Bustle's Top 10 Father-Daughter Dance Songs

“She did not stand alone, but what stood behind her, the most potent moral force in her life, was the love of her father.”

— Harper Lee, Go Set a Watchman

Today we want to take a moment to appreciate the men that held our hearts first. They make keeping us safe their full time job and remind us of our true worth (even when we can’t see it ourselves). How do you fit a lifetime of that kind of love into a 3 minute Father-Daughter Dance? It all starts with a song that articulates what he means to us. We narrowed down our Top 10 Father-Daughter dance songs and are excited to share that with you.

1.) Simply The Best - The Hound + The Fox

2.) Fathers and Daughters - Michael Bolton

3.) Hold My Girl - George Ezra

4.) The Wonder of You - Elvis Presley

5.) I Will Always Be Yours - Ben Rector

6.) My Girl - The Temptations

7.) You Are My Sunshine - Jasmine Thompson

8.) I Loved Her First - Heartland

9.) Love Like This - Ben Rector

10.) Until I Found You - Stephen Sanchez

Birmingham Highlight: Cannella Gelato

After several trips to Italy, the founders of Cannella Gelato knew that Birmingham needed a taste of European escape. This local sugar haven originally opened it’s doors in the Brookwood Mall and have since relocated to one of the most beloved streets in Downtown Birmingham, Morris Avenue. You can now satisfy your sweets craving in one of Bham’s newest retail and residential developments, Mercantile on Morris. 

Photo Credit: Cannella Gelato

The aromatics do the talking when you enter Cannella Gelato. The shop is dressed in an array of fairy lights and feels incredibly special. Between their Everyday Signature flavors and their Seasonal selections, we sampled a little bit of everything. Every month is graced with a fresh lineup of seasonal flavors, giving you the opportunity to always try something new. Cannella Gelato prides themselves in using only all-natural ingredients, sourced locally as often as possible. We loved how they also provide treats on the counter for your fur babies - desserts for everyone!

The Bustle team’s current favorite flavors are Chocolate, Mint Cookies and Cream, and Cereal Milk. The chocolate gelato is so beautifully decadent and rich in flavor - instant comfort!

We know Mint flavored ice cream can be a polarizing flavor. You either love it or absolutely cannot stand it. For us, the marriage of Mint and Cookies and Cream is heaven. A perfectly fresh summer flavor. But, all the commotion goes to Cereal Milk. This flavor is a homage to one of the most cherished breakfast cereals of all time, Cinnamon Toast Crunch. You cannot get any better than that!

Photo Credit: Cannella Gelato

Cannella Gelato is the perfect date night delicacy. For couples that want to fulfill their inner child, we highly recommend getting dessert first then walking down Morris Avenue to Carrigan’s for cocktails and some of the best bites.

Visit Cannella’s website for their current lineup of Gelato mastery.

Birmingham's Only Sample Gown Shop

So it begins, wedding planning is in full swing. As both your to-do list and excitement grow, the time has come to start the beloved google search for local bridal boutiques. With each click you feel yourself getting lost in the pool of wedding dress shopping options. SO. MANY. DRESS. SHOPS. We hope this blog can help you get to know our bridal gown shop and what makes it special. 

We’ve found that not all of our clients know Bustle is the ONLY all Sample Gown shop in Birmingham. What does that mean? We’re glad you asked!

Sample Wedding Gowns are dresses that have been tried on by brides but never actually altered or purchased. At a traditional bridal shop, brides will try on sample gowns and order their dress in a different color or size. But, what happens when the sample gowns run their course?

The act of seeking out the sample gowns in our shop reminds me a lot of the movie National Treasure. And if that’s the case, our intuitive shop owner is the Nicholas Cage of the wedding world. She puts so much intention in seeking out and selecting the gallery of gowns we have in the shop. Each gown is incredibly special in their own way. There are a multitude of reasons why shopping sample gowns at our shop is a wonderful choice. Below we will highlight some of our favorite reasons!

1. COST

At Bustle, EVERY gown is under $3,000. Buying a sample gown means that you will get the designer of your dreams at quite literally a fraction of the cost. We know the anxious feelings that can come when visiting a bridal boutique for the first time without knowing how many gowns will be available in your budget. It’s nerve-racking and uncomfortable. When you visit Bustle, you can breathe deep knowing that every gown is set at a price that is accessible for every bride.

2. SUSTAINABILITY

It’s no secret that buying second hand is an amazing way to reduce waste and cut costs. If wearing a used gown isn’t for you, shopping sample gowns is the perfect solution. It’s both devastating and unfortunate to think of a beautifully hand-crafted wedding dress going to the scrap pile. At Bustle, we give gowns a second life. You get a dress that is perfectly tailored to you, without ever being worn by another bride. Your wedding will be the first wedding day your gown has ever seen.

