Floral Preservation Art with Once Upon a Bloom

“I am following nature without being able to grasp her, I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers.”

— Claude Monet

We’ve all had this feeling once in our lives. You see a painting that is so beautiful, you wish you could reach in and tangibly hold it. In a world where we cannot physically jump into a canvas, we have flowers. These little breaths of art can bring happiness to you in the simplest way. Flowers have the ability to hold sweet memories on their shoulders and remind us of some of the best and hardest days of our lives. That’s why bouquet preservation is so incredible. You can hold the beauty of your most sentimental flowers as artwork in your home forever.

Heather Jones has made a career out of her craft and appreciation for floral preservation with Once Upon a Bloom. When Heather isn’t busy making the botanical art of our dreams, she is spending time with her sweet yorkie, Louie. Heather comes from a big family and is an aunt to some precious kiddos. And in her words, “Yes…I’m their favorite aunt.”

 This 31-year-old powerhouse has been working in the wedding industry for her entire life. Heather’s mom has been a caterer since she was born. When most kids were learning how to walk, Heather was learning how to set a table. After college, Heather went into full time catering with her Mom. 

“I quickly fell in love with florals and started offering florals in addition to the catering. One of my floral brides had her wedding bouquet preserved, and that really caught my interest.”

— Heather

 She thought adding a preservation service to her floral business would be something that could set her apart from other florists. After a couple months of extensive research, Heather started taking flowers home from weddings to practice her newfound skill. 

“I surprised several brides with pieces that turned out well. In the beginning of 2021, I decided to officially separate my florals and planning from my Mom’s catering business, then Once Upon A Bloom was created.”

— Heather

 After a few months of perfecting the temperamental art of resin work, Heather felt comfortable enough to take on her first commissioned order. Heather’s ultimate goal is to create for the special moments in life. She hopes her resin pieces bring joy. Whether it’s the happiness you feel on your wedding day or a memorial piece, she wants her artistry to be a reminder of love. 

“For some, the pieces represent a love and commitment between two people. For others, a piece represents an entire life and legacy of a loved one they’ve lost. I am honored to be able to create such meaningful art for people, and it’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.
”

— Heather

Heather’s favorite preservation art she’s ever created is one that will have you reaching for a tissue or two. Last fall, she created a beautiful memorial piece for a sweet three-year-old girl whose father tragically passed away in a car accident.

“To me, this piece represented so much. And the little “Daddy” charm in there just breaks my heart every time I see it.”

— Heather

When it comes to bridal preservation pieces, Heather is a wonder at what she does. She loves when her clients give her creative freedom to create botanical magic. We love how she added the couple’s cake topper in this piece. It gives the best personal touch!

We couldn’t recommend Heather and her beautiful business more. Sometimes it’s easy for personability to get lost in business. With a lot of businesses the clients become another invoice in a long line-up of orders. Heather is a significant reminder that there are people out there that make it their purpose to make sure others feel seen. Seeing the smiles on her clients faces gives her the reassurance that she’s exactly where she’s supposed to be.

When we asked Heather who her DREAM client would be, her answer did not disappoint.

“Oh! I’d be lying if I said my first thought when Britney Spears posted pictures from her wedding wasn’t ‘Man... I wish I could get my hands on those flowers!’ I am currently trying to stalk my way into Mallory Pugh’s DMs in an effort to try to preserve her bouquet. I am a huge Braves fan, so Mallory and Dansby’s wedding is like my version of the Royal Wedding. I cannot explain how badly I want to preserve her bouquet!”

— Heather

If you would like to talk with Heather about a floral piece of your own or take a look at her gorgeous portfolio of floral preservation pieces, you can visit her website here. She would love to give your florals a life that lasts as long as the love you have for them.

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. 

EXPERT TIPS FROM MAKEUP ARTIST: ASIA NICOLE

Asia Nicole is no stranger to the love of getting dolled up for the pure pleasure of feeling good for herself. A main character in her own right, she was playing with hair and makeup long before it became her career. Asia’s admiration for all things beauty grew from her dancing roots and in college she found herself working her first wedding. As Asia booked more brides after that first wedding, her calendar wasn’t the only thing filling up. She quickly began to feel the fulfillment in this industry and made it her full time job.

