Birmingham Venue Spotlight: The Historic Federal Reserve

It comes to no one’s surprise that Downtown Birmingham is a beautiful backdrop for your dream wedding. Nothing sparkles quite like the twilight of Magic City. As the community of downtown wedding venues grow, we want to keep you in the loop with the spaces that catch our eyes (and our hearts). The Historic Federal Reserve is a building that captivates us with its undeniable character, complete elegance, and it is exclusively catered by our hometown favorite, Urban Cookhouse. 

This venue stands out to us in so many ways. The Federal Reserve Bank Building offers a refined space for truly any occasion. The Historic Federal Reserve is on the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places and is surrounded by downtown Birmingham's finest architecture. The building and the Grand Lobby were designed by A.J. Krebs of Warren, Knight, & Davis, a prominent early 20th-century architectural firm that helped Birmingham earn its nickname, The Magic City. Since opening its doors in 1924, this iconic space has preserved the Gatsby spirit of the 1920s.

The Historic Federal Reserve has been hosting lavish events since 2018. Before that time, the building got a “facelift” in 2016 and those renovations led to the start of a second life for this historic space. A complete renovation added immaculate modern facilities while meticulously preserving the historical details that mark this world-renowned structure. 

Some of our favorite details of this space are the high columns and marble floors - so much glamour! 

Whether you are planning a seated wedding, a dinner party gathering for a notable birthday, or the ultimate Roaring 20's party, hosting your event at the Federal Reserve Grand Lobby assures that your evening will be the talk of the town for years to come. If you are looking for a spacious rehearsal dinner venue or an unforgettable space to host a wedding in downtown Birmingham, this space can be tailored for your event. 

““Our team is prepared to exceed your expectations from start to finish. We will provide everything you need, including setup, catering, and clean-up.””
— Bella Garzon; Historic Federal Reserve

Urban Cookhouse is exclusively the caterer for the Historic Federal Reserve. The pairing of this stunning venue with a Birmingham favorite like Urban Cookhouse is the marriage we all need. We added a few photos of their delectable dining options - if only we could grab a little through the screen.

For more information about this dream space and how to get started planning your special day, you can visit their website here.

A Few of Our Favorite Things: The Dreamiest Anthropologie Giveaway!

The holidays are the perfect time to find the beauty in the little things around us. Being properly cozy is a lifestyle that we believe everyone should take part in. Tis the season of “adding to your cart” - And in the spirit of that sentiment, here is what we’ve got on our Anthropologie Christmas list!

If you would like a little extra credit to spread the love this holiday season, check out our dreamy Anthropologie Giveaway over on our instagram. That’s what we call Merry and Bright!

First thing's first: ornaments. Wow, do I love Christmas ornaments and decor. I won't tag all my favorites because we'd be here all day, but here are some of the most irresistible: Traveling Bunny, Primrose Mirror, Grecian Bust, Just Married!, Glass Honeycomb.

These adorable animal print slippers are the perfect gift for so many gals on my list.

I adore this chic, black, bishop sleeve top for hosting or attending a holiday gathering!

Clue is such a fun and classic board game, perfect to bring out with post-dinner coffee; and this made-for-Anthro version is just so beautiful! Now, hear me out... how fun would it be to serve coffee in these monogram mugs that your guests could take home?!

I'd love to sit down to a holiday meal where my table was covered in a mix of these slender, brass candlesticks amid these more rustic, wooden ones.

I REALLY love a blazer, and this oversized, double breasted one is so versatile. Plus, it comes in loads of colors.

I love Anthropologie's creative collaborations with artists, and this Nutcracker meets Night Before Christmas puzzle is really special - a sweet Christmas Eve activity before bed.

I have absolutely no occasion for this right now, but I love this pink dress so much. It reminds me of a bridesmaid dress my mom once wore.

Splurge: I'd love to have this oversized chair in the corner of our bedroom to snuggle up in! I'd style it with some extra pillows and this little throw blanket for some texture (I like layering neutrals.) Next to this awesome rattan floor lamp, I'd have the coziest little nook!

Crafting with Claire: Fall Tablescape

““Design is coming to grips with one’s real lifestyle, one’s real place in the world. Rooms should not be put together for show but to nourish one’s well-being.””
— Albert Hadley
A gorgeous fall tablescape with Crafts with Claire on the Bustle Gowns Blog, Birmingham AL.

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 children, Eleanor and Henry.

We all know someone who makes decorating 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 the art of 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

A gorgeous fall tablescape with Crafts with Claire on the Bustle Gowns Blog, Birmingham AL.

