Bliss Bridal Salon

Thank You Notes: Natalie M

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Today was one of those days that makes you realize that being a bridal consultant is one of the best jobs in the world! Unexpectantly, we received a super special thank you note from one of our brides!

Natalie, thank you for being a Bliss Bride! We cannot wait to see pictures!!! The Bliss Girls

Thank you notes: Angela S

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

The girls at Bliss try to go above and beyond for each of our brides! Reminders like this make us love what we do even more!

Angela, thank you for being a Bliss Bride! We cannot wait to see pictures!!!
The Bliss Girls

Venue Spotlight: Cendera Center

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Cendera Center is Fort Worth's Newest Event Venue and is located on the Old Weatherford Traffic Circle in West Fort Woth, 15 minutes from downtown. Cendera is ideal for contemporary weddings and receptions,concerts, holiday events and family celebrations.

Boasting over 16,000 square feet of event space, they can comfortably accommodate a range of group sizes from 10 to 1,200 for a variety of occasions. The facility is comprised of a 8,945 square foot event space with 21' ceilings, 6 meeting rooms, a catering kitchen and a beautiful, spacious lobby. The intimate setting, amazing acoustics, ample parking and their friendly and professional staff make Cendera Center a perfect location for receptions and parties.

The open space is easily transformed into any event that you can imagine! The decor and drapes along with the permanent up lighting makes it a designer's dream venue. They were also just announced as the Best Party Venue in Fort Worth, TX Magazine's "Best of" Competition!

Amy Shackelford, CMP, CTA | Events Director
Cendera Center
3600 Benbrook Highway, Fort Worth, TX 76116
www.cenderacenter.com | amy@cenderacenter.com
office: 817.984.6800 | direct line: 817.984.7680 | mobile: 817.733.6249
Check out our upcoming events at www.cenderacenter.com
________________________________________________________________
Photography By: Michelle Peyronet Jones
Peyronet Photography
www.peyronetphotography.com
michelle@peyronetphotography.com
http://peyronetphotography.com/blog
817.707.7487

Vera Wang on Weddings App - Free till March 1st

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:28:00 +0000

Vera Wang, the leader of style and creativity in wedding attire, has launched an all new wedding app for iPhone and iPad! Now you can wear and style your entire wedding Vera! The Vera Wang on Weddings App, FREE till March 1st, showcases so much more than pretty pictures! The exclusive videos, inspiration board feature, gown galleries and so many more tools! You can create and share your very own wedding style boards and real weddings as well! It's like pinterest just for weddings - your wedding!

Being an organized bride is essential and these "on the go" tools are amazing! RSVPs, seating arrangements, correspondance with vendors and all the other "bridal-to-do's"!

Don't forget! It's only free till March 1st! Photos courtesy of the App Store

Styled Photo Shoot: Robert Carr Chapel

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

We were so thrilled to be included in this styled photo shoot at the Robert Carr Chapel! The bride is absolutely stunning and we were super impressed that the letters she holds were from her fiance! Who doesn't love a guy that will actually write you! Enjoy!

We want to say a big THANK YOU to all the wonderful vendors we worked with on this shoot! They are .....

Kari Crowe Photography :: Kari, http://karicrowe.com/
Kate Foley Designs :: Kate, http://www.katefoleydesigns.com/
Bloom Makeup Artistry :: Briggitte, http://www.bloommakeupartistry.com/
Organic Hair by Misty :: Misty, http://www.organichairftworth.com/
Bliss Bridal-Sash :: Wendy, http://www.blissfw.com/
TCU Robert Carr Chapel :: Brittany, http://www.chapel.tcu.edu/
Jewelry :: 10 West via Etsy, http://www.etsy.com/shop/10West
Lavender Joy Weddings, Design & Coordination :: Stefanie, http://www.lavenderjoyweddings.com/