“I was a dancer at a very young age and was the designated person to apply all of my teammates fake eyelashes and braid their hair before performances.”

— Asia

The beauty industry can come with its fair share of stigmas and sometimes it’s easy to assume how someone will be when you hear what they do for a living. Even the most unassuming careers aren’t free from the occasional skeptical judgement (insert David Rose/Schitt’s Creek gif). We can say with 100% transparency that Asia is one of the good ones. After working with her on Bustle’s last photoshoot, Asia left us with so much joy. She is one of the most comforting and radiant women we’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. It’s IMPOSSIBLE to leave her makeup chair without feeling like you could conquer the world.

“As cheesy as it may sound, my favorite part about being a makeup artist is getting to see women light up when they realize how beautiful they are. I point out their glowing skin, gorgeous eye color, long lashes. After applying makeup, not only do they now look glamorous, but they leave my chair noticing their beautiful features even without the makeup on.”

— Asia

We asked Asia for some much-needed advice on how brides can best prep for their wedding day makeup. 

1.) Start a skincare routine three months before your wedding.

This will give you the time you need to see which products your skin responds to the best while allowing for time to adjust any steps that might be hindering your skin from it’s full glory.

2.) DERMAPLANE

We will link a full explanation here on this miracle-working skincare procedure here. We personally would like to recommend our friends at Fancy Face for this quick aesthetic procedure. Asia says that the difference in how makeup applies to skin after this procedure is mind blowing and we will take her word for it.

3.) HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE

One of the surest pathways to supple skin is through the art of hydration. Keep that comfort water bottle filled and drink up, ladies!

BONUS TIP FOR WEDDING DAY MAKEUP - Asia assured us when bridal makeup is done properly it should not budge on your wedding day! A good makeup artist is trained in makeup application and longevity. The only exception to this rule is lip product. With an evening of eating, drinking, and kissing on the forecast, Asia recommends buying your lip product and having it with you in the chance that you might need to reapply. Gotta’ keep that lip color looking fresh, honey!

One of the standout moments in Asia’s career this far was when she traveled to Los Angeles in February with Sophie Scott and her long-time boyfriend and *cough* *cough* QUARTERBACK of the New England Patriots, Mac Jones. Asia helped them glam up for the NFL honors night on the Red Carpet! We are fangirling hard over you, Asia.

If you would love to learn the art of makeup application or have a bride in mind that would like to learn how to do their own bridal makeup, Asia just launched a dreamy online masterclass that teaches you all of her tips and tricks. There are so many little gems in this course; from what powders help avoid flashback in photos to tips on how to insure your makeup shows up on camera without looking cakey in person. Visit Asia’s website if you need this Master Class in your life or if you would like to set up an appointment for beauty services! You can also freely follow along with Asia’s daily tips by following her on instagram.

What You REALLY Need to Know Before Your Wedding: Experts Tips for Rejuvenating Your Mental Health

We’ve all been there. You said “YES” to the person of your dreams. For a moment, the hard part is over. No more hour-long FaceTime sessions with your bff as they help you find the single-most perfect first date outfit. The days spent mindlessly swiping faces on a phone screen are OVER. You found the one. You finally have a reason to belt all your favorite love songs. Now what? Planning. So Much Planning. Even the most intimate nuptials are not guaranteed the absence of wedding planning stress. Whether you’re days into your planning process or moments away from cutting the cake and dancing into a life of blissful matrimony, we have Mental Health tips for you. This week we talked to two Birmingham-based therapists and they have given us the tools we need for managing the wedding crashing monster, more commonly known as “anxiety.”

Meet The Therapists

McKinley Landen

McKinley is originally from Franklin, Tennessee. She received her Bachelors in Human Development and Family Sciences and her Masters in Social Work from Samford University. McKinley utilizes Person-Centered Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapies, and Family Systems Therapies. She enjoys working from a client-centered approach, providing strength-based care to her clients. McKinley met her husband, Jake, at Samford and they were married in November 2019. They enjoy hiking, going on walks, and playing games! McKinley may look familiar because she is also a Bridal Consultant at Bustle and is often helping our brides say “YES” to the dress.

