EXPERT TIPS

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Fall Staycation Guide with Lisa Harris Boyd

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If you live in Birmingham, I’m sure you’ve noticed it. The cool air entering the conversation like a bouquet of long-stemmed flowers on your doorstep. Unexpected and timely. As the daylight hours seem to shrink a few sizes, this weather has me wishing I could spend every second outside. A little extra time to watch the leaves descend to their new homes on the sidewalk, begging to be crunched and photographed. 

This is the season for afternoon wine on a patio with friends while Birmingham lingers in the background. The ideal time for a get-away in my favorite little city.

Whether you’re planning a local honeymoon or a last minute autumnal staycation, our lovely friend and longtime luxury travel expert, Lisa Harris Boyd, is here with her tips for a fool-proof fall escape for two.

Lisa is a Samford grad and has called Vestavia home for 20 years. As a wonderful mother to three teenage daughters and a self proclaimed animal lover, one of her biggest passions is traveling.

““I always have at least one personal trip booked and another that I’m planning so that I have things to look forward to.””
— Lisa Harris Boyd

Growing up, her family valued the ability to travel and encounter fresh experiences. After years of devoted wandering with her parents, it was only right that she continue that tradition with her own family.

““In my travels, I have been to all 50 states and experienced 27 countries so far.””
— Lisa Harris Boyd

Lisa was dedicated to her long career in advertising. After losing her first husband to cancer, she realized we are not promised tomorrow and felt it was only natural to begin a career in something that always gave her life fulfillment; the art of travel. With that sentiment in mind, she started Life Is Short Adventures.

““I wanted to make a career change that would allow me to spend more time with my daughters and would help others spend more time with the people they love.””
— Lisa Harris Boyd

With the weather and atmosphere begging for a local retreat, I asked Lisa to share her expertise with us and plan a couple Birmingham staycations. Enjoy reading her personal recommendations below. 

STAYCATION 1 - DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM

LODGING

Couples looking for a more private escape in the city will love the John Hand Club Hotel. I’ve found that most Birminghamians don’t even know it exists AND it only has six suites—very intimate. Personally, my favorite rooms are the:

The Cobblestone Suite -  This room has a large balcony overlooking the charming Morris Avenue.

The Heaviest Corner Suite - a breathtaking room with captivating downtown views right from your bed.

DINING

If you choose to stay at this hotel, you have access to The Welton, a private bar and restaurant for John Hand Club members, where you can enjoy a deliberately crafted culinary experience without leaving the building.

If you feel like a little stroll with your sweetheart, you are only two short blocks away from Birmingham-beloved restaurants Helen and The Essential. 

ACTIVITIES

If you are staycationing Tuesday through Saturday, Total on 1st offers an 80-minute (yes..we said that right. EIGHTY MINUTE) couple’s massage. This gorgeous luxury spa is across the street from your hotel, steps away from relaxation. 

A romantic morning or sunset walk down Morris Avenue is a fun and easy outing. With brunch options like The Essential, Bar Le Fete, and Trattoria Zaza all in walking distance, you will absolutely never be in short supply of amazing food. 

BUSTLE TIP: It’s also worth mentioning that you are steps away from Bham’s biggest bar scene with some of the city’s elite establishments for phenomenally crafted cocktails and a captivating atmosphere. 

STAYCATION 2 - MOUNTAIN BROOK

LODGING

The Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook provides the best full-service hotel experience in Birmingham and is perfectly located for a honeymoon staycation. 

Their Deluxe King rooms have a soaking tub and all reservations made by Life Is Short Adventures includes complimentary breakfast, a special welcome surprise, VIP status and a complimentary room upgrade, if available.

DINING

My favorite staycation evening at The Grand Bohemian starts off with dinner and margaritas at Sol Y Luna followed by cocktails under the stars at the Grand Bohemian rooftop bar.

BUSTLE TIP: If you are a big fan of morning coffee and sweets, we highly recommend taking a stroll through Mountain Brook Village and trying Santos for coffee and crepes. For a wonderful lunch, we highly recommend Olexa’s and stopping by Daughters Baking for cake cups on your way back to the hotel.

ACTIVITIES

The hotel provides a plethora of onsite activities including: 

  • An outdoor pool

  • Rooftop Bar

  • Onsite Art Gallery

  • Onsite Spa offering couples massages

  • Cooking Classes

  • Wine Blending Classes

Couples who love the natural beauty of being outdoors will appreciate being across the street from Birmingham Botanical Gardens and having a variety of walkable shops, bars and restaurants in Mountain Brook Village.

If you would like to talk to Lisa about your next trip, you can contact her here or visit her website.