This season’s Crafts with Claire is a beautiful greeting to the start of the holidays. What better way to nourish our loved ones over the holiday season than with an engaging tablescape. With so many of us gathered around the table to fill our stomachs with good food this Thanksgiving, we love the notion that we can fill our hearts with good too.

In this blog, Claire will guide us through her process in the art of the perfect autumnal tablescape.  

tablescape: noun [C] US / ‘tei.bel.skeip /

- an activity involving the setting of themed dining tables in artful, decorative ways for social events

A gorgeous fall tablescape with Crafts with Claire on the Bustle Gowns Blog, Birmingham AL.

Step 1: Use a simple table runner or fold a larger one as the base for your table 

Step 2: Find a large vase or flower pot (with no hole in the bottom) and fill it with greenery

Step 3: Add small pumpkins, gourds, or even fruit like pears and pomegranates along the length of your table for color and texture

Step 4: Add some greenery along the length of your table as well to fill in the gaps. I recommend eucalyptus (it looks pretty even when dried) 

Step 5: Add taper candles to give your table a festive feel!

Step 6: Add plates and napkins - I love using napkin rings to make my table nice and neat (and to really highlight those pretty napkins)

We would love to see your autumnal tablescapes and how you make this your own! Be sure to tag us on instagram (@bustlegowns) when you post.

Wishing you and your loved ones the sweetest fall season! Happy Tablescaping!

Birmingham Highlight: Caitlyn Paige Creative

The only thing better than a stunning jacket, is a stunning jacket with a story. Caitlyn Paige reincarnates beautiful memories by giving beloved quilts a second life as wearable art.

Originally from Georgia, Caitlyn moved to Tuscaloosa 4 years ago and married her sweetheart, Russell. Together they spoil their precious pup, Molly (you can swoon over Molly’s IG here: @mollytheshopdog) and own a barbershop in downtown Tuscaloosa. 

When she isn’t being the fairy godmother to our Cinderella, Caitlyn is also a full time photographer who finds the most joy in capturing real life moments and memories. Forever on a search for the best street tacos and margaritas, Caitlyn loves to travel and spend time with her friends and family.

Caitlyn Ferson of Caitlyn Paige Creative on the Bustle blog.
““My mom taught me how to sew when I was like 5 years old. I was constantly creating little outfits or bags and just begging her to sew any chance I got.””
— Caitlyn

From the time Caitlyn was sewing beautiful little dresses, she always dreamt of one day starting a clothing line of her own. Her sweet sketches filled her notebooks all through middle and high school.

““I can remember sitting in class doodling on paper different dresses, outfit ideas, and of course the logo for my brand.””
— Caitlyn

Shortly after Caitlyn married Russell, she said goodbye to her full time job in order to start photography full-time.

““During the early months of starting my photography business, I found myself to be really stressed and felt like I was lacking something. I was lacking a creative outlet that was just for me. So, I started sewing again.””
— Caitlyn

For anyone who enjoys thrifting, you know that sometimes the most extraordinary discoveries happen in your local thrift store. When Caitlyn locked eyes with her first quilt, she knew it needed some major TLC, but also felt a creative vision coming to life. Caitlyn began creating upcycled clothing, exclusively using previously loved vintage quilts. She makes a very intentional decision to never cut any quilt that is in perfect condition. Almost every quilt she uses takes a minimum of 24 hours to get cleaned or repaired. 

““I know that the quilts I use were made by someone before me and at some point the quilts were passed down from generations. I want to do my best to honor the people who originally made the quilts by turning them into something new so that they can be loved for even longer.””
— Caitlyn

Right now, what inspires Caitlyn the most is the idea that things have the ability to gain value over time. Whether that be physical things or moments that are only tangible by the heart. Caitlyn is captured by memories. The ability to remember good moments is a kind of magic that is indescribable to her.

Caitlyn’s favorite piece that she’s created is this pink heavy-weight kimono jacket. The quilt itself is the oldest quilt she has worked with thus far. Which made this project one that was full of challenges.

““Honestly it was so fun to work through those challenges, learn from a few mistakes, and create something that looks worn but also new at the same time. It’s a really cool piece with fun colors, some holes and tears that were naturally created from being loved and worn in its previous life. It’s actually the jacket that made me believe that other people would want one.””
— Caitlyn

If Caitlyn had the glorious opportunity to style any celebrity in one of her designs, she would choose Mr. and Mrs. Bieber. Caitlyn loves the idea of a couple that could share a jacket and wear it different ways!