Melanie Darling

Melanie is originally from Huntsville, Alabama. She received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Alabama in 2015 with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her experience includes helping people in the LGBTQ+ community and works closely with families and couples, especially those negatively impacted by addiction. She aims to understand your needs by balancing solution-focused approaches with person-centered values, and will guide you as you embark on your journey to become your best self, find meaning in your life, and strengthen your abilities to cope with hardships. Melanie lives in Birmingham with her wife, Jillian, and pets. She enjoys board games and creative endeavors in music and art.

The Expert’s Tips on Rejuvenating Mental Health Through the Wedding Planning Process.

1. Build a Daily Practice for Mindfulness

The experts recommend making time for guided meditation and intentional breathing. For meditation, the Headspace app never fails. There is a guided meditation for every stressor at a time frame that works with your schedule.

One of the most effective techniques for Intentional Breathing is known as: Box Breathing. In Box Breathing, the individual will spend 4 seconds breathing in, 4 seconds holding the breath, 4 seconds exhaling, and 4 seconds to hold after exhaling.

For people who are most captured by visual reminders, Melanie recommends putting a few stickers or post-its around your place. When one catches your eye, pause for a moment and breathe deeply and identify one thing you feel grateful for today.

2. Talk to Someone Uninvolved from Wedding Planning

Sometimes clarity comes easiest when you have the ability to vent to an unbiased party. Whether you spend time talking to a therapist or trusted friend, you cannot put a price tag on uninterrupted time to verbally process how you’re feeling. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or incapable when planning your wedding day. Talking to an unbiased party can help you discern what is outside of and within your control.

“Therapy is a great resource even if you don’t feel like you have insurmountable issues going on. Sometimes people engage in therapy for a few sessions simply to work through significant adjustment periods in life (and yes, most insurance companies cover therapy services for these needs, as well).”

— Melanie

3. Make Space for Quality Time with your Partner OUTSIDE of Wedding Planning

When you’re in the thick of wedding planning stress, sometimes it’s easy to forgot your “why.” When you’ve spent hours working and reworking your budget and the guest list seems like a daunting task you wish you could magically erase, it’s natural to feel disengaged. Spending precious time with your fiance will help you remember why you’re doing any of this in the first place. Never underestimate how quality time has the power to remind us of the awe-inspiring connection that can only be found with your forever love.

“Talk with your partner about “scheduled wedding talk time” and plan out when you will have wedding planning conversations and when you won’t. This can help create boundaries around feelings of overwhelm or obsessiveness.”

— McKinley

4. Prioritize Happiness Over Perfection

Despite what your mind likes to tell you, Happiness and Perfection are NOT connected. Even if something seems perfect, that doesn’t always mean that it’s what will make you the happiest. Just the same, the experts hope you will find comfort in knowing that true happiness is often found outside of perfection. Sometimes it’s the most imperfect things that are the most lovable. The imperfect things are what make life memorable. Special. When we are able to lift the ever-present expectation for “perfection” off of our wedding day, we are left with what really matters: real and honest love.

5. Vocalize Your Wedding Planning Expectations with Your Partner

At the end of the day it is important that we remind ourselves that even the most in-sync couples are not mind readers. Taking the time to vocalize your wedding planning expectations with your partner and what they want the process to look like speaks volumes. What do each of you see as important? What makes each partner the most anxious or overwhelmed? It is important for you and your fiance to be as open with one another as possible. Talking about this before the moment of overwhelm happens is key. Just the same, McKinley encourages the importance of verbal affirmation in the planning process. The simple act of telling your partner, “I appreciate the way you step up and notice when I am becoming overwhelmed” can mean so much.

