Wedding Details - How Much Do They Matter?

As you begin this wedding planning journey you may be wondering just how much the smallest (and even some of the biggest) details matter at the end of the day. I want to share with you three stories from my own experience and let you be the judge.

Photo: Fox and Owl Studio

My husband and I got married on a Christmas tree farm, so I collected leftover wood cuts from the Christmas trees and turned them into hand-painted ornaments. I attached a cute little note about how our guests’ “presence” at our wedding was the greatest gift and put one at each person’s seat with their name on it. By the end of the night, I can’t tell you how many people thanked me for their “coasters.” They all completely mistook the ornaments for drink coasters (and were likely wondering why they weren’t doing a better job wicking away moisture).

Just two months after our wedding and a week before I opened Loveliest to the public, I had an open house to thank my family members, co-workers, and friends for their amazing support. I was living in newlywed bliss and was very proud of my not-so-social husband for chatting with everybody throughout the evening. And then…

He came up to me and said:

“I’ve been telling everyone that the dress on the mannequin was yours. That’s right isn’t it?”

After a long pause I laughed and shook my head. To me, the dress on the mannequin wasn’t even close to the same as mine: mine was crepe and the other was satin; mine had straps and a v-neckline and the other was a strapless sweetheart; mine didn't have a ruched bodice or skirt and the other had both. I could understand how he might see certain similarities, such as an ivory dress with a beaded belt, but after only two months married to a detail-oriented engineer, I was surprised by how quickly the features of my dress faded into the background.

Photo: Fox and Owl Studio

More recently, we were out to dinner and I caught our server dancing to “You Make My Dreams” by Hall and Oates. I laughed and waived him over. I pointed out that it was a song you couldn’t not dance to and that it was the exit song we played after our wedding ceremony. I looked up at my husband and saw a blank look on his face. He did not remember that tidbit in the slightest. A detail that is etched in my mind so vividly completely escaped him.

My husband selected our first dance song, teared up during our ceremony, and made me feel as beautiful and loved as ever that day, so do I mind if he doesn’t remember exactly what my dress looked like or to which song we danced out of our ceremony? Not one bit. Your wedding day is about so much more than the details that we all tend to agonize over, so go for meaningful (but possibly not DIY) favors, pick the dress that makes you light up (they really just want to see you happy), and dance the night away to whatever music you select, knowing that everyone might not remember exactly which songs played, but they will remember how they felt celebrating your love. And I hope that feeling is really the part that will stick with you the most too! Happy wedding planning!

You Said Yes, Now When Should You Buy Your Dress?

Brides are often surprised to hear that they should start wedding dress shopping soon after they get engaged. So, if you’re wondering when you should start looking, when to commit, and how long you need for alterations, here is the scoop!

9 - 18 Months Out

This is when we recommend starting your dress search. Why so early?

Photo: Kelsey Prater Photography

Photo: Kelsey Prater Photography

1. Wedding dress collections come out once or twice per year, depending on the designer. As new collections are introduced, previously released dresses are discontinued. A gown you love now may not be available later. Additionally, Loveliest only sells a handful of the same style dress so as not to inundate the market with a similar look, so you risk that particular style no longer being available in store for try on if you wait. We choose to do this as one more level of service that sets us apart from other stores. We want you to feel special in your dress, and not see it on countless other brides in the area.

2. Your dress can set the tone for so many other elements of your wedding, including your bridesmaid dresses, decor, shoes, jewelry, etc. There are so many little details to plan in your wedding, that it is nice to check this big one off your list.

3. Last, but certainly not least, wedding dress shopping is FUN, so why wait?

6 - 8 Months Out

This is generally the final cut off for ordering your wedding dress if you do not want to pay any rush fees. If you plan to customize your dress at all, a rush may not be available. If you have 6 months or less, you may want to consider an off-the-rack option, which luckily comprises half of our selection!

4 Months Out

This is the time to contact your seamstress. While you typically do not start your alterations until closer to your wedding, bridal seamstresses are skilled at what they do and book up quickly (especially during busy wedding and prom seasons). Even if your dress has not yet arrived, go ahead and reach out to the seamstress recommended by your bridal boutique (you’ll get a goody bag from Loveliest with this information if you purchase with us!) and get on their calendar! This is also a great time to shop for bridal shoes and undergarments, both of which you will need before starting your alterations.

