Mia Solano

I am loving these new Mia Solano gowns!  Which one is your favorite  Having a hard time deciding... come on in and see them in person!

It's Great to Collaborate!

Last November, Heartfelt Bridal was asked to be a part of an equestrian photo shoot for Ira and Lucy Event Design and Vintage Rentals.  I wanted to get these pictures up earlier but you know how life is... more to do than hours in the day!  The pictures are too great NOT to share even though it happened months ago.  I supplied a Maggie Sottero Bridal gown and a Jordan Fashion bridesmaids dress.

Everyone involved in the shoot is so talented and I am honored that I was able to work with them!

 Behrens Artistry did the make-up and Stephanie Mballo Photograpy was the photographer.  Be sure to check these guys out! They are awesome!  The photos were taken locally in Star. 

Pretty Maids Bridemaids Dresses

I love that Pretty Maids has so many different colors and style options for their bridesmaid collection!  Take a look and come on in and see them in person...

Jordan Fashions Bridesmaid Dresses

Buyer Beware!!! Real vs Counterfit Gowns

Buyer Beware!!!!

The beginning of the rest of your life can sure take a toll on your wallet.  Finding ways to save money is important but only on certain things.  I think most people would agree with me when I say that the wedding gown is one of the, if not THE, most important part of a wedding.  I want to make sure that when you purchase your gown that you are actually purchasing what you want.  Below are some guidelines to follow when if you are thinking of purchasing a gown online.  This will ensure you will be wearing a PERFECT gown for your perfect day!

ONLINE GOWNS:

There is a reason that online gowns are priced "Too Good to be True!!!"  Because they are!  Listed are several of the reasons that is the case.

1.) Misleading pictures: Just because they show you a pictures of a designer gown, does not mean you are getting that designer gown.  That is how they sucker you in.  They do not have the designs or materials to equal the original. 

 2.)  Inner Construction of the Gown:  Counterfeit gowns have no inner construction on the gown.  If you do not have the adequate construction of the bodice, especially for strapless, your gown will not fit and will sag and pucker.  If it is a lace up gown, you will have a very sad looking back, because again the inner construction is not there.

3.)  Beading on the gown, if it has beading.  You do not get the high quality that is on the original.  The ones that I have seen have inexpensive pearls and cheap seed beads.  Looking nothing like what you are seeing on the original.  

4.)  Not from a manufacturer:  Most of your counterfeit gowns are from an online manufacturer in China, which means they are not actually a manufacturer.  They are a one person, maybe a couple more, making them out of a small shop or even their own home.  I had one bride purchase an online gown from China, and it smelled like smoke and the fabric which was suppose to be white, had a grey tint to it.  It was HORRIBLE!!!!

5.)  No possibility of a refund:  You have no recourse as to getting a refund, or being able to even contact them.  They always deal with you through an email address, never showing an address or phone number in which to contact them.

Most of the brides that I work with do not understand the importance of a well structured gown until they try one on.  It has everything to do with the fit and the look you want to achieve.  This is why the cost of a wedding gown is more expensive... it is all about making the bride look her very best and accentuating her best features.  

Don't throw good money after bad.  Your wedding day is a day that you dream about most of your life.  If you find a picture of a designer gown that you love, find an authorized retailer and try on the gown for yourself.  It could very well save you a lot of heartache and money in the long run.  Remember the old saying, " You get what you pay for."

Groom of the Month: November

Lamar Berry

Okay ladies... let me remind you that the groom featured in this post (and in future posts) is already taken! So wipe the drool from your chin and let's continue...
Remember our Bride of the Month, Heather? This is her other half, her dance partner!  You remember their EPIC 1st dance right?! Well... let me tell you a little bit about what it was like to help him and his friends and family prepare for THE day...  
Working with LaMar was a real joy!  He is such a gentle man, (but still manly and strong... right Heather?!) as well as a gentleman.  Every time he came to my shop he had a smile on his face and a big hug for me!  I knew any time I had an appointment with any of the Little-Berry wedding party fun was going to be had by all!

Some of his groomsmen I had worked with before on a previous wedding a few years ago.  It was great to see them again, and I had just as much fun as I did the first time I worked with them!  They are such an awesome group of guys and a real reflection on the kind of person that LaMar is. His love for Heather was evident every single time I saw them together!  He is definitely one of a kind, and I feel so blessed and honored to have gotten to know him and be a part of this special time with him.  I wish only the very best for LaMar and Heather in their marriage.  Thank you for letting me be a part of your forever!

Lamar's Favorite Things:

1.  Favorite part of the Tuxedo:

  My favorite part to the tuxedo was the cut of the jacket and the style of the vest. LeAnn had so many different options to choose from to help me find the perfect style that fit my body type.
2.  Favorite part of his wedding day: 

  My favorite part of the wedding was seeing my bride in her dress for the first time.  We had a reveal before our ceremony.

3.  Advice he would give to current and future groomsmen:

  Advice I have for current or future groomsmen would be to look no further than Heartfelt Bridal for your tux, because she has an awesome selection for any groom and groomsmen. LeAnn can have any tux brought in to try on and has many colors to choose from, which will help you distinguish your look from your groomsmen. She is great with last minute alterations and issues that come up. Enjoy the day that your bride has planned, as this is the beginning to a new chapter in your life!

Love these pictures as much as I do?  Check out Steve Smith Weddings!  They do an amazing job capturing all the special moments of the day!

YES YOU CAN!!! ...wear a strapless gown!

Are you wistfully looking at strapless gowns and thinking, if only I could wear one of those without pulling on my top the whole night?! Some brides steer away from a strapless lace-up gown because of their bust size, not knowing if their bust is too big or too small.  But with this video you will see that any bust size is just right!  Strapless lace-up gowns are the perfect solution and can even make you appear up to 2 sizes smaller than your usual size!  The
secret to wearing a strapless lace-up gown is lacing the back up properly!  Second Mile Films (check them out, they are amazing!) and I partnered up to make this video so you can be sure the gown of your dreams fits you like a glove!  Oh... and please share this with your friends... this is one tip we don't want to keep to ourselves! ;-)

Proper way to lace up a strapless gown