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Timing is everything for Anne Sullivan of Nashua, New Hampshire and Jacob Datz of Brimfield, Mass. After exactly five years and seven months of romantic trips, including spending summers seaside in Newport and hitting the slopes in Vermont for the winter, Jacob decided their annual vacation to Killington on March 11, 2016 would hold a special surprise. On a snowy night, surrounded by 24 of their closest friends, Jacob began a toast that ended with a tear-inducing proposal. Exactly one year later, the wedding of their dreams took place in Newport. The coincidence that these meaningful dates fell on the 11th day of the month was one of many signs this marriage was meant to be.
DIY Once the bride decided on the theme, she and her mother got to work crafting and assembling everything they could, including the gold manzanita tree centerpieces with hanging crystals. “90 percent of our decorations were DIY,” Anne explains. Almost Too Pretty To Eat The amazing confetti cake was filled with chocolate mousse, but the real wow-factor was its design. The top layer was adorned with the beautiful Newport Bridge, the middle layer was a representation of the majestic Killington mountain-scape, and finally the base was decorated with the Boston sky line. Outfit Change Anne was in love at first sight – with her dress! It was the first one she found at a trunk show, a Maggie Sottero with an A line, Swarovski crystals, and an illusion back. But one dress just wouldn’t do for such an occasion. Anne rented a second reception dress, a strapless, gold lace piece that was far easier for dancing and moving around all evening. Where Are They Now? After a three day mini-moon filled with skiing and nostalgia in Killington, VT, followed by a tropical getaway to St Maarten, the couple is now continuing their journey in South Boston where Anne works as the senior import and export advisor at Raytheon and Jacob is the senior manager of operations at athenahealth. Featured Vendors Bridal Gown: Marry and Tux Bridal Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal Tuxedos/Suits: Men’s Wearhouse Rings: Made With Love Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas Rehearsal Dinner: 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille First Look: Ochre Court Ceremony, Reception, Caterer: The Atlantic Resort Hair: Sapphire Salon Makeup: Bella Beauty Bridal Flowers: Creative Ambiance Events Cake: Party Favors Transportation: Ocean State Transit Cocktail hour entertainment: Jeremy Green Reception Entertainment: Justin O’Halloran, B.A.S.S. DJ Entertainment Photographer: Brian Hepburn Videographer: Lollie Videography Source: Originally published in the 2018 issue of Newport Wedding Magazine. Once upon a time there used to be a “wedding season” such as the freshness of the June Bride or the vibrancy of the autumn leaves. I’m finding now there is no real wedding season now. Weddings are 12 months a year. Which is certainly good for the wedding professionals for sure!
Lately there have been a barrage of winter weddings, photo’s done wearing a faux fur shawl or shrug outside with the winter snow falling on you or indoors next to a roaring fireplace. A small group of New England wedding professionals got together to do a mini style shoot showing how you can bring a pop of vibrant color into a wedding while the temperature outside is bitter cold. But the day we planned to shoot, the temperature outside without the wind chill was 6 degrees, the florals wouldn’t have survived so wedding photographer Allison Sica of Kiss the Bride Photography called upon her friends at the Tuscan Kitchen in Salem New Hampshire. “Tuscan Kitchen is a photographer’s dream. Edwin Santana who is the private dining and catering manager at Tuscan Kitchen is one of my past clients and they graciously opened their doors for us. The setting has a classic elegance to it. With its frosted glass windows, the upstairs event room was a perfect backdrop. The sheer pink curtains and window brought in a natural, romantic light. Tuscan Kitchen is an intimate venue that photographs very well.” Marry & Tux Bridal provided the fantastical gown that an up and coming model, Amber Markland, showcased and we were all blown away by its beauty. The florals were from Harrington Flowers, Brad Harrington describes this shoot as “A GORGEOUS dress, a beautiful model from Honolulu, some pineapple protea and a whole bunch of talented wedding vendors!” The florals were stunning and professional makeup artist Nancy Gorman of Makeup by Nancy provided Amber with a beautiful berry lip color to match the coloring of her bouquet. No one said you can’t make a winter wedding fun and vibrant. These professionals can make it happen! Photographer – Kiss the Bride Photography Wedding Planner – Fetching Events Gown – Marry & Tux Venue – Tuscan Kitchen Salem NH Florals – Harrington Flowers