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As a designer, Cailyn Lea works wonders and continues to deliver incredible gowns. Her newest creations are worth sharing with you all, so have a look and stop by the boutique to learn more and check out the latest. AFton, in BlackIf you've been curious about the black wedding gown trend, but would like black details and not an entirely black gown, the Afton gown in black is a stunner. It says Met Gala... it says haute couture. KarleeThe Karlee gown has gorgeous lace details, a deep V bodice and scooped back and beautiful sweeping circle skirt. The floral lace design around the bodice and hemline and it's so ethereal and elegant. Briar, in BlackThe Briar gown is for the bride who wants to make a departure from the traditional but still loves the silhouette and style of a classic. Sleeveless, covered in lace and with details at the waist, it's seriously cool and chic. OpheliaIf you love lace and would prefer sleeves on your gown, sheer details with an open back, then the Ophelia is your gown. Come in and try this one on, ladies. It's exceptionally pretty. CarolineThe Caroline has hints of Kate Middleton's wedding gown in 2011. It is both modest and modern, with lace details and sheer overlay. We hope you'll drop by or make an appointment to come see the newest gowns from the Cailyn Lea collection at Bridal Traditions.
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The SettingThe Chapman Farmstead is a gorgeous venue that allows for both rustic and earthy to extremely elegant weddings. These images are the proof in the pudding. For this amazing photo shoot and wedding vendor showcase, the Farmstead played its role well: both as a venue with charm and a backdrop for the other vendors. The Bride & AttireThe wardrobe for our bride models Katie and Logan was supplied by Bridal Tradition and we think we nailed it, if we say so ourselves. Katie's gown had a modest front that led to a synched in waist, but the back was a showstopper. The thin satin straps led to a deep V and gorgeous bow at the waist and a full skirt. Her veil was dotted with a minimal constellation of pearls. All of this complimented her lovely red hair, which was tastefully pulled into a low bun by Stylist Kaylee Davis. The Groom & AttireFor "groom" and model Logan, we chose a black tuxedo with some texture on the jacket, as well as a black shirt, vest and tie. This monochromatic look made him even more statuesque next to his "bride." The DetailsSoooooo many great vendors participated in this shoot and a list is at the end, so please be sure to check out the various players. Every detail was well planned and wrought. The ReveryThe VendorsHosted by: Wilkes County Wedding Vendors @wilkescountyweddings
Venue: The Chapman Farmstead @thechapmanfarmstead Lead Photographer: Times Treasured Studios @times_treasured_studios Image by: Ashley Foreman Productions @ashleyforemanproductions Stationery: Morgan Harris Design @morganharrisdesign Florist: The Pearl and The Petal @thepearlandthepetalevents Hair: Kaylee Davis @styledby.kaylee Attire: Bridal Traditions @bridaltraditions Rings: Michael’s Jewelry @michaelsjewelry_nc Music: Summit Strings @summitstringsquartet @shelby_violincase Makeup: Hope Wyatt @hairxhopewyatt Rentals: A & J Rental Drinks: Stardust Cellars @stardustcellars Models: Brewer & Katie Logan @brewer_logan & @katiejlogan227 We would never say that gone are the days of keeping your wedding gown for your daughter or granddaughter/niece/God-daughter. But the truth is, with so many changing trends in gowns around the world, and our consumer desire to buy and own, self-brand and personalize, it certainly isn't as common as it was even 30 or 40 years ago. So what are some options after you've purchased what is still considered valuable but a one-time investment? Re-Purposing Your GownUnless your gown was made from everyday fabric, it is a garment with satin, silk, lace, tulle and all of the usual fabrics that adorn wedding dresses. Your gown may have lace or pearl beading that would look amazing on another item. Sites like Unbox The Dress invite you to use your imagination when looking at elements of your own gown or one that you've inherited. Children's christening gowns, pillows, beautiful robes, scrapbook covers, clutch purses, napkins, Christmas ornaments and stockings are just a few of the items they can create using the fabric and elements of your dress. They even have a questionnaire to help you get started. Just because no one in your clan may want to wear your gown doesn't mean that gorgeous fabric and the various elements cannot be used for something practical, get a second life, or become an heirloom. Donating or RecyclingIn most areas, there are consignment shops that are happy to take your cleaned wedding gown and make it available to a bride on a budget who may have the same fashion sense that you do. Consider this a perfect opportunity to help another girl look amazing on her big day. You can also use selling sites and online consigning, as well social media to find a new owner for your gently used gown. If you're never going to wear it, these options beat tossing it out, where it will end up in a landfill. Overall, this is better for the community and better for the environment. Check out sites like Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses to get an idea. Proper StorageWedding gown preservation is important and we are here to help you with that! You can message or call us for more info on our Gown Preservation service. It's important to use a reputable vendor who understands that proper cleaning and storage in an acid-free box is critical. So if you aren't sure whether you want to donate, sell, repurpose your wedding gown or keep it just in case someone down the line may want to wear it, make sure that you take good care of it until you are sure.
A few months ago, we blogged about the fact that brides are not trusting their instincts or choices and second-guessing their purchase of a specific gown. Which makes us quiet sad, frankly. Now here we are, just a few months later and it feels like an epidemic: brides buying a second, third or even fourth wedding gown. What is going on? Is it Common to Second-Guess your choice of Gown?Yes, it is. Lots of brides do, and as we mentioned already, this is becoming more common in recent years. You need to do your research, know some basics about what looks good on you, trust the experts and know when to quit shopping. We won't say all brides that find themselves second guessing their choice are make these common mistakes below, but lots do, so we hope you'll review this list and then we strongly encourage you to read this blog.