Photo: Big Dreams Photography & Design/The Perfect Fit

2 Months Out

This is typically when you will begin your alterations. Most brides need multiple fittings, scheduled over the course of several weeks with the final fitting often very close to your actual wedding day. Find out when your last fitting will be scheduled and make sure you bring along your MOH or mom to watch (and I recommend videoing on a cell phone) how to bustle your dress, and learn any other tips/tricks for helping you on your wedding day!

Wedding Day

Finally, it is time to wow your spouse and guests with your beautiful gown and soak up the occasion to wear it!

We're Moving! Why, What, and Where?

Decisions, Decisions

“Oh my gosh, your store is so pretty! It’s the perfect space for a bridal boutique!” I feel like I hear these words daily, and I’m so grateful for a beautifully built out space in Bearden that we were able to call home for the past 3+ years. However, hearing these words meant that I questioned, second-guessed, and doubted myself, prayed for direction, and pestered my husband and friends for a long time until I finally felt confident enough to make the second biggest leap of faith in my business. It was such a tough decision, but I’ve now signed a 5 YEAR lease (so scary!) for a newly renovated space, and could not be more excited about what that signed lease means for Loveliest and our brides!

I want to share with you WHY I made that decision, WHAT it means for you as a bride, friend of a bride, photographer, or other vendor friend, and WHERE we will be located.

Why the move?

Most people don’t know that I have a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning complete with a passion for mixed-use development, walkable streets, intentional neighbors, and revitalization of historic buildings. I always imagined my store being in a more walkable, mixed-use neighborhood, and in a building with a bit more character. When the opportunity presented itself for Loveliest to make such a move to a space with progressive landlords, a woman-owned architecture firm guiding the buildout, and community-driven neighbors, I couldn’t pass it up!

What does it mean?

You may have noticed that our Saturday appointments often book up with a waiting list, meaning that we aren’t able to serve all the brides who would like to visit Loveliest. The move will allow us to see more brides on Saturdays and during evening appointments throughout the week. With the larger space also comes a designated area with abundant natural light for bridal portraits, styled shoots, and other creative endeavors. We will still operate on a “by appointment only” basis and brides will have their own private viewing areas for their guests to relax and celebrate this special time. The vibe will be the same, but the setting will be different, which leads us to the question you’ve all been asking.

Where will Loveliest be located?

Not only will the backdrop of your appointment be a little different, but celebrating the rest of your day will be too!

Early morning appointment? Grab a coffee at Honeybee.

Photo: Visit Knoxville

Maybe Saturday brunch is in store? Try the new Simpl. on Sevier!

Want to celebrate with a beer (or several)? Make the rounds at Alliance, Hi-Wire, Printshop, and Trailhead!

Photo: KnoxNews.com

Up for dining al fresco in the warmer weather? SouthSide Garage has you covered!

Photo: Visit Knoxville

Visiting the store late in the evening during the week? Don’t go home and cook. Grab dinner at South Coast Pizza or Landing House!

After you say yes to “the” dress and grab a bite to eat, you can continue shopping for bridesmaid gifts and a rehearsal dinner outfit next door at Sweetbriar Boutique.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, welcome to the new Loveliest area of Knoxville, Old Sevier! Our boutique will be right next door to Hi-Wire Brewing and across the street from South Knoxville Elementary at 822 Sevier Avenue.

We will be closed December 23 - January 1 for the Christmas holidays and our big move. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will re-open in our new space on January 2nd, 2020!

We can’t wait to celebrate more magical moments with you in our new home! Be one of the first to see the space by booking your appointment here or visiting us for walk-in/browsing hours during Sunday in Old Sevier the last Sunday of each month.

Secrets to Successful Wedding Dress Shopping

I am often asked about cringe worthy moments and bridezillas. Honestly, Loveliest offers a laid back, no pressure atmosphere that discourages drama. This is not your reality TV wedding dress shopping experience. However, there are certainly things that those of us in this business see regularly that make us want to get on our soapboxes, so mic check please! Here are (the first) five secrets to a successful visit!

