Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Holiday Hours

Here is a reminder of September's Bride's Open Shopping Hours over the holiday season:

December 24 :: 11 am - 3 pm

December 25 :: Closed - Merry Christmas!

December 27 :: 10 am - 3 pm (closing early so that we may attend Megan's wedding!)

January 1 :: Closed - Happy New Year!

Also, please remember that beginning on Saturday, January 3, our upstairs fitting area will be open By Appointment Only on Saturdays. Please call 616-355-1433 for an appointment!

We wish you many blessings during this wonderful season; may God bless us, every one!

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

Thursday, December 18, 2008

A new photo of "Tami"

About two months ago, I introduced a new Lila Couture gown called "Rachel", which is currently in the store. I also mentioned that the designer had named one of the gowns in her 2009 collection "Tami". I finally received a photo of that gown today! The gown itself should be in the store within the next month.



As you can see, it is a slightly-modified mermaid/trumpet style. The lace layers are similiar to the "Rachel" gown, but the bodice and mid-section is purely lace; simpler than the "Rachel".

I want to put a slightly larger pendant necklace with this, I think. Perhaps a shorter bubble veil, lace trimmed; to balance the skirt. I love the addition of a bracelet!

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

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Praise




As I posted a few days ago, I really enjoy helping brides and owning this beautiful shop. Here is a lovely e-mail that I received from a lady who visited our store with her friend.



I wanted to thank you for all of your help Saturday when Amanda and I were in. As you know we had been dress shopping all day! We truly enjoyed shopping and spending time at your store. It was 100 times better then anywhere else we had been that day! I am looking forward to bringing Amanda and her family back for them to see the dress she has selected!



Thanks again to you and your staff for making us feel very comfortable and well cared for while we were there! It is greatly appreciated!!!



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

Monday, December 15, 2008

Bridal Style

These are one of my current favorite pair of earrings. They are "Lauren" by L.Stone Designs. I personally have worn them with a great sweater and a pair of jeans out on a date with my fabulous husband. For bridal style, they look wonderful with a strapless gown that has some vintage flair, or an actual vintage gown. They have just the right amount of "bling" to really draw attention to the wearer's face. The mother-of-pearl has a luster that will make your skin glow. The earrings are hand-crafted here in the USA and can be customized.


Our newest gown arrival is Casablanca 1942. This gown has two of the "trends" that we saw alot of at the Chicago Bridal Market: lace cap sleeves and a "fish-tail" train. Here is the back of the gown, I accessorized it with the "Drew" necklace by MEG Jewelry. I love the way the deep V-back and the necklace's back-drop add to the drama.

Up close! For years, brides have been asking for alternatives to strapless gowns. This is so beautiful and very flattering on. Also, because it is a Casablanca gown, this neckline and the sleeves can be added to other Casablanca gowns for a custom look!

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

Saturday, December 13, 2008

I love my job!



Each Saturday evening, after a week and a busy day of helping brides choose "The Gown"; I thank God for the opportunity I have to work with lovely young ladies and play dress-up all day long!



Today was another of those days. The day began with a fun appointment with a delightful young lady named Jenny and her aunt. Jenny chose a brand-new Casablanca gown that is just beautiful. A few other brides stopped in to choose bridesmaid dresses and the day ended with two more appointments, Lauren and Amanda, who also found gowns that they liked. Along the way, several of our summer 2008 brides stopped in to pickup their gowns that have been cleaned and preserved. This is a typical Saturday at September's Bride. So fun!



If you are searching for your wedding gown, let me share a few bits of advice:


1. Gowns look different on you than on the hanger or on a model in a magazine or online. They also will look different on one woman than on another. So, try on several styles! You may be surprised!


2. Don't ask "how long can I wait to order?" If you have decided on a gown, go ahead and order the gown; especially if your wedding is within a year. Then, you can move on to other fun decisions and know your gown will arrive in plenty of time for fittings, alterations, and accessories. It is much more relaxing to have your gown arrive early and be able to "visit" it than worry if it will arrive in time. (Just ask Megan & Rachel)

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

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Announcing...Saturday Appointments


At September's Bride, we have been so honored with the response to our products and services. We want to thank each of our customers, and especially the nearly 200 brides that we have served in 2008.


Because we want to give each bride the time and attention she deserves, September's Bride will be "By Appointment Only" on Saturdays beginning in January, 2009. We will reserve our downstairs fitting room and stage for walk-ins and browsers on a first-come/first-served basis.


What does this mean for you and any brides that might be shopping in January and thereafter? All one needs to do is call the store (616-355-1433) or e-mail (greatlakesgowns@charter.net) to inquire about available appointment times on an upcoming Saturday. You will be matched with one of our fabulous consultants for a one-hour appointment. We will be scheduling no more than two appointments at a time in our large upstairs fitting and viewing area; so you will have lots of room to bring guests and still get individual attention. For customers who stop in without an appointment, we still encourage them to shop in the store, perhaps make an appointment for later in the day, or use our lovely downstairs fitting and viewing area if it is available.


If you are shopping on a Saturday for bridesmaid gowns, please make an appointment also. Just let us know how many bridesmaids you will have with you so that we can plan accordingly and make sure that you have plenty of room! Mothers or others who are shopping for formals or special occasion gowns do not need appointments; there will be someone ready to help you!


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

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Veils by Jennifer Leigh - gotta love 'em!


In the past few months, our veil designer, Jennifer Leigh, has put up a beautiful new website; full of inspiration and ideas.


Be sure to check it out at http://www.jenniferleighveils.com/

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

Thursday, December 4, 2008

A New Fun Accessory

WINTER BRIDES!

New at September's Bride are beautiful little faux-fur wraps to keep your shoulders warm as you dash about on your wedding day. We have two styles available for purchase, and other styles and colors can be ordered, too.

Not an investment you want to make? We have wraps that can be rented for your wedding beginning at just $39!

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

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Megan's Wedding Shower

Last night, the September's Bride ladies got together at my home to celebrate Megan's upcoming wedding with a blue-and-silver-candlelighted-themed bridal shower.


We had a dinner-party; with Meditteranean-style appetizers and calzones for the main course. To top it off; dark chocolate truffles for dessert!


Tami & Megan
September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.