Choosing the perfect dress Do your homework
Get recommendations
Flip through bridal magazines and visit Brides.com’s Wedding Dresses Gallery to find styles and designers you love.
Listen to what friends and brides in your area have to say about salons. If you find the service is bad, move on: You’ll be dealing with the salon for months, and poor customer service during tryons could mean difficulties when it comes time to order—and pick up—your wedding dress.
Be realistic and open-minded What looks fabulous on a model may not flatter your figure. Choose a gown that hides your flaws and plays up your best features. Check out our Custom Fit tool to find the dress that most flatters your figure.
Consider wedding location, time of day and formality It is important to think about the location and setting of your wedding, the time of day of your wedding, and whether you are having a formal or semi-formal wedding. Answering these questions will help dictate your dress options. You probably won’t want a very formal gown for an afternoon beach wedding.
Schedule appointments Some salons allow walk-ins, but by booking an appointment you’ll be guaranteed that a consultant will have time to help you. But don’t overload: Limit your appointments to two a day. Cramming three salons into one afternoon will leave you tired and stressed.
Money matters Be honest about what you can spend, and tell your consultant what that amount is up front. You’ll only create heartbreak for yourself if you try on—and love—a wedding dress that you can’t afford.
Dress the part
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Offers Unique Bridesmaid Gifts, Underwear and Bridal Lingerie. 1609 South Decatur Street • Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 230-9886 • 9am-6pm MON-SAT
Put on makeup, bring heels, and style your hair for the best idea of how you will look on your wedding day. Also be sure to wear nice lingerie for when you’re standing around between try-ons.
Lots of inspiration Don’t forget to bring along magazine photos, your Brides.com My Clippings photos, magazine ads— even your grandma’s wedding album—to give salon staffers an idea of what you want. Your consultant will pull dresses based on this information.
Who to bring Don’t invite a crowd of people with you. Two people, your mom and a close friend, are plenty. Three or more will make decision-making stressful and difficult, especially if they’re offering conflicting opinions.
Sleep on it There’s no need to make a rush decision, especially since many bridal salons charge a steep fee for returning a gown, or don’t allow refunds at all.
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2011 Alabama Brides 1
Pettus & Harrell
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Lauren Britney Pettus and Richard Vaughn Harrell III were married on March 6, 2010 in the First Baptist Church in Montgomery, with Dr. Jay Wolf officiating. Lauren is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Keith Allen Pettus of Montgomery. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Davis Bragg of Prattville and Mrs. Gelia Pettus and the late Mr. Samuel Marcus Pettus, Jr. of Montgomery. Trey, as the groom is known, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Vaughn Harrell, Jr. of Hayneville. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Chambless of Livingston and Mrs. Coralyn Harrell and the late Mr. Richard Vaughn Harrell of Hayneville. Jordan Alyssa Pettus, sister of the bride, was the maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Abbagail Nicole Brasington, Kristen Joy Davis, Ashley Read Grace, Mrs. Paige Pierce Graf, Kristen Anna Harrell, Erin Michelle Hollon, Mrs. Merritt Murphy Jones, Mrs. Mallory Jones Kelley, Helen Craig Kennamer, Laura Elizabeth Morris, Kayla Leigh Pettus, Angela Morgan Pugh, Catherine Blaire Wood, and flowergirl Marianne Grace Brooks. The best man was Richard Vaughn Harrell Jr. Groomsmen were Clinton Dale Chambless, Matthew Lewis Chambless,
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Justin Patrick Dyer, Mark Brannon Eagerton, David Kyle Harrell, David Merle Harrell, Stewart Sanders Harrell Jr., Davis Cole Holley, Davey Middleton Lyon, Neal Garrett Pettus, Clifton Chase Schroeder, Donald Chadwick Schroeder and Richard Taylor Stoudenmire. The ring bearer was Thomas Eugene Marshall and the Bible bearer was John Russ Marshall IV. In the deeply personalized vintage ceremony, music set the tone with Mrs. Sara Jo Bagley on the organ, Mr. Joshua Duke on the violin, and Mr. Kevin Manderville on the guitar. To call the ceremony to worship, Mrs. Ann Louise Harrell and Mrs. Sarah McNeal Harrell sang an acapella version of Sweet, Sweet Spirit. The groom and groomsmen entered the church to the music of the groom’s favorite hymn, As the Deer. The bridesmaids followed to the hymn, Sweet Hour of Prayer. The bride entered jubilantly on her father’s arm to Con Te Partiro which means “with you I will go”. After the sermon, exchange