Vendor Spotlight: Birds of a Feather Wedding Planning and Design

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Birds of a Feather Events is a boutique planning firm owned and operated by Wendy Kay, who is responsible for the entire planning and design process for each bride and groom. She focuses on the style, interests, and personalities of the couple to develop a wedding that will not only reflect them as individuals, but wow their guests and leave them with a different idea of what a wedding is supposed to be. Birds of a Feather is all about vintage, quirky, DIY, handmade, and whimsical styled weddings – focusing on making everything unique and taking on the planning process organically so that the bride feels like she is working with a trusted friend rather than a hired hand. The company owns numerous décor items, and the use of those items is included in their design packages as well as customized handmade touches from their other business venture, The Pretty Lab. Birds of a Feather prides themselves on the extensive list of creative and trusted vendors that they work with and selects each vendor based on the client’s wants, needs, personal style, and budget.

Wendy Kay is trained and certified by the AACWP and is available 7 days a week for complimentary consultations. Call her today to get started on your own wedding magic!

Birds of a Feather Events
www.Birds-of-a-Feather-Events.com
214-477-7619

Vendor Spotlight: Flair Events Wedding and Event Planning

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Flair Events is a premier Fort Worth based Wedding and Event planning company that has a passion for weddings that shows through in the work they do for their clients. The president and owner of Flair Events, April Coltharp and her team provides full service planning, design consultation, vendor relations and "day of" coordination for all budgets. With a passionate team dedicated to transforming your event into a personalized experience, Flair Events is your solution to a stress free event!

April Coltharp
Flair Events
817-614-5530
www.FlairFtWorth.com
april@flairftworth.com

Featured Bride: Amelia F

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:00:00 +0000

We had the pleasure of assisting Amelia in finding the gown of her dreams. She was kind enough to share some photos of her wedding day taken by Jonathan Ivy Photography along with some words . Enjoy!

I was always the girl that said I would never get married, so unlike most girls, I never dreamed of a wedding and especially never imagined what my wedding dress would look like. In Oct. ’10, I got engaged, and at that point, I realized I better figure out the dress that I would wear to walk down the aisle. As a General Surgery Resident, I have very little time, so most nights my fiancé would find me asleep with a wedding magazine on one side and a surgical textbook on the other with an episode of “Say Yes to the Dress” playing on the TV in the background. Needless to say, I had no idea what I wanted to wear, but I knew because I wear scrubs and clogs on a daily basis, that I needed a dress that would be “the dress” for me.

In late January, my sister and mother traveled to Fort Worth to be a part of the special adventure to find my dress. Our first stop was at Bliss Bridal Salon. We walked in, and although I assumed I would feel anxious and stressed, I surprisingly became relaxed and calm. All the pressure of finding the perfect dress quickly subsided as I met Wendy who became my ultimate dress advisor. The shop’s atmosphere was very inviting, and I wasn’t overwhelmed with lots of dresses on racks everywhere. Wendy showed me every dress in the shop and listened to everything I had to say, so by the middle of the appointment, she completely knew my personality and what would work for me. I chose the first dress I picked out and the last dress I tried on which was a beautiful Justin Alexander ballgown. I knew it was the dress for me because, as soon as I put it on, I was smiling, dancing, and laughing.

The whole experience was fun, quick, and comforting, and was the first of many wonderful encounters that I had with the ladies of Bliss. Over the next months getting ready for the wedding, I got my veil and fascinator at a Sara Gabriel trunk show which was another great experience at Bliss. At all of my appointments, I was usually post-- call, near exhaustion, and always alone because my family was not in town. I felt like I became the adopted daughter of Bliss because, at every appointment, the ladies were there to answer all my questions and put any concerns at rest while sharing the joy and excitement of getting the perfect dress for my big day.

On 9/17/11, I married the perfect man on the perfect day in the perfect dress. When I got my dress on, I was smiling, dancing, and laughing just as I was the moment Wendy put me in it back in January. So, in the end, I did get “the dress,” and I honestly don’t think it could have been a better and more enjoyable experience as it was at Bliss. They always accommodated my crazy schedule and were absolutely great to work with. Bliss takes the time to know their clients and are eager to get as much information about their hopes and dreams of the big day as well as the wedding venue so that they can put you in the best dress. All of the ladies are wonderful to work with and very professional. You may walk in the salon as a customer but you leave feeling like a friend, or even in my case, an adopted daughter. My wedding day was the best day of my life, and my experiences with Bliss helped to make that happen.

