Birmingham Venue Spotlight: Christopher Glenn and The Farrell

Ashtynn Bree Photography

This week, Bustle had the absolute pleasure of shooting photos in the stunning sister spaces: Christopher Glenn and The Farrell. These breathtaking venues are both located in the heart of Homewood, just steps away from Soho. We LOVE how the management style and open-vendor policy gives every bride the flexibility to bring their vision to life. If you are looking for a space that is both sophisticated while exuding the upmost warmth, these venues are for you. We know all-too-well that finding a place that marries those two attributes can be harder than expected. Your wedding is THE day. You want your guests to feel significant and comfortable without sacrificing theatrics. Both Christopher Glenn and The Farrell will make accomplishing that dream effortless.

Christopher Glenn

Christopher Glenn is a vintage venue with 1,500 square feet. This timeless space also features a beautiful courtyard, additional hardscape (idyllic for tenting), and a wonderful caterer’s prep room. This event space is perfect for your smaller gatherings and micro events. In an industry that thrives on grand matrimonies, Christopher Glenn is here to host your more intimate moments. We love how versatile this sweet venue can be: weddings, bridal luncheons, baby showers, you name it!

Photo Credit: Spindle Photography

The Farrell

Photo Credit: Eleanor Stenner Photography

Dearest Readers, The Farrell is straight out of your Bridgerton dreams. The venue features an elegant main hall with exposed truss ceilings, honed concrete floors, hand-made steel windows and doors draped in linen and velvet. With a 3,200 square ft main hall, two private suites, a European courtyard and a caterer's ideal prep room, The Farrell is a multifaceted dreamboat. This venue is perfect for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, fundraising galas, corporate events, and the list goes on. It is no surprise to us that this space was inspired by grand properties in Europe. Their stunning landscape mural left our entire team completely speechless - a showstopper.

Photo Credit: Meghan Gray Photography

Photo Credit: Deborah Michelle Photography

The team behind Christopher Glenn and The Farrell value relationships and truly enjoy learning about each bride and their families. You are not seen as just another wedding to check off the list, you are a person with a significant day to celebrate. 

“We enjoy making the venue as stress-free as possible!”

— CG & The Farrell

If you would like to learn more, you can contact Christopher Glenn or The Farrell to schedule a tour!

BUSTLE PHOTOSHOOT CREDITS

GOWNS & STYLING: BUSTLE

PHOTOGRAPHY: ASHTYNN BREE PHOTOGRAPHY

VENUE: CHRISTOPHER GLENN & THE FARRELL

FLORALS: GAIA FLORALS

HAIR & MAKEUP: ASIA NICOLE

MODELS: Hyelim Cho Stockard, Trudie, Ashton Loreal

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT: Laine White & Jillian Darling

Bustle's EVERYTHING EASTER Event Guide 2022

Spring merriment is always in bloom in Birmingham. This season is such a wonderful time to let new memories blossom, so we curated an Easter Event Roundup for EVERYONE to enjoy - Furbabies included! Whether you’re in the mood for a photo op with the Easter bunny with your littles, frolicking through a spring market with friends, or watching your best four-legged friend hunt eggs of their own, we have you covered.

Homewood Park Easter Egg Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, April 9th from 3PM-5PM

WHAT: Visit the Homewood Athletic Complex for a quintessential Easter day filled with prizes, bounce houses, photo ops with the Easter Bunny, and OF COURSE an Easter Egg Hunt. Egg hunts are organized by age for toddlers up to 10 years old - remember to bring your own baskets from home. The first hunt begins at 3:30 pm for the little ones and ends at 4:30 for your older kiddos.

Mt. Laurel’s Spring Festival

WHEN: Saturday, April 9th from 10AM-3PM

Photo by: The Town of Mt Laurel

WHAT: Celebrate spring in the charming town of Mt Laurel. This is such an amazing way to kick-start the season! Whether you’re frolicking with friends or your family, there is something for everyone here. Enjoy a day shopping this vibrant street fair, savoring dishes from the best local food trucks, and strolling the idyllic streets of one of Birmingham’s sweetest neighborhoods.