Meet one of our adorable Bridal Traditions brides - Samantha. She began her journey with us when she said yes to her dress and recently shared images from her big day. We love it when brides send us special moments in their gowns, so we can show prospective brides what they have to look forward to on their wedding days. It's always fun to see how the look comes together with florals, the setting and a groom on one's arm, right? She just glowed from the moment she knew she knew she found "The One" in our boutique until the last kiss with her new husband.
BT Brides - all of them - are special to us. When you come in to our boutique, we're in. We want to hear those bells along with you and help you find your gown. Some we feature on this blog with extra details; others kindly share images with us of their big day. Heather Ann Jolly bought her gown from us and thoughtfully sent some images our way. Needless to say, she was a knockout. Many, many thanks to photographer "A Lady and Her Lens" for letting us share these with our readers. The DayThe DressThis gown is a dreamy lace affair! From the bodice to the gorgeous train, lace is the star. Heather chose a beautiful tiara to go with her veil and the entire look was both traditional and romantic. Congratulations to the happy couple!We wish you many years of joy and happiness together
A while back, we shared a blog about bridal gown alterations. With the spring and summer season upon us, it felt like time to update and remind you about what you need to know, and consider when you've purchased a gown that may need to be altered. We've never met a bride who wanted an ill-fitted gown... not once. You search, you set up Pinterest boards, you take screenshots and you try on possibilities until you hear The Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet and you make a purchase. According to The Knot, most gowns will need some sort of adjustment or alteration and the scope will depend on how many alterations, what kind of altering, where you purchased your gown, and the timeline/scheduling of your tailor/seamstress. KEy Things to Remember> Altering any garment is a process. A seamstress is literally fitting a gown to your body. She's molding the dress's structure, shaping the fabric and making sure that dress looks like it was custom made just for you. Getting the perfect fit rarely happens with just one fitting. It's a process that takes tweaking and retweaking. > Alterations take time... The average bride will have between 3 - 5 fittings based on the intricacies of the gown and types of alterations. Sometimes there are more than half a dozen fittings. You'll want to plan on making those trips to try on your gown, be pinned in again based on new adjustments, try it on with your shoes and veil, and so on. It is not an easy job. It's surgery. Seamstresses are, in some cases, taking your dress apart and putting it back together. > ... & Timing is Important. Bring your dress to be altered too soon and your weight may fluctuate by the time of your wedding. It happens. No judgement. Wait too late and your seamstress' schedule may be packed. See Communicate below. > Seamstresses have a backlog. When your dress is pinned and fitted to you the first time, you'll then wait a few weeks before you see it again. This may be due to the number and types of alterations, but it's most certainly because you are not their only client or dress. Your seamstress is not working solely on your gown or bridesmaids dresses. She is slammed, because this is how she makes a living and because this is delicate work. She needs the time to do that delicate work on every gown, not just yours. > What & Who to Bring With You to Fittings. Make sure that your seamstress sees the entire vision of your attire. Bring your veil, any head or hair pieces, your jewelry and shoes, and any other visuals that will inform him/her. As for people, bring your maid or matron of honor, if possible, and a trusted friend or family member who can advise and support you. > Alterations are not free. Things cost money. When you work, you expect to be paid - whether you are nursing a patient back to health, managing a project on a timeline, adding structural boning to the bodice of a wedding gown, or removing 350 tiny beads from the train of a gown. Seriously! Think about all the requests that a bride can make: + Add 500 crystal beads or sequins. + Remove the lace that came with the dress and replace it with my grandmother's antique lace. + Create a keyhole in the back where there wasn't one. + Shorten the sleeves. + Lengthen the hem. These are complex tasks and seamstresses expect to be paid for their experience, their knowledge and expertise and their careful, intricate, detailed work. The seamstress is an independent contractor, so when you're working with her and paying her, you're helping feed her family. Some big box stores have their own in-house seamstresses who get paid through the company. Using an independent seamstress like those we suggest for our brides often means you will save money. The cost of alterations can range anywhere from $20 to $500+, and will depend greatly on the dress and what has to be done. > Show Patience. Losing patience with any wedding vendor will never serve you well. So don't huff and complain to your seamstress. More than one fitting is not the beginning of your dress being destroyed. It's an absolute part of the process. As she molds your dress to your body, she makes those adjustments by hand in many cases. Understand that some wants for your gown are just not possible because of the way the dress is already cut and shaped.
> Communicate. It's important to trust your seamstress and be patient with the process, but don't fail to speak up if you find that something feels uncomfortable or ill-fitting, or not what you were expecting the end result to be. Keep the lines of communication open. She's there to help you and cannot read your mind. Ask questions, listen and keep talking. > Be Kind. That seamstress is your ally. Listen to what she's telling you about what can and cannot be done and trust her instincts. She's there to make you look fabulous in the gown you chose. Don't succumb to the temptation to go Bridezilla because you're under stress. Behaving badly is something you'll regret. Be kind! Why do we harp on kindness? Because it's a foundational unit of measurement - like centimeters of fabric. Your wedding is a big deal and every vendor you're working with wants your day to be perfect. Be more honey than vinegar and you'll remember the experience fondly and enjoy your day sooooo much more. 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. Dos for the NightPick 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. Dont's for the nightDon'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. It is a special milestone that is a lot of fun. No pressure. Have a great time!
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! The DayWinter 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. Fun DetailsWe 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 DressThe 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. CongratulationsAll weddings should end with a smooch. Bridal Traditions sends the best to these two sweethearts with our heart-felt congratulations!
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