““To me, all trips are special, but honeymoons are the first time that the newlywed couple can travel together which provides them with a chance to relax and connect after an oftentimes stressful period of wedding planning. I love making honeymoons stress-free and as easy as possible whether couples want to relax or have a great adventure together.””
— Lisa Harris Boyd

We hope you spend this season planning your very own staycation with your sweetheart.

TOP 10 MOTHER OF THE BRIDE GIFT IDEAS

““The first time you see your grown-up little miss looking back at you from a sea of white chiffon or beaded satin glory, indeed your heart will skip a beat. You’ll find yourself blinking back tears. ””
— Cheryl Barker

In honor of your favorite lady. The one to know you before any other, and arguably so, will know you better than anyone ever could—your Mama. While it is impossible to fit a lifetime of love into a gift for one day, we thought we would help you narrow down a sentimental start.

Here is our Top 10 Mother of the Bride Gift List! We hope you see something that sparks a memory for your special Mom. We have linked every item, so it’ll be easy for you to shop! Just click the name of the item you love, and it will take you to the Etsy link—easy peasy!  

1.) WEDDING PURSE WITH PERSONALIZED PHOTO

TOP 10 MODERN WEDDING FAVORS

We get it. Why spend a huge chunk of your coveted wedding budget buying trinkets for your guests that will most likely only see the inside of a trashcan? With a vast number of newlyweds saying “I don’t” to wedding favors, we want to shed some light on a few modern takes to this age-old tradition.

Every aspect of your day should reflect who you are as a couple and what brings your life joy, INCLUDING wedding favors. While we absolutely understand if you decide to forgo the personalized drink koozies, don’t leave this page without taking a peek at some very tempting alternatives. 

If you want a little more info on any of these ideas, just click the picture that interests you and shop away!

“THE PERFECT BLEND” COFFEE BAGS

“THE PERFECT BLEND” LOOSE LEAF TEA

“MEANT TO BEE” JAR OF HONEY

“LET LOVE GROW” WILDFLOWER SEEDS

“INFUSED WITH LOVE” OLIVE OIL

“TWO OF A KIND” PLAYING CARDS

“AROMA OF LOVE” SIGNATURE SCENT BAR 

“AROMA OF LOVE” INCENSE BAR

“VINO AND VOWS” WINE BOTTLE STOPPERS

“MIDNIGHT SNACK” 

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Affordable Wedding Venues in Birmingham Alabama!

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Okay, okay—we fully understand that the term “affordable” can mean something different to everyone and is not always a universal term for “inexpensive.” If you have planned or are in the process of planning a wedding, you know that the words affordable and wedding are usually never paired together. In fact, they are notoriously at opposite ends of the matrimonial spectrum—thanks capitalism!

As a bridal salon that fundamentally believes luxury should be assessable to everyone, we wanted to do our best to introduce you to several venues that won’t have you taking out a second mortgage. Beauty doesn’t have to break the bank! The most important part of your wedding day is celebrating the love story that is unique to you. Your life, your experiences, and the intimacy of bringing those two beautiful lives together. Let’s talk affordable venues in Bham!

  1. Aldridge Gardens

In a little garden, not so far away, you can dance with the dandelions on your wedding day. Aldridge Gardens is beautifully intimate with its lush botanicals and effortless enchantment—mother nature does all the talking here. Just a quick visit to their instagram highlights and you can take a stroll through what their wedding ceremonies look like in every season of the year. This venue is perfect for the couple that wants to experience true serenity on their big day. 

2. Tiny Weddings Bham

Since 2017, Tiny Weddings Birmingham has changed the way couples get married in the Magic City! It's a new way to wed, traditional with a twist.

Now more than ever, we understand the importance of celebrating milestones with those who love us the most.

So, gather your people and let Tiny Weddings do the rest! Essentially, you, your betrothed, and 30 of your closest friends and family have the opportunity to hold your special day at one of the many pre-planned ceremonies by Tiny Weddings—from Birmingham’s finest art galleries to historic downtown loft spaces, every venue has been carefully curated with the best of the best—you can visit their website here for their 2023 venue lineup! (Spoiler alert, its GOOD)

““Show up, dressed and ready, a short time before your booked time slot. Short, sweet, personalized Ceremony among 30 of your nearest. We pop the bubbly, serve the cake, you enjoy your friends and family. We send you off for a short couple’s photo session. And you’re off on your married way! Done and Done. Nothing else is easier!”
”
— Tiny Weddings

3. Tannehill State Park

Maybe your idea of the perfect wedding is a little off the beaten path of Bham’s cityscapes and into the peaceful seclusion of the open air. If you’d rather bask in nature, among the sunlit oak trees (a few deer friends—hi Bambi), then Tannehill State Park is for you. This little piece of history has been nestled in McCalla, Alabama since the late 1800s. From sweet church chapels to communal picnic spaces, there is plenty of space to host your wedding day.