UAB Dragon Hunt

WHEN: Sunday, April 3rd. Gates open at 1PM and Egg Hunt starts at 2PM

Photo by: UAB

WHAT: Each year the Annual Dragon Hunt has grown in size. The move of this family-friendly free event to PNC Field (located at the corner of University Boulevard and 11th Street South) will offer three separate egg hunt areas for your little ones. Pre-registration is now available online here and will allow quick access on event day. Those who pre-register have the opportunity to receive a UAB prize when you check in to the event!

Oak Mountain State Park Easter Egg Hunt (Your furbabies can hunt too!)

WHEN: Saturday April 16th from 9AM-4PM

WHAT: Bring your best Easter baskets because Oak Mountain has OVER 20,000 FILLED eggs this year! The hunt will be located off of Terrace Drive in the Multi-use Field by the Discover Shelby Pavilion. The Easter Bunny will be hopping around for free pictures and the kiddos can get some of their own air time in the bounce houses! THE BEST PART, the last hunt of the day will be for pups only! Count us in!

Sips n Strokes Easter Painting Class

WHEN: Wednesday April 6th at 7PM

Photo by: Sips n Strokes

WHAT: Find your inner Picasso this spring season with a class at Sips n Strokes. This artistic experience is located in downtown Birmingham. We highly recommend taking a look at their April calendar because there are several dates and different style selections to choose from. Bring your favorite bubbly and your best friends for a night to remember (we’ve found from personal experience that the art looks better after several sips of chardonnay).

Bluff Park Annual Easter Egg Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, April 9th from 9:30AM-11AM

WHAT: Calling all kiddos 5th grade and under. Bluff Park UMC is hosting their annual Community Easter Egg Hunt! Welcome and Registration begins at 9:30 am and the egg hunt follows at 10:30 am. This all-outdoors event is such a sweet memory for your family. The Easter Bunny will be visiting for photos and fun!

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

Crafting with Claire: Marble Ring Dish

Crafts with Claire

We are delighted to introduce this brand new series to the Bustle Blog: Crafts with Claire.

Claire Jackson is such a refreshing part of our Bustle family. When she isn’t wowing us with her endearing creativity, she is spending time with her sweet husband, Dan, and their two precious kiddos, Eleanor (2 yrs) and Henry (4 mo).

We all know someone who makes crafting look effortless. Claire is THAT person. Everything she touches turns into a Pinterest ad and we love her for it. While we can’t all be a “Claire", at Bustle we want to make creativity attainable for everyone. That’s why Claire has made it her personal goal to curate crafts that we can all partake in. Every season, she will lead us in a step-by-step guide through the latest diy trends. Whether you’re crafting with kiddos or by yourself with a glass of wine, we hope you enjoy this pretty piece of mindfulness.

SPRING 2022:

MARBLE RING DISH

Step 1.) Choose 2-5 colors of clay for your marble dish.

Step 2.) Roll each color into a smooth long line and twist all the colors together.

Step 3.) Roll into a ball and knead to achieve desired marble effect.

Step 4.) Flatten out the ball between two pieces of parchment paper by using a rolling pin or pressing down with a book.

Step 5.) Use a large round cookie cutter or a bowl to cut the flattened clay into a circle, then place the circle of clay into an oven safe bowl to form it into the shape of the bowl.

Step 6.) Place the bowl on a baking sheet and bake at 275 for about 20 minutes OR according to the baking instructions on your clay package.

Step 7.) Take out of the oven and allow your marble dish to cool inside the bowl. Once cool, turn the bowl over and tap to free the clay from the inside of the bowl.

Step 8.) Enjoy your beautiful DIY marble clay dish!

CLAIRE’S PRO TIP: Use a nail file to smooth out the edges of your ring dish after you bake it.

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! 

Birmingham Highlight: General

The Forest Park Historic District is quickly becoming one of the most romantic streets in Birmingham. In just a short walk, you can frolic through the garden of your dreams at Shoppe, have a cocktail at Juniper’s botanical oasis, give your hair a little love at Dream Boat, AND take a stroll though the most endearing general store and cafe that Birmingham has ever seen, General.