3. NO WAIT

The dreaded wait time for your ordered wedding dress to come in was already anxiety inducing. Calculating that wait time felt like a math problem that you could never solve. The wait only got worse for traditional bridal shops in recent years with the supply chain issues from the pandemic. At Bustle, there is NO WAIT. You get to take home your dream dress THAT day. Imagine saying “yes” to the dress and then your consultant giving you that same dress in a sleek garment bag as you leave your appointment. That is the experience you get with Bustle. Shopping sample gowns means there is no wait time. Supply chain issues, who?

4. FEWER ALTERATIONS

Even though our shop is a sample dress boutique, that doesn’t mean you will be shopping alone. Bustle will always make sure you have the most elevated shopping experience. We have the sweetest, most intentional bridal consultants ready to guide you to the dress of a lifetime. Because our consultants will be bringing you gowns that are tailored to your style and body, this greatly decreases the amount of alterations you will need. You are getting to try on every gown with the knowledge that you will take that dress home. We aren’t blindly ordering a size with the hopes that when it comes in, it will fit like you envisioned. We’ve found that aside from minor alterations—like a hemline taken up or waistline taken in—our brides rarely make alterations to their gown.

It would be an absolute honor to help you find the dress your heart has been looking for. You can make your own bridal appointment here. And if you have any pre appointment questions, don’t hesitate to send us a message on instagram or visit our chat portal on our website. Our team loves to post reels of new arrivals on our instagram - you can find our recent reel here! We can’t wait to see you! 

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! 

Full Circle Motherhood: Emily and Teresa's Story

While the Oxford Dictionary very simply defines “motherhood” as “the state of being a mother,” we know that is the mere beginning of such a sacred word. How could anyone even begin to describe such a lifelong commitment. When asked about her own mother, Maya Angelou once said, “To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” 

I really admire the way Oliver Wendell Holmes depicted adoration for his mother, “Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of friendship fall; a mother’s secret hope outlives them all.” A mother’s secret hope is a force more mighty than any natural disaster, yet gentle to the touch. Today we are sharing a story of full circle motherhood between soon-to-be mother and former Bustle bride, Emily, and her Mom, Teresa.

When we asked Teresa to describe her relationship with her daughter, Emily, in one word, she said, “intuitive.”

Intuition: the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning. 

The effortless intuition between parent and child is an unspoken miracle. Often found in hand signals, a laugh, or a simple “look”, this communication system surpasses all others. The very enchantment that magic is made of, making morse code look like child’s play.

On Emily’s wedding day, what Teresa wanted most was that her daughter not worry about any tiny detail. She longed for her daughter to be present in every moment, without worrying over the mechanics of the next. Teresa lovingly said, “The look on Emily's face that entire day told me that mission had been accomplished.” There is no better satisfaction to a Mom than knowing that their child is completely happy and at ease. 

“I have to say that my absolute favorite moment was watching Emily’s first dance with her father.  Watching them in those few minutes was like watching a slideshow of their relationship from the time he held her as a baby to graduating from college and going out on her own.  It was such a picture perfect moment and of course...I cried.”

— Teresa Odom

Teresa expressed to us how most people, especially Mothers, have preconceived notions of what special days will be like in their children’s lives and sometimes those moments don’t always go how we planned them. One of the many beautiful aspects of motherhood is learning to embrace those things. There is strength and pure love in accepting change. Emily’s outdoor wedding ceremony quickly became an indoor event after a downpour pivoted their plans. Their wedding venue, Burns Bluff, moved in high-speed to make Emily’s wedding day as beautiful as possible and the entire wedding party danced the night away. 

“I liked how it was just me and and my Mom putting on my dress. Those are some of my favorite pictures from my wedding day. We’re in front of these big windows in the lodge, so it’s all bright and there’s one picture where her hands are on my waist and you can see how happy she is behind me, it’s my favorite.”

— Emily Odom Brown

When Emily found out she was pregnant, after telling her husband, the first person she called was her Mom. Teresa, like most Mothers, is the most trusted secret keeper. She kept this beautiful secret for a while before Emily told the rest of her family. 

“She knew for quite some time before anyone else in my family knew. She actually had to go visit my sister, who was having her second baby, and had to keep it a secret from everyone!”

— Emily Odom Brown

One of the things Emily admires so much about her Mom is the art of letting go of the need to control every situation concerning her children. Emily’s parents always gave her a safe space to land. She knew no matter what she was dealing with in life, her Mom would be there to help her pick up the pieces and learn along the way, without judgement.

“I just want my baby to do what she wants to do, and be her own person. No child is happy when they’re forced to do stuff they don’t want to or feel like they have to because their parent is the coach/director. Whatever she chooses will be fine with me as long as she’s being a good person, good teammate, and constantly trying her hardest.”

— Emily Odom Brown

Emily’s due date is May 17th, which coincidentally falls around the same time of year her Mom was due to have her. Motherhood is such a beautiful full circle experience and we are so thankful to Emily and Teresa for helping us share that love with you today. Happy Mother’s Day to every beautiful Mom. You are a wonder.