Makeup Artist – Makeup by Nancy Hair Stylist – Jenna Osberg HMUA Model – Amber Markland If you're a bride-to-be then you've probably noticed this trend everywhere! Long sleeve wedding dresses are BACK! In my 11 years here, I have not seen very many long sleeve wedding dresses until probably really the last two years or so, and boy are they ever "in" right now! So many girls have called, or come in the store saying that other bridal shops that they've been to just don't have any long sleeve dresses for them to try, and they're relieved when they begin browsing our showroom and see how many options they have to try on! We even have plus size long sleeve wedding dresses, so our curvy brides have no fear; we have lots of options in long sleeved plus size wedding dresses for you! What we also offer that sets us apart from the rest, are what we refer to as "add-on long sleeves" - which are essentially a long sleeve that is offered as an accessory that can be added to any strapless wedding dress to make it become a long-sleeve dress. These can also be added to v-neck wedding dresses to make them a long sleeve wedding dress. They're pretty cool, and we have quite a few in different lace patterns to blend with any dress, which opens up a LOT more dresses that can have sleeves, rather than the ones that just come with sleeves. Below is an example of (1) of the long the sleeves that can be added to any dress (we have over 10 sleeve options!). The dress that's shown below is strapless, but also offers a matching sleeve that can be added!  Since it's sunny and beautiful out today, I'm going to share these gorgeous photos of Erin & Stephen at the Renaissance Golf Club in Haverhill, MA! If you didn't know, a cool thing about this wedding venue is that they only do (1) wedding / day, so it really makes for an amazing, relaxed, wonderful day. Whether you're walking down the aisle on one of their luscious greens, or in one of their updated, sleek, modern indoor spaces; your ceremony and reception options are sensational. Erin walked down the aisle in a beautiful Julietta wedding dress by Morilee while Stephen and his groomsmen opted for classic charcoal gray suits. The bridesmaids each chose their own style navy bridesmaids dresses, and be sure to check out the cute Red Sox tees they wore while getting ready! I am so happy to share these photos with you that were graciously provided to us from Alisha Maria Photography (www.alishamariephotos.com). Enjoy! If you've been to our Home page, or our Events page, then you may have noticed that we are hosting an Event featuring the 2019 wedding gowns by Allure Bridals beginning this Friday, November 30, 2018! We get many questions about what this event is, so I'm going to break it down for you! During an event, the designer that we are featuring sends us a selection of the *newest* gowns that have not yet shipped to stores yet. What's so cool about this event is that you get an opportunity to order your dress months before it's even available elsewhere! Below is a sampling of what we wil be receiving for the week, there are some beautiful wedding dresses coming! We will be getting long sleeve wedding dresses, lace wedding dresses, ballgown wedding dresses, romantic wedding dresses, classic wedding dresses, sparkly wedding dresses, and MORE! This event books up FAST, and the gowns are only here through Saturday, December 8th - so if you're hoping to say yes to your dress I would schedule an appointment today!  Thanksgiving has come and gone, and what's on most people's minds right now is the upcoming Holiday Season! I know that the majority of us in New England don't love the snow, but when it comes to winter weddings boy does it make for some beautiful wedding photos! The color choices for winter weddings are endless, but for most winter weddings we see jewel tones such as emerald, red, bordeaux, deep purple, etc. The contrast of those rich colors to the stark white snowy background is truly beautiful, even though you may have to freeze a bit to get those perfect photos (you know the old saying, beauty is pain, right?). Today I'm highlighting photos of Katie and Dan who were married at Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown, New Hampshire. If you've never heard of Zorvino, it's a stunning vineyard located conveniently off of 93, it's just a short drive to this vineyard wedding venue from Boston. Family owned and operated Zorvino winery originally started as a hobby. Jim and Cheryl Zanello purchased the 80 acre lot in Sandown, NH in 2000 after retiring. 