You can fawn over Caitlyn’s pieces on her instagram and shop them on Etsy! Every one of her phenomenal creations will have you adding to your cart like it’s your day job.

““My hope is that people will wake up and put on their jacket with slippers while they drink coffee, then wear it while out and about with sneakers. Wear it while traveling out west with their cowboy boots and hat. I want it to be something so versatile that it’s the only thing you really want or need in your closet for those colder seasons. Then eventually, I hope these pieces are so loved that they only look better with time and one day will be passed down to the next generation.”  ”
— Caitlyn
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In The Shop October 2022!

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It’s been a while since we shared a blog post specifically to swoon over some of our favorite wedding gowns. The Bustle bridal shop is often a front door for our team to escape. With a step inside this enchanted closet, we let reality wait in the parking lot for a few hours. If you open a window, some blissful serotonin might find its way out. Each rack is a cadence of texture and softness - a complete dream. A reminder that celebrating love and art will always leave a gentle space for effortless wonder.

“We don’t create a fantasy world to escape reality. We create it to be able to stay.”
— Lynda Barry

We would love nothing more than to have you in our shop so you can experience this simple magic for yourself. If you are interested in booking a bridal appointment with one of our consultants, you can schedule that appointment here.

SEE YOU SOON <3

BEST FALL COFFEE IN BIRMINGHAM

Summer is subtly sliding out the back door and we are welcoming the first fallen leaves of October like a beloved house guest. As the morning air gets a little cooler and we find ourselves stepping into our fall folklore era, we thought taking an autumnal coffee tour around Birmingham would be the perfect way to say hello to our favorite season. 

Best fall coffee in Birmingham Alabama - Domestique in the Saturn.

The fall coffee menus around town have us craving puddles of cashmere sweaters and freshly lit candles. Whether you’re a PSL praiser or could go with a little less gourd, we found flavor profiles to comfort every tastebud.

The Sweet Potato Chai and Caramel Spice Latte at Domestique

We fell so hard for the Sweet Potato Chai. This masterpiece is a comforting blend of sweet potato puree and homemade chai that will have you craving a fire place and the smell of crisp book pages. While every drink on our list can be served iced, we think this beverage is absolutely best served hot. A cup of cozy for one, please!

Sweet Potato Chai latte at Domestique in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Caramel Spice Latte was everything we needed it to be sans pumpkin - perfectly sweet with depth. This latte is a delicious escape of housemade caramel with cinnamon, allspice, and cloves.

Caramel spice latte at Domestique in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Apple Crisp Latte at O’Henry’s

The Apple Crisp Latte is a rich, buttery latte with an aromatic blend of apples and cinnamon. Made with steamed oat milk for a cozy finish. We got this beverage iced because you can’t go to the O’Henry’s in Highland Park without taking a stroll through the park. The perfect comforting treat!

Apple Crisp Latte from O'Henry's in Highland Park - Birmingham Alabama.

The Fall Menu at The Valley Hotel in SOHO

Deciding on one of these lattes was one of the hardest decisions we’ve had to make since trying to pick a favorite Taylor Swift album. We eventually narrowed it down to trying Scarecrow, Sweater Weather, and Bonfire!

The fall coffee menu at The Valley Hotel in Downtown Homewood, Alabama.

Sweater Weather was the perfect latte for anyone who doesn’t want to be hit across the face with sugar. While Bonfire was RICH in the best way. The chocolate flavor was decadent and the marshmallow cuts into that richness and leaves you with the most nostalgic flavor combination.

Our favorite was absolutely the Scarecrow! Praline is a flavor you don’t often find in lattes and this drink left us feeling like we should be at home with a cozy cat, writing in our journal - GOOD VIBES.

Is there anything you think we should add to this fall coffee list? What should we try next?? Let us know in the comments or over on instagram!

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Wedding Day Horror Stories - BOO!

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The start of spooky season has us feeling inspired to sit around a non-existent campfire and tell some of our most horrific wedding day ghost stories. We asked our readers on instagram to submit some of their frightening faux pas and you all did not disappoint. We highly recommend enjoying this telling of little terrors with a some freshly popped popcorn and a bowl of halloween candy.

EEK! We are firm believers that no make up artist should risk their own safety ever, but we are curious to know how that hair and makeup turned out! From unannounced wedding “guests” to first dance slip-ups, these brides have seen it all.

We hope your halloween season is filled with way more treats than tricks! For our future brides, be safe out there - BOO!