of vows, and exchange of rings, Lauren and Trey shared their first holy communion together by breaking the bread and offering the bread and wine to each other. The bride wore a birdcage veil and a full lace mermaid gown with a vintage embellishment adorning the back of the gown. The bride carried a vintage handkerchief embroidered with her initials and wedding date in the center as well as the initials and wedding dates of her mother and grandmothers in each corner. Each mother and grandmother also carried hankies embroidered in the same fashion. Other unique elements included the Save The Date announcements which were designed to include a vintage monogram of the bride and groom’s entwined initials. To carry the vintage theme, the face of the wedding invitations was handcalligraphied. After the ceremony the bride, groom and wedding party were whisked away by trolley to The Alley Station Ballroom and Rooftop Terrace. Upon arrival, the couple was escorted to a private balcony where they enjoyed a brief meal before joining the reception. The guests danced into the night to the music of the eleven member Motown Band, Musical Fantasy. During their engagement, the couple built a house in which they chose to spend their first night. Then they traveled to a private chalet in Gatlinburg and now reside in Lowndesboro, Alabama. u Photography by Arden Photography
2011 Alabama Brides 3
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Best friends became one on a beautiful, hot late spring day. Crystal Chenese Jones and Christopher Jordan Rudolph were married Sunday, June 6, 2010 at Gateway Park in Montgomery, AL. Crystal is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Jones, Jr. of Montgomery. Chris is the son of Mary Powell of Institute, West Virginia and the late Curtis Rudolph of Hayneville, AL. The ceremony was held at four in the afternoon. The bride’s best friend of twenty three years, Tiffany Williamson served as Maid of Honor and her sister, Tina Collins served as Matron of Honor. Bridesmaids were longtime friend Shamekia Garrett and cousin Jasmine Holcey and the bride’s daughter, Alana Jones served as the junior bridesmaid. A’mya Harris and Aziah Seals served as flower girls. Lisa Jackson, Leia Mitchell, and Rachel Priori served as honorary hostesses. Jeff Stanton served as Best Man to the groom. Groomsmen included bride’s brother, Justin Jones, and longtime friends, Jerome McKinney and Jevon Crawford. Ian Mitchell served as junior groomsman, Kylon Garrett served as Bible carrier and Spencer Seaborne, nephew of the groom, served as ring bearer. Pastor Eric Easter presided over the service. Gateway Park also served as Crystal and Chris’s reception site and what a beautiful sight it was! The watermelon and tangerine colored flowers and décor added a natural warmth and glow to the late spring day. The bride and groom departed under the glow of sparklers. After a honeymoon in Kissimmee, FL, the family now resides in Pike Road, AL. u
Photography by Kendrick Photography
Jones & Rudolph
4 Alabama Brides 2011
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Tara Michelle LeJeune and Kevin Jacob Kennedy were married on October 24, 2010 at the Ligon Chapel on the campus of Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. Pastor Mike Mozingo officiated. Tara is the oldest daughter of Kathryn and Michael Walton and Robert and Tracie LeJeune of Montgomery, Alabama. She is the granddaughter of the late Margaret Monfee, Robert and Debra LeJeune and Danny and Marie Huggins of Montgomery, Alabama. Kevin is the youngest son of Joseph and Ann Kennedy of Prattville, Alabama. He is the grandson of Albert and Karen Kennedy of Sarasota, Florida and the late Maria Julia Mijangos. Lyndsey Avinger, a long time friend of the bride, served as Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids were the bride’s sister Amy LeJeune, Tiffany Kennedy, Ashley Bernal and Dawn Cole, and junior bridesmaid was the bride’s youngest sister Kacey Walton. Hannah Cole served as flower girl and Haden LeJeune, the bride’s youngest brother served as ring bearer. Kyle Kennedy, brother of the groom, served as Best Man. Groomsmen included Tyler Jones, Ben Cheney, Tate Jackson and David Finlayson, and junior groomsman was the bride’s brother Hunter LeJeune. The wedding coordinator was Catherine Steineker. Following the ceremony, the reception was held at the Maxwell Event and Community Center on Maxwell AFB. Al Steineker, The Kings Table, catered the event. Tiffany Hughes, with Lucky Photography, captured the memories that will last a lifetime. After a honeymoon cruise to the Bahamas, the couple now resides in Prattville, Alabama. u Photography by Lucky Photography
LeJeune & Kennedy
2011 Alabama Brides 5
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George & Bowman