4 years later Zorvino Vineyards was established. The “Zor” in Zorvino comes from the original family name Zorzanello and “Vino” which means wine. Family and Wine… the perfect pairing. The winery itself provides the perfect backdrop to the post and beam rustic structure that hosts weddings, special events, and more. Katie walked down the aisle in a showstopping Maggie Sottero lace wedding dress while Dan wore the always-classic black tuxedo. Her bridesmaids wore long red bridesmaids dresses with ivory pashminas, and carried big, beautiful red winter bouquets. Everything about this wedding is what we at Marry & Tux Bridal like to call "pinterest-worthy"! The photographs were graciously shared by Garone Photography (www.GaronePhotography.com) and from what it looks like; these two had the perfect day! Enjoy! And from all of us at Marry and Tux Bridal, Congratulations !  I don't think I've ever done a blog post featuring the Tewksbury Country Club before, which is strange because we have a decent amount of brides telling us that this is their wedding venue! Located just an hour outside of Boston, Tewksbury Country Club offers a few different options for your wedding, including three reception room options with room capacity varying from 100-300 guests. Their ballroom features a beautiful fieldstone fireplace which provides a beautiful backdrop for the bride and groom's sweetheart table, and don't even get me started on the landscaping. The photo opportuities are endless with a cobblestone bridge leading up to the main building, a gazebo, and of course the perfectly manicured golf course. Today I'm sharing photos from Dan and Amanda's wedding that were captured so beautifuly by Jessica Maranda Photography . Amanda walked down the aisle in a beautiful lace cap sleeve wedding dress by Stella York, while Dan opted for an always-classic black tuxedo. Her bridesmaids all chose their own style in our Marlene Joyce Bridesmaids dresses in a sage green, and the entire day pulled together beautifully. If you want to talk about the perfect golden hour photos, then these are them. Thank you again to Jessica Maranda Photography (https://www.facebook.com/jessicamarandaphotography/) for letting me share these pictures; and from all of us at Marry & Tux Bridal, congratulations Amanda + Dan!! Seeing as it's 80 degrees and beautiful outside today, I figured it would be the perfect opportunity to highlight one of our beautiful brides wearing a blush pink ballgown from Allure Bridals. I often hear brides say "Oh, I'm getting married outside so I can't wear a ballgown"... this comment makes all of us want to scream GIRL, yes you can... and you can rock it!! There is seriously no wedding venue where a bride wearing a ballgown would be considered a "no-no", because yanno....you're the bride? While choosing a dress that will "work" with your venue is a valid point (if it's small, on a boat, in someone's home, more informal etc.) but in some instances you just have to let go of that, live in the moment, and get the dress that makes you feel amazing, and more importantly makes you feel like a bride! Okay, now on to the good stuff. Kerri + Matt at Castleton. The following are what I'm obsessed with about this wedding: Her dress, I mean come on, Allure Bridals C323 custom made with a corset back makes this dress a complete showstopper. The combination of a blush pink wedding dress with lavender bridesmaids is pure genius; her long cathedral length veil is stunning, and don't even get me started on her flowers that were UNREAL. Both their wedding ceremony and reception took place at Castleton which has beautiful grounds and endless photo ops. If you've never heard of Castleton before, it's a beautiful venue located right off 93 in Windham, NH. It's very easily accessible for guests traveling from Boston, Northern NH, and further. It's "all-in-one" venue offers the opportunity to have both your ceremony and reception on the same property, which makes life just that much easier! These photos were graciously shared by Kiss The Bride Photography (www.kissthebridewedding.com) and couldn't be happier to see this couple tie the knot. Kerri's smile is contagious, and you can truly feel the love in these photos. From all of us at Marry & Tux Bridal, congratulations!!  I'm going to be honest, I love wedding photos from Gibbett Hill. There's just something about this venue that is so beautiful, and so picturesque that makes me feel like Gibbett Hill is truly a timless wedding venue. From the rolling bright green grass hills, to Bancroft's Castle for photo ops, to the indoor space; there's really no way you can have bad photos from here. Now, add a stunning backess wedding dress from Essense of Australia, a cathedral veil, blush bridesmaids dresses and navy suits, and you've got a wedding album for the books. Today I'm sharing photos from Olivia + Kyle's wedding that were so graciously shared by Kelsey Regan Photography (Kelseyreganphotography.com). From all of us at Marry & Tux Bridal, congratulations!  