From the Archives: 2005

This photo was taken in Ludington in 2005; Matt and I started dating a week later. It is hard to believe that over six years have passed. 

Four more days until we wed.

Walk Together

"Two cannot walk together as one if they do not have mutual interests, the same outlook on life, the same spiritual views, the same desires, etc. How important it is that a man and woman who plan to marry agree."

Cathy Rice, The Right Way in Marriage for Women 

Priorities

My life is a series of to do lists right now. With the wedding a little over a week away, I have to prioritize. Crafting, house hunting, job searching, my etsy, and writing will resurface on my list after the honeymoon.

I took a break from wedding planning today. I cleaned my room, packed boxes and tried to imagine sharing this space (until we close on a house) with my future husband.

And I watered my poor, neglected plants.

I cannot wait to focus on living.

Bridal Shower

In another month-and-a-half I will be marrying Matt. It is hard to believe how quickly our engagement has gone by.

On Saturday, my mom and family held a bridal shower on my behalf. And though I am not much for games, it was wonderful to spend time with my relatives; we do not get to see each other nearly enough. 

We had good food, good cake and a good time. 

Bellisima Bridal Boutique

My wedding day is quickly approaching. Last Saturday my mom, Matt's mom and I went to Bellisima Bridal Boutique in Albion, MI to find a wedding gown.

via Bellisima Bridal

I originally intended to get my dress at David's Bridal or Fantastic Finds because the shops are located near my job. Anyone who knows me knows this was a compromise; I prefer to be different. But with my September 24th wedding date looming, I needed a dress soon.

A couple of weeks ago I found a dress at David's Bridal, but it was twice as much I had vowed to spend. In order to cut costs I browsed dresses on secondhand bridal sites Recycled Brides and Once Wed. I did not like the idea of buying a dress without trying it on first, but I did not want to go over my budget. So when a search for bridal gowns brought up husband and wife-owned Bellisima, I decided to check it out before I made a decision.

Bellisima Bridal has been in business since 2005. The boutique is located in Albion's old Masonic Temple; the building's original woodwork is breathtaking. The shop is centrally located for the Mid-Michigan bride; it is only 35 miles from Jackson, 20 miles from Marshall, and 50 miles from Lansing. They even offer a $20 gas credit for brides who travel over 40 miles.

Bellisima boasts of over 1200 gowns, including a private couture line, priced from $69-$1900. Besides bridal gowns, they also carries dresses for mother-of-the-bride; bridesmaid; flower girl as well as prom dresses; tuxedos; shoes; accessories; and reception essentials.

We first explored the upstairs; the entire floor is devoted to one-of-a-kind clearance dresses priced $69-$500. The staff took my picks to the dressing rooms, but they did not hover or pressure.

After we perused the clearance dresses I tried on between 10 and 15 dresses. The owner of the shop took her time to help me in and out of dresses; she made suggestions based on my personality and body type. She also recommended local seamstresses and tailors for the possible alterations.

My appointment lasted longer than I expected, but I did not hear any complaints. In fact, the owner left the dressing room twice to look for dresses she thought I would look good in. I had a hard time deciding between two dresses (mostly because one of the dresses was a bargain at $99), but in the end I choose a bridesmaid dress (in ivory) that I am going to have altered to fit my vision of an elegant gown.

I highly recommend Bellisima; I am happy I supported a local shop. Not only is my wedding gown under $300 (my original goal), it is going to be unique and elegant.

Now I need to choose dresses for my bridesmaids.