Thank You Notes: Seikesha Hardgraves

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

During our Brides Across America event, we had the pleasure of donating a gown to Seikesha as her fiance was currently deployed and would be returning the next year for their wedding. The day has finally come and we are thrilled to be able to share these pictures with you! Seikesha added a small note to thank us for helping her find the gown of her dreams!

I found out about you all through hearing about a program called Brides Across America in which you participate. I came in not expecting much and left with the dress of my dreams at no cost! You all then blessed me again after I was on the news because I had received the dress. From there it was an out pour of love and support to help make the wedding dreams come true for a lonely military spouse. You all were one of the best things to ever happen to me and I could never in a million years repay you for that. I had the wedding of my dreams that I thought I would never be able to have and it all started with a lovely little shop and the kind hearts of strangers! Thank you so much and may God continue to pour blessings onto a place that truly blesses others. Much Love, Seikesha Hardgraves-Joseph & Family

Thank you Seikesha for allowing us to be a part of this wonderful day! We are truly blessed to have you as a bride!

www.bridesacrossamerica.com

Featured Bride - Whitney B

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

We had so much fun helping Whitney select her gown! She was kind enough to share some pictures of her special day from Bella Bee Photography with us along with some words about her gown shopping experience! Enjoy!

I went shopping and found my dress in 1 day! I went to another store in Dallas and then Bliss after that. My dress was the first one I tried on at Bliss and I knew it was the one!! Michele was the one that helped me and she was SO wonderful to work with. I was torn between two types of dress which happen to be polar opposites. I either wanted a lace fitted dress with a v-neck or I wanted an high wasted A-line dress with a sweetheart neck. I had seen a dress very similar to the dress I purchased in a magazine weeks before and once I saw it, I fell in love! I brought my mom, my sister and my two best girlfriends with me and we had so much fun! Although it is exhausting trying on so many dresses, it was a wonderful experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

The day of the wedding, I couldn't wait to put on my dress! I felt beautiful in the dress and it was one that I could relax in. One of the reasons I loved it was because I felt like I could dance and be myself and not worry so much about everything staying in place. Sure enough, it fit like a glove on the day of and I danced the night away! LOVED my Bliss experience and would recommend it to anyone

Vendor Spotlight: Bridal Blooms

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Bridal Blooms of Fort Worth has been in business over 20 years. Owner Kelly Norvell has a style that leans towards the natural, incorporating unique principles of design. European hand-tieds, composite flowers and cascades are all within their repertoire. They are known for the ability to really listen to what their customer wants and for being easy and fun to work with.

Their warehouse is full of rental equipment including glassware, silver and wrought iron for any table and ceremony décor. Booking limited engagements allows for personal service and details. Other services include freeze dry floral shadow boxes and gown preservation. If you are looking for personalized service, creative florals and superb decorations, Bridal Blooms is the place to go!

Bridal Blooms
Kelly@NorvellDesigns.com
817-999-6131 (mobile)
817-451-4449 (studio)

Thank You Notes: Hayley W

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

We received the sweetest note from one of our brides along with some fabulous pictures from her wedding and we just had to share!

Thank you so much Hayley! We loved working with you and wish you the best! - Bliss Bridal Salon

Gown: Mimi by Watters

Real Brides: La Canterra Photo shoot (part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

More pictures from the photo shoot! Our girls had some fabulous hair accessories and these photo's really show them off!

Maddie showing off the Cammy Veil by Sara Gabriel, silk organza/velour flower with a tulle pouf!

Maddie with the Malis Henderson brooch and feather fascinator and french net veil!

Keri and Brittany showing off the Kendley comb by Sara Gabriel made of Silk Organza and Swarovski Pearls!

We know the girls had a fabulous time during the photo shoot and we can't thank them enough!Needless to say - we love our brides! Thank you girls for making our job so wonderful!