Recently we've seen more brides looking for this unique bridal fabric. If you haven't tried on any crepe gowns yet, then odds are you don't know what you're missing! Crepe is a stretch fabric that is matte in appearance (there's no shine) that has historically been used in dress linings to give the gowns a little bit of movement and give while you're wearing the dress. I usually get brides telling me that this fabric is "like wearing yoga pants" once they put it on; because it's seriously that comfy. In the past year or so we've seen more designers creating the entire gown out of the crepe fabric, not just the dress linings. The end result is pretty beautiful, because the fabric itself has a four way stretch that hugs the body and drapes fluidly on the body creating a streamlined, non-shiny appearance on the bride. I know what you're thinking, it's going to show everything or it's going to be clingy; but here's where it gets interesting. The crepe gowns usually (99% of the time) have a liner built into them that's meant to hug the body and camoflauge any imperfections, while the top layer of the gown (the crepe part) slides right on top and only shows the good stuff. Pretty cool right? Crepe gowns are generally unbeaded, so if you're that bride looking for a clean wedding dress, a plain wedding dress, or even say, a "simple" wedding dress, then maybe crepe is for you! I'm highlighting some of our favorite crepe wedding dresses below. If you like what you see then come try them on! Marry & Tux Bridal is conveniently located just 40 minutes from Boston, Worcester and the Seacoast!  Located just outside of Keene, NH it's hard to believe that this beautiful rustic estate is just 90 minutes from Boston! With on-site lodging, spectacular views, and the perfect fall foliage it's easy to see why brides continuously choose Cobb Hill Estate as their wedding venue of choice. Their website boasts: "Cobb Hill Estate is a New England paradise, perfect for those who appreciate the natural beauty of New Hampshire. Featuring 750 private and secluded acres, it’s hard to believe that Boston is only 90 minutes away. An outdoor amphitheater provides a framed view of Mt. Monadnock as well as breathtaking views of three states. On an adjacent property, accommodations include lodging for 45 people, along with a large event tent, chairs, dance floor, and lighting". Today I'm featuring photos of Alison & Roy, who had what looks like the most perfect fall day for a wedding. I just love all the details of this wedding, from the rustic wedding signs as you arrive, to Alison's rose gold engagement ring & wedding band, everything about this wedding is right in my wheelhouse. Not to mention, who doesn't love popcorn as a snack before the wedding ceremony? I mean COME ON! Every detail about this day was just perfect! Alison walked down the aisle in an all over lace wedding gown by Maggie Sottero, which she paired with a beautiful sparkly bridal hairpiece. While Roy wore an always-classic navy blue suit with a tweed vest and burgundy tie. The photos were taken by the talented Meagan Emilia Photography ( Meaganemilia.com ) and we couldn't be happier to share! From all of us at Marry & Tux Bridal, congratulations!  Today I'm going to share with you images from Danielle & Andrew's wedding at Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown, NH. Zorvino is such a beautiful venue for a spring wedding, or well; any time of year for a wedding! They have a picturesque gazebo outside for your cermony, and also a stunning inside space in case of rain. Let's also not foget to mention the rows of vineyards for endless photo opportunities, I mean come on! Danielle wore a lace wedding dress by Maggie Sottero, which she had customized by Something Blue by Liliana Puertas to include a three quarter lace sleeve (it came out beautiful). Her bridesmaids wore pastel bridesmaids dresses, while Andrew and his groomsmen wore heather gray suits with blush ties. The photos were taken by Gibbons Photography (Gibbonsphoto.com) and we're so excited to share! From all of us at Marry & Tux Bridal, congratulations!  Today I'm sharing photos from Andrea & Kieran's wedding that took place at the Boston Hyatt Harborside. Andrea & Kieran were married on the lawn overlooking the city, and what a view!! Andrea got ready at her family home, where she was escorted to her venue in a vintage 1937 Packard! Andrea wore a sweetheart lace wedding dress by MonCheri Bridals, which she customized by adding on a cap sleeve to create the illusion of a keyhole back. Pretty cool, right! Kieran and the groomsmen wore the ever-classic gray suits, while the bridesmaids popped in bright pink long flowy dresses. The photos were captured by The Ewings Photography Studio (www.the-ewings.com and I'm so excited to share them with you! From all of us at Marry & Tux Bridal, congratulations!  