First steps after the proposal

Guest post courtesy of Becky's Brides

While ‘engagement season’ is technically during the new year, it seems like there has been a summer wave of proposals and engagements sweeping the country! It’s so exciting to scroll through social media and see all the shiny rings and big, happy smiles. For newly-engaged brides-to-be, wedding planning can become very stressful very quickly. We’re sharing our top five items to check off your list after he’s popped the question!

Photo courtesy of Eric & Jamie Photography

1.     Work on your guest list - Finding your perfect guest list number will help the rest of your planning fall into place. You need a rough estimate to make sure your venue can accommodate your crowd! Sit down with your family and your new fiance and try your best to come up with a number that works for everyone!

2.     Set a Budget - Although budgets are the least fun part of planning, it is definitely a necessary evil. Your budget will be very important in choosing every vendor to carry out your vision! Make sure everyone who will be contributing financially to your wedding is in attendance at this budget meeting.

3. Shop for dresses – Dress shopping is one the most fun parts of the wedding planning process! Don’t waste any time when it comes to booking your appointment (we know the fabulous ladies of Bustle would be happy to help!) because your dress will set the tone for your entire wedding! Be sure to surround yourself with your close family and your best friend as you spend the afternoon trying on gorgeous gowns until you find THE one.

4. Hire a wedding planner- This may seem bias but it is so true! A planner is a wedding industry professional so while you haven't ever planned a huge celebration like this, your wedding planner has!  You need someone on your side to guide you and most importantly, be there for you on your big day! A wedding planner is a must-have for your engagement season.

5. Enjoy! - This is such an exciting time in your life! While the task of planning your wedding may seem daunting, find time to sit back and enjoy this season with your new fiance! It will fly by and your big day will be here before you know it!

Photo courtesy of Alisha Crossley Photography

Cheers to all the precious brides-to-be! Soak in this season and try your hardest not to stress. This is such a special season in your life and your wedding day will be the best day ever!

Becky’s Brides is a full service wedding planning studio. Our team plans flawless, Southern wedding in Birmingham, Alabama and beyond. We intentionally build relationships with our clients in order to design a wedding that is a true reflection of our couples’ style. Our mission is to serve our brides while delivering a joyful wedding planning experience! Be sure to visit us at www.beckysbrides.com. To chat about your upcoming wedding, don’t hesitate to contact us at hello@beckysbrides.com!

Bustle Bride: Sarah-Kate Masters Roberts

Our newest Bustle Bride, Sarah-Kate Masters Roberts, has such a unique wedding story and some of the most beautiful pictures to compliment!

Sarah-Kate's husband, Robb, is of Scottish descent so they decided to tie the knot on a beautiful island in {you guessed it} Scotland. The Isle of Islay is home to around 4,000 people and because of the size of the island, there is only one baker, one florist, etc. so the whole town played a part in Roberts big day!

Sarah-Kate chose a gorgeous Jim Hjelm lace gown with delicate gold lame threading. It suited her perfectly, and she paired it with a beaded veil from Bustle that added the perfect final touch. This sweet bride was an absolute dream when she and her hubby began their happily ever after, and we're so thankful she said "yes" at Bustle! 

P.S. Her photos are unreal and we can't get enough of the picturesque location!

“Our entire Islay experience was truly magical. Twenty-six of our closest family and friends made the trip with us, and we were able to spend four days together making incredible memories. It’s hard to explain the mystical beauty and timelessness of the island, other than to say that visiting Islay changes people. The wedding day was filled with an outpouring of love and joy. Our favorite part of the day had to be the very end. Our reception ended with singer Angela Patterson and her band playing “Auld Lang Syne.” We all gathered in a circle, held hands, cried, and sang as the song played slowly. Towards the end Angela took the beat up. We all joined in, finishing the song singing, yelling, clapping, and cheering. It was a moment of complete happiness, knowing that we had shared Islay and that day with the most important people in our lives.”

Vendors:

Bustle Bride: Trina Cobb Ware

Our newest Bustle Bride is the beautiful, Trina Cobb Ware. She and her hubby, Brian, began their happily ever after on a beautiful May day. Their wedding day was made a little *extra* special as Trina's parents are in the process of building a wedding venue in Sterrett, Alabama. The venue is set on 41 acres and will feature "stylish barn wedding weekends." Trina and Brian were the first to say "I do" at the inaugural wedding for the new family venture.

Trina was such a joy to have in our store. Bustle owner, Meredith, was Trina's consultant and she pulled out all the stops to help Trina find the gown of her dreams! She said "yes" to an incredible Temperly London gown, and it couldn't have been a more perfect fit for the beautiful bride! It literally fit PERFECTLY. We're so thankful we got to be just a small part of Trina's special day, and we are seriously loving her photos. 

“Not one moment was shy of incredible. From marrying the most amazing man, being the first to get married at my parent’s beautiful venue, the “first look”, to everyone cutting loose and having so much fun at the reception, I can’t pick just one favorite part of this day. Every single moment was amazing and so full of love.”