Hair Accessories: Bliss Bridal Salon http://www.blissfw.com/

Photographer: Michelle Peyronet http://www.peyronetphotography.com/

Makeup: Making up with Leah http://www.makingupwithleah.com/

Venue: La Cantera Ranch http://www.lacanteraranchresort.com/

Hair: Memorable Occasions http://www.mohdbymonica.com/

Vendor Spotlight: Sarabeth Events

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Sarabeth Events team of Certified Wedding Planners is conveniently located in Fort Worth but you'll see them everywhere in the Metroplex! With an eye for design as a compliment to artistic brides - SBE loves to get creative in the entire process and guide the couple through the planning progression top to bottom. They believe that each bride should actually get to feel like a bride! Sarabeth Events makes the planning process fun - in attending multiple appointments with each vendor until the couple finds the perfect fit for them... no matter how many appointments that may entail!

Their company philosophy is to treat each client ethically and to have fair business practices. Sarabeth Events only accepts one full-planning package a month - in order to focus on each bride fully. They also don't accept any kickbacks or referral fees, as the vendors they recommend are perfect for that particular couple and their budget. Call Sarabeth Events before you start the planning process - so you can stress less and have more fun being a BRIDE!

Sarabeth Events
Sarabeth Quattlebaum & Amanda Taylor - Soiree Specialists

214.207.6081
Hello@Sarabethevents.com
SarabethEvents.com

Real Brides: La Canterra Photo shoot (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

On April 8th we had the pleasure of working with Peyronet Photography, Making up with Leah: Makeup Artist and Memorable Occasions Hair Stylist on a photo shoot at La Cantera Ranch featuring Bliss Brides! We wanted to share a few pictures from the photo shoot of our fabulous brides - two of which are wearing their actual gowns! (one was yet to be married at the time and we wanted to save her gown for her big day - this past November!)

Our beautiful bride Maddie! We can't tell you how much we love her!

Keri - another one of our beautiful brides! She was a dream to work with!

Brittany - our most recent Bliss Bride - look for an upcoming blog on her wedding!

Needless to say - we love our brides! Thank you girls for making our job so wonderful!

Bridal Gowns: Bliss Bridal Salon http://www.blissfw.com/

Photographer: Michelle Peyronet http://www.peyronetphotography.com/

Makeup: Making up with Leah http://www.makingupwithleah.com/

Venue: La Cantera Ranch http://www.lacanteraranchresort.com/

Hair: Memorable Occasions http://www.mohdbymonica.com/

Vendor Spotlight: Video One Productions

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Video One Productions is going on their 23rd year of being the wedding video professionals in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and beyond. Video captures every element of this special day, right down to the unexpected little events that will make your wedding a vibrant, living, treasured memory. This is the most important day of your life. Would you trust those memories to anyone less than a professional?

How much would you pay to be able to watch your grandparents wedding? With all of Video One Productions' options, you can watch yourself grow-up, date, get married and honeymoon all on one DVD or Blu-Ray disc. They have 3 professional crews to cover events. They provide video services for the rehearsal dinner including video projector and sound for slideshows, ceremony, reception, bridal portrait sittings and even engagement sittings of the bride and groom.

Owner, Dave Thomas says "being in the wedding industry I am blessed with being a part of one of the happiest days of their lives and we get the opportunity to capture the mood, music, movement and emotions of this day."
Click here for a brief sampling of their work!

Bridal Terminology: Lace - Alencon, Chantilly and beyond

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

When shopping for a wedding gown, terminology can be overwhelming. Let us help you with a few descriptions for some of the different lace fabrics that are available for your big day!

Alencon lace has a floral design on a clear net ground showing a classical design. The individual motifs are delicate and are always completely outlined with cord with the scallops around the edge being subtle.

Allover lace has a repetitive pattern similar to a printed material. On less expensive lace the edges are straight, sometimes with a long edge on each side and sometimes left unfinished.

Chantilly lace is a fine, open lace that features a delicate design of branches and flowers held together by flowing ribbons or scrolls. Finished with picots (decorative loops on the edge), the edges are more deeply scalloped than Alencon.