Melissa Carole George and Robert Scott Bowman were united in marriage on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at Montgomery’s historic Alley Station. The ceremony took place on the rooftop terrace and was officiated by the Reverend John Coleman and the Reverend John Carney, uncle of the bride. The wedding director was Mary Sanders. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kingsley George of Montgomery, Alabama. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. J.S. Brock and the late Mr. James McDade and the late Mr. and Mrs. G.C. George, all of Montgomery, Alabama. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Edward Bowman III of Big Canoe, Georgia, and the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. John H. Colbaugh of Vero Beach, Florida and the late Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Edward Bowman, Jr. of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Hallie Mahnken Bowman of Seattle, Washington, sisterin-law of the groom, was the bride’s matron of honor. Her bridesmaids were Morgan Michelle Carney, Paula Irvin Cavanaugh, Emily Dauber Flowers, Lindsey Breithaupt Jinright, Ashley Paige Layson and Erika Rowe Tracy, all of Montgomery and Shannon Lee McDade of Vestavia Hills, Alabama. The bride’s cousin, Elizabeth Rose Sherlock, of Atlanta, Georgia was her flower girl. The groom’s best man was his brother, James Eric Bowman of Seattle Washington. Groomsmen were William Dickerson Flowers III, Wilbur Sensing Hill, Charles Wayne Jinright, Jr., John Harvey McWilliams IV and John Thomas Tracy, all of Montgomery and Matthew James Lawler of Hoboken, New Jersey. Scripture readers were Elizabeth Kennedy Lawlor and Leslie Rabon Zeanah, both of Montgomery and Tamara Amanda Ezell of Atlanta, Georgia. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a V-neck, Empire waist gown of Ivory Silk Shantung that she teamed with Jay Herring of “Mystick Couturier” to custom design. The bodice and hemline were softly overlain with French lace in a floral bouquet design created with iridescent bugle beads and pearls. A soft, gold metallic thread woven into the embroidered lace gave a magical shimmer to the gown. The bride’s bouquet, designed by Jerry Thrash with Rosemont Gardens, was a European hand-tied style of black magic and freedom roses in dramatic burgundy hues bound in ivory ribbon and adorned in magnolia leaves. A special treat for the bride was having her hair and makeup done by her matron of honor Hallie Bowman, who is a celebrity stylist in New York and Hollywood for fashion magazines and red carpet events. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a brief cocktail reception in the Alley Station Ballroom as the rooftop terrace was transformed for the festivities to come. Guests then made their way back to the rooftop for dinner and dancing to the music of the Clint Darby Band. Catering was provided by Tammy Griffin with A Catered Affair. The bride’s red velvet wedding cake, prepared by Sandra McGhar of Cake Designs, was one of a variety of elements that incorporated her personal artwork. Other items that featured the bride’s artwork included the invitations, programs, cocktail napkins, guests’ glasses, wedding favors and the wedding couple’s goblets. The bride also painted many of the vases used in the floral arrangements designed by Rosemont Gardens. After a honeymoon trip to Charleston, South Carolina the couple resides in Montgomery, Alabama. u
Photography by Kim Box Photography
6 Alabama Brides 2011
2011 Alabama Brides  7
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A spectacular winter afternoon at The Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama was the locale for the December 4, 2010 50th wedding ceremony of Reverend Henry McClain Sr., & Mary Frances Stewart McClain with Dr. Calvin McTier officiating. The striking wedding was coordinated and decorated by Brenda J. McClain-McCoy, daughter of the couple. The ceremony was far from ordinary. The princess married her prince charming on December 6, 1960 when she was only 16 years old and has been living the folk tale every since. The bride walked down the aisle to “Believe” by Brain Courtney Wilson. The dazzling bride wore a strapless satin ivory/champagne A-line gown with beaded lace details and long sleeve lace jacket featuring a chapel train. An extravagant reception followed in the Fellowship Hall which consisted of a scrumptious sit-down dinner encircled by a range of pleasing to the eye decorations. Dinner included Savory Roast Beef or Scrumptious Cornish Hen, served with steamed vegetables and rice pilaf; catered by daughter, Shirley McClain and the Old Soul Queens. For dessert guests had a choice of eight tier wedding cake and chocolate cake designed by Dora Lee Woods. The couple spent the weekend at the Renaissance Hotel and Spa. They are planning a trip for a later date. Special gratitude went to the children Brenda J. McCoy, Barbara Burt, Timothy McClain, and Katrina Longmire. Extended thanks went to the entire wedding party along with all of their family and friends.u
Photography by Photos by Chip
Reverend & Mrs. Henry McClain Sr.