Vendors:

Photography: Jett Walker Photography

Venue: Belle Farm

Hair + Makeup: Beth Russell

Flowers: Suzanne Graves

Catering: Savoie Catering

Cakes: Made with love by friends 

Bridal Party: Bella Bridesmaids

Music: Tim Tyler

Bustle Bride: Hayden Hurst Creel

This week we are overjoyed to feature Bustle Bride Hayden Hurst Creel! Hayden and her hubby Stone tied the knot in March, and she was definitely #bridalgoals!

Hayden has a fun and unique style, and we wanted to help her find a gown that fit her personality perfectly. She said "yes" to a fabulous Ivy & Aster gown, and she looked nothing short of stunning on her special day. From the hair and makeup to the dress and bouquet, she tied everything together so beautifully and we can't stop ooing and ahhing over her bridal portraits. 

We can't get over this sweet couple and the love between them that is oh so evident! We're swooning over all of the precious moments that were captured on the day they began their happily ever after!

“My favorite part of our day was the first look. For some reason I was so nervous and anxious all morning. Hoping my makeup, hair and dress were good enough (which of course Stone did not care.) I was hoping the food, cake and decorations were all coming together. As soon as I saw Stone I was so relaxed. I didn’t care about how cold it was or that there was a 90% chance of rain. I finally realized that it was really happening, we were getting married! ”

Photography: The McNairs

Bustle Bride: Abby McMurry Smith

Abby McMurry Smith

On a special day in March our newest Bustle Bride, Abby and her hubby, David started their forever together. The couple said, "I do" in Birmingham, Alabama at the beautiful Reid Chapel at Samford University. 

Their wedding day provided some unexpected rain, but they wouldn't let a little rain get in the way of their oh so special day. Plus, the overcast sky made the perfect backdrop for some gorgeous photos (check them out below to see for yourself!)

Abby was such a joy to have in our store. She has the sweetest smile and the kindest spirit, and we had so much fun helping her find the gown of her dreams. She chose a beautiful strapless lace a-line gown by Tulle New York, and it was a match made in bridal heaven. Abby was an absolute dream in her gown on her big day.

“On the day of our wedding, it was 45 degrees and rainy (who would’ve guess in the middle of March?). But, I distinctly remember feeling overwhelmingly grateful as we turned to face the crowd after saying our vows. In that moment, it was so sweet to think that each person chose to brave less-than-ideal weather in order to be there to celebrate our marriage.”

Abby with flowers at Samford

Bustle Bride: Catherine Irwin Thomas

Catherine Irwin Thomas is the newest addition to our Bustle bride features. Catherine and her hubby Taylor exchanged vows on a beautiful Alabama fall day, and we can't get over how gorgeous she looked when she said, "I do."

During her appointment, Catherine fell in love with a one-shoulder lace fit and flare gown by Allure. She decided to sleep on it because it IS a big decision, and she realized she couldn't live without the gown. She came back a week later and made it official - she said "yes" to the dress, and we're so glad she did!

Catherine and her entourage were such a joy to have in our store, and they made the appointment so upbeat and fun. Everyone was smiling the entire time! 

We are so in love with Catherine and Taylor's photos from their special day. The venue, the flowers, the dress - we're swooning! Everything was so beautiful and worked so well to create a day full of love and celebration!

“The whole day was truly the best. I could not have asked for more love, support, or happiness all in a 24 hour time span. I would have to say that my favorite part of the day was the “first look.” Taylor and I dated long distance for a total of 6 years of my undergraduate and masters degrees, and the morning of our wedding waiting to see him seemed longer than all of those years, months, and days combined. My heart was racing as I waited for him in our meeting spot, but when I finally got to hug him and see his face I got this overwhelming mix of emotions joy, excitement, and peace. His kind words and warm hugs made taking on the day so easy!”

Photography by Dunaway's Studio

Bustle Bride: Claire Kellough Hart

It's Fri-YAY because we have a new GORGEOUS Bustle Bride to feature! We're head over heels for Bustle Bride Claire Kellough Hart. Claire and her hubby Brandon said, "I do," on a beautiful sunny day in April at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa. Fun fact: Claire's parents got married at Calvary Baptist as well. Talk about special!

Claire was such a ray of sunshine during her appointment. She's so genuine, and we had the best time with her! She chose a fabulous silk ballgown by Amsale, paired it with a Catherine Deane lace topper, and tied everything together with a rhinestone sash by Anne Barge. She mixed and matched the pieces so beauitfully and created a look that was completely her own, and we absolutely love the finished product!

We can't get enough of the pictures from Claire and Brandon's special day. (The "first look photos are our favorite!) Claire, you made the most beautiful bride, and we're so thankful you chose to shop at Bustle!

“I would have to say my favorite part of the wedding day was our “first look”. I was so nervous before this but as soon as we saw each other the nerves just went away. The photographers gave us time to just talk and be together before the rush and stress of the rest of the day kicked in and that togetherness was needed! It was a moment where I could just let the nerves go and enjoy just being with him, just the two of us.”