Date Night Done Right's Guide to the BEST Date in Birmingham

This week we are thrilled to introduce Joseph and Alex Bowker, the couple that is masterfully behind Date Night Done Right. Even though Joseph and Alex are from the same hometown, their paths didn’t cross until they met at The University of Alabama eight years ago. From the beginning, dating has been a significant cornerstone in their relationship and helped keep the ever-cherished spark alive.

“We love coming up with new, fun, and exciting ways to spend time together.”

— Joseph and Alex: Date Night Done Right

Most of us cut our teeth on the hope that we could find a lover that helps us ignite that giddy excitement time and time again - thanks Disney. We admire Date Night Done Right because they understand that the beauty of romance is in the intentionality. From cozy date nights at home to fun escapades around town, Date Night Done Right has a curated feed of date nights for all. Today, Alex and Joseph are taking us on their personal favorite kind of couples excursion, a progressive dinner around our favorite city. Join us as we take a romantic culinary tour around some of the most coveted spots in Birmingham!

DRINKS

The Bowkers suggest dawning off date night at Juniper for drinks. Our Bustle team also has a big crush on Juniper. (If you would like to see our full review, you can visit that blog post here.) The duo recommends the Buzz Word cocktail - truly one of the best gin drinks in Bham! Juniper also has a beautiful menu of mocktails for anyone who wants to go sans alcohol. Almost as essential as the bubbly, you can’t leave the restaurant without a quick photo sesh on the gold patterned swing in front of their gorgeous botanical wall.

Images by Mary Fehr and Juniper

APPETIZERS

Next, head to Ovenbird for appetizers. Their small plates are easily shareable and make for the perfect starter. Just as the Beef Fat Candle and Snapper Throat are Chris Hastings’ favorites on the menu, they are the Bowker’s favorites too! There is something for every culinary palate at Ovenbird. The small plate selection feels special every time.

Photos by Ovenbird Birmingham.

ENTREES

Photos by Helen Birmingham

Then, enjoy the main course at Helen, one of Esquire’s “best new restaurants in the U.S.” Pick from a variety of beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and seafood options. The Bowker’s go-tos are always the Coulotte and Seafood A La Plancha. Helen is a refreshed take on classic dining that pays homage to the restaurant owner’s memories cooking over the hardwood coals and smoke of his grandmother’s indoor grill. A sentimental taste to savor.

DESSERTS

End this cinematic evening with dessert at Bottega. Anyone with a love for sweets has not had a complete meal until they’ve eaten the coconut-pecan cake. The interior and exterior at Bottega is what all our date night dreams are made of. The lighting and decor is an open invitation for romance. All you need is a little dose of sugar to spark some coquettish conversation.

Photos by Bottega Birmingham

Visit Date Night Done Right on instagram to view their endless showcase of dating ideas. They also offer personalized date planning services tailored to each couple based on their needs and preferences. These services can be found on their website. The Bowkers love inspiring couples to never stop dating and live their best life together! 

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

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

— Linda Grant (2010). “The Thoughtful Dresser

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

1.) Consider your wedding date when scheduling your appointment

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

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

2.) Be intentional when selecting your Entourage

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

3.) Don’t exhaust yourself with appointments

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

4.) Come to your appointment prepared

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

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

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

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

— Vera Wang

Rediscovering the Art of Film with Expert Photographer - Meghan Gray

Full disclosure, when Meghan started her photography business in High School, this endeavor was not much more than a way to earn some extra cash (and to that we say “YES QUEEN”). Once Meghan felt herself expounding beyond that narrative, this allowed her to see the vast love she had for the art of photography. At the age of 17, she interned with a wedding photographer while simultaneously taking a photojournalism class. Between the wholeheartedness personified in the wedding photographer she shadowed under and seeing first hand the storytelling of people through photojournalism, she found the realm of photography evolving from a side gig to a complete calling.

“It was then that I began learning in waves that my camera could be used as a tool to take part in people’s lives and gift them with the encouragement and joys of remembering life well and living it fully.”

— Meghan

Meghan revisits those first feelings often to remind herself that the initial joy and intrinsic passion for this craft flowed from a desire to see and love people. In all things, no matter the craft, when we are able to understand the depth of a person’s experience, it transforms the imagery in how we see the world around us. Life’s luster comes from the refining of this skill. Humanity is the art, and Meghan is such a beautiful reminder of that.

