Misty Case is an amazing photographer right here in North Wilkesboro. She is also a wife, a mom to son Finley, a loyal friend and has been a bridal and prom shopping companion to BT Owner Kelly Shumate for the last several years. 

Misty is family. And now she's works with us at BT.

What's so wonderful about having her as part of our team is that her career as a photographer has largely been about capturing images of love. If there's love nearby, leave it to Misty to find it in her lens. Brides, babies with new parents, communities coming together for a cause, a passion for a project, families reunited, Misty has focused literally - on what love looks like for more than 15 years. ​

During those 15+ years, she became a dear friend of Kelly's and a reliable companion on trips to bridal shows to choose gowns, bridesmaids' dresses, prom attire and accessories. She's an asset with a great eye for style and romance, and she's a Good-time Charlie.

With clients at BT, Misty is calm, supportive, knowledgeable and adds her own unique charm to Kelly and the team. Stop by to meet this lady, she's in the store on Saturdays! You'll love her like we all do.  ​

It's prom season and while we at BT are helping ladies and gents get their attire planned, bought or rented, it's a good time to remind our brilliant readers of some of the dos and don'ts for promgoers.

Pick a dress or outfit that you really love. It's a special occasion and you should feel that you look your best and feel amazing. 
Go with someone you enjoy being with. For those of you who aren't dating someone exclusively, make sure your date is fun, respectful and will want to stick with you from start to finish. Going with a best friend is always a good idea.
Compliment your date! Make them feel special by telling them how amazing they look. 
Make an entrance! If you don't want to rent a limo, see if you and your group can find a stylish old car to borrow and the driver to go with it. Otherwise, just enter ready to enjoy the evening.
Wear jewelry and a hairstyle that complement your dress. Nothing makes a statement like an complete look. 
Get your attire ordered and coordinated in plenty of time. We are here for ya!
Dance and have fun!! Prom is about spring, the nearing end of the school year and celebrating with your friends. 

Don't do anything illegal. We had to say it. But seriously, there is no need for regret, regret, regret. Understand the rules set out by your school and the prom venue. Where it says "NO," don't bother trying to get around the rules. 
Don't go tanning the day before your prom. And beware of spray tans.
​Don't choose uncomfortable clothing. Don't wear a gown that is difficult to move in, dance in, sit in, or is just generally makes you feel like you're out of yourself instead of present. The same for your shoes: don't wear heels that you haven't at least walked in long enough to know that they'll work. You will be walking and dancing.
Don't freak out if someone is wearing the same dress. You are you and you'll look singular.
Don't ignore your friends. Make plans to find and see them so that new and old friends and dates can get to know each other and mingle.
Do not overspend on prom. Nor should you think that it's the biggest night of your life. 

Why do we call these blogs "Real Brides?" Largely, because not every bride wants to tell her entire wedding story as one of our "Features," but is happy to share images from her big day. When we receive images from one of our BT brides, we're thrilled. We feel like the distant relatives who played a small part in making the day special. 
We recently got these wonderful photos from Cheyenne Tranter's wedding and she said we could share. Enjoy!

Winter weddings are so much fun, for obvious reasons (see image of groomsmen below), but as a bridal boutique, we cannot stress this point enough: No matter what you're wearing, your venue or your specific palette, if you want to get married during the cooler months: DO IT!

June weddings are fabulous, but so are those that take place around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and the first part of January. Families often have time off and can gather to celebrate you. And weather is like the fun guest, right?

Cheyenne's palette was gorgeous, with plenty of deep orange, green, gray and, of course, white. The couple shared a sweet "first look" before making their way to the altar.

We love textures and creativity. From the seating charts on vinyl records, to the beautiful invitations and wood elements at their elegant rustic barn wedding, everything was coordinated and contained their vibe and choices. 

The bride's gown and veil were romantic and bohemian with plenty of sparkle and lace. If you get married during cold months, don't think you have to have sleeves and fur, a muff and gloves. Wear what makes you happy and feel beautiful. 

All weddings should end with a smooch. Bridal Traditions sends the best to these two sweethearts with our heart-felt congratulations!

"But it's only the beginning of March!!"
We hear you, but you have to trust us, gentlemen: if at all possible please don't wait until the last minute to get your suit, tux and gear for Prom season 2023. The sooner you start planning, the more fun you're going to have planning, executing and attending your prom.

Are you going to your prom AND a prom at another school? Some guys and girls do, and that means even more planning and logistics. 

So take a deep breath and get excited. Here are some basic guidelines, fellas, and if nothing else, stop by Bridal Traditions and let us hook you up!

First, you need to decide if you're going as a group or if you need to secure your date. The promposal has become a big deal, but you can always play it cool. There's nothing wrong with an old school approach.

It's still the question for most grooms but prom goers usally want to rent. If you are a senior in high school and consider a suit an investment, you may want to buy. Most guys just want to rent something that can wear and return.

Tuxedos are still considered prom style, but black, blue, gray or even tan suits are becoming more popular at prom.
What do you like to wear?
What do you feel great in?
Not sure? Worry not!!
​Via our website, Bridal Traditions can help you build your look! Check it out!

This isn't just about your tie matching her gown. You will want to talk to your date about other ways to coordinate. It can be with attire, with flowers, with socks, with matching or coordinated jewelry or with some other fun form a flair. Talk to your date and companions and check out out selection of all those accessories as well.

Do not go off roading in a dune buggy during your prom in that suit. You will regret it. Have fun, but treat it as though you were prepared to buy it. Rental companies know that stains happen at dinner, but don't be a slob. Return your rented attire before the deadline, please.