If you follow the blog regularly then you'll see that I have a pattern of loving any wedding that incorporates gold, metallic accents, or anything with sequins. I can't help it, I work in a bridal shop and my love of all things sparkly just seems to have developed over time (at least that's what I tell myself). That being said, you'll understand my obsession with today's couple. Today's wedding is featuring Tiffany & Joshua who were married at St. Mary's Church, and the reception was held at Aria in Prospect, CT and the photos are just amazing. I first loved these photos because Tiffany customized her wedding dress by adding a custom cap sleeve onto her completely bling'd out ballgown, but then I saw all of her details and I couldn't stop downloading her photos to put on this blog! From the website of Aria Wedding & Banquet Facility by Villa Rosa the photos of the venue depict a perfectly manicured landscape, breathtaking views, and a modern, chic space for your reception. Judging by these wedding photos, the space is exactly that. From Tiffany's stunning bridal makeup, to Joshua's navy suit, and those sequin bridesmaids dresses; this wedding was pure perfection and is right up my alley. The beautiful photos were shared by Hubert & Alka Photography (www.HKPhotography.com) and from all of us at Marry & Tux Bridal, congratulations!!  There are two fun facts about today's blog post! The first fact is that Liza is the first bride that we have received photographs from that is wearing the Maggie Sottero "Anita"; and the second is that Liza & Alec are first couple that we've ever had get married at the Black Rock Yacht Club! Located in Bridgeport, CT the club dates back to 1874 when the clubhouse was part of the George Hotel. It was sold in 1926 and became officially known as the "Black Rock Yacht Club". It's grounds offer sailing, tennis, pool facilities, a clubhouse, and of course weddings! Liza walked down the aisle in a simple and beautiful wedding dress by Maggie Sottero, while Alec wore a classic black tuxedo with what is probably the coolest peacock bow tie and pocket square combination that I've ever seen! Let's not forget Liza's raspberry color bouquet, and those those mix and match bridesmaids, the color combination is just gorgeous! The photos were graciously shared by Nathan Ramirez Photography (nathanramirezphotography.com ) and the photos are just beautiful. I'm so excited to share! Congratulations from all of us at Marry & Tux Bridal!  I'm so excited to share photos with you of today's couple! Kate and Alicia traveled to us from South Paris, Maine to find their perfect wedding gowns for their big day, and the results are just beautiful! Kate chose a beautiful long sleeve wedding gown by Essense of Australia while Alicia chose a blush wedding dress by Maggie Sottero. The wedding took place at King's Hill Inn & Barn in South Paris ME, where Kate is the property manager, and the couple lives! I've never heard of this wedding venue before, nor have I seen photographs of it, so I was pretty pumped with Cait Bourgault (www.caitbourgaultphotography.com) gave me the "that would be awesome!" to share their beautiful photos with you!! From the outdoor woodsy-ceremony to the rustic homey-feeling of the barn, I truly cannot pick a favorite photo from this wedding! Their day incorporated shades of indigo blue, with pops of red and gold (check out that table decor, I mean come on!), personal touches, and some stunning florals. Needless to say that this day was full of love and laughter, and these photos are sure to make you smile. We are so happy for you two, congratulations from all of us at Marry & Tux Bridal! Photography: Cait Bourgault Phototography Venue: King's Hill Inn & Barn Florals: Kate's mom, Nancy Michaud Catering: Blue Elephant Catering Hair Stylist: Caitlin of Cut Loose Bar: Maurice's Restaurant  It's been awhile since I've had the chance to post a blog - and I'm sorry to leave you hanging! I have been so busy that I have not had a chance to showcase some of our beautiful brides, but that changes today! On this dreary, rainy day I'm sharing with you photos of Anne + Bryan that were taken at Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro, MA. I have never heard of this venue, so I headed to their website to read a little about their history. In true New England fashion, this farm has a bakery, a country kitchen, daily hayrides, and of course a farmstand to sell their crops (Sidenote: this place is huge). In addition to the fun attractions on the grounds, you can also pick your own strawberries, blueberries, fresh flowers, cherries, apples, peaches, and pumpkins. I ask myself, how in the world did you not know about this place Katy? I'm really not sure, but now I'm determined to go and make a day out of it when the weather gets nicer! Anywho, back to the Bride & Groom. Anne + Bryan were married at St. Kathryn's Church in Hudson NH, then headed to nearby Tyngsboro for their reception. The reception took place at Parlee Farms because guess what; the Bride's family owns the farm! How cool is that! What a special treat to be married at a place so near and dear to the family at such a stunning