Loving It!

We are in the middle of our fabulous first wedding season!

At September's Bride, Thursday is "pickup day"; when most gowns and tuxedos are picked up for that weekend's weddings. We enjoy Thursdays so much!

If you are an SB bride, please e-mail or bring us a snapshot from your wedding. We would love to show these on the blog and/or in the store.

This weekend, we congratulate:

Jackie - she wore her mother's gown, which we restored & restyled

Rita - added her own mantilla from Mexico to a gorgeous silk tissue-taffeta ball-gown

Kara - wore simple, informal gown that our seamstress designed for her

Heather - found a gorgeous Casablanca gown that suited her so well!

Dynl - another Casablanca gown; this one in beautiful lace

Laura - her gown was silk satin; breathtaking!

September's Bride... a fresh approach to formal!

Karen

Here is a great photo of one of our brides at her reception last weekend.

Lots of Info...

I want to refer you to the home page for Justin Alexander Bridal, one of the bridal lines that we carry at September's Bride. The page is full of great information about bridal gowns: styles, necklines, fabrics, colors, and more!

If you are shopping for a gown, or just love to look at and read about them, take the time to visit this page!

Justin Alexander #8389

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Happy Anniversary, Dad & Mom!

My parents, Roger & Kristi Lemmen, are celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary today!

They were married on June 19, 1970; just 8 days after my Mom graduated from Holland High School. My dad was in the Army, stationed at Fort Knox.

Mom's dress is still one of my all-time favorites; purchased for $50 from a JCPenny sale! Their wedding pictures are in an album at the store - ask to see them!

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Wear a Vintage Gown?

Of course, at September's Bride, we have gorgeous new couture and custom gowns from some of the best designers.

Some brides, however, may have their hearts set on wearing an older gown, such as their mother's, grandmother's, or aunt's wedding gown.

This gown was whitened and restyled for a modern bride.

Jackie, a lovely woman from Chicago, will be wearing her mother's gown when she marries on June 28. Lisa, a bride from the area, will be meeting with me tomorrow to try on her aunt's gown that she hopes to wear this December.

What is old is new again, and our "parent" company, Great Lakes Wedding Gown Specialists, LLC, can help make a vintage gown into your dream wedding dress.

This gown is in the process of being restyled. It is shown with a hand-knit mohair shrug.

If you think this option might be for you, here are some things to consider:

1. Have an open mind. Some areas of lace and fine fabrics may not have held up to time or improper storage. Also, a gown may not "restyle" into exactly what you are picturing.

2. Use a specialist. Do not attempt to whiten or alter a special gown on your own. At the very least, have a consultation with a Wedding Gown Specialist or an experienced bridal seamstress to gain their input.

3. Have realistic goals. Most of the time, restoring and restyling a gown can cost almost as much as purchasing a new gown. It is not necessarily a money-saving project. Be willing to spend more time in fittings and consultations. Also, when finished, it is still a vintage gown, complete with blemishes and possible stains. A specialist will minimize these as much as possible, but they are part of any vintage gown.

4. Have fun. Although not for the faint of heart, wearing a family gown is an experience that is special and honoring to the previous bride or brides that have worn the gown. Enjoy being a part of the gown's history.

5. Store it properly for the next generation. After you wear the gown, have it cleaned and preserved to be enjoyed again.

If you are interested in a consultation regarding your vintage gown, please call Tami at 616-355-1433 or 616-283-2995. You may also send an e-mail to greatlakesgowns@charter.net

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Time to Buy?

Congratulations - you're engaged and planning a wedding in 2009!

Our shop has been full lately with '09 brides who are just beginning the search for the perfect dress for their wedding day. They often wonder, "What is the "right" time to go ahead and order the dress?"

Here are a few ideas to help:

1. Remember that your dress often helps to set the "theme" and "style" for the wedding. Formal, informal, vintage, elegant, whimsical... Once you have decided on your gown, other decisions become easier, as you have a "look" to which to compare other decisions.

2. Most major bridal designers recommend 6-8 months of lead time when ordering your gown. Yes, gowns will sometimes come in before that, and if you are having custom work, or if there is a shortage on the fabric you ordered, it can take a little longer. Your bridal shop will be able to advise you on the usual time for the designer that you are considering.