​The bottom line: start planning, and when you know what you want to wear, come see us. We can guide you through the process. Don't worry if you just have a week to get your suit plan together. WE'VE GOT YOU!

We know you will love her as much as we do, so stop by the shop on your search for prom gowns or as part of your wedding prep and meet Caylen! 

Angela Renee Sutton married Michael Lee Coffey on September 3rd, 2022 at The Venue at Carbon City, Morganton NC. 
​
"Michael and I met on Kirby Mountain Road in Lenoir, when we were both 16 years old. That’s where our story started! Our story is a very long one, that involves being married to each other twice during the years. This story continues with lots of love, that brought us back together for a third time when Michael asked me to ride with him to the beach, on a job for his employer one weekend. We’ve been back together ever since that day in 2018! He proposed on Valentine’s Day 2021 and we were married on September 3, 2022.
We honeymooned by taking a road trip to beautiful Lake McDonald in Montana!"

Since this was wedding number three and for the first two there was no ceremony, they wanted to have a small service at an intimate venue with their nearest and dearest. It was a beautiful ceremony, with gorgeous flowers a fun reception.

We were honored to sell Angie her amazing dress for the Third Time's the Charm wedding day. It had incredible lace all over and the sleeves and bodice were particularly beautiful. She told us that she was cold-natured and since the wedding would be in the early fall with a change in temps, she wanted long sleeves. These were epic. The gown had a full skirt and neckline with floating lace details. With her red locks, she was a magnificent. 

Angie, I wish you and Michael many more years or love, Sunday drives (their favorite thing) and happiness! Thank you for being such a strong supporter and friend of BT for these many years. Much Love, Kelly

If you are ready to find your perfect wedding dress . . . What are you waiting for?!

Call it iridescent, call it fairy-like, call it fantasy - whatever you call it, these dresses transport the wearer and those around them. Paired with whimsical jewelry, sparkling touches, luminous make-up and the right wink of personality, and any of these prom gowns is memorable for all of the right reasons.

Lest we forget, here is an off-the-shoulder number that is exquisite. Multi-colored sequins, fitted through the waist, full-length and with a side-slit. It's a gorgeous gown for the girl who knows she's going to turn a LOT of heads!

The beading, the colors, the side-slits, these gowns ladies... swoon! We chose well for this prom season and viewing these images will tell you why. In addition to what we've already mentioned, there are column silhouettes, pooling skirts, corseted sides and backs, so you can easily show off your figure and some skin while still looking put together. And don't forget the beautiful backs, the elegant delicate straps, and YES, POCKETS!

If you are ready to find your perfect prom dress, stop by BT anytime during normal business hours, no appointment needed!

​Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 
10a-6p
Thursday, Saturday 
10a-4p

When Bridal Traditions brides send us images, we love to see the day and to share. Sarah Lutz is today's bridal feature.

Sarah's gown is fitted through the bodice and down passed the waist, has lace details, spaghetti straps and is absolutely incredible. And SHE looked amazing in it. There is a deep swooping back with delicate lace details, and the skirt opens from the mid-thigh and pools in a slight train in the back. Talk about the right dress for the right figure. 

This was a gown for dancing, lifting babies, being hugged, saying I Do and starting a new life. 

If you're ready to find your perfect dress at BT! 👇

In August of 2022, Bridal Traditions had the pleasure of providing the attire for a styled photoshoot to introduce WCWV - Wilkes County Wedding Vendors. We are so happy with the results and know you'll want to check the listing at the end of this blog for all the vendors, and social media details. 

Venue: The Lodge on Brier Creek @lodgeonbriercreek
Photographer: Ashley Foreman Productions @ashleyforemanproductions
Wedding Attire: Bridal Traditions @bridaltraditions
Hair: Kaylee Davis - HW Salon Therapy @styledby.kaylee
Makeup: Andrea Watson - Studio 22 and Wellness Spa @andrea.nicole.watson
Florals: April Flowers @aprilflowersnc 
Linens, Tables, Chairs, Modern Dishware and Decor: A&J Rentals
Antique Dishware & Decor: The Chapman Farmstead @thechapmanfarmstead
Stationery & Calligraphy: Morgan Harris Design @morganharrisdesign
Cake: Lauren Queen @krazy4cake91
Harpist: Jo Hanna Johnson
Models: Emma Grace Ivester, Jake Rapp @emmagrace4274 and @jake_rapp60!
Jewelry: Michael’s Jewelry @michaelsjewelry_nc
DJ: Uptunes DJ Service @uptunesllc
S’mores Bar: The Pearl and The Petal @thepearlandpetalevents
Additional Participating Photographers: Times Treasured Studios @times_treasured_studios and Area 13 Photography @area13photography
Officiant: Jody Brown
​Follow Us: @wilkescountyweddings

Emily married Brandon in September of 2022 at River Creek Lodge after 6 years of dating. While they got engaged in 2020, they made it official two years later. They live on a lake, love to hike and watch the sunsets. If you look at the floral arrangements and color palette, you can see the influence of a sunset for sure. 

It was raining the morning of their outdoor wedding, but stopped just as the ceremony was about to begin. There were tears of joy, tons of laughter and plenty of dancing according to Emily. 

Emily loved her dress and we get it: it's gorgeous. She came to Bridal Traditions looking for something with lace and long sleeves, but she left with a gown for Queen. The fabric, the layers of lace and the neckline and sleeves were all perfect for her, for the day and for the season. 

Emily's is a gown that is timeless, traditional and meant to be kept for generations. We love that she chose us to make her wedding statement and so happy to see these photos of the day. Congratulations Emily and Brandon!!

Ready to find your perfect yes?