4. Historic Woodrow Hall

If you are looking for a historic venue with charm and lots of natural light, this venue might be for you! Woodrow Hall was originally built in 1914 by the Free Masons, and served as their meeting place for much of the last century before it was purchased by the current owners, whose mission is to restore historic buildings in Birmingham. Woodrow Hall offers a large foyer and beautiful banquet hall with exposed brick, high ceilings with huge wooden beams as well as modern amenities. This venue is bursting at the seams with unique architecture, character, and warmth.

5. The Vulcan

You really can’t get more iconic to Birmingham than a wedding at the Vulcan! This venue is as rich in history as it is breathtaking. Vulcan Park and Museum has become one of Bham’s most celebrated wedding venues, thanks to beautiful, spacious indoor banquet rooms and scenic outdoor spaces that offer awe-inspiring views from atop Red Mountain—talk about Magic City! This venue is perfect for the couple that cherishes their city, appreciates local charm (and a really great view).

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

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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!

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What NOT To Do Before Your Bridal Appointment

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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!

Bustle consultant, Elizabeth Drummond, trying on gowns from Bustle Gowns Birmingham in Alabama.

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.

Bustle consultant, Elizabeth Drummond, trying on gowns from Bustle Gowns Birmingham in Alabama.

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.

Bustle consultant, Elizabeth Drummond, trying on gowns from Bustle Gowns Birmingham in Alabama.

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.

Bustle consultant, Elizabeth Drummond, trying on gowns from Bustle Gowns Birmingham in Alabama.

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!

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Bustle's Top 10 Wellness Splurges for 2023!

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What we aren’t going to do in this blog is reiterate an outdated idea that everyone has to adopt a strict set of goals to adhere to in the coming year. Most of the New Year’s resolutions of days old are often left in the unpopulated corners of our minds, living with forgotten phone numbers and high school history lessons. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the unnecessary guilt of everything we didn’t do last year, instead of reminding ourselves of all the little victories. Your value isn’t determined by how long you stuck to your exercise routine or your daily journaling practice.

This year, let’s prioritize the celebration of self! Everyday you woke up and chose to greet the day is a beautiful accomplishment, worthy of indulgence. YOU are worth it! I recently read a poem by Hollis Johnson that resonated with me and I’d like to share it with you,

The number of hours we have together is actually not so large.
Please linger near the door uncomfortably instead of just leaving.
Please forget your scarf in my life and come back later for it. 

In this blog we are gushing over our favorite wellness items. Life is too short not to romanticize every inch of it. Let these things be a reminder that the time we have together is not so large, drink out of the pretty glass, ordain your planner with all your favorite stickers instead of saving them for “the perfect moment.” Happy New Year to all our beautiful friends! Let’s celebrate living while also being kind to the bodies that are carrying us on the expedition.

Our Top 10 Wellness Favorites for 2023!

1.) Headspace

Headspace was started with one mission: to improve the health and happiness of the world. Through science-backed meditation and mindfulness tools, the Headspace app helps you create life-changing habits to support your mental health and find a healthier, happier you. Headspace is proven to reduce stress by 14% in just 10 days. It can also help you relax your mind in minutes, improve focus, and get the best sleep ever. Personally, we SWEAR BY their “sleep casts” and “sleep sounds.” For anyone who has trouble dozing off, this is for YOU. They have a mindful meditation for truly EVERYTHING. From general anxiety, to anxiousness over starting a new job, travel, or dealing with different types of grief, they have something for everyone. 10/10 recommend!

2.) Bando Planner

Joy comes in many forms—color, music, confetti, great conversation—and Bando believes it sparks creativity, connects people, and makes us more resilient. Bando creates and curates products to inspire it. Gone are the days of cool meaning exclusive and elusive. We think it’s defined by championing others and supporting individuality. We love that this brand is consistently teaming up with independent artists and companies to celebrate you and your unique brand of cool. There are very few things that give us the same kind of serotonin as a fresh planner. ESPECIALLY when they look like this!