venue. And sorry to disappoint, but their website doesn't mention that they do weddings, so there's a possibility that they don't do weddings on the reg; but boy these photos will make you wish they did. Anne wore a lightweight lace wedding dress by Maggie Sottero, while Bryan and the groomsmen wore navy suits with brown shoes and blush ties. Make sure you check out their special touches on their wedding menu, the summery table decor, and those print bridesmaids dresses!!! Congratulations to Anne & Bryan from all of us at Marry & Tux Bridal! Photography by Russell Caron Photography Hair & Makeup: Serenity Spa & Salon Rentals: Boston Rustic Wedding Rentals Catering: Two Chefs Are Better Than One Florist: Susan Chaney  I'm all about highlighting unique and cool wedding venues, so today I'm going to highlight the wedding of Erica and Chris who were married at the Lanam Club in Andover, MA. Before I saw their wedding photos, I had never heard of the Lanam Club, nor in the ten years I've been working here have I had one of our brides tell me that was where she was getting married. So with my curiosity piqued, I wandered over to the website of the Lanam Club and read a little about their history. Built in 1916 on a luxuriant hillside overlooking the winding Shawsheen River below, the original house mirrored the vision and spirit of its owner, William M. Wood, late president of the American Woolen Company. He began construction of a mansion located 150 yards south of his own home, “Arden.” The new home “Orlando” was completed by late 1916. The interior of the space boasts large hand carved oak quarter-panels, ceilings featuring hand molded plaster rosettes, and a marble fireplace that sets a wonderful ambiance. The terraces on the property have a beautiful space for your wedding ceremony, and the grounds themselves provide great opportunity for some spectacular wedding photos (those trees though, I mean come on!). I am so excited to share these photos that were captured by Greg Brett Photograhy (gregbrett.com) of Erica & Chris. Erica walked down the aisle in a light gold wedding dress by Maggie Sottero, while Greg wore a classic gray suit that complimented her dress perfectly. I can actually almost feel their excitement in their first look photos - congrats you two from all of us at Marry & Tux Bridal!   If you're a bride-to-be, then you're probably thinking about what your groomsmen are going to wear. Historically when you think about a wedding, you often think about men wearing a classic black tuxedo because let's face it; a black tuxedo never goes out of style. While lots of wedding parties still choose to rent black tuxes for their wedding, there are other color options for your guys as well. The biggest menswear trend that we've been seeing lately is navy suits. If you have already begun your research on navy suits for your groomsmen, then you've likely seen the prices of buying a suit (yikes). Just a navy suit jacket alone can run you upwards of $499 - that doesn't even include a shirt, tie, vest, socks, OR SHOES! If your guys have zero intentions of wearing this suit again, then why not just rent one? Let's be serious, who doesn't want to save a little money when you're in a wedding? Finding somewhere to rent a navy suit for your wedding party is no easy task - but lucky for you we've made it easy. We currently stock two different navy suits for your groomsmen to rent! We have the classic navy suit with no satin (nothing shiny) on it, with the option of a matching navy vest. We also stock a stunning navy suit jacket with a black lapel. We've even had a few wedding parties put the groom in the navy tux with the black lapel, and the groomsmen in solid navy! What most people don't know is that our tuxedo rentals are hassle-free, with the biggest perk being the option to make on-the-spot changes (same day). So let's say your brother comes in and his shoes are too tight; no problem we'll grab him another pair! Or, maybe your dad lost a little weight and now his jacket is too big - we got you! We have a warehouse attached to the building so we'll just grab dad a smaller coat and he'll be on his way! Pretty sweet, right? We are the ONLY tuxedo rental / suit rental location in NH or MA that has the option to make immediate changes like this. Other tuxedo rental sources will just put the sizes you ordered in a bag and call it a day; if it's too big, too bad. Not with us, we want your wedding party to look their best! Check out photos of our newest navy suits below - and check out our "shop by color" page to browse our tuxedo accessories!  We're in the full swing of bridesmaids season, which we couldn't be more excited about! Our bridesmaids department is often described as "lively" (translation: a lot of fun). Groups of best friends looking for their dresses for the big day, finding that perfect dress that fits your vision, and of course - your girls.