“There’s nothing sweeter to me than the tangible presence of empathy woven through a photograph.”

— Meghan

Meghan fell in love with film photography without even realizing what it was. She consistently found herself trying to embody the style of photography that her mentors were sharing, not realizing it was film. It took about a year for her to realize this type of photography would not come from a digital camera. Like most of us, the thought of film photography was a bit daunting for Meghan, but still this perpetual voice of intrigue kept nagging her like an angel on her shoulder. It wasn’t until a fellow creative friend asked her, “is the fear of failure what’s keeping you back?” It was the honest answer to her friend’s question and the undying love for the ethereal gentleness of film that pushed her to move forward. Now, with an immeasurable amount of film rolls behind her, this medium has become her craft of choice, “Truly, it has become about much more than just the feel and coloring of the images themselves. I adore the process, the slowness and intentionality of having to pause and recognize each moment with others. The value of each image (forever hearing cha-ching with each click of the shutter) has literally been the inspiration behind so much of my desire to be present in moments with the people I’m capturing."

While Meghan shoots both digital and film photography. We asked what makes film photography so significant to her.

“As a whole, I’ve found that film is a bit more soft with lines and light. It’s less defined, less harsh, and carries with it an almost painting-like essence that captures features kindly, with a timeless feel.”

— Meghan

We are not saying that everyone should pawn-off their DSLR cameras immediately. Meghan reassured us that there are dozens of scenarios and lighting situations where digital inevitably wins the game. Film photography is just one tool of many good tools. It allows the creator to slow down and find meaning in the full process of photography without the instant gratification of an image popping up on a screen.

For Meghan it is vital to not get so wrapped up in the showmanship of photography that she loses the ability to recognize the beauty that only lies in the present. It’s so easy to forget that as creators, we are so much more than a brand label. There is an authentic beauty beyond the stereotypes that often gets left behind in the dark corners of the internet. It is incredibly powerful and inherently human when we let go of controlling every detail that finds us in life.

“I’ve witnessed expectations and insecurities steal the very life out of some of the most tender and telling moments because they weren’t the moments hoped for on social media.”

— Meghan

When we are able to trust the photographer with real moments and strive to be present, they have the freedom to document these brilliant snapshots of life, just as they are. In Meghan’s words, “These moments step over trends, through generations, and way past a likable instagram post.”

Meghan is truly one of the good ones. Her sincerity goes so far past her undeniable talent. She sees people in the way we would all want to be seen. When she says something, she means it. Her faith is a beautiful extension of her heart and it is refreshing. She doesn’t love for show. She loves because she has been loved. We would trust her with way more than our wedding photos. If you would like to get in touch with Meghan you can visit her website or reach out to her on instagram.

“I want to have taken at least one photo in my career that’s been framed, passed, and smiled at a million times. A photo that is telling and thus taken off the wall before Grammy’s house is sold, so that it continues to be treasured for years and years to come.”

— Meghan

Expert Tips: Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations for 2022

This week on the blog, I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Travel Planner extraordinaire, Abbay Lovell, and talk all things HONEYMOONS. You might recognize Abbay from our recent blog post where we gushed over her monumental New Zealand Elopement - if you haven’t had a chance to behold those breathtaking photos for yourself yet, take a peak here. Abbay is no stranger to adventure and makes it her full-time job to help others plan the trip of their dreams. Today she has opened her heart and given us the key to the honeymoon of a lifetime. We invite you to find a cozy spot, a cup of tea, and join this chat with Abbay as she guides us through the journey to our own wanderlust. Allez Venez!

Photo taken in the beautiful, New Zealand

Expert Tips from Abbay Lovell of Abbay’s Escapes

The age-old question, “Where should we go on our honeymoon?” is one of my favorites. Between all of the noise and reviews on the internet, how will you ever decide? Reading though hundreds of reviews is no fun. I get it. I love to help people just like you!