3. Stanley Tumbler

As if tiktok hasn’t already added gasoline to the flame of our obsession with these, we’re here to remind you once again. Our entire team has matching Stanleys—comfort water bottle club right here! From commuting, studio workouts, day trips or your front porch—you’ll want this tumbler to tag along. Thanks to Stanley’s vacuum insulation, your water will stay ice-cold, hour after hour. We LOVE how the advanced FlowState™ lid features a rotating cover with THREE positions: a straw opening designed to resist splashes while holding the reusable straw in place, a drink opening, and a full-cover top. The ergonomic handle includes comfort-grip inserts for easy carrying, and the narrow base fits just about any car cup holder. One thing we’re NOT gonna do in 2023 is be dehydrated!

4.) Ilia Skin Tint with SPF

I’m convinced that I could dominate pretty much any part of my day when my skin looks like I just came out of the womb— supple and dewy please! ILIA skin tint is THE perfect light, dewy coverage, mineral SPF for 2023. Your tinted SPF will never be the same. This first-of-its-kind formula fuses skincare, makeup, and sun protection into one easy step: a lightweight skin tint that leaves your skin looking like skin. ILIA Skin Tint features SPF 40 coverage with Non-Nano Zinc Oxide to help shield skin from UVA, UVB, UVC, blue light, and pollution. Cute skin AND protection? Put me down for two!

5.) Waterpik

If you’re like me, entering your thirties means you are probably realizing how much you want to prioritize oral health. Hot girls care about their gum health, you know? Waterpik® is the #1 recommended water flosser brand, clinically proven and accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA). This little hero removes up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas and is up to 50% more effective for improving gum health vs. string floss. This is the kind of luxury we want in the new year!

6.) Lululemon Align Sets!

You’ve probably caught on by now that a good set of spandex is for way more than your workout. To be honest, we want to LIVE in the Lulu align leggings— comfort and cute? Yes please! Whether you’re a neutrals girl or you die for color, the align collection has something for everyone. While these are an absolute splurge, our pros are that they ward off odor better than any other and look seamless, with the upmost quality! If you needed a nudge to invest in an athleisure set this year, this is it!

7.) Square Wine Glasses

Okay, okay, here me out… WHY do we exclusively use these type of glasses for special occasions and wine only? Let’s normalize drinking from elegant glasses just because. The way I feel like the main character when I pour my favorite bev into these glasses and binge my favorite show. These beauties have a cylindrical bowl with a flat base—the dramatic, contemporary look that lends an elegant edge to the enjoyment of red wine..or Dr. Pepper (I’ll let you decide).

8.) Oura Ring

Listen, we know this one is a pretty significant splurge, but when it comes down to the benefits of this little wonder, we HAD to include them in this favorites list. When you go to sleep, the Oura ring goes to work. Sleep is foundational to improving your mental and physical health. That's why Oura started sleep tracking in 2013 and has been the category leader ever since. Oura learns about your individual sleep patterns and shares personalized guidance on when to start winding down to improve your sleep quality. Oura also tracks your overall health with the finest detail, including: Activity, Readiness, and even Menstrual Tracking. I’m sorry, MENSTRUAL TRACKING? This tiny beauty will help you stay regulated with it’s easy-to-maneuver app— all while looking elegant and sleek. That’s what I call wellness in 2023!

9.) Better Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented, lightly effervescent, sweetened black tea drink commonly consumed for its purported health benefits. Advocates say it helps your digestion, rids your body of toxins, and boosts your energy— all that on top of the fact that it’s absolutely delicious. Every IBS girly can say “yes please!” to prioritizing gut health in 2023. As Birmingham’s first commercial kombucha brewery, Better Kombucha believes that an integral part of being better physically, mentally, and spiritually is related to what we put into our bodies, and that taking better care of ourselves makes us better people and better people make better community. We couldn’t talk about our favorite square wine glasses without giving you a beverage suggestion that IMPROVES your gut health.

10.) Local Library Card

In this economy, it’s sometimes hard to stay up-to-speed on buying all the books on your wishlist. Your local library is for way more than childhood story-times and middle school book clubs. Libraries are for us, too! I’m a firm believer that local libraries are one of the most beautiful hidden gems in society. Not only are these places an avenue of mindful escape, they keep our communities strong. Investing in ourselves means investing in our minds, our imagination, our wonder—the parts of us that we often leave behind deserve to be embraced sensationally, That is self-care in 2023, friends!

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The Perfect Thanksgiving Day Outfit from a Birmingham Stylist

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HOW is it Thanksgiving season already? It feels like we should still be picking out swimsuits and sundresses, but ALAS, fall is upon us - FINALLY. While we’re busy ordering our iced mocha with extra peppermint and greeting chunky knit sweaters like a long-lost friend, it’s time to game-plan what we’ll be wearing around the Thanksgiving table this year. Giving thanks and serving looks, honey!