We're seeing more and more mix-and-match bridesmaids parties lately, which is such a great idea. Less stress for the bride, and often times less pressure for the girls to wear a bridesmaid dress that they may not really want to wear, or most times feel comfortable in. We have so many bridesmaids styles that mix and match, that letting your bridesmaids choose their own style can be easier than you think! I'm going to give you a little advice on bridesmaids shopping, and I hope that it helps! At your appointment start by figuring out which bridesmaids company produces the color, or color palette that you're most interested in. It's common for girls to come into our store and head straight for the rack that holds the blue dresses, or pink dresses, or whatever your wedding color may be. But what people don't often know, is that each of our bridesmaids dresses has the option of being ordered in over 60 colors for each dress. Narrowing down the color first is super important, that way you don't say "yes to the bridesmaids dress" and realize the color blue they offer isn't the blue that you want. How annoying is that?! Once you figure out the company that offers the color you want, have the girls dive into the area of the store where this designers dresses are hanging. This will ensure that they are only selecting gowns that are guaranteed to be made in the color that YOU want. Now it's up to the bride if she wants all of the bridesmaids in the same dress, or if she is open to each girl choosing their own style. I often see bridesmaids parties come in with the idea of everyone choosing their own style, but at the end of the appointment everyone ends up loving the same dress! We have enough styles that there truly is something for everyone, and at the end of the day how you want your bridesmaids to look is up to you. The low down on bridesmaids:
Appointments are recommended, especially on Saturday's!! Don't forget about our evening appointments on Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 5:00 & 6:30PM. Evening appointments are like having the bridesmaids department to yourselves (it's pretty awesome I highly recommend it). We can't wait to meet you!  Given the fact that we are going to have blizzard-like conditions tomorrow, I felt it appropriate to write a blog highlighting a beautiful Newport RI wedding. One of the major perks to getting married in New England is our accessibility to amazing scenic coastal wedding venues. I'm all for a good golf course photo, or even a northern New Hampshire mountain wedding backdrop, but there's something serene about the ocean, and the photos from this wedding will for sure have you agreeing with me. Jess and Elvis were married on April 8, 2017 at the Landing in Newport RI. Now I'm somewhat familiar with Newport, but I never knew that the Landing hosted events and wedding receptions! It is true, you do learn something new every day! Their website boasts "With cool ocean breezes and a commanding view of Newport Harbor, The Landing offers some of the best views anywhere in Newport. Complimenting these views is our menu, offering a variety of fine dining, seafood, rawbar, bar snacks and appetizers. The Landing offers various entertainment and live music throughout the year". Amazing views, fresh seafood, AND a it's wedding venue!? Yes please. Jess walked down the aisle in a customized wedding gown by Morilee by Madeline Gardner, which she so stunningly added a long sleeve sheer top to (love this!), while Elvis wore a classic suit with a bold striped tie (also obsessed). The bridesmaids walked down the aisle in the always in style black long bridesmaids dresses, while hints of lime, fuschia, and cream added a beautiful contrast to the day. The photographs were so graciously shared by Meagan Emilia Photography (meaganemilia.com) - and they truly capture the joy and excitement on these two while they said "I do". Their smiles are contagious, I hope you enjoy!! PS! Be sure to check out the custom sign behind Jess & Elvis at the church - SO COOL!  We hear this question all the time, so I figured why not post a blog outlining your wedding dress timeline!
When should I order my wedding dress? Trusted sources such as TheKnot, Wedding Wire, and Brides Magazine all suggest ordering your gown 8-12 months before your wedding. Yup, you heard that correctly! Why so early? Special order wedding gowns are not pre-made. What this means is that each dress is made to order in your choice of style, color, size, and sometimes even length. While it doesn't take 8 months for manufacturers to actually sew your dress together; your order gets put in line and made in the order in which it was received. What takes so long? First and foremost, every wedding gown company that we carry are sold internationally. They aren't just selling to our store. These companies are selling to hundreds, even thousands of stores; and that means even more brides. Each bride needs their dress made for them, in the style that they chose, the color they want, the size they need, and sometimes even their custom length. Companies such as Maggie Sottero sell to over 68 Countries, that's a whole lot of brides. Think about that for a second. Not only do you get in line for your wedding dress to be made for you, but wedding dresses with heavy, or "complex" beading can take longer because once production actually starts on these intricate wedding dresses, they take additional time and manpower to complete. Some of our wedding gowns can take up to 3+ weeks to bead once started, and that's