18 minute read
WEDDINGS
from 1.13.22
The Year of Weddings
Styles in Wedding Dresses and Wedding Formats Shift as Busiest Wedding Year in Almost 40 Years Commences
THE ONE “I actually had no clue what kind of dress I wanted. I went into Bustle and said bring me anything and everything you have! I tried on multiple dresses, but this one felt different. This one felt like “the one”! I loved how the thin spaghetti straps on it made it feel like an elegant nightgown with the lace making me feel beautiful!” Anna Claire Black Zylstra, above, with husband and Jason Zylstra.
Photo by Leslie Hollingsworth
CLASSIC AND ELEGANT “I quickly determined I wanted a fitted strapless dress. But what drew me to my specific dress was that it was classic and elegant, yet modern and a little different. The overlay gave a subtle detail of texture that I loved, combined with the a low-v and buttons down the back. It was definitely my dream dress!” Miranda Garner Cox, above, with husband Ryan Cox. OPEN MIND “I’ve always loved the illusion style of dresses and have always wanted more of an A-line style dress, but I went in with an open mind and wanted to try on a number of different styles. The first dress that was brought out looked just like one I had pinned on Pinterest in college. I still tried on other dresses, and actually almost went another one, but went back to that one in the end. I didn’t want to take it off, so that’s when I knew it was the one.” Emily Odom Brown, above, with husband Jeff Brown.
Photo by Rachel & Noah Ray
By Ally Morrison
The year of weddings is here. The Knot estimates there will be about 2.6 million weddings in the United States in 2022, the biggest wedding boom since 1984, as brides who had delayed their ceremonies because of COVID fears finally set dates to walk down the aisle.
At The White Room, a bridal boutique in Mountain Brook, owner Cathy Kelley said this year is the busiest she’s seen.
“This is the biggest year for weddings, and I’ve never seen anything like this.” Kelly said. “I’ve done this for 18 years. This will definitely be a record year.”
With an increase in weddings, comes an increase in gown styles.
Looking back, Kelley said the most popular wedding dress styles in 2021 had off-the-shoulder necklines with fit-and-flare silhouettes. She predicts dress trends for 2022 will change.
“Remarkably, strapless gowns are making a comeback.” Kelley said. “I think brides are tired of seeing higher necklines, sleeves and coverage. They’re really going after strapless, and beading is going to be very popular as well.”
Creative Director of Bustle Gowns Laine White reveals there is an abundance of diversity happening in wedding fashion this year.
“Right now, every bride is leaning into their own individuality with their dress styles.” White said. “It falls in line with our desire to be culturally diverse and to be more excited about our own personalities.”
At Bustle Gowns, a Homewood bridal boutique,
Birmingham Museum of Art
The Birmingham Museum of Art is an elegant and modern venue, suited to host any wedding event, such as engagement parties, bridal luncheons, teas and showers down to the ceremony and or reception.
“If you choose the Museum for your wedding, you can utilize all of our public spaces – Oscars Café, with the dramatic spiral staircase; the Eighth Ave. Lobby, which has the colorful blown glass art created by Dale Chihuly adorning the wall; and the multi-level Charles Ireland Sculpture Garden outside,” said Special Events Manager Jestina Howard, above.
“ You can have the Museum art galleries open for your guests to tour and we only book one private event after 5:00pm when we close to the public. So, you and your guests will have the entire Museum to yourselves,” Howard added.
Howard’s Wedding Planning Tips
“One: Consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator. They can make the process of planning your wedding stress free. Planners handle all of the details from beginning to end such as logistics, event design, contract negotiations, booking vendors and the day-of execution of your event. Coordinators handle some day-of logistics, but on a shorter timeline. They usually begin helping you prepare a week or month before the wedding and function as your day- of point person.”
“Two: Think about the three most important aspects you want for your special day. Are those aspects the food, specialty drinks, decor or entertainment, etc.? Prioritize the three things and stick to them.”
“Three: Decide on your wedding style/theme - is it traditional, contemporary or rustic? Focus on this so you stay aligned with your complete event vision.”
Birmingham Museum of Art is located at 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., 205-2542681 or email plananevent@artsbma.org
Bromberg’s
As we welcome 2022, we have much to celebrate, especially the many holiday engagements! At Bromberg’s we enjoy making all our couples feel special, from helping them register to picking out their wedding bands. Recently, a Bromberg’s Bride was celebrated in an extra-special way to honor the store’s 185th year of business.