Thanksgiving outfit ideas on the Bustle Blog by Birmingham stylist, Emma Freeze.

We asked the help of Birmingham stylist, Emma Freeze, to guide us into the glory of a great outfit. She has styled looks that have us seeing autumnal beauty, while leveling up the intrigue. No boring outfits allowed. Whether you like things clean and classic or high fem chic, Emily has got you covered.

To shop all of these swoon-worthy looks, visit Emma’s link here.

Thanksgiving outfit ideas on the Bustle Blog by Birmingham stylist, Emma Freeze.

Style 1 - European Street Style

By mixing texture with print, this outfit is sure to make a statement. Add sneakers and remove the coat for warmer gatherings during the day and slip on the loafers and coat to take into the cooler weather evening events.

Style 2 - NYC High Fem

Jackets are the best way to mix and match staple pieces like this knit little black dress. Wear during the day with sneakers and a casual shacket for lunch with the girls or into date night by swapping them with a blazer and chic boots.

Style 3 - Clean Girl Aesthetic

With family gatherings and drinks with friends in mind, this outfit was created to be versatile for it all. This classic jean and tee combo can be taken from day to night by adding an elevated jacket like this leather moto and mixing in some sparkle with a simple yet fun earring.

Thanksgiving outfit ideas on the Bustle Blog by Birmingham stylist, Emma Freeze.

Emma, also known as The Chic Next Door, graduated with a Fashion Merchandising degree from the University of Alabama and has years of experience in different retail positions. A self-certified shopaholic, Emma’s goal is to create a meaningful relationship with you while helping you create your own style identity. She wants everyone to experience the joy that comes through the expression of your truest self through fashion. If you would like to inquire about all her styling services, visit her website here.

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10 First Dance Songs for Your Wedding

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“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.

EXPERT TIPS: THREE REASONS WHY YOU NEED FILMOGRAPHY AT YOUR WEDDING

Kayla’s path to wedding filmmaking was an unexpected one. This Auburn grad had her sights set on medical school but quickly found herself in the middle of a bigger passion. After graduating college, she began filming weddings as a way to make a little extra income in preparation for medical school. She intended on beginning her premed engineering journey. 

“My husband bought a camera for me when we got home from our honeymoon and told me to ‘go for it!’ I started watching videos online and filming every chance I got.”
— Kayla

Kayla fell hard for the filmmaking process after her first wedding in 2020. This instant love brought the realization that she wanted to make filmography her full time gig. 

Don’t just take it from us that investing in wedding filmography is a beautiful decision. Here are three reasons from the Expert herself!

1.) Videography Tells the Full Story

Photos are always a wonderful way to remember a moment, but there is nothing like experiencing the full impact of your most sincere memories on video. Most of us came into adulthood watching and rewatching cassette tapes of our childhood memories on repeat. How thankful we are that our parents had a camcorder in our faces for most of the 90s. The feeling of playing a tape and watching those moments in real time is indescribable. Video has a way of making even the most mundane memories the soundtrack of our lives.

“Photos are great but they’re all about capturing a single moment in time. Films are all about the full story & the creative process that goes into filming, editing, & producing these films.”
— Kayla

2.) There’s Nothing Like Experiencing Details on Video

Filmography effortlessly preserves the details of each moment. There is true beauty in the full context. Sometimes those intricate blips in time get lost in photos. Video allows for us to take in the full moment with sound and movement.

“ No story is the same, so no film is the same and that is just beautiful to me. Films are the only way a laugh, a look, a walk, or the way a voice cracks can be kept alive forever.”
— Kayla

3.) The Intimate Moments you Experience with your Videographer are Long Lasting

There is no way to feel more connected with another human than through personal experience. Your videographer is walking with you through one of the most anticipated days of your entire life. Their sole purpose is to tuck into those intimate moments with you and help you convey that experience for years to come. It’s no surprise that sometimes the connection that develops with your filmmaker can be significant. We love how genuine Kayla is with her clients. She truly cares about you and your memories.

“My favorite project I’ve been able to work on so far was a wedding in Birmingham at the Barn at Shady Lane. The couple was from Auburn and I ended up having a few mutual friends with them. We got along so well & they gave me a ton of creative freedom. The bride and I actually found out the morning of the wedding that we were distant cousins! We had no idea, it was wild!”
— Kayla

Kayla is a sucker for atypical details. She loves getting to film weddings in new places with unique elements. Sometimes it’s fireworks or bounce houses. Anything off-the-wall has her name all over it!

We cannot recommend Kayla enough. She would love to capture your wedding day! If you are interested in a consultation with this wonderful human, you can visit her website or check out her instagram.