General is the neighborhood cafe and general store that dreams are made of. When you enter this local sanctuary you will immediately feel like you’ve been transported to an artisan playground. Every square foot is drenched in character. From the hand-painted murals to the ornate floral arrangements, the ambiance is flawless.

The pastry case is ALWAYS calling us. Our friends at Last Call Baking will never leave you disappointed. These little delicacies are in high demand and we know why. This isn’t your typical cookie and danish situation. The pastries at General are always unexpected and elevated. The flavor selection and artistry that go behind these confections are incredible. Don’t just take our word for it, you must visit yourself. While we have tried almost every pastry they have to offer, on this visit we thoroughly enjoyed the Elote Corn Croissant, Olive Oil cake, and Japanese Almond Bread. The Olive Oil cake had just come out of the oven and was still warm - we devoured it in record time.

General serves lunch from 11am-3pm Thursday through Saturday. We tried the Chicken Salad Plate and the Mac Grilled Cheese - phenomenal. The lunch dishes are all extremely fresh and made with intention. Everything is an experience.

The general store is hard to put into words. It feels both effortless and ethereal. Every item begs to be held. There is a little bit of everything here. You could find a house-warming gift or a self care splurge for yourself. General has something special for every room in your home. Even their restrooms are a vibe. It is very clear that not a detail goes unnoticed and we are in awe of every element.

If you would like to see a little bit of the magic for yourself, you can follow them on instagram or visit their website. Whether you’re in need of a latte and a cozy window seat or a unique place to impress your friends, we know you will feel significant here.

Bustle Bride: Abbay Lovell

It’s not every day that you hear a love story with such reverie that it ignites every romantic narrative you have so vividly pictured in your mind since the dawn of your adolescent awakening. The kind of incandescent tale that couldn’t actually be real. Abbay and Christopher’s story is one that should be accompanied by its own grand piano score - simply stunning. 

“The best trips, like best love affairs, never really end.”

— Pico Iyer

Abbay met Christopher in a New Zealand-based neighborhood bistro, Gerome, for their first date. The conversation was warm and effervescent. Unsure if it was the red wine or his British accent, Abbay felt flushed in the best way. Christopher’s kind demeanor immediately captured her attention as they so-easily swapped travel tales.

Before finding herself in this cinematic bistro with the company of a beautiful English gentleman in New Zealand, it was actually a European holiday that first sparked Abbay’s wanderlust. What started out as a spirited Girl’s Trip to Europe ended in Abbay coming back to America eager to find that feeling of liberation again. Not long after her return, Abbay’s accounting firm proposed the opportunity of a lifetime. She was offered a 4-6 month secondment abroad and couldn’t help but jump at the opportunity. Having just gone through a breakup, love was not on her radar. She was looking to experience a new country, a chance to learn and grow. Little did she know, this short term commitment would be an exploration that would change her life.

Abbay felt herself falling for Christopher after their second date - immediate SPARKS.

“I half-jokingly wrote in my journal that I was convinced we were in love and maybe I would marry him.”

— Abbay

While it was a little out of ‘the normal’ for Abbay to write something like this. She realized that Christopher made her feel safe. Abbay fell into this incredible state of vulnerability with Christopher. This level of vulnerability felt like a long shot knowing that Christopher was from England and her roots were in America. With only a temporary assignment in New Zealand holding them together geographically, this chance at love was a beautiful risk that the couple was willing to take. They spent months learning each other and enjoying the simple things. It became clear to Abbay that this connection was special and worth the outward commitment. Abbay extended her stay in New Zealand and fell in love with Christopher.

Abbay didn’t have the chance to do any research before she visited Bustle for her initial bridal appointment. She had only been engaged for a week before flying to Birmingham from New Zealand for work. Abbay knew that if she wanted her Mom and Sister to help her pick out a gown, she needed to fit in an appointment while in Birmingham. There was something about going in totally open minded that gave Abbay a fresh sense of freedom. She tried on several different styles, but felt something special after trying on a stunning Anne Barge gown. Abbay was almost sure this dress was THE one. After taking the evening to collect her thoughts, she knew that it was meant-to-be. Everyone experiences emotions differently when trying on their dream dress for the first time. It’s important that we don’t pressure ourselves to feel immediate theatrics because we all experience life in different ways and that is what makes us beautiful. Abbay gave herself time to allow her feelings to settle before making the decision that was right for her and we LOVE that.