8 Alabama Brides 2011
Jones & Griffin
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Following a memorable proposal at the peak of Whistler Mountain in Canada, Ashley Brooke Jones and Christopher Douglas Griffin were united in marriage on July 31, 2010 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Selma, Alabama. The Reverend David Powell officiated the five o’clock service. Ashley is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James ap Robert Jones. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Willard Sewell and Mrs. Dorothy Jones and the late Robert ap Catesby Jones. Chris is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Van Griffin. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Floyd Griffin and the late Mr. and Mrs. James William Fuller. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a silk satin, sweetheart, strapless gown by Lian Carlo. It had a French alencon lace bodice and hem and a shirred satin waistband. Lauren Piper Eiland served as matron of honor and maid of honor was Mallory Katherine Morgan. Other attendants included Holly Peyton Jones, Amanda Ingram Piper, Ellen Burge Miller, and Tara Bernard Lohse. The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen included Calvin Newell Bowie III, Robert ap James Jones, Robert David Howard, Robert Curtis Evans II, Larry Wayne Hart, junior. After the wedding, a reception was held at the Selma Country Club. Entertainment was provided by Second Coming. Following a scuba diving honeymoon to Turks and Caicos, the bride and groom reside in Selma, Alabama. u Photography by Kara Camille Photography
2011 Alabama Brides 9
Hust & Williams
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The day Matt and I met, we agreed our relationship would be casual. The day after we met, we planned that when we retired, we would travel around America together in an RV. Sometimes, that’s just how love begins. Sometimes, you just know from the beginning. It was almost a year ago that I met my future husband, and it happened when I wasn’t looking. I was very focused on finishing school at Troy University and raising my two children, and met Matt only because I introduced a friend of mine to his boss. Lucky me. He made me laugh the first day we met, with his sense of humor instantly grabbing hold of me. He has kept me laughing every day, saying he likes to keep a smile on my face. He does a wonderful job at that. It is not uncommon for us to finish each other’s sentences or thoughts - no two people could be more connected than us. In fact, our favorite phrase is “Get out of my head!” The phrase often is followed with a laugh. Matt is a fantastic role model to my two children, starting as their friend but still implementing discipline in a respectful manner. My children respect him, and I love his two children as though they were my own. Matt is my best friend; my soulmate. For two people who weren’t looking for love, we look forward to the rest of our lives together. u
Photography by A Family Affair Photography
10 Alabama Brides 2011
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Laura Grace Henderson and Ehren Josef Wassermann were united in Holy Matrimony on November 7, 201 at 3:30 in the afternoon. The scenic outdoor wedding took place on the main terrace at Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge with the Reverend Casey Graham officiating. Decorations were designed by Ray Jordan and Janet Jackson of Flowerbuds in Birmingham, Alabama. Violin and cello music was played while family and friends arrived. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Henderson of Oxford. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Wassermann of Sylacauga and Judy Hale of Mobile. Attending the Matron of Honor was Katie Koss and Maid of Krista Niemeyer, both of Nashville, TN. Also attending the bride was Kristi Durham and Amy Henderson of Oxford, AL. The Best Man was Michael Rehman of Mechanicsburg, PA. Other groomsmen included Eric Hollis of Sulligent, AL: Nik Lubisich of Portland, OR and Kyle Wassermann of Sylacauga, AL. The dress was purchased from Faccio Bridal in Franklin, TN and was an ivory satin Rivini gown in a fit and flare style with a sweetheart neckline. A cream satin sash accented the waist with a floral appliqué. The veil was an elbow length with matching satin trim by Elen Henderson Designs. Her shoes, a gift from the groom, were teal blue Christian Louboutin Prive Peep toe pumps. The bridal bouquet was a combination of white roses and white calla lilies. The Bridesmaid’s dresses were chocolate brown floor length dresses by Two Bird’s and were purchased from Bella Bridesmaid in Birmingham, AL and Nashville, TN. The bridesmaids’ bouquets were a combination of red roses, orange calla lilies, and yellow and red tulip. The groom and groomsmen ware black Calvin Klein pin stripe suits courtesy of Men’s Wearhouse. The grooms’ boutonniere was a white calla lily with the groomsmen wearing orange calla lilies. Following the ceremony, guests were invited to the reception hall were Ross Bridge provided the catering. The grooms cake was provided by Dreamcakes of Homewood, AL . The elegant bride’s cake was provided by a family friend. After a Caribbean cruise the couple will reside in Hoover, AL. u