Along with top-selling dinnerware line, Juliska, Bromberg’s gave away a bridesmaids’ luncheon to one lucky registered bride! Hannah Reeder, now Hannah Evans, was the lucky winner and enjoyed a fabulous luncheon with her bridal party and family on November 19th at Olexa’s Cafe in Mountain Brook Village. Special details from local Birmingham vendors were included in Hannah’s luncheon. Dogwood Hill provided custom designed invitations, menus, and place cards for the event. The table was decorated with Juliska dinnerware, napkins, water goblets, champagne flutes, and vases to hold gorgeous floral arrangements by Marigold Designs. Guests enjoyed a delicious brunch, mimosas, and a charm pull cake in Olexa’s signature vanilla buttercream. Even the bridal party gifts were thought of; each attendee received a mouth-blown Juliska vase to remember the day. Lastly, talented Arden Ward Upton of Arden Photography was there to document the party. Hannah was a beautiful bride, and Bromberg’s was thrilled to celebrate this exciting milestone with her!
If you’re recently engaged, creating a wedding registry at Bromberg’s is a delightful and easy part of wedding planning. Nothing compares to the helpful service you will receive working with our expert bridal consultants, and you’ll find an unmatched selection of fine china, casual dinnerware, crystal, silver, and home décor. Other benefits of creating a Bromberg’s registry include discounts for attendant and hostess gifts, 20% off wedding bands, and the Gift Letter program, which reduces the amount of returns and duplicate gifts and allows couples to take advantage of special offers and seasonal sales.
Couples can register at Bromberg’s located in Mountain Brook Village and The Summit or online at www.BrombergsBride.com.
There is an art to creating the perfect wedding. Let us be your canvas.
Image courtesy Eric & Jamie Photography
JB & CO
Private Jeweler, John Bromberg maintains a return to an old-world artisan approach to fine jewelry. In an industry that is increasingly focused on mass production, JB & CO chooses to focus on the unique, with specialties that include bridal, custom and estate jewelry.
At a time when individual service and privacy is of the utmost importance, Bromberg personally works with his clients to select or create just the right piece for the occasion, always adhering to their style and budget. Whether it is a diamond engagement ring, a micro-mosaic necklace or a special piece for your day, JB & CO can help you with your jewelry heirloom. His collection of estate jewelry comes from the finest jewelry houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany, Verdura, Buccellati, Bulgari, as well as, designers Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany, Ilias Lalounis, Pierre Sterle’, Elizabeth Locke, Katy Briscoe, Chopard and Ippolita. John also has a select collection of coveted watches from Cartier, Patek Philippe and Rolex. John Bromberg is a sixth-generation GIA trained jeweler with memberships in the prestigious Diamond Dealers’ Club of New York and The American Society of Jewelry Historians. John’s longstanding relationships offer the unique opportunity for his clients to purchase fine jewelry at an exceptional value. JB & CO was named “The Best Jeweler” in the About Town magazine 2021
John Bromberg is a sixth-generation Readers’ Poll! GIA trained jeweler with memberships in For the full JB & the prestigious Diamond Dealers’ Club of CO experience, we New York and The American Society of recommend making Jewelry Historians. an appointment. “Collect with us,” says Bromberg. JB & CO is located at 1 Office Park Circle, Suite 201, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. 205478-0455. Website: www.JBandCoJewelry.com Instagram: @ JBandCoJewelryMountainBrookAL Facebook: JBandCoJewelry
Charming Scribe
“Charming Scribe began as Weddings Etc, a stationery and gift store that was located ‘on the curve’ of Downtown Homewood for 25 years,” owner Melissa Abele (right) said. “After owning it for 10 years, I moved the business online and narrowed the focus to the best selling products, our cake charms and the wedding books we call the Beloved Book. My most favorite aspect of the current business is the design work. I love designing monograms, guiding brides in selecting fabrics and thread colors, as well as photostyling all of the products.”
According to Melissa, here in the South, a wedding essential that every mother has insisted her engaged daughter get is a book that has been known by several titles - a bride’s book, wedding book, or a memory book.