“I loved everything about my gown, but if I had to choose one aspect I love the most, it would be the long-sleeve lace top that can be worn over the gown. It completely glams up the gown in a really timeless way.”

— Abbay

Like all love stories (even the most enchanting ones) not everything can go as planned. The last few years have brought a new set of challenges for every pair planning matrimony. Abbay and Christopher had to cancel their big-white-wedding in England and after several failed attempts to reschedule they decided to reimagine their wedding day.

“After all, we met in New Zealand and spending time outside is our favorite thing to do together. So, why not take advantage of New Zealand’s mountains as a crazy, beautiful backdrop for our special day?”

— Abbay

The morning of their elopement, Abbay and Christopher spent precious time together in their romantic mountain lodge, talking and gazing into the lake.

The couple shared intimate vows in front of their lodge followed by a scenic drive to the mountains. Passing sheep and an endearing flock of ducklings on the way, they finally arrived to their spot. This place would make even the most cynical person believe in love. And just as she dreamed weeks prior, Abbay got her special moment with the crazy, beautiful mountains as the backdrop. 

“I loved our first look - We both cried. It was a really lovely ‘I’ve-been-waiting-for-this-moment-forever’ type of feeling that came over both of us.”

— Abbay

While Abbay and Christopher had each other on this significant day, they also found unexpected friends in their vendors. Eloping comes with a beautiful effortlessness that allows room for laughs and candid moments without the fear of others’ expectations. The pair hit it off so well with their photographer, that they invited Charlotte and her husband to a private dinner that evening. The beauty in this love story is in the unexpected details. How fate and a sequence of particular circumstances brought Abbay and Christopher to this moment. Falling into a life of love is truly done one little adventure at a time.

“As tough as it is to plan a wedding these days, I love the freedom that the pandemic has given us to rewrite the rules when it comes to weddings and events. There really are no rules anymore, and there is so much less expectation around what a wedding ‘should’ look like.”

— Abbay

Abbay, originally from Alabama, started a travel business and loves helping couples plan their dream honeymoon. You can glean from her knowledge in this precious blog post or visit her website to learn more about her phenomenal services. Your dream honeymoon is only a few steps away.

Accommodation: Matakauri Lodge

Photographer: Charlotte Kiri Photography

Celebrant: Liz Maluschnig at Chosen for Beautiful Weddings

Flowers: Crimson Wedding Flowers

Hair and makeup: Charm Beauty

Dress: Bustle Gowns

Travel Planner: Abbay's Escapes

Galentines Date at Juniper

Most of us grew up captivated by Disney films. In these movies, we were able to place ourselves in the front and center of a fairytale. It’s impossible to forget the feeling of wonder that came when Alice stumbled upon the enchanted garden in Alice in Wonderland. The excitement of being immersed in a valley of life-sized blooms felt indescribable. Birmingham’s new dream girl, Juniper, feels like that.

Juniper is an awe-inspiring cocktail bar and restaurant nestled in the heart of the beautiful Forest Park historic district. The lush outdoor garden courtyard and whimsical botanical interior are reminiscent of ornate gin palaces popular during the Victorian era. This is your neighborhood bar, reimagined.

Upon entering Juniper, you immediately feel like you’ve left Birmingham and have fallen down the rabbit hole to enchantment. If the immersive decor wasn’t enough, Juniper sets the scene with their mood lighting and ambient nature. Although gin focused, their inventive craft cocktail menu features a wide array of spirits, in addition to aperitifs, wine and beer. Let’s talk our favorite cocktails….

Trying the gin based cocktails at Juniper was genuinely unlike any other drink experience we’ve ever had. Birmingham is known for its innovative bar scene, but Juniper has exponentially raised the beverage bar.

Juniper’s phenomenal team didn’t skip a beat when giving us the best recommendations. We love a team that is well-read on the menu. Every person we met on staff was so incredibly warm and inviting. Allison gave us the full run-down of her favorite cocktails and what made them special, which made ordering easy and intentional.