Guipere lace is sometimes called Venise, point de Venise or burned out lace. Unlike most laces, it does not have a net background and is an embroidered design. A common reference would also be the “doily” look.

Metallic lace is made with metallic threads.

Re-embroidered lace is any lace embroidered lace with a heavy cord, lace, ribbons, beads or sequins on the surface.

When comparing laces, compare the overall patterns as well as the variety of textures in the net and motifs. Lace gowns do not denote a particular era or style of wedding and can be transformed to fit almost any theme or venue.

Gowns pictured by Justin Alexander and Wtoo. Veils pictured by Sara Gabriel Veiling and Headpieces

Vendor Spotlight: Art by Ellie - Invitations

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Your wedding invitation sets the tone for your entire wedding, that’s why Art by Ellie believes it shouldn't come from a catalog or a binder. We custom-design your invitation suite to reflect your personality and unique style.

Art by Ellie is located inside Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery & Boutique at The Shoppes at Brownstone Village (2410 W. Abram Street #126, Arlington, TX 76013). Brides are welcome to visit our display and peruse some of our favorite invitations any time, or we can schedule an appointment to meet for a consultation there and discuss design ideas, colors, wording, fonts and answer all of your stationery questions. The owner of Art by Ellie, Laura, works with each bride in person or via e-mail to get a feel for her unique style and ideas, then she will e-mail several custom-designed options and make changes from there until it’s perfect.

Of course our specialty is custom wedding invitations, but we design for all of life's most fabulous moments, so keep us in mind long after the reception ends. We design holiday cards, invitations for parties and showers, personal stationery and business materials too.

Art by Ellie
ellie@artbyellie.com
http://www.artbyellie.com
817.721.0002
Find us on facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/ArtbyEllie

Vendor Spotlight: Turquoise Video Productions

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0000

A wedding day is one of the biggest events a person will have in their life. They are celebrating a huge step and commitment in two people's lives; making two families joined for a life time. Turquoise Video Productions knows this event will be enjoyed by generations and generations. That's why they feel like they are documenting and archiving the day for that couple's family to enjoy for years to come. Wouldn't you want to see your mom or grandmother's wedding film?

Here is a sample with a Bliss Bride! http://www.vimeo.com/29686313
Clark Gardens - Venue
Bliss Private Label - Gown
Turquoise Video Productions

Turquoise Video Productions is one of the leading wedding video production companies in the DFW area, serving local and national clients with all their production needs.
With over 25 years of combined experience, Adrianne and Aytek - a husband and wife team - lead TVP crew with passion for all things film, video and post-production. We love all types of weddings and constantly look for new ways to mold our style and innovate our techniques.

Turquoise Video Productions 817.235.9801 www.tvideoproductions.com http://www.vimeo.com/album/93130

Vendor Spotlight: Warwick Melrose Hotel, Dallas, TX

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0000

There are luxury Dallas hotels, and then there is the Four-Diamond AAA awarded Warwick Melrose Hotel, Dallas, TX. Built in 1924, this historic Dallas landmark offers 184 luxury guest rooms including 21 suites and a Presidential Suite, many with a dramatic view of the city. "Trust in Tradition"…With the Sophisticated Choice for Dallas Weddings

As you first walk through the door you are surrounded with timeless elegance and the magical ambiance that is so natural to the Warwick Melrose Hotel Dallas. Nestled among opulent surroundings, the prestigious Warwick Melrose Hotel Dallas is devoted to making your wedding dreams come true. From intimate wedding receptions, engagement parties, bridal showers, elegant rehearsal dinners to relaxed after wedding brunches, we would be overjoyed to help you create wonderful memories for your special occasion in Dallas.