just one dress. Ruffles are often cut one-by-one and pinned individually before they are actually sewn on the dress. Remember all those sparkly beads you loved on your dress? They're sewn by hand. Wedding gowns are truly a work of art, and works of art take time to complete. Where are they made? Each gown manufacturer has factories that they work with to produce their wedding dresses. Most of these factories are located overseas, and the gowns are imported into the United States. How long does shipping take? Most of our companies ship by boat, which is about 30-45 days once the order leaves it's place of origin. Why do they ship this way? To keep the cost of your dress manageable. If each gown was individually shipped by air, it would add $100-$200 to the cost of your dress. Your dress only ships by air once it hits the US and crosses customs. What about alterations? Alterations should be started 3 months before your wedding date, or sooner in some cases. In New England our busy wedding season is Fall & Spring, so if your wedding falls in either of these seasons, the sooner you start your fittings the better! So there you have it! The inside scoop on the when, where, and how of wedding dresses. Like you, I had no idea about any of the ins-and-outs of how this industry worked until I started going to bridal market to purchase the gowns with Barbara, the owner of the store. In spending time in showrooms you learn a lot about how each brand works, and believe me when I say they all operate in their own unique ways. I hope that this blog helps a little in understanding the timeline! Photo above provided by Maggie Sottero  I'm not sure where to begin writing a blog about Bedford Village Inn, because there are so many things I love about this venue. Having dined there a few times, as well as attended a wedding, this venue is probably high up there in my list of favorites. The property itself is spacious and impressive, all while still maintaining the feeling of a quintessential, quaint "New England Inn" feel that it's so well known for. Laura and Geoff were married at BVI, with images captured by Tom Gibbons Photography (Gibbonsphoto.com) and they are just beautiful. Laura wore a showstopping wedding dress by Allure Bridals, Geoff opted for the classic black tuxedo. The groomsmen wore heather gray suits, which were such a beautiful contrast to the girls in their royal blue bridesmaids dresses. I love how much Laura & Geoff stood out in their formal bridal party photos, if you're considering having the groom in a different suit or tuxedo than the groomsmen, let this be your inspiration! Enjoy!  Fall is officially here, the leaves have started to change and wedding season is well underway! Today I'm sharing photos of Alexsis and Keith who were married at the Crane Estate on September 9th, 2017. While I've certainly had brides tell me they're getting married at the Crane Estate, this is the first time I've actually been able to see the photographs! If you've never heard of the Crane Estate before, here's a little history direct from their website: The 2,100-acre Crane Estate is an unforgettable destination for your special event with its winding salt marshes, miles of barrier beach, and beautiful hilltop mansion. Chicago industrialist Richard T. Crane, Jr. first purchased the land that would become The Crane Estate in 1910. Crane was captivated by the beautiful landscape, and over the next two decades worked with some of America's leading architects and landscape architects to shape his summer retreat, sited with hilltop vistas of the Atlantic in an area of the property known as Castle Hill. In 1928, Castle Hill was crowned with a 59-room Stuart-style mansion designed by world-renowned architect David Adler. Today, the Crane family mansion is known as The Great House on The Crane Estate and is protected, along with the rest of Castle Hill, as a 165-acre National Historic Landmark. Alexsis walked down the aisle in a stunning lace Stella York wedding gown, while Keith looked equally as classic and crisp in his tuxedo. The bridesmaids are to-die-for in burgundy, and don't even get me started on the flowers. The photos were shared by Lena Mirisola Photography - LenaMirisola.com (one of my personal favorites) - enjoy!!  Summer may be winding down, but we're still daydreaming of sunny days and waterfront weddings! Danversport is a pretty popular wedding venue that we hear quite often, and with it's convenient North Shore location it's no wonder we have so many of our brides getting married there! The venue offers waterfront views, scenic gardens and the opportunity for an outdoor ceremony. Plus the venue is one of the few in the area that can accommodate weddings of up to 650 guests. Whether your style is crystal chandeliers, modern elegance, or intimate and lovely, Danversport has a location that will suit your preference. Today I'm sharing photos of our bride Jessica, who was married on a beautiful summer evening in one of our favorite Martin Thornburg for Mon Cheri wedding gowns, and her husband John wore a classic gray tuxedo. The Bridesmaids are in a stunning shade of coral, and the photos captured by Adriano Batti (www.Adrianobatti.com) are just spectacular (check out that sky!). Enjoy! |
100 Daniel Webster Hwy. Nashua, NH 03060
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Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 12noon- 8pm Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 10 - 4pm Closed Sunday |
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