Jillian ordered the Bengal Merchant. This cocktail was rich and exotic. It was a gorgeous blend of matcha, orgeat, and lime. This beverage was delicious with beautiful depth and the soothing light green color makes for the perfect photo op.

Laine ordered the house specialty, The Buzzword. This cocktail lives up to its name in a very real way. This beverage comes with a deceivingly innocent szechuan flower bud (also known as a Buzz Button) on top. Once you take a bite of the flower bud, your mouth immediately starts to tingle and you feel a sensation that neither of us had ever experienced before - truly REMARKABLE. This sensation goes beyond taste. The effervescent, Champagne-like zing takes over slowly, dancing around the top of the tongue before giving way to a surprisingly welcome numbing, cooling effect. This sensation paired with the cocktail is true magic. We highly recommend trying the cocktail before and after biting the szechuan flower so you can fully experience the difference.

The small plates at Juniper need praises of their own. We devoured the Duck Fat Fries and Crab Cakes. Next time we decided to bring more friends so that we can try MORE of this brilliant menu. The flavors and textures in these small plates are a harmonious work of art. If you are craving something sweet, they have a bread pudding that looks to be a creation of the gods.

Go ahead and give yourself bragging rights if you recommend Juniper for your next date night or hangout. This little sanctuary is something that demands to be experienced and we cannot wait to hear about your favorites. Visit their website here to check out their hours so you can plan your next visit.

If you would like to see Juniper in action, you can watch our latest Instagram Reel HERE.

Bridal Gowns as Taylor Swift Eras

At Bustle, we know All Too Well that finding the gown of your Wildest Dreams can be almost as hard as finding a Message in a Bottle. Most of us have been Enchanted at the idea of our bridal gown since we were Fifteen. We want to see Sparks Fly, we don’t want to just Tolerate It. Everyone’s Love Story is unique to their own experience and your dream Dress should always reflect that journey. Call It What You Want, you are Gorgeous. You are Fearless. You spent years looking for your Forever and Always, your Holy Ground. We’ve all had our fair share of Champagne Problems. Now is the time to be your own White Horse and enjoy what you worked so hard for. We Are Never Getting Back Together with the idea that we aren’t enough.

In the off chance that you haven’t picked up on it yet, this week we are inspired by the ever lovely, Taylor Allison Swift. For so many of us, this woman has helped shape the way we look at love and heartbreak. She gave a voice to our feelings at every stage of our lives. We couldn’t think of a better way to channel this inspiration than taking a trip down the many eras of Taylor Swift. We hope you enjoy our tribute and find the perfect gown from the album that pulls on your heartstrings. Whether you’re a Lover kind of girly or a Folklore type of bride, at Bustle we have a gown for every aesthetic. 

Are you ready for it?

“I think that the perfection of love is that it’s not perfect.”

— Taylor Swift

Debut Album

Gown Designer: Rebecca Schoneveld

Fearless

Gown Designer: Paloma Blanca

Speak Now

Gown Designer: Jenny Yoo

Red

Gown Designer: Wtoo By Watters

1989

Gown Designer: Anne Barge

Reputation

Gown Designer: Tiadora

Lover

Gown Designer: That’s Bliss by Monique Lhuillier

Folklore

Gown Designer: Wtoo By Watters

Evermore

Gown Designer: Modern Trousseau

If you would like to see the gowns in action, check out our Instagram Reels for all the twirls.

Bustle's Local Valentines Day Gift Guide

Image by Gaia Florals

When it comes to matters of the heart, we think Birmingham is THE sanctuary of love. The beautiful creators and business owners in this city know how to make an impression that lasts. While this community is a remarkable pool of talent and innovation, we tried our best to narrow down some of our favorite spots to grab a Valentines Gift for your honey. If romance isn’t on your February forecast, then by-all-means make this a gift guide for yourself. After the last two years, YOU DESERVE IT.

“Love planted a rose, and the world turned sweet.”