Leave the details to us and contact Bethany Bustin, our on-site Social Catering Manager to begin planning your memorable day!
Bethany M. Bustin
Social Catering Manager
Warwick Melrose Hotel, Dallas
3015 Oak Lawn Avenue
Dallas, TX 75219
Direct: 214.224.3109
Fax: 214.521.9306
bbustin@warwickhotels.com
www.warwickhotels.com

Vendor Spotlight: Texas Photobooth Company

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Texas Photobooth Company was formed in the Fall of 2005 and specializes in providing the finest in photobooths, the “Model 12” from PhotoWorks Interactive, for wedding receptions and events of all kinds in the North Texas area. Gary Gulley, the owner, commented "at the end of almost every event that I do, someone comes up to me and tells me that we were the “Hit of the Party”. This is wonderful, knowing that I participated in so many peoples’ special nights!

With more than 15 years' experience, the Texas Photobooth Company brings something special to events in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and across North Texas. They provide delivery, set up & removal, an on-site attendant, unlimited FREE photos, and custom graphics on every photo. Options include all photos on CD and a superb scrapbooking service.

Texas Photobooth Company, Inc.
Flower Mound, TX, 75028
Phone: (469) 853-9814
http://www.texas-photobooth.com/

Why are wedding gowns White?

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Prior to the sixteenth-century, bridal gowns were more akin to everyday garmets in style and color. During this sixteenth century, European nobility dictated that white would symbolize purity for the bride. At the time, pale or white garments cost more than dark colored ones because bleaching cloth was an expensive process, available to only the affluent.Other symbols of purity worn by more common brides included a coronet of flowers on her head, a veil over her face, her hair down, and orange blossoms or daisies.

White as the symbolic color of maidenhood resurfaced in the culture when the virgin Queen Victoria married Albert in a white gown.The trend has changed little since and in Europe and the United States, most brides still wear a shade of white or ivory.

Fun facts:
In Scandinavia, black is a popular choice for the bride's dress.
In Ireland, green is often worn.
In most Asian cultures, the bride wears red, the color of luck, joy and prosperity.

A Hopi bride's white dress is woven by the groom and any men in the community who wish to assist him.
For more fun facts see "A Bride's Book of Lists" by Marsha Hackman.

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Featured Bride : Maureen We were so happy to be a part of the process and day of Maureen’s wedding. She’s going to start off our monthly series of featured brides! Be inspired by their wedding, delighted with their details and most importantly, enjoy their bliss!

Maureen wrote us and described the days leading up to and the day of her wedding. What a cherished time for all involved!

Hi –

I wanted to share with you my wedding photos and story. Everyone absolutely loved the dress. I was so happy at my wedding! Thanks so much for all that you did to help with my dress!

I have attached a few pictures!
Thanks again!
Maureen H

A Cherished Day On August 3rd, we boarded a plane bound for Norfolk, VA. Due to the excitement, I didn’t sleep the night before and was able to sleep some on the plane. Before driving down to the Outer Banks in North Carolina,, we stopped in Norfolk to pick up Bill’s tux. We arrived at our hotel where I dropped off my luggage and headed out to my hair and makeup consultation. My mom and friend Tammy joined me. We laughed, chatted and had a wonderful time. Heading to the courthouse to obtain our marriage license was top on the list of To Do’s on August 4th. We brought our passports, driver’s license and birth certificates, but that wasn’t enough. We needed something with our social security numbers on it. Bill had his number on his military ID. However, I didn’t have mine. So, a touch of panic began to set it. The gal at the office suggested I contact my bank or employer to obtain something with my social security number on it. So, Bill called an HR person at work and she faxed the courthouse my profile which contained my social security number. Whew – that was a minor mishap that all worked itself out. The day progressed nicely with visiting friends and family that had arrived into town. Then, we had our rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. It was a fun and yummy dinner at this Mexican restaurant! I stayed with a friend that night where we caught up and chatted. I didn’t sleep that much that night as I was super excited for August 5th!

August 5 has arrived – I could hardly believe it – my wedding day is here! My parents, Sherry and I dropped off the stuff at the reception for them to set up for us and then I went back to the hotel to spend time with my grandmother. It was off to get ready for the wedding. The hair and make up gals were heading to the hotel room. It was fun – we had snacks and adult beverages on hand while we got ready. Friends and relatives stopped by to visit while we were getting ready. It was fun to see everyone! We were ready for the photographer at 5PM, but no photographer – I was a little worried. I called her after we waited for 20 minutes and they finally showed up. We took photos in the room, elevator, out in a gazebo area and on the trolley. My mom and I had a few special moments during the photo time which I will remember forever.