Crafting with Claire: Spring Floral Art

Is it May already? The grocery stores are filled with gardens of rainbow colored blooms and it’s giving us an extra boost of seasonal serendipity. There is something so effortlessly enchanting about fresh flowers. That’s why we want to dedicate this crafting session to preserving their beauty. This DIY would be the perfect gift for our favorite heroes this Mother’s Day. Whether you are crafting for Mom or for yourself, we think this would be a lovely addition to your gallery wall this Spring.

“Happiness is to hold flowers in both hands.”

— Japanese Proverb

We all know someone who makes crafting look flawless. 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.

Step 1.) Choose your blooms — visit your local garden shop, flower truck, grocery store or even your yard! The best flowers to use are ones that are not too thick and can be flattened easily. Hydrangeas, violets, and other delicate flowers are a great choice.

Step 2.) Flatten your flowers! Use a flower press, wooden blocks, or heavy books to get your flowers nice and flat (and dry!).

Step 3.)Select a double glass frame to display your preserved flowers. You can find them at Target, Home Goods, or even a thrift store!

Step 4.) Arrange your dried, pressed flowers in your frame. If you want, you can add a photo and arrange the flowers around it or display the flowers alone in the frame. You may need to add just a touch of glue to keep the flowers in place.

Step 5.) Display your new homemade floral art in your home or give as a gift!

Claire’s Pro Tip: If you give your mom flowers for Mothers Day, save the flowers to make her a bonus mother’s day gift — maybe even add a picture of you and her. This would also make a great keepsake for your bridesmaids using the flowers from their bouquets!

If you would like to catch up on the last DIY, you can find that crafting session here!

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

Birmingham Highlight: Sidewalk Film

“I have a very simple definition of a good movie: a good movie makes you forget you’re watching a movie.”

— Michael Cimino

Sidewalk Film is undeniably one of the most sacred gems in downtown Birmingham. Located just downstairs from the beloved Pizitz food hall, this theatre has the unrivaled ability to make all who enter feel like an angsty teenager in their own coming-of-age story.

Most of us can remember what it felt like going to our hometown movie theatre for the first time in our adolescence. The neon lights and fresh popcorn felt like freedom. Who knew that the smell of overly buttered corn kernels would make us feel so powerful. Sidewalk Film embodies that emotion. The intimate setting and nostalgic decor excavate reminders of serotonin filled summers that we forgot existed. Not to mention their curated movie lineup is the best in the city. If you’re craving indie cinematic glory, this is the place to be. Sidewalk is the “cool older sister” for all of us. We guarantee that you’ll be sitting in your seat and pondering life for a minimum of 10 minutes after each film. 

Sidewalk Film began as a local film festival in 1998. For over two decades, this Birmingham based festival has been THE event. Filmmakers eagerly travel across the country every year to screen their work amongst enthusiastic crowds who are eager to devour independent cinema. The founders of Sidewalk wanted those thought-provoking moments to last longer than one week out of the year. Thus, Sidewalk Film & Cinema was born. Now we can get a cinematic hit of endorphins every weekend from Birmingham’s only non-profit theatre. Their heart is to provide a place of community and inclusion for all. From filmmakers to film lovers, we all need a safe space to escape.

Photo Credit: Sidewalk Film

Sidewalk is top tier for those looking to spice up date night or chill with friends. We highly recommend catching a movie then venturing upstairs to Pizitz for cocktails and poke bowls after. Visit their website to check out their weekly showings or get more information about their upcoming Film Festival in August!

Bustle Spring Gallery 2022

“Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it’s a rebirth of the spirit.”

— Toni Sorenson

With April among us, the birds are caroling, the blooms are greeting us with their effortless radiance, and the weather has us wishing we could do everything outside. This serotonin filled season brings a sigh of relief to those that ache for a little extra sunlight - sayonara seasonal depression. Mindfulness is the mantra this spring. Wherever you are reading this blog, we invite you to take the deepest breath you’ve taken all day, hold, and on the exhale think about someone you love deeply. The natural smile that comes to you in those moments is your mindfulness at work. At Bustle, we know that Spring can be a demanding (and sometimes stressful) wedding season for brides. Taking a few moments out of your day to engage in mindfulness is a beautiful way to show adoration for the profound body that holds you.

Reflecting on this intention of self-admiration, the Bustle team cultivated a photoshoot to exude the essence of this declaration.

“You are the handiwork, the ultimate craft.”

Let this season be your spring. Find yourself blooming with radiance for the year ahead. Not for the pleasure or enjoyment of anyone but yourself. We hope you enjoy this Bustle photoshoot of grand self-love.

This gallery wouldn’t be possible without the expertise of a brilliant collective of Birmingham women. Every detail considered with the most significant care. You can find each of these breathtaking artists linked at the end of the blog.

“We are all in our Bridgerton era. We don’t need to be anyone’s diamond. We are the entire earth’s crust that gives the diamond. Long live the queens.”

— Bustle

If you would like to visit the shop and try on one of these sensational gowns for yourself, you can make an appointment here. We cannot wait to help you find the dress of your dreams.

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