Henderson & Wassermann
Photography by Ann Wade Parrish
2011 Alabama Brides 11
What a girl wants: Today’s brides crave unique, customized weddings Weddings in Montgomery tend to be very traditional -- from the invitations to the ceremony to the food at the reception -- but brides-to-be here still want a very customized wedding, and local vendors are ready to give them what they want. “Everyone is making their own wedding,” said Rob Cawley, one of the owners of Academy Events and Catering. “It makes it fun and unique.” There’s no right or wrong way to do anything these days, said Carlos Otalora, owner of Total Entertainment. His company is based in Birmingham but handles many receptions in Central Alabama. “We treat the reception as a production,” Otalora said, and they give the couples all kinds of unique ideas to make their reception stand out. Photo booths are still big, Otalora said. The company sets up an actual photo booth, and reception guests can take fun, candid shots at their leisure. Printouts are ready about 15 seconds later. Otolora’s company even brings along hats and boas that guests can use to dress up. They also use confetti blasts to make a “snow” effect on the dance floor, and special lighting has become very popular, he said. El Erby, owner of DJ At Large, agrees with that. Brides are asking for special “uplighting,” where lights are placed on the floor and angled upward to produce a dramatic effect around the room. And they like colors too, Erby said: lipstick red is one request. Another lighting trend, Erby said, is the use of “gobos.” A stencil-like screen is placed over a spotlight to project a shape onto a wall, the floor or the ceiling, and those screens are totally customizable. Many couples want their first names to be projected, or perhaps their initials and wedding date. Erby also provides photo montages for receptions. During the first dance, he’ll use a large screen to project snapshots of the bride and her father, or the groom and his mother, so the guests can enjoy a little peek into the couple’s family life. Carron Morrow, owner of Personal Touch Events, has seen couples hire caricature artists. The artist sets up at the reception and draws caricatures of the guests as they mill about, and the guests take the drawings home as favors. “People love it,” she said. All kinds of ideas Many brides, especially the younger ones, are influenced by the many bridal shows on cable channels, area vendors say. “I have to watch all the shows, even the bad ones, to see what they’re doing,” said Sarah Spratling, a Montgomery floral designer and event planner. “I get ideas from those, but from many other sources as well,” Spratling said. Perhaps one of the biggest trendsetters will be Prince William and his bride-to-be, Kate Middleton, who are set to wed April 29. Their wedding is one of the world’s most anticipated, and the attention rivals that of the prince’s parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, in 1981.
12 Alabama Brides 2011
“Whatever (Middleton) decides on, that will be a popular style,” Cawley said. “Everything changed radically (after Charles and Diana’s wedding),” Spratling said. She says that young girls, perhaps 16and 17-year-olds, will see the wedding, and even though they will not get married for some time, the style and tone will still influence their ceremonies years later. Natural women One trend that seems to be a common thread among a bride’s hair, flowers and overall appearance is a natural look, one that isn’t fussy and prim. Morrow says the natural, earthy look has come out. She’s seen seeds, wheat and feathers, either in bouquets or centerpieces, and said that sage green has become a popular color. That translates to the bride’s and bridesmaids’ hairstyles too. Kelly Markos, owner of D’Markos Salon and Spa, said she is seeing softer looks. The brides want more “backdos,” in which the hair is more loosely pulled away from the face, as opposed to the “updos” that were popular in years past, where the hair is tightly pulled back and carefully tucked and pinned.