I got engaged in January and unlike most brides, I had no idea what to do so in true "Emily fashion", I did nothing. Around March I finally hired a wedding planner/angel sent from God, Ivy Robinson, and she handled everything and gave me checklists of things I needed to get done. Top of the list was getting a dress. She sent me to Hayden Olivia Bridal Boutique and the sweetest girl ever, Whitney, didn't even freak out that I needed a dress in a matter of weeks. After a full day of trying on dresses, I finally picked one by Modern Trousseau but wanted to do something a little different, so we added the blush colored accents. I also knew I wanted a big princess dress because when else can you dress like a giant cupcake and not look absolutely ridiculous?? And because I'm convinced she and Ivy are bridal MacGyvers, she pulled out a detachable skirt that I could take off for the reception. As far as accessories, I wanted to keep things more low key since we were getting married on a farm, so I decided I wanted to wear a leather belt instead of the typical wedding sash everyone else wears. I swear.. it made sense in my head but after looking everywhere I was about to give up. I even went to tack shop looking for a leather belt. "And the bride wore.. Wrangler.." Just what every girl imagines for her wedding day, right?
It was totally divine intervention, because I ran into Mechelle from Our Place Boutique and in my book, she has the absolute best style in Charlotte and I knew she would have a better idea. She searched high and low and pretty much planned my entire wedding look in two weeks. Basically she's a magician. For my jewelry, Mechelle helped me pick out a stack of S.Carter bangles that I wore for the ceremony with a pair of earrings I designed with Towne & Reese. I also wore a beautiful ring my new mother-in-law gave me and an antique diamond watch my mom and dad gave me the day of my wedding. For the reception I added even more S.Carter bangles and a bunch of necklaces to make the look more "me" because let's be real.. for me, when it comes to jewelry, more is better. If you're in Charlotte, check out Our Place Boutique in Phillips Place and I promise it will become your new favorite store.
I always say that Ricki was more of a bridezilla than I was during the entire wedding planning process. I swear she tried on every dress, belt, earring, and shoe at Hayden Olivia. Since she wanted a strapless dress she immediately decided she wanted a Modern Trousseau "Teacup" wedding dress, but as her mother there was no chance that was going to happen. Thankfully they were able to customize the dress to give it straps and it looked like it was made for her! She picked out a sash and headband by Whitney Alyssa and sandals by Kate Spade to make her feel even more like the princess she is.
For my makeup, Ivy introduced me to another angel on Earth, Lindsey Regan Thorne, who made me feel as beautiful every bride dreams of feeling. But not only that, she was the best friend every girl needs on her wedding day.. she kept me calm, made me laugh, and made the whole day so much fun. I wish I was brave enough to show you all the before picture, but let's just say the girl knows how to make a girl look her best! So many makeup artists just paint on the exact same makeup they did on the bride the week before and you don't even recognize yourself when you look in the mirror. Lindsey took her time, listened to what I wanted, and made me feel the most beautiful I've ever felt. Now I just need her to come back to my house and teach me all of her tricks.. Hint, hint, Lindsey! :)
I truly had the dream team when it came to my wedding and I'll never be able to say thank you enough to each of you.
DRESS: Modern Trousseau / BOOTS: Ash & Golden Goose / NECKLACES & BRACELETS: S. Carter from Our Place Boutique / EARRINGS: Emily Maynard for Towne & Reese/ BELT: ADA/ MAKEUP & HAIR: Lindsey Regan Thorne / RICKI'S DRESS: Modern Trousseau / HEADBAND & SASH: Whitney Alyssa/ SANDALS: Kate Spade