— Katharine Lee Bates

Everyone needs one of those go-to shops where you can pop in on a whim and confidently pick up a last minute gift. Charm is THAT place. Just a moment in this little wonderland is self care at it’s finest. Their vintage accessories and ornamental novelties will have the special person in your life feeling like a golden girl. This women owned local haven will always have the most unique gifts for yourself or the ones you love most. Whether you’re having a galentines celebration or a romantic night with your significant other, we highly recommend a visit. You can shop Charm at their new Downtown location or online!

The wonderful founders of Cala, Josh and Melanie Cosio, want to bring something bright to your mornings. Born and raised in California (Cala = California + Alabama), they moved to Birmingham, AL in the summer of 2016 without ever stepping foot in the state before. The pair began roasting coffee in 2021 and have cultivated such a special beverage experience. Each blend is unique and aromatic. Valentines Day is all about giving love and comfort to those that you care for most and the heartfelt blends from Cala do just that. Their light roast is a marriage of Floral notes, Berries, Dried Apricot, Honey, and Jasmine while their dark roast has deep notes of cocoa and nuts. Give a gift of warmth and rejuvenation. Cala recently announced that they will be opening their FIRST brick and mortar in Cahaba Heights this year, so keep your eyes pealed for the in-person shopping experience to come. Until then, you can find them online or at one of their many pop up locations!

Flowers are never a cliche at Gaia. The handcrafted bouquets that come out of this stem shop are truly the beauty that we all need in our lives. These straight-out-of-wonderland arrangements have us believing in magic. Sarah is the powerhouse behind this ethereal escape and we couldn’t be more spellbound by her work. The deep tones in their Valentines Day collection conjure complete romance. We love that you can order an arrangement crafted by the floral goddess herself, or you can take a peak inside their gorgeous shop and create a bouquet on your own. We’ll take an entire garden to-go, please!

By K. Morg

Kelcey is the wonderwoman behind By K. Morg. This multifaceted designer, maker, and illustrator has created a powerful collection of clay earrings that will uplift the soul. We love that each piece is created with confidence in mind. By K. Morg puts humanity and connection at the center of their artistry. Everything about this collection is empowering from product to packaging. If you want your valentine to feel radiant from the inside-out, By K. Morg is where you need to be this holiday. You can shop this beautiful collection online and in the words of the founder herself, “When you shop small, an actual person does the ‘whoa’!"

Naughty But Nice

KettlE Corn Co.

Naughty But Nice is the local artisanal kettle corn company of our dreams. They have lovingly coined the term, “Popheads” for their ever expanding fan base and we couldn’t agree with that title more. NBN has taken one of the most universally beloved snacks and exponentially raised the bar. Our favorite flavors are Green Apple Pie and French Toast. Whether you are a sweet tooth or prefer something savory like their Eugene’s Hot Chicken flavor, they have every taste bud in mind. If your date could do without the chocolate, we think a freshly popped bag of artisanal kettle corn will do the trick. You can shop their amazing line-up online or visit their storefront!

Studio 264

Meredith Taylor is the phenomenal visionary behind this little piece of heaven in Birmingham. Studio 264 is straight out of all our 1970’s fantasies. Their clay and multimedia accessories have an incredible ability to completely captivate anyone who beholds them. We have truly never seen anything like Meredith’s work. Her earrings are inspired and will always capture all the attention in a room. Studio 264 is launching their Sleepover Collection for Valentines Day and we couldn’t be more obsessed! We would happily fall in love with anyone who gifts us a pair of their earrings this holiday season - no glass slipper needed! You can shop their collection on their website or check out their instagram for their next pop-up location.

Chocolata is an ethereal chocolate shop, beautifully nestled downtown on 2nd Avenue North. Each treat is incredibly special and always starts with the highest quality chocolate, made with ingredients from South America. You will immediately feel like you have arrived in a chocolate nirvana upon entering this place. The smell of sipping chocolate and bonbons fill the air and it’s truly something straight out of a fairytale. We love how it’s not only the taste of these delicacies that are elevated. Chocolata has a remarkable way of making each treat just as captivating to look at as they are to taste. If you want your honey to feel special this Valentines Day, Chocolata is the place for you. You can visit their gorgeous storefront and follow their instagram for the most luxurious sugar rush.