She said YES to her Loveliest!

1.       Let the bride react first!

I know that most of you reading this are brides yourselves. If not, read secret #1 above. If so, please encourage your guests to listen to your thoughts before they utter theirs. Everyone has their own preferences, senses of style, wedding ideals, etc. that will come through in their reactions. And it is okay for them to give you feedback. After all, that’s why you brought them along. However, most of the time, if a loved one sees your excitement, they will support you in your decision. Similarly, voicing that a dress is not the one for you discourages your guests from building it up, giving you more time to try those that could be “the dress!” Remember, the way you FEEL in a dress is going to show on your actual wedding day, and only you can truly know that feeling. Find the dress that makes you feel like the most beautiful bridal version of yourself and trust your gut!

2.       Bring the yes makers with you (when possible)!

I know secret #1 suggested making your dress decision based on your own feelings, but there are often loved ones whose opinions matter! I wanted my mom and my husband to LOVE my dress! Since my husband couldn’t see it, my mom’s input was incredibly important to me. When she saw my reaction to “the dress” she loved it, simply because she could see that I did. Bring those people with you – the ones who “get you” and recognize when you light up! I have watched brides itching to say yes who feel they can’t without their sister, MIL, MOH, etc. seeing it first. I totally get it! Bring the people whose opinions you MUST have with you to each appointment. Made-to-order dresses can be discontinued, or you may lose out on a limited time discount, pushing a dress over budget. At Loveliest, many of our dresses are available off-the-rack and can sell before you bring your inner circle back. One of the absolute worst parts of my job is telling a bride that a dress she loved is no longer available.

Getting fedback // Credit: A&M Cunningham Photography

3.       Don’t look until you’re ready to commit!

Similar to secret #2, this one refers to your mental and financial readiness. Some of my favorite appointments are those “just looking” visits. Without the pressure of needing to find your dress THAT day, you often enjoy the experience more, listen to your own thoughts, and can react without trying to check boxes off a list of must haves. For that reason, even if you are “just looking” make sure you come with the funds and open mind you need to say YES!

4.       Let the FOMO go!

The fear of missing out seems to have reached an all time high. There are literally millions of wedding dresses out there. There is no way for you to try them all on, just like there is no way to date every potential partner to see if he/she might be better than the one with whom you’ve already fallen in love. If you LOVE a dress and it makes you feel the way I mentioned in secret #1, do not agonize over the decision! I have now had MULTIPLE brides search for several months at endless stores in various cities only to come back to the dress they loved at Loveliest. That does not sound particularly enjoyable for the bride (or for those who need to attend every appointment – see secret #2). Don’t make it harder on yourself than it has to be, which leads us to secret #5…

5.       Have FUN!

Wedding dress shopping fun // Credit: Whitney Jade Photography

Behind the Hair and Makeup

Earlier this week I shared some sneak peeks of the headshots I had taken by my friend and local photographer Whitney Fisher. I don’t think I’ve gotten that many likes and comments since posting my wedding pictures almost three years ago! For someone who focuses on lifting up women daily, I have to admit, it felt really good to be on the receiving end of so many compliments. However, my immediate reaction to feeling proud, pretty (thank you Tori Stewart), and loved was guilt and shame over my vanity.

Y’all, that is ridiculous!

If dressing up, being pampered with professional hair and makeup, and posing in front of a camera for an hour or so leads to a moment captured in time when you felt strong, beautiful, and loved that you can share with your children, spouses, moms, colleagues, and girl squads, DO IT!!!

More importantly, if you can help another woman feel these things by uttering a kind word or posting a fire emoji, DO IT!!!

In a world where we only see what is posted on picture perfect social media, it is easy to forget that we are all struggling with some aspect of our lives. We should seize the opportunities we have to lift one another up and celebrate the sense of pride and empowerment we get from being supported by those dear to us!

Ok, it’s about to get real…

Though I don’t allow negative body talk in the store, I myself worry about not being pretty enough, cool enough, curvy enough, business-savvy enough (thank you ever-changing IG algorithms), a good enough wife, a good enough daughter, and as a self-admitted people pleaser, likeable enough.