“I love a little romance, so I gave our books the romantic title of a Beloved Book,” Melissa said. “A Beloved Book is your family heirloom that tells the story of how your family first began. It is a shower guest book, rehearsal dinner guest book, wedding guest book, and a photo album. It has a place for your engagement photos, baby and current photos, save the date, shower invitations, rehearsal dinner invitation, wedding invitation, and wedding program. The Beloved Book chronicles your engagement memories from proposal to the honeymoon. There are 19 different designs for the Beloved Book, with an additional option for custom art. “My favorite design is Genevieve because of her beautiful details, 3 thread colors, dot details inside the middle letter and accent dots that flank the side letters,” Melissa said. “The Genevieve monogram is very dimensional when embroidered. I also love embroidering customer’s unique custom art. It is always a little creative adventure that brings a thrill when I see it completed.”
Beloved Books are handmade with beautiful linen or silk dupioni, the finest embroidery threads, and a lot of TLC. Each book’s foundation is a sturdy, custom made three-ring binder that allows for easy removal and addition of pages. The pages are heavyweight, acid-free card stock printed in charcoal ink.
Beloved Books are available for local pickup.
To learn more about Charming Scribe or contact Melissa Abele visit charmingscribe.etsy.com
SHOW HER HOW TRULY BRILLIANT YOU CAN BE BRILLIANT YOU CAN BE
JohnBromberg@JBandCoJewelry.com
THE BELOVED BOOK your family heirloom wedding and shower guest book
Levy’s Fine Jewelry
For more than 100 years and four generations Levy’s Fine Jewelry has been providing the people of Birmingham with the finest quality of new designer jewelry and the largest selection of antique jewelry.
“We sell loose diamonds, engagements rings, wedding bands and bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts,” said Todd Denaburg, pictured far right with his cousin Jared Nadler, left.
“Jared and I have been working together in the bridal jewelry business full time for 31 years. Counting part time work as a child, I have been in the business for 45 years.
“Levy’s not only carries an encompassing selection of modern diamonds, engagement rings and wedding bands, but also has one of the most comprehensive selections of antique and estate bridal jewelry in the United States. From the 18th century throughout the Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Retro period, we offer a selection to fit every taste,” Todd said.
“The best advice I can offer in the selection of bridal jewelry is for the bride and groom to work together to select the perfect pieces of jewelry,” Jared said. “We know that often the element of surprise is a large factor in this, especially when selecting an engagement ring. If working together is not possible, try to gather what her tastes and wishes are through her friends or family members. The engagement
ring will be worn for a very long time, so it’s best to ensure it is the perfect ring for her. If you have a long engagement, don’t buy the wedding band until four months before the wedding, as styles and minds change over a period of time.”
Levy’s is taking every precaution to insure both it’s customers and employees are safe from the COVID pandemic. The store is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected throughout the day.
Levy’s Fine Jewelry is located at 2116 2nd Avenue N. in Birmingham, 205-251-3381.
Red Mountain Theatre Arts Campus
“Red Mountain Theatre is a historic industrial space converted into a state-ofthe-art performing arts and event venue in the heart of the lively Parkside District of downtown, perfect for any wedding-related event, whether you have 10 guests or 400!” Business Development Manager Stephanie Achilli, right, said. “We have multiple spaces that can be transformed to exactly how you envision your event to look.”
Red Mountain Theatre can even assist with finding performers and musicians for your event, whether it takes place at the Arts Campus or not.
“I have been in the wedding and events industry for almost six years, but Red Mountain Theatre has been in the business of creating experiences for patrons since 1979,” Stephanie said. “We are looking forward to hosting many events at our Arts Campus which officially opened its doors in May 2021.”
When asked what makes the Red Mountain Theatre Arts Campus a unique place for an event Stephanie is quick with an answer, “I love all of the unique features our building has to offer, such as original fire doors from 1914, floor to ceiling windows, and LED light pillars lining one of the walls in our Grand Lobby. “Our team has incomparable expertise in planning and executing your event. From unlimited site visits with you and your vendors to matching you with
‘We are looking forward to talent, whether it’s a hosting many events at our musician or magician, we are here to help,” Arts Campus which officially Stephanie said. opened its doors in May 2021.’ When it comes to advice for your wedding or special event Stephanie offers this advice: “Get creative, have fun, and make your event an experience your guests will be talking about for years to come!” Red Mountain Theatre is located at 1600 3rd Ave. S., Birmingham, 205-463-5372.
