These dresses from Cailyn Lea have many flavors, and we have shared some favorites over the last few months. Here are a few more, and THEY. ARE. SPECTACULAR!

Maeve might as well be French for "romantic." The lace bodice (the lace period), off the shoulder sleeves, the low back, ... it is old-world elegance and charm for the bride who wants to be transported. Your guests will gasp. 

We love this gown because of the mix of sheer elements and lace. Some gowns are head-to-toe lace and they're incredible. This one pulls back a bit and lets the drape of sheer fabric and well-placed lace elements tell the story. It's from a fantasy, and with the covered buttons and sleeve overlay, it is romantic. The Magnolia is not for the bride that wants ultra modern, but for the girl who seeks something akin to historical elegance. 

There is plenty of lace on the Megara, which also has covered buttons down the bodice and skirt, loads of elegant and straps that slips off the shoulder.

The Mirabel is about the details, and they are lovely. The bodice and skirt are separated with two small fabric strips that are just delicate enough to make a point; the lace sleeves are demure and remind you of the traditional gowns worn by the Grace Kellys of the world. The flowy skirt is made of layers of tulle. And the result is stunning.

As you look for a gown that sparks imagination, take note of these and then come see us at Bridal Traditions. Trying on a gown makes all the difference.

Some girls are purse girls. They've got clutches, totes, and saddle bags galore. We get it.

And some love to draw attention to their head and hair. You know: bows, headbands, hats, earrings, fascinators, gilt barrettes and clips. We love those girls at BT. We have stuff for them, and if you don't believe us, check out our other accessory blogs, or just pop in to our boutique and indulge yourself.

This tidy little blog is about shoes. When a bride has chosen her gown, her veil, her jewelry and other bits and bobs, she thinks about her feet. Or does she? While some brides love to go rogue with sneakers or cowboy boots, nothing says, "I'm ready to commit to love" like bling on a great pair of shoes. Start with your feet or end with them. Unless you're on a beach, you'll need to put those tootsies in something. Here are just a few new models we've purchased lately for the BT Bride.

We love these block heels with sparkle. Or maybe we should say, get some sparkle and an totally stable heel. They are comfortable, won't make you wobble when you walk, have an ankle strap that is flattering, and look great with gowns for the aisle, or for making your get-away in a costume change.

If you want a bit of a shorter heel, but the same mesmerizing glitter, these little numbers below are irresistible. Three crystal straps along the toe and a shiny ankle strap, in gold and silver, make these draw the eye down. Don't worry, guests will still be looking at your gown and your lovely self. These just complete the vision.

Rebekah and Nick were married at The Emerald Hill and the images of them in that lovely outdoor setting. 

Rebekah's gown purchased at Bridal Traditions was an absolute stunner. The lace, thin straps, open back, and veil all worked beautifully together. With her pale blue and white bouquet in the bucolic setting of The Emerald Hill, it was perfection.

Congratulations, Rebekah and Nick! Here's to many, many happy decades of marriage.

Vendors:
Photography; Tolman Media Co. (Main Photographer; Emma Horner, Second Shooter: DJ Washington)
DJ; Rodney Thompson
Venue; The Emerald Hill
Bride & Bridesmaid's Wedding Attire: Bridal Traditions

Somewhere between the photo on the left and the photo on the right, my heart was apprehended and transformed. My niece, Stacie has been a part of my life since birth, of course (I'm her favorite Aunt, by the way), but she has also been a big part of the atmosphere at Bridal Traditions for two decades. Recently, she moved on to her next chapter, and I had to say goodbye and set her free. 

No one tells you that Memory Lane is actually more like a crowded boulevard of little vehicles that will transport you if you fixate on each one. If every car on this Lane is a moment, my Memory Lane with "Stace" is a traffic jam of some of my favorite moments from the last 20 years of owning and operating Bridal Traditions. This child hung out at the shop when she was just old enough to be dazzled by the gowns, the jewelry and the ideas of fashion and dress up. She helped in more practical ways when she was old enough to follow my lead, and as she got older she became.... annoying, hilarious, and beautifully invaluable.

While Stacie started working at Bridal Traditions as a fun little helper and sidekick when she was young, she became an employee for all four years of high school and one year of college. Ultimately, she decided to strike out, and head to Western Carolina to finish her undergrad degree and dive into pre-law. After two more years of college, she will head toward getting her Juris Doctorate in Business Law. You know the moment is going to come, but I was not ready. Her last few weeks felt like the long goodbye, but not the last goodbye. That said, we threw her a party and afterwards - all the way home - I cried my eyes out. 

Stacie's style and passion these days is Western meets Southwestern. She loves turquoise, cowgirl boots, steers and bulls, and the wilds of the West. I have to say, it suits her. She is bright and untamed, but absolutely holds the reins. For her send off, I asked the brilliant bakers at Indulge Bakery to create sweet treats and they nailed it. Our team gave her going away presents and tried to give advice, but we mostly joked and tried not to cry.

This gorgeous and smart young woman will stay in my life, but she lives in my heart forever... my broken, proud, and grateful heart. I love you, Stace. There will never be a day when I won't be cheering for you in every thing you do. I miss you already, so you better go get 'em!

Whether they sparkle, identify the bride, have a playful or graphically fun quality, we love earrings, and so do our brides. 

Jewels and jewel tones continue to be popular, and ladies, you don't need to be getting married to want these in your Weekend Get-away, Off to College or Because I'm Worth It bag!

We loved these bangles. They are for bridesmaids, for prom goers and for anyone who loves a bit of bling. Buy one to coordinate or because you love the color or stack them!

This whole things became A Whole Thing in the Middle Ages, when brides and grooms would be trailed to their marital bed by the entire wedding guest list. Too much? We agree. Back in the day, garters were festooned with symbols of virginity and fertility. Now they are just a fun way to interact at the reception and allow the groom to have something to toss into the crowd.  We love the garters in a variety of colors, and with little emblems and details that personalize them!