You've heard the phrase "stuck between a rock and a hard place," right? Well, this situation is not that dire. Call off the dogs. It's cold. It's dreary and currently we're stuck between post-Valentine's Day and Spring, and that is merely a place of musing and limbo. It DOES mean however that it's time to think about wedding prep for spring and summer weddings. So let's do that, shall we?

In the late fall, we posted a blog titled April Flowers and it showcased some ideas for spring and summer weddings in the arenas of decorations and floral arrangements. There are so many ways to accent your overall theme or complement your dress - or even emphasize the season. Think about plates and plating, table-scapes and the flowers that go with those. A bride who walks into her reception and appears to be the crowning jewel of a well decorated space is a thoughtful winner that day. And you DON'T have to overdo it.

We have so many vintage inspired gowns at Bridal Traditions, as well as designs that feel entirely new and fresh. Below are a few examples, but to see even more, revisit this blog about our New Collections.

Weather is a factor during transitional months, and April, May and June can be incredibly dodgy in terms of precipitation worries and vendor choices. Do you go indoor for the ceremony and reception? Do you choose outdoors for spring with a backup plan? There are pros on either side with regard to setting, dress, photographer and guests. We discuss a bit of this in our blog about the Indoor vs Outdoor Wedding agenda. Read more to get informed!  

In the South, we don't call this a micro-wedding, we call it "small with family and friends." To keep costs down though, couples have chosen to have intimate gatherings to say their vows and these don't include every school teacher you loved, plus your pastor's family, your camp bunk mates and best friends since 10th grade. Choose those you love who will show up, and then treat them well. You'll save money and the intimacy and memories created won't feel exclusive; they will feel special. You can always have a cook-out or casual party later and invite the rest of the world. Clink beers vs. serving scallops, if you know what we mean. 

Are you getting ready for a Spring or Summer wedding? Stop by Bridal Traditions to see what we have and stay tuned for another blog about the trends for seasonal weddings. We have more to share beyond dresses. 

Thalia Villarosa is a traveling photographer who loves celebrating beauty, and most especially the beauty found in love matches, playfulness, marriage in all of its eccentric variations, and especially watching love unfold in nature. Bridal Traditions was happy to add our expertise and attire to outfit models for a styled photo shoot with Thalia. 

The look for this shoot was contemporary chic, hipster, and mountain vibe rolled into one. The model wore a gown we selected especially for the occasion and it is stunning and oh-so-cool. From the Metropolitan collection - part of Demetrios Bridal - this dress is covered in lace, has ruffled sleeves, and a gauzy, flowing effect. It is both demure and other-worldly. 

The braided and flowing hair, fresh flowers, white roses with wild notes of color, and a bucolic surrounding made this a dreamy photo shoot. 

The setting could be Colorado, Georgia, Vancouver or the Blue Ridge Mountains. We love the green pasture, the barn, the cows and the old world feeling of a couple saying their vows in the middle of the earth God gave us. Gritty and bohemian and deep cool and this couple fit in perfectly. 

If you would like to see more of the Metropolitan Collection of Demetrios Bridal, start here and then give us a call. 

Photographer: @thaliavillarosaphoto
Place settings: @missmatchrentals 
Chair and Table rentals: @abushelandapeckvintagerental
Hair and Make up: @devinxhair
Salon: @mainehabitsalon
Bolo tie: @semplicedesigns
Bouquet and flowers: @boozeandbouquets
Plant:@themustardseedmarketnc
Dress: Bridal Traditions

​

Charity and Aaron had a pretty wonderful wedding day thanks to a venue committed to getting their place ready in time, friends who adore the bride, a father ready to make a run "for it," and pretty gorgeous weather. 

Charity has some pretty special people in her life. Her mom and mom's friends made sure that a wedding day breakfast was ready for the bride and her bridesmaids. The girls enjoyed relaxing, getting their dresses laid out and chatting. It was during this time that Charity realized that - even though she'd arrived at the orchard well in advance, she'd actually forgotten her wedding gown.

​"I could not believe I forgot one of the most important items for the biggest day of my life, BUT anyone who knows me knows that this is SO typical of me. Luckily my dad was able to quickly bring my dress to me, so all was well."

Another particularly sweet moment came from the bridesmaids, who created a keepsake book with images of Charity with each of them and other special moments provided by Charity's family and friends. "It was the most thoughtful, gorgeous scrapbook that not only had pictures of me with all of my bridesmaids but also my parents, sisters, my in-laws, and my fiancé. On top of that, each one of them had hand-written a heartfelt note. It was easily one of the most meaningful gifts I have ever received and such a special moment from our day"

Charity and Aaron have been an "us" for a while. They are actually high school sweethearts and she told us that after they said their vows, they had a moment to walk back to the lake before the reception and make sure that it was all actually real.

They met in high school chorus and after she marshaled the courage to ask him out with some other friends, they started dating. She was a sophomore and he was a senior and he has proclaimed it was the "worst first date" (not because of Charity, though). Magically, eight years evaporated as they made the long distance thing work, and suddenly they were standing next to a lake together as husband and wife. 

Charity wanted a ballgown and wasn't interested in any gown that was fitted. She felt that the gowns were wearing her as she started trying them on. We switched it up and she left with a fitted, sparkly gown that was not only perfect for her figure and the month of her wedding, but it had details that she did not anticipate. The corseted back, lace and beading added some magic and focus. Charity's ensemble is a great example of how a veil and an eye to your personality, an outdoor wedding and being open to something unexpected can all come together. Everything about her wedding day attire was complimentary. 

"BT was so kind and patient with me when I tried on what felt like 20 different dresses. With each dress they gave great feedback and when they could tell I wasn’t loving the style of dress I thought I wanted, they suggested other styles which brought me to the dress of my dreams."

We loved working with Charity and Aaron -- the gentlemen rented their tuxes from us too! -- and we hope that they are happy! Anniversary number 1 will be here before they know it!

Well, let us help!

Prom-going Ladies: WELCOME TO FEBRUARY. Yes, it's a bit coolish, but we have found that if you hold your hands next to any of these dresses, the heat is undeniable. In the last couple of weeks, we've been warming up to some of the most gorgeous, sparkly, WHOA-inducing prom gowns we've seen in years. 

You may recall that we travelled to the big prom market last year to see what was coming and were blown away. We found amazing options for the BeYOUtiful Prom girl, so here's a little sampling of what has come into the boutique and some key info to get you ready to shop when the time comes. 

For the prom-going man who is planning to rent his tux or suit, we have the goods for you too! 

If you aren't following us on social media, please start! We update our accounts with images, and videos daily. And as the gowns come in, if you want to get your hands on one you've been eyeing, you'll want to strike while the iron is hot! What posts today may be gone tomorrow!

These accounts are dedicated solely to prom!
Snapchat: beyoutiful.-prom
Instagram: beyoutiful.prom