet dream is a reality. Our friends at Once Upon a Bloom specialize in making those unforgettable wedding florals last for a lifetime. With so many resin settings to choose from, they have a style that suits every bride - that calls for a garden party!

2.) Disposable Cameras for Wedding Guest Table(s)

We LOVE this idea! As a bride, you can only be in so many places at one time. With all the chaos, it’s impossible to see all the special moments your guests are experiencing. And thus, DISPOSABLE CAMERAS. Instead of dishing out money on wedding favors that your guests will most likely never use, we recommend a more interactive option by placing a disposable camera at every guest table. Let your guests snap away for the evening then ask that the disposable cameras be returned to the newlyweds by the end of the night. Once you and your love come back from your honeymoon, send in your film to be developed. In a couple weeks, you’ll have the best time looking and laughing at the best day of your life through the eyes of the people that love you most. 

Disposable Camera Signs from Zazzle

3.) Song Lyric Art from First Dance

After months (sometimes years) of endless song scrolling in search of the PERFECT music that would tell the story of your love, you want that first dance moment to last way longer than 3 minutes. The idea of having your first dance lyrics tastefully displayed in your home makes us shed a sentimental tear. With so many different styles of lyric art on Etsy, you’re sure to find a look that pairs beautifully with your beloved tune - that’s something to dance about!

4.) New Perfume for Your Wedding Day

This tip might sound simple, but it’s truly one that will have you feeling butterflies. Did you know the brain tracts smells with memory? If you think hard enough about some of your favorite memories throughout your lifetime, you can almost always find a scent associated with that memory. We recommend choosing a new signature perfume SPECIFICALLY for your wedding day. Select a fragrance you’ve never worn before, but smells like how you want to feel on your special day. Then, long after your “I Do’s” you can think about how you felt on your wedding day every time you wear that fragrance. It’s such a beautifully effortless way to keep that incredible day fresh on your heart (and your nose).

5.) Wedding Day Memory Box

This tip is pretty self-explanatory but TOTALLY worth it! There’s something about those wedding invitations that you worked so hard on. Every detail, down to the napkins, was a choice that you pondered over with the upmost intention. Throwing away the extras just feels criminal. With a Wedding Memory Box, you can keep one of every detail that you love about your wedding and relive those moments over and over again. Maybe you want to hold on to a boutonnière, a place card, a copy of your vows, YOU NAME IT. Select a memory box that feels like your style as a couple and then have fun filling it up with all the little details that made your day feel like…you. 

Wedding Memory Boxes from Etsy. Blue - Wood

 We hope you enjoyed these tips and can find something to help you hold on to the best moments from your wedding day. Never lose sight of the true meaning behind all of the details, you and the person you love forever navigating through life together. You found a person who wants to grow with you, hurt with you, live every moment that comes next with you. That is truly something that can never be forgotten.