Travel is my world and honeymoons are my favorite! Today I’m sharing some of my favorite destinations for honeymooners to help you get your juices flowing. From the breathtaking over-the-water huts of Tahiti to fly fishing in Montana, read on for my favorite most over-the-top and romantic destinations for honeymoons. 

Tahiti

Does it get more romantic than an overwater bungalow thoughtfully hovering over a too-blue-to-be-real lagoon? Hardly. Here are more reasons I love Tahiti for honeymooners:

Here you can choose your pace - island hop OR fly and flop.

For active honeymooners, I recommend beginning with adventurous land-based activities on Moorea (go hiking or ride around in ATVs looking for the best vantage point) followed by a stay on Bora Bora in an overwater bungalow. In Bora Bora, you can relax as much as you like (sipping cocktails in your hammock) or take advantage of its amazing water-based activities like jet skis, snorkel trips, manta ray excursions or kite surfing lessons

For honeymooners looking to mostly chill after their nuptials, they may wish to stay on Bora Bora only and pair two different luxury properties. Or for something even more unique, I recommend a private island resort like La Taha’a. An added bonus is it’s only a 7 hour flight from SFO or LAX.

Secret option C: Include a multi-night yacht charter with a private crew that will help you find the best spots for snorkeling and moor in the best places for happy hour cocktails.

Pro tip: Not all resorts on Bora Bora have equal views of iconic Mount Otemanu. If you’re a sucker for views, you’ll want to find a property with views or splash out for a room category with killer views.

New Zealand

Whether you are into world class wine, remote beaches, hiking on glaciers or experiencing Kiwi hospitality at 5-star luxury lodges, NZ has something for every honeymooner.

NZ may feel far away, but once you get there it’s easy to see and cover a lot of ground in a country jam-packed with diverse landscapes and experiences. Especially since the country is expected to open for Americans in July 2022!

A few of my favorite experiences for honeymooners:

• Stay in a luxury treehouse nestled between the sea and the mountains in Kaikoura. While you’re there, be sure to swim with the resident dusky dolphins.

• Stay a few nights in the Bay of Islands, home to some of NZ’s most beautiful beaches. While you’re there, drink in seaside landscapes along the way before settling in with a gourmet picnic on a secluded beach, a hamper of locally sourced treats while enjoying a glass of champagne!

• Spend a night or two near Blenheim in the Marlborough region and enjoy cycling around the wineries, home to NZ’s world-class sauvignon blanc.

Pro tip: Cut down on driving time by taking helicopters or scenic flights - a total splurge but worth it!

Greece

Greece is for lovers. It’s also for travelers who might like 

• history

• wine experiences

• cooking classes

• gorgeous hotels and sailing!

There are multiple islands to suit your budget and tastes. I’m loving the itinerary I recently designed with 2 nights in Athens, 4 nights in Naxos and 4 nights in Santorini. These honeymooners will take a guided tour of Athens that begins at the Acropolis; enjoy a Naxian Cooking experience in a traditional Greek gathering atmosphere, where they’ll pick ingredients from the host's organic farm, take a guided tour of family wineries in Santorini, and hike amongst Santorni’s best caldera views. Then top off the trip with a sunset catamaran cruise that ends with hot springs and a mud bath - divine!

Pro tip: If Mykonos is too much of a party vibe for you, consider an island like Naxos which might feel like more authentic Greece.

Mexico

This destination might make you think of college spring break, but I promise Mexico is more than Cancun. Mexico is a super diverse country between arid regions, coral reefs, high snowy peaks, jungles, and ancient ruins. All can be tailored depending on you and your honey's style, budget, and wishes.

My favorite new hidden retreat in Riviera Mayarit is One&Only Mandarina where you can stay in an alluring tree house nestled above the Pacific ocean.

If you’re keen to explore and dine off-property in world-class restaurants, I recommend Cabo where it’s easy to rent a car or explore by taxi. You’ll be spoiled for choice with hotels here.

Near Cancun, I recommend getting outside the hotel corridor and finding the perfect boutique hotel. My favorite white sandy beaches are in Maroma about 35 minutes south of Cancun airport.

