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This year marks 25 years of Bridal Traditions — a quarter-century of lace, laughter, tulle, tears of joy, prom nights, wedding days, and everything in between. For owner Kelly Shumate, this milestone is more than a business anniversary. It’s a celebration of people, perseverance, and a deep love for helping others feel beautiful on the days that matter most. “No ONE person makes a business run for 25 years,” Kelly says. “It takes a village, and I have mine. I’m beyond grateful for each coworker, each volunteer, and each dear friend who has poured part of themselves into Bridal Traditions because they love me.” From the very beginning, Kelly knew she was building more than just a bridal shop. Bridal Traditions has become a space where memories are made — where teenage boys get fitted for their first 8th-grade social, return for prom tuxes, and eventually stop in to be suited up for their weddings. It’s where girls step into prom gowns and later return as women, shopping for the dress they’ll walk down the aisle in. These ongoing relationships are what set Bridal Traditions apart. “Those relationships — with brides, with moms, with girls and their best friends — they’re priceless,” Kelly says. “They’re why we do what we do.” Karlee, one of the women on the BT team, knows exactly what Kelly means. “I love learning from the people I work with, being close to them,” Karlee says. “And I love that we inspire our town. The fashion business is ever changing, but fashion is still such a powerful way for people to express themselves." And it has not always been easy. As a woman and a solo business owner, Kelly has faced the challenges of a world-wide pandemic (during her 20 year anniversary) and a change in consumer buying options and habits over the last two decades. But even with all the ups, downs, and surprises, she understands that there are still opportunities for brick and mortar stores to play a hug role in the lives of individuals and communities. She relishes those relationships to this day.  Through trends and seasons, Kelly’s love for fashion and celebration has remained constant. “I still love ‘the pretty,’” she laughs. “I was a Barbie girl — all my Barbies were getting dressed up and going to a party! So getting to help others get dressed up for their special moment? I love being in that little group of people who get to do that.” And it’s not just Kelly who feels that way. Caylen, also on the BT team, shares the same enthusiasm and pride in what Bridal Traditions offers its clients. “It doesn’t feel like any other job,” Caylen says. “The environment here is so personal — it feels like family. And it’s amazing to get to be expressive and creative, and to help brides and prom girls feel like the most beautiful version of themselves.” Karlee adds, “No matter what kind of day I’m having, seeing the looks on the faces of our brides and prom girls when they try on something that makes them feel beautiful — it’s worth it. That’s the moment that keeps me coming back." Whether it's watching someone light up when they find the dress or simply being part of the journey leading up to a big day, the BT team cherishes every moment.
“Everyone has a glow about them when they put the dress on,” Caylen adds. “Getting to be a small part of that big day — that’s a win for me.” There’s a little magic in what happens inside Bridal Traditions. It's not just about finding a dress — it's about finding confidence, celebrating milestones, and feeling truly seen and supported. For 25 years, Kelly and her team have offered just that, and more. As Kelly looks to the future, her heart is full of gratitude and hope. “I love the girls I work with. I see their passion, and I want to continue to succeed for them, for myself, and for this town. This year has been full of fun and connection — and we’re just getting started.” Here’s to 25 years of Bridal Traditions — and the many beautiful stories still to come
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Joanna Arthur and Jonah Riceman, both criminal defense attorneys, were married November 1st of 2024 at, where else, a courthouse. They chose a place where they met twice while working and before finally deciding to date.    After their ceremony at the Monroe County Courthouse, these two started the party at Her Majesty's Kitchen where they were joined by more friends and family. According to Joanna the entire wedding day was "perfection." At Bridal Traditions, we loved being the bride's choice for her wedding attire. She looked incredible, and photographers from The Eubanks Wedding Photo Company captured moments for the bride to share with us. The WEdding Gown Joanna's gown was a study in bohemian elegance and lace, with added sleeves and a veil to complete the look. She told us that her favorite features were the scalloped lace and the buttons down the back. We agree!   Congratulations to Joanna and Jonah and cheers to many happy decades together.  Heads up, Fellas! Bridal Traditions is having a Buy One, Get One Sale, while in stock supplies last. Guys who purchase ONE three-piece suit set, get a SECOND three-piece suit FREE.  Colors & What You GetChoose from suits in black, navy, charcoal, tan, and grey and outfit yourself for the upcoming season of weddings, or just invest in your wardrobe by adding two new suits for work and play. Each set comes with a suit coat, pants and vest. Coast sizes range from 34 short to 62 long, and pants range from waist sizes 28 to 56. Guys are welcome to mix and match pieces, so a navy coat and tan parts are fine, and if you want to buy suits in two different sizes, that's just grand with us as well. Pants come with an open hem, and we can tailor them to length in store. Other extra tailoring will need to be taken off site for adjustments.
Please note that the sizes we have in stock are what we offer, so if we don't have your size in a selection, we cannot order it as part of this promotion. Come see us soon and let us help you save while you update your formal wear! Is there anything more enchanting than a Christmas wedding? They make Hallmark movies about them, and they make us want to use the word "enchanting!" Well, Maggie Fulbright understood the assignment and when she married Drew on December 14th at Conover Station, it was an event that was both seasonally and personally joyful. This BT bride shared lovely images taken by her photographer Jordan Sparks.   Their love story in Maggie's own words: "We met while working together & became friends. A few months later, we started dating and we’ve been inseparable ever since! I knew Drew was the one for me when he constantly showed up for me and made me feel loved with his words and actions. Drew is my best friend and the love of my life! He has shown me what love really is and continues to pursue me every single day. Getting married was the best decision I have ever made."  The Wedding Gown Surrounded by her team when she said YES to her dress! We like to ask bride's about their original vision for a wedding gown because it's always interesting to learn if they left our boutique with that gown or something unexpected. We cannot say enough times that brides will change their minds when they find the one, no matter what they had in mind. Maggie thought she would be donning a dress with lace and beading and a full skirt. She got the full "twirlable" skirt (see below), but opted for an off-the-shoulder gown in satin, accented with a pearl belt. The look, once she added a necklace from BT, was stunning on her!   First you say, "I Do," then you say "Merry Christmas," and then you say "happily ever after." Congrats, Maggie and Drew!! We wish you guys decades on decades of love.  |
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