Vendors:

Photography: Eric & Jamie ● Wedding Coordination: M. Elizabeth Events ● Bride’s Dress: Amsale – Bustle Gowns ● Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff – Bridesmaids, Inc. ● Cakes & Catering: Savory Solutions ● Ceremony Music: Black Warrior String Quartet ● Ceremony Venue: Calvary Baptist Church ● Entertainment: The American Flyers ● Floral Design: Fete & Fleur ● Groom & Groomsmens Suits: Burch Formal Shop ● Hair & Makeup: Jordan Pugh ● Reception Venue: Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center ● Rentals: Special Events

Bustle Bride: Dakota Austin Argo

To wrap up the month of May, (it's flown by so quickly!) we are excited to have Dakota Austin Argo as our Bustle bride feature! Dakota and her hubby Jake tied the knot after 9 years of dating.

Dakota wore a gorgeous fitted lace gown with a bateau illusion neckline, and it was a match made in bridal heaven. She looked simply radiant on her special day. Dakota and Jake said "I do," at The Bluff at Ephesians Farm on the top of a mountain, and the photos are absolutely breathtaking. During the ceremony, the congregation huddled around Dakota and Jake and prayed over them. With the mountains in the background and the two families becoming one in the foreground, it made for such a sweet and unforgettable moment.

Dakota was a breath of fresh air when she stopped by our shop. She has the best smile and the most genuine personality. We are so thankful we had the opportunity to help sweet Dakota find the dress of her dreams. Check out the photos below from Dakota and Jake's wedding day - they are gorgeous. From the flower crown to the fierce makeup to the gorgeous bouquet, Dakota's bridal look is #goals.

“We dreamed about this day for a very long time. I’ve always considered myself to be unconventional and I knew that however we did our big day, that it would be a reflection of who Jake and I are. So, we gathered the people we love on the top of a mountain on a cold, rainy day. My favorite part of our wedding was when I got out of the car to walk the aisle. I will never forget how I felt when I saw Jake and I’ve never had a more clearer understanding of how Jesus loves the church than I did in that moment. At the end of the day, you are with your favorite person in the world. It doesn’t matter how many guests you have, how much money you spent on decorations, how many traditions you can break or keep, or who else you can make happy. We just wanted to be together and did what we could to make that happen. Even down to the weather, I don’t regret a single thing about our day other than the fact that it had to end.”

Photographer: Rock Sandretto
Worship: Eddie & Brittany Thomas
Venue & Catering: The Bluff at Ephesians Farm
Coordinating & Florals: BKwed
Cake: Cakes by Kim
Dress: Bustle Gowns, Alterations: Hollow to Hem
Shoes: Free People
Hair: Lynsey Richardson
Makeup: Casey Troulias

Bustle Bride: Abby Johnson Willens

We are ecstatic to welcome Abby Johnson Willens to the Bustle bride family! Abby and her sweet hubby Josh began their forever together on a beautiful February day in Birmingham.

Abby and Josh's wedding day was full of great Birmingham hot spots. They started their special day getting all dolled up at the beautiful and historic Redmont Hotel, they exchanged their vows at First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham (which has a gorgeous red front door), and finally they celebrated their love and danced the night away at The City Club.

We absolutely loved having Abby in our store. This sweet bride shared with us some of her tips and tricks to a great updo. By the end of her appointment she was torn between two gowns that looked nothing short of stunning on her, but after some careful deliberation she knew she just had to get married in her fabulous strapless fit & flare Tulle gown. Plus, we had the honor of dressing her from head to hem! Abby paired her gown with an organza and pearl beaded sash by Anne Barge, and topped it off with an ivory lace floor-length veil.

Abby was an absolute dream when she said, "I do," and we're so honored we had the opportunity to help her find her dream dress!

"Our wedding day was magical for us but I think the best part was having everyone we love in our city for the weekend. We fell in love in Birmingham and were so happy to host our friends and family in the city we love so much! We wanted a downtown wedding and we are so happy that our guests enjoyed downtown as much as we always do!"

Photography/ Love Behind The Lens

Hair and Makeup/ Taylor Jones, and Mary James Clements

Groomsmen attire/ Mr. Burch Formal

Floral Design/ Blooming Buds 30A

Cake/ Edgar’s

Catering/ The City Club

Event Planner/ I Do I Do Weddings

Band/ The Expandables

Invitations/ Salt + Paperie

Bustle Bride: Madison Pearson Craft

To wrap up the month of April, we're welcoming Madison Pearson Craft to the Bustle bride team. Madison and her hubby Ben tied the knot on a beautiful Saturday in December. 

During Madison's appointment, we were able to create a complete bridal look for her big day. She chose a beautiful a-line gown by Ellis that has an elegant portrait style neckline as well as full chiffon skirt. She paired her gown with a beaded lace belt and topped of the look with one of our ivory raw edge floor-length veils. 

Madison was such a joy to have in our store. Her heart is as big as her gorgeous smile, and she has the most genuine personality. We were so thankful to be able to aid her with finding the perfect gown. She was an absolute dream on her wedding day, and we just can't get enough of these FAB photos of her and her hubby. They are so sweet together, and you can definitely see the love in these precious moments! 

Images courtesy of Lauren Bailey Photography