Lace. Sleeves. Buttons. Each of these things were requirements to complete GBC Bride Kelly’s special vision for her dress. As soon as she put on THE dress, she just knew that she had found the one. With her family on facetime and her stylist, Kelly said “YES” to her modern day replica of her mother’s wedding dress!

What were some of your “must haves” for your wedding dress? My mother passed away when I was twelve years only, and I always dreamed of wearing her dress. Her wedding dress was long sleeved, had buttons down the back and was all lace. Unfortunately though, I knew that I couldn’t wear her dress because it had a huge coffee stain all over the front and the cleaners couldn’t get the stain out. When I booked my appointment I knew her dress was my inspiration. Thankfully puffy sleeves and itchy lace from the 80’s are out of style now though! 🙂

Was your vision the same as the wedding dress you chose? Yes, the dress I choose was fully lace, long sleeves, and had a beautiful long train. It wasn’t made with buttons, but I was able to add them in alterations! In addition, it had a little modern upgrade which was the low back.

What did you love most about your gown?
The back. It was just stunning! I am a very modest person so adding a low back was very unlike me, but for my wedding day I knew I needed a little something special and extra to make me feel beautiful.

How did you know you had found your wedding dress?
I knew even before I finished putting it on. I saw myself in the mirror as I was stepping into it and just knew that it was perfect already. The lace was so soft, and I felt so beautiful and timeless. I knew it was it.

Most memorable moment from your wedding dress shopping experience:
When I was standing there in front of the mirror, and I just knew it was it. I was alone at my appointment so the stylist face-timed my step mom who was in California so I could say yes to the dress with my family there just made the experience perfect.

Most memorable moment from your wedding day:
My husband and I decided to do a blind first look where we read our personal vows to each other. It was at my family’s home in Sonoma in the front yard. I was on one side of the beautiful big white door, and my husband was on the other side. That time together holding hands reading our vows will always be my very favorite moment.

Advice you would give to future brides about planning their wedding:
GET A VIDEOGRAPHER!!! I do not remember most of the day. Photos help, but I wish I had a video of moments of that day.

Advice you would give to future brides about wedding dress shopping:
Have fun! It is supposed to be an exciting and special moment. Enjoy it and don’t think too much!

Anything else you want to share about planning your wedding or your Gown Boutique of Charleston Experience:
I just want to thank each and every one of you ladies for making me feel so incredibly beautiful on my wedding day. I cannot express how grateful I am to you for helping me pick my dress.

Being able to be a part of such a special moment in a bride’s life means so much to us. We celebrate our bride’s saying yes to their wedding dress just like their friends and family would! As Kelly mentioned, her family was across the country when she was shopping for her gown. Thankfully technology allowed her to share her moment with them. Keep in mind that if traveling or timing doesn’t allow for those close to you to be there when you are ready to say YES to your dress, we would be more than happy to Facetime with your family and friends!

Venue: The Lodge at Sonoma
Photographer: Megan Holly Clouse
Floral: Spring Flowers