PERFECT FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT
LRY Media Group
For more information contact Stephanie Achilli, Business Development Manager (205) 463-5372
5299 Valleydale Road, Suite 111 980-9030 southeasternjewelers.net (1/4 mile off 280)
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JEWELERS
1678 Montgomery Hwy • Hoover, AL1678 MONTGOMERY HWY 205.978.5880 • www.shaysjewelers.com HOOVER, AL 35216
From page 20 all dresses sold are sample gowns, and every gown is unique. Every bride leaves the store with their dress in hand.
“The gown that every bride selects is one they had no expectations of falling in love with.” White said.
According to White, dress styles selected by brides at Bustle Gowns vary drastically person to person.
White notices venues no longer determine the style of dresses that are selected. Instead of seeing cathedral trains only in large cathedral weddings, brides have started choosing individuality and personal taste over what is expected. Brides are paying homage to their family members, cultural history, their partners and even their hobbies.
“Our owner, Meredith Carter, is a big believer in not having to have a certain style of dress to fit a bride’s venue or location, it’s a new thing and really different.” White said.
White reveals there will be an abundance of breaking tradition in the wedding culture this year. Intimate weddings, out-of-order ceremonies, and modern and edgy twists featuring neon lights and disco balls are a few of the trends White noticed when speaking to brides this year.
“It’s been really awesome to see new styles and twists explode and to watch people get creative with their ceremonies.” White said.
Cathy Kelley is enamored by the wedding boom.
She noted that, as two years’ worth of weddings are fit into one, many brides will be involved in multiple weddings other than their own throughout the year.
“One client said she will be in six weddings in the new year,” Kelley said. “Since there is such an increase
in weddings, we will see a lot more Friday and Sunday night weddings.” As brides venture into “the year of weddings,” the variety of dress styles and wedding styles is nearly endless.
Bridal Shows Showcase Latest Trends
On January 16, The Pink Bride Show will be held at BirminghamJefferson Convention Center. This bridal event will feature Birmingham’s prime wedding experts, fashion shows, and inspirational exhibits. This occasion will allow brides-to-be an opportunity to visit with vendors, and shop for their special day. In addition, The Pink Bride Show will present giveaways, shopping, and food and beverages. Tickets are $15, and can be purchased online. On January 23, Swoozie’s Birmingham Bridal Showcase will take place at The Summit. Swoozie’s will be kicking off the year of weddings by celebrating brides with this annual event. Brides will be able to schedule one on one wedding consultations, The Pink Bride Show will include give- view custom aways, shopping, and food and beverages. invitation options, and get inspiration for various wedding celebrations. This event will also feature hundreds of personalized gift options ideal for bridal parties. Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex will host the Alabama Bridal & Wedding Expo, featuring dozens of wedding industry experts on May 15. Over 36 different types of wedding professionals will be in attendance, ranging from bakeries and entertainment, to florists and photographers. The interactive expo will offer food and dessert tastings, fashion shows, live music and giveaways. If registered online prior to the event, admission is free. Tickets will be sold at the door for $10.
LUCY WANTS YOU
TO COME IN AND REGISTER!
2841 Cahaba Road Mtn. Brook Village • 879-5277 M-F 10-5 • Sat 10-4 www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com
Rembert-Brown
Mary Ellison Rembert and Douglas Ford Brown were married January 30, 2021, at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Birmingham, followed by a reception at Events at Haven.
The ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Robert J. Sullivan. Vocalist for the ceremony was Lauren Marino, lector was Dean Romano Jr. and program attendants were Foster Stearns Marshall, Mary Charles Marshall and Sydney Allen Marshall.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Britton Rembert of Vestavia Hills. She is the granddaughter of Marie Carbonie Romano and Sammie Stearns Rembert.
The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Phillip Brown of Hoover. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Aliva Edward Landers.
Attending the bride as maids of honor were Alexandra Denise Andrews and Mary Genevieve Stewart. Bridesmaids were Caroline Hunter Baldy, Brehany Santee Brown, Camilla Hynds Brown, Sara Katherine Burkett, Caroline Elizabeth Coate, Hannah Adair Eans, Madison Elizabeth Miller and Hannah Lee Yarmowich.
Serving the groom as best man was his father, Doug Phillip Brown. Groomsmen were Andrew Lee Abele, Kevin Tuck Borie, William Hunter Basden, Jacob Patrick Callahan, Christopher David Johnson, Zachary Bryant Johnson, Marcus Brian Lefebvre, James Britton Rembert Jr. and Joseph Michael Stephens.
After a wedding trip to the Keys, the couple reside in Vestavia Hills.
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