3. The above-mentioned 6-8 months of order time does not include fittings and alterations; so be sure to talk to your bridal shop consultant about the time expect for this important step.

4. Once you find a gown you love, if there is less than 12 months to your wedding, I strongly recommend going ahead and ordering the gown. Then, stop looking at gowns, whether in photos or in person!

5. Spend the remaining months focusing on planning other aspects of your wedding, choosing your maid's gowns, your veil, your accessories...

And...'08 brides, don't despair if you are still looking for your gown; most designers have "RUSH" programs and at September's Bride, we have a wonderful selection of gowns that can be purchased right "off the rack" in a variety of sizes and styles.

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Holland's BIG GIVE - Update!

The big evening is getting closer and we are all buzzing in Downtown Holland!

Over 30 merchants are participating - 10% of profits will go to help the Lubbers family.

Also...one of our suppliers, LILA COUTURE, has offered to help, too. So, if you purchase a Lila Couture gown this Thursday evening, June 12, both September's Bride and Lila Couture will donate a portion of the sale to this area family.

Look for the signs signifying the merchants who are participating in Holland's BIG GIVE...see you Thursday evening!

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Holland's BIG GIVE

Someone asked if I had a list of the Downtown Holland stores participating in next Thursday's event to help the Lubbers family.

I do not have that information yet, but I will definitely post a list or a link to a list as soon as I do. Thanks for your interest, readers!

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Want a Wedding on the Beach?

My husband, Jeff, and I just returned from an overnight trip to Traverse City, where we were guests of the Park Shore Resort.

Fawn, owner of the Park Shore, took us on a tour today of their wedding facilities. It is beautiful and I would highly recommend the location to anyone looking for a place to have an elegant, but relaxed beach wedding.

There are brochures in our store, stop by for more information!

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Holland's BIG GIVE!

"Life has taken a shocking turn for one of downtown (Holland)'s great employees. Katie Lubbers, a sales person at Home & Company, is 22 years old and was expecting her first child with husband Robb this summer. On Feb 29, she was rushed to the hospital where she gave birth to 22-week-old Brenham Jay. He lived for 3 minutes.
Weeks later, it was discovered that Katie suffers from Chronic Kidney Failure, which led to the loss of her son. Katie is currently awaiting a transplant and is receiving dialysis treatments 3 times per week. In addition to all of the grief, suffering, and stress this has caused, Katie & Robb also face a heavy financial burden."...

In response to this sad situation, Katie's co-workers have organized "Holland's BIG GIVE". Next Thursday, June 12, on the kickoff to the Street Performers Series, participating merchants will donate 10% of their sales from 6pm until closing to a fund that has been set up for the Lubbers to help cover medical expenses.

September's Bride will be participating in this charitable event. If you have been waiting for the "perfect time" to purchase your dress, veil, jewelry, or other bridal items, next Thursday evening is the time! Ten percent of your purchase will go to help this area family.

To read more information about Katie, Robb, & Brenham, visit their blog here.

"And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful." Titus 3:14 NASB

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Looks We Love #3,4, & 5

I want to introduce our delightful summer intern, Rhea. This past weekend, we played "dress-up" and used Rhea as our model.

Bridal inspiration...

Casablanca 1900 with chapel -length veil

Vintage Bride...

We love the "back jewelry"!
This piece, by MEG jewelry, converts into a necklace and bracelet

This is a Priscilla of Boston gown from 1968; we updated it with a modern veil & jewelry

Two to tango...

Rhea in Charo Peres for Novissima with her "bridesmaid", Rachel, in Belsoie

LOVE the skirt!!!

Brides-t0-be...come in and play "dress-up" with us. At September's Bride, there is no limit to the looks you can achieve.

September's Bride... a fresh approach to formal.

Congratulations, Mom!

Announcing the winner of our "May is for Moms" drawing...

Mrs. Yvonne VanderWeide

Yvonne won a $100 gift certificate to Via Maria, complements of September's Bride

Yvonne's daughter, Lisa, was one of our May brides; married in a custom Casablanca gown.

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.