Pro-tip: Mexico is hands-down the best option for champagne tastes on a beer budget. If you don’t book an all-inclusive property, be sure to factor in the cost of activities and dining into your budget.

Montana

This destination is perfect for couples who enjoy unspoiled nature and wilderness recreation but also like to do it in luxury! Also, no passport required.

Join your significant other in the saddle, in the raft, or fly fishing in its rivers and experience a variety of activities tailor-made for honeymooners.

I highly recommend its luxury ranches, and there are some that are even adult-only. Honeymooners can hide away in their cozy cabins or jam-pack their schedules with outdoorsy activities (many of which are included in a ranch stay).

Pro-tip: Pair with a trip to a national park like Yellowstone or Glacier National Park. 

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While each of these destinations are fabulous in their own right, the best destination for YOU depends on your tastes and your style! This is where Abbay comes in. As part of her Discover More process, she will ask all the questions to help curate the best destination and itinerary for you and your honey. Do you want adventure, R&R, OR maybe both!? Chill vibes or party vibes? Do you want to stay at your resort or get out and explore? Modern or traditional? Are long flights OK? What do you and your partner like to do in your free time? 

Abbay LOVES finding the perfect match for you. And the best news? With her insider access and in-depth knowledge of the most spectacular places in the world, you can expect a trip full of the “wow” moments and off-the-beaten-path destination options without having to lift a finger.

If you’d like to learn more about how it works, feel free to get in touch with Abbay here, fill out the trip inquiry form here, or just drop an email to abbay@abbays-escapes.com. You can also download a copy of Abbay’s latest eBook full of detailed information on where to travel by month to ignite your wanderlust! Get the eBook in your inbox. She can’t wait to hear from you! 

What To Wear: Winter Wedding Edition

There is something so effortlessly magical about winter weddings. We can’t quite pinpoint what it is that makes them feel this way. It could be the deep jewel tones and festive florals. It could also be that most winter weddings take place around heartfelt holidays or at the start of a New Year. Whatever the reason, your wedding gown should always reflect the beauty of your wedding day. When most of us think of “Winter Wedding Dresses” usually what comes to mind are long sleeves and velvet fabric. While these winter staples will always remain iconic, at Bustle we believe that your wedding gown should be whatever YOU want. This is us telling you that if you want to wear the spaghetti straps, you should ABSOLUTELY wear the spaghetti straps. In this blog we are going to share a couple of our favorite tips to find that seasonal magic without sacrificing your own personal style.

“You never have to worry about ‘pulling off’ any wedding look. If you are wearing it, you are pulling it off. You are what makes your dress.”

— Meredith Carter: Bustle Owner

Bustle Stylist’s Winter Gown Tips

Texture

We love how a wedding gown becomes fantastical when you add textural details. The winter season embodies so many unique patterns and textures. When you are able to represent those elements in your dress, enchantment follows.

Festive Accessories

There is nothing that says holiday sparkle like a statement earring or captivating hairpiece. It is truly beautiful how quickly a bridal look becomes a moment when paired with festive accessories. The holidays are grand and your wedding should reflect that momentous occasion because YOU are worth it.

Fabric

The touch and feel of your gown should always encapsulate home. When you choose a gown, the fabric matters! Whether comfort is at the top of your wishlist or you live for the drama and comfort can wait; the overall makeup of your dress is what you will remember for years to come. How did you feel in it? That is what makes a gown sensational.

Structural Details

Sometimes the opulence is in the details. The structural elements of your gown can captivate a room in a way that words never could. The whole idea of making a “statement” is just that. Giving a clear message without the need of vernacular. When words fall short, it’s those significant details that will make your winter wedding the day of your dreams.

“As someone who was also a winter bride, the most important aspect of your bridal look is that you feel the warmth that embodies the holidays & your love in your gown. The rest will fall in to place.”

— Jillian Darling: Bustle Blog Author

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

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

— A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

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

Meet The Stylist: Madison Box Robinson

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

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

— Madison

The Stylist’s Top 7 Christmas Tree Decorating Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Madison

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