The good enough daughter card is probably the hardest to play right now. I lost my dad almost 10 years ago, and I am now finding myself on calls with palliative care doctors regarding my mom’s health, with an overwhelming sense of guilt for not being there in person. As a 32 year old, most of my friends can’t yet relate (nor would I want them to be able to). I feel like a “debbie downer” for being distracted with these stresses even when I don’t utter them aloud.

Even with amazingly supportive friends and family, I can sometimes feel alone.

So…receiving numerous “likes” and comments on a simple post of pretty pictures left me feeling seen, acknowledged, supported, and loved. Those small acts served as reminders of what I already know is true. Ladies, keep it up! The next time you see a noteworthy post from a friend, a colleague, a family member, or even an aquaintance, don’t you dare keep scrolling. No matter how idealistic each of our lives looks from the other side of a computer screen, we all need each other.

(Over)dressed: Having More with Less

“Life is not about what we have but who we
choose to share it with.”

I often get asked why I decided to sell my own wedding dress. Similar to those who choose to keep theirs, I felt very sentimental about our wedding day and I wanted to hold on to something to pass down to a future generation of our family. For me, that something was the engagement ring my dad gave my mom that she entrusted to me upon his passing. It is a beautiful ring made of opals (his birthstone), because he could not afford a diamond at the time. To me, it represents the fact that life is not about what we have but who we choose to share it with. I waited until my wedding day to wear that ring. Not only did it serve as my “something old” but as a physical reminder of my dad’s spiritual presence with me on that special day. 

Photo: Fox & Owl Studio//Not Just an Opal Ring 

Another (more practical) reason for selling my wedding dress is that my husband and I currently live in an apartment and have limited space for storing items “for a rainy day.” In fact, I have decided to minimize my wardrobe and take a stab at Project 333. For those who are not yet familiar with Project 333, in a nutshell it provides direction for embarking on the capsule wardrobe movement. It stipulates that one’s wardrobe should consist of 33 items of clothing (including shoes, outerwear, and jewelry – yikes, right?!) that you wear for 3 months before changing it up for a new season. While Project 333 doesn’t necessarily relate to Loveliest, it is something I thought all women searching this site might find interesting, especially since it is focused on finding pieces in our everyday wardrobe that make us feel as lovely as we feel in a wedding dress! For that reason, I’ll be sharing updates along this journey as well. For now, I’ll begin with the clean out process!

“I was so excited to embark on this journey that I was pretty decisive, quickly moving each piece to the “keep,” “store for a future season,” or “get rid of” piles.”

I knew I would need help whittling down my wardrobe, so I enlisted the help of my dear friend, Carrie McConkey who just so happens to have started her own business (Carrie M. Fashion Consulting) helping gals like me transform their wardrobe into something that gives them confidence rather than anxiety. In a former life, she actually MADE wedding dresses here in Knoxville. Small world, huh? Armed with a sample list of 33 items provided by Courtney Carver, creator of Project 333, plenty of water, and freshly baked oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, Carrie and I dove right in!

Photo: Carolina O'Neal//Project 333 Fuel: Fresh Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies!

I started by doing the laundry and making sure there was nothing lurking in the dirty clothes bin. I then piled all 214 items (excluding jewelry) that were in my closet and drawers on (or around) my bed. Result: categorized stacks on stacks on stacks (see below)! I did not unearth the items I own that were already stored away for future seasons. I’ll save those for a future 3-month planning stint. 

Photo: Carolina O'Neal//Facing the Truth: Too Much STUFF!

Carrie and I then did quick-fire rounds moving through each sub-set of items. I was so excited to embark on this journey that I was pretty decisive, quickly moving each piece to the “keep,” “store for a future season,” or “get rid of” piles. Carrie was FABULOUS about stopping me on certain items that I wanted to keep to inspect them and determine if they were in fact up to snuff. If there was a piece I didn’t want to part with (like this chunky sweater with dolman sleeves – I learned a new fashion term!) that was not in tip-top shape or was too small, Carrie would pin it up, take a photo, and move it to my “replace” pile. 