The trolley was so fun. It was wedding white in color with lots of brass flare. The trolley took the gals, friends and relatives to the wedding. The friends and family left to get their seats before the wedding started. The time was getting close. The gals and I left the trolley and headed to the wooden walkway to the beach. The gals climbed the steps to walk down the beach aisle. I couldn’t see what was going on – only heard what the wedding planner told me was happening. While my dad and I waited, folks that were in the condo on the beach yelled, “you look beautiful.” My dad yelled up, “thanks for sharing the beach.” A few special moments with my dad that I will cherish forever!

Finally, the moment arrived. The wedding planner said, “you may begin to walk”.. My dad and I chatted on the walk up the stairs, past the gazebo area to the other end. The weather was so perfect – sunny and a cool breeze. We waited a few minutes and then began to walk down the stairs onto the beach and down the beach aisle. I saw the sign my dad carved that said Maureen and Bill say I Do and then I spotted Bill. I didn’t take my eyes off of him. He looked so handsome standing there. I had a HUGE smile on my face and was so excited! I don’t think I stopped smiling the entire day and night!

The ceremony began and like a flash it was over. We took pictures and hopped back on the trolley to the reception where the party began. We danced, ate, chatted all with our friends and family. I couldn’t have asked for a better wedding. It was just so perfect – exactly as I envisioned and wanted. Thanks to my family and friends for sharing that special day with us! It meant the world to me. The wedding was so me! I loved every single moment and will remember it forever!!

Thank you Maureen for sharing such a special time with us! We’re so happy for you and Bill and wish you two the best in all your future endeavors!

Tips for transporting a gown to a destination wedding:

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:06:00 +0000

1) Carry the dress in the fabric hanging bag provided by your bridal salon. Keeping the dress seperate from other items will prevent possible snags or damage.

2) Never check your gown! Carry your dress on as a piece of luggage and ask to hang it in a coat closet or fold it in fourths and place it in an overhead bin with one side against the wall and another piece of luggage protecting the other side.

3) If you must ship it, make sure to send it to a commercial address and set it to arrive before you. If you are getting married on or near a holiday, allow extra shipping time and always insure the gown for the full amount!

4) If there is beadwork or flowers, wrap the areas in tissue paper prior to transport.

5) Upon arrival, have your wedding planner or family member refer you to someone competent to steam or press your gown. Hotels that host destination weddings should have someone on site to handle this request.

No matter the destination, transporting your gown can seem daunting but with the simple tips above, it will be as easy as your walk down the aisle.

Wedding Gown Preservation - why it is so important right after the wedding!

noreply@blogger.com (Bliss Bridal Salon) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:51:00 +0000

The other day we had one of our beautiful brides bring her gown in for preservation. It has been almost a year since the wedding and due to her school schedule, she had just now found the time to bring her gown to us for cleaning and preservation. It had been a while since she had looked at the gown so we opened the bag and she was astonished at what she saw! There were stains on the gown, both in the front and back that she could not explain. After discussing the wedding with her and telling her that some of the sneakiest things at a wedding that can stain a gown are champagne and sugar she realized what had happened!
During the cake cutting, she and her groom had smashed each other with cake therefore some had fallen down the front of her skirt. Unknowingly, she brushed it away with her hand and created a larger problem. After looking at the back of her gown, you can also see where her groom rested his hand for pictures and where someone had placed their thumb to adjust her zipper.

Even though you may not see any stains with your eyes, trust us, there are invisible stains lurking around. Make sure you have someone designated to take your gown to be preserved immediately after the wedding while you are away enjoying your honeymoon. The preservation process costs less than taking it to a local cleaners and includes cleaning, pressing, preservation and three nested boxes to protect your gown for years to come! For more information or to schedule a time to bring your gown for preservation, feel free to contact us at any time!