Birmingham Highlight: Stash

Stash is a treasure trove of antiques sweetly nestled on the streets of Downtown Birmingham. We strolled through this gorgeous grotto this week and got enough design inspiration to decorate several houses - too bad we only have one. While we’re busy trying to convince our spouses that we should turn our garage into a glam room of antiques, please enjoy this interview with the wonder woman behind it all, Melinda.

Melinda lives in Birmingham with her husband who is her college sweetheart of 25 years. She has two boys - a freshman in Auburn (war eagle!) and the other starting his freshman year at Vestavia Hills. Working as an Occupational Therapist for over 20 years, Melinda always found herself coming to vintage gems as an escape.

“My boys are big outdoorsmen; hunting and fishing, etc. I have always said that when they went out on a hunting trip, it gave me an excuse to go exploring too. Nothing calms my soul like a good long drive down a two lane road exploring and looking for pretty things.
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— Melinda

Stash began as a “small” corner of treasure in the basement for Melinda to play and display her favorite finds. This little wall of vintage glory quickly grew and eventually completely filled their three car garage - we love a queen with a collection!

“My poor boys have had their fill of moving furniture, rearranging, etc. and were very gracious almost the whole time as Stash came into being.”
— Melinda

Melinda couldn’t help but gush over the brilliant woman on her team at Stash. “Our team includes me, social media wizard, Lynlee Hudlow and the carrier of magic, Amy Hurst. Stash would never be what it is without them. This group came together in the most beautiful & organic way imaginable and I am so thankful they are in my corner!”

When asked what her favorite vintage pieces are in her personal collection, we were not disappointed with Melinda’s answer. 

“I have two favorite vintage pieces in my house. One is my Tobacco Leaf Footbath and the other is a very old crosstitch sampler that says “The Blessing of the House is Contentment.” Completely different design elements but both very meaningful in my life.”
— Melinda

When we visited Stash, we couldn’t help but swoon over the tablescapes and the way all the pieces are designed together. Each item in this collection is incredibly special - conversation starters galore. Melinda is a phenomenal creative with the most intriguing layers of her personality. She is the kind of person that you would want to share a bottle of wine with and DISH. We asked Melinda what celebrity home she would be most excited to decorate and once again, her answer has us all loving her even more.

“If I am telling the absolute truth it would be Snoop Dogg. Go ahead, I’ll wait a minute so you can stop giggling. I think he is hilarious and simply adore his marketing campaigns with Martha Stewart. My friends think it is hilarious that he is on my list of people I would like to meet before I die.
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— Melinda

If you would like to get a peak into this gorgeous wonderland of vintage, you can check out our instagram reel here. You can also visit Stash in person on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am-2pm!

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BUSTLE'S 9TH BDAY GNO

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Last week we celebrated Bustle’s 9th Birthday with our wonderful team and it was nothing short of a phenomenal GNO!

We kicked off our celebratory Girl’s Night with all of Birmingham’s best! Starting out the night with craft beer and cocktails from Bham’s Good People Brewing - cheers!

The handcrafted pizza from Trattoria Zaza was our main course for the evening (a proper ladies night always contains a surplus of cheese and bubbly). We devoured that pizza! Our personal favorite pie was the Spicy Swineapple - a savory and sweet marriage of bacon, ham, calabrian chilies, pineapple, charred onion, tomato, chili oil.

Natalie Zoghby, a local art angel, led our team in painting the town by hosting a class where we each painted our own disco ball whilst sipping on our cocktails. This was such a light-hearted break from a busy week. We all swooned over each other’s color combinations and laughed throughout all our mistakes.

We ended the evening in the best way one could - with CAKE. Daughter’s Baking provided the sweetest selection of flavors, leaving us on a sugar high. We’re so thankful for our enneagram 7 store owner for putting all of this together. Meredith’s kindness and energy brings such a warmth to our team. She truly cares about all of us and our wonderful Bustle Brides. The happiest birthday to our gem of a bridal shop. A big thank you goes to YOU for keeping up with us and always showing the most loyal support. Cheers to you!

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10 First Dance Songs for Your Wedding

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“In a society that worships love, freedom, and beauty, dance is sacred. It is a prayer for the future, a remembrance of the past and a joyful exclamation of thanks for the present.”
— Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

We think Jane Austen said it best when she wrote, “to be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.” The first dance between you and your love on your wedding day is a moment most of us have dreamt about since we knew what a wedding was. Something so beautifully sacred and joyful needs just the right track to accompany it - We’ve had many lost hours of sleep trying to make these decisions so you don’t have to. Below you’ll find a list of some of our favorite songs for lovers. No matter the tune, we think the best song to dance to on your wedding day is the warmth of the love in the room.