Photo: Carolina O'Neal//Carry Explaining Dolman Sleeves

She informed me I was allowed to wear those pieces until I could purchase similar replacements, but they were not meant to stay for long. When I could not choose between seemingly similar garments, Carrie would have me try on each item to determine their pros/cons. These images of two vests I owned provide a third-party, objective view that makes the decision a no-brainer! One is so slimming and can be dressed up or down while the other looks like its bulky warmth only belongs on the ski slopes (which I undoubtedly avoid).

Photo: Carolina O'Neal//My Face Says it All!

Photo: Carolina O'Neal//Much Better Fit!

Ultimately, we were able to come very close to the 33-piece goal for my first 3-month wardrobe, ending up with 41 items, not including those I need to replace. I will try to hold off on those to see if they do in fact need upgrading. Carrie must have had a premonition when she got dressed that day, because after I put everything away and moved ALL the empty hangers and two emptied storage containers out of my bedroom, all I felt like screaming was WHEE! Stay tuned for updates on how the project is going!

Photo: Carolina O'Neal//The Shirt Says it All: Whee!

You're Coming In with Me?

Oh crap. I should have worn prettier underwear. How are my underarms so hairy? I literally just shaved. There is no way my legs can be that ashy! Did I not put lotion on earlier?  Geez, I really should have tanned at least once this summer so I wouldn’t blind everyone in sight. Why does it have to be so hot? She is going to think I don’t even wear deodorant! I wish I hadn’t eaten that extra slice of pizza today. I feel so bloated.

Ladies…if these or any other similar thoughts come into your head while trying on wedding dresses at Loveliest, I want you to know:

1. I have been there, and

2. this is a judgment-free zone!

When I first realized that a bridal stylist would be joining me in the dressing room to physically help me in and out of wedding dresses, I was a bit shocked. I was thinking “I should have worn different undies.” Then, “Did I shave my bikini line?” And finally, “Oh my gosh, she is going to see just how flat-chested I am.”

Now, I am the one in the dressing room either supporting a bride as she steps through layers of fabric or guiding her hands through the armholes of a dress as I pull it over her head. I can promise you that I am not looking at your undies, your bra, your belly, your underarms, or anything else. I am fully concentrating on making sure I get you properly into said dress with each layer of fabric laying as it should and pinning it the best way possible so that you and your guests are able to see what it will look like post-alterations.

At Loveliest, I see that you have the curves I’ve always dreamed of, or the perfectly toned arms and back, or the beautifully bronzed skin, or the gorgeous smile that makes you glow, or the hair that looks good with or without a veil. Every bride I work with is beautiful. Each one exudes hope, excitement, and awe. This is one of the most magical times in your life. Let’s focus on that together. 

Does that mean you can’t voice your opinion? Absolutely not! I encourage you to tell me if we need to change the music, if you are too hot or too cold, or if you need a refill on snacks or a drink. Most importantly, please tell me what you do and don’t like about each dress.  It will help us find your perfect one! But, if I catch you spouting silly negative thoughts about yourself, we might have to have a quick “reset” chat, because I guarantee there is plenty of positive going on in that wedding dress! Love wins!

What's with the Seahorses?

As you peruse the dresses at Loveliest, you may glance up. When you do, you’ll notice a print with two seahorses sharing their love. Then, when you visit the restroom, the gold sequin seahorse canvas will surely grab your attention.

Why seahorses in a Tennessee bridal boutique nowhere near the beach? When Gavin and I were first dating (in 2010), those stretchy, multi-colored bracelets shaped like animals were all the rage with tweens. Remember these?

One day, our younger cousin presented us with a handful and nudged us each to take one. I picked a red heart as a not-so-subtle show of affection toward my new beau. Then, Gavin went for the yellow seahorse. I assumed it was because it was the only non-girly option. When he later told me that it was because seahorses mate for life, I realized he was the romantic one in the relationship. Now, every time I see artwork with seahorses, I am reminded how lucky I am to have him as my lifetime mate.

I decided to decorate the boutique with some seahorse items to remind myself and other Loveliest brides to choose one another every single day. Finding "your dress" can feel overwhelming, until you compare it to the relatively more substantial feat of finding "your person" - and that part you've already accomplished! Do you and your honey have a behind the scenes story, a secret shared with only one another that we could all benefit from learning? Spread the love and the wisdom by commenting on our Facebook page!