Sashes from Enzoani

We received some gorgeous sashes from Enzoani Bridal this week.

Of course, they look fabulous on Enzoani gowns and other designer's gowns.

But, they also look fabulous for the holidays paired with a long sweater or a tunic!

This is the Diana sash; pictured above in shades of ivory

pictured below in lovely blacks, pewters, and chocolate tones.

This is the Dillon sash, gorgeous jewels on a cream ribbon

We stock these sashes just one at a time and often replace them with a different style.  So, if you see something you like, come in and see it in person before it is gone.

Newlywed Christmas Ornaments

This will be my 20th Christmas as a married woman!  By now, our Christmas tree is full of sentimental ornaments, ranging from engraved silver bells to plastic soccer balls.

I remember our first Christmas together.  We put up the tree, arranged the lights, and hung our half-dozen ornaments.  It looked pretty bare!

Here's an idea from a newlywed for a great way to inexpensively decorate your Christmas tree AND use up your extra wedding invitations, too!

 Photo & Idea courtesy of Jen Wood

Follow us on Facebook for Thanksgiving Weekend Sales!

Do you follow us on Facebook?

If you do not do so yet, now is the time to begin!  Beginning Wednesday, we'll be posting great specials & sales all weekend long, through Saturday, November 26.

Happy Thanksgiving!

West 8th Apple Pie

Here's my second recipe that I'm sharing with you this Thanksgiving.

Then we'll head back to talking everything weddings & wedding fashion :)

My youngest son LOVES apple pie.  My whole family loves THIS apple pie.  I call it "West 8th Apple Pie" because my two "secret" ingredients are from stores just down the street from September's Bride on West 8th Street in Holland, MI.

You will need:

Pie Crust (I find that the Pillsbury Ready Pie Crust is easier & better than anything I make myself)

6 large or 8 medium Gala apples, cut into small chunks
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 heaping teaspoon of Grandma Nettie's Pie Spice
   available at The Seasoned Home in downtown Holland
1 1/2 tablespoons of Red Apple Balsamic Vinegar
   available at Fustini's in downtown Holland
4 tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Place one crust in pie pan.  In a bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients through the vinegar in order.

Fill pie crust with apple mixture and dot with butter, divided into 8 parts.

Top with other crust, folding edges and crimping as desired.  Cut slits in the top crust.

Bake for 40-45 minutes.  Let cool before slicing.

"Like" this recipe on our Facebook page; I am giving away a set of my "secret ingredients" to a lucky fan!

Tami's Sourdough Stuffing

No worries...I have no plans to turn this into a baking or cooking blog. 

However, there are lots of women, both newlyweds and others, who are looking for great recipes for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  In the spirit of the holiday, I'm going to share two of my favorite recipes to contribute to family meals.

Today...Tami's Sourdough Stuffing  (makes 8 servings)

You will need:

8 cups dry sourdough bread cubes
4-6 slices of bacon
6 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped leeks
1 cup chopped celery
1 scant tablespoon fresh sage, minced
1 scant tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 lb baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup red wine
Olive Oil

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until just crispy.   Remove and drain on paper towels.  Set bacon aside and empty excess fat from skillet. (Set skillet aside to use for mushrooms.)  Add 4 tablespoons of butter to a medium to large saucepan.  Once butter is melted, add onion, leeks, celery, sage, and thyme to pan.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Cook until vegetables are tender, stirring to be sure they do not stick.  Add the chicken broth, bring to a simmer then remove from heat.  Set aside.

Return the skillet to medium heat.  There should be just a bit of bacon fat left in it; add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.  Once melted, add mushrooms to the skillet and saute until they begin to soften.  Add wine to skillet and cook until the mushrooms have absorbed the wine. 

Crumble the cooled bacon into small pieces. 

In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes, bacon, and mushrooms.  Pour the chicken broth and vegetable mixture over the top and mix well. 

Rub a 2-quart baking dish with olive oil.  Transfer the mixture into the dish and drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top.  Cover and bake at 375 for 30 minutes.  Uncover and continue baking until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Enjoy and let me know how it worked for you!

Next...West 8th Apple Pie

Make It Your Own

At September's Bride, we love to customize!  Often, one of the first things that we tell brides who visit us is that almost all of our gowns can be customized and changed to make it "theirs".

Necklines...
Train Lengths...
Beading...
Colors...
Sleeves...
Skirt Shapes...
Fabric...
 
Our newest designer, Stephanie James Couture, is no exception!  Just visit her blog to see her gowns on real brides in many sizes and shapes.  There are also many "versions" of the same gown, to give other brides endless ideas!

This is the "Daphne" gown by Stephanie James Couture.



Celebrate Individuality!

Yesterday, I helped a gorgeous young woman in the boutique.  She was getting fitted for a bridesmaid dress and was a bit disappointed about the size that I suggested.  She called herself "fat" and I wanted to cry.  She looked healthy, her skin glowed, her hair was shiny, and she had a wonderful figure that most women would envy. 

You can imagine that there are lots of self-image and body issues floating around at a bridal boutique.  Someone always thinks they are too short, too tall, too curvy, too flat...

There is no perfect body except when you take care of the one that God gave you!

Bridal gowns, like most garments, are often photographed on very tall, very thin models.  Then, the photos are "enhanced" and the final image looks nothing like a real bride on her wedding day. 

So, embrace yourself!  Celebrate that you look absolutely stunning in the bridal gown, the bridesmaid dress, the mother's gown that you have so carefully chosen.

Shown above are Jenny and Bethany, beautifully decked out from the Grand Haven Wedding Walk Fashion Show that we coordinated back on October 29.  Don't they look fabulous!

Shopping for Wedding Gowns

It's Wedding Gown Shopping Season!

 

Wedding Season 2011 is winding down, and a very wonderful season it was!  Our boutique served over 200 brides with wedding gowns, bridesmaid gowns, tuxes, and accessories.  EVENTS by September's Bride offered consulting, coordinating, and planning to over a dozen happy couples.  We are honored!

 

As Wedding Season for this year slows, Wedding Gown Shopping Season begins!  All of the lovely ladies who are planning to get married in 2012 are visiting boutiques and trying on dozens of wedding gowns. 

 

Did you know that you should ideally order your wedding gown 8-12 months before your wedding?  Each of the designers that we carry at September's Bride make each gown to order for each individual gown.  They can be customized and will be designed and sewn just for you!  Gowns will take about 4-6 months from the time you order before arriving at our boutique.  Then, you'll want plenty of time for alterations and accessorizing!

 

So, if you are planning a wedding in 2012 or even early 2013, these quiet months are the perfect time to shop!

 

Gown Shopping At September's Bride

 

What should you expect when visiting September's Bride to shop for your wedding gown?

 

Well, you can expect a friendly greeting shortly after you arrive. The consultant will probably ask whether or not you have an appointment.  If you made an appointment, we will have a fitting room and a consultant ready for you.  If you are just stopping in, no worries!  We'll do everything we can to accomodate you.

 

At first, your consultant will take just a few moments to explain how the store is arranged, will ask you a little about your wedding and if you've been shopping for gowns.  She will also ask if you need a strapless bra with which to try on gowns; we have lots of sizes, and definitely recommend at least trying to use our favorite style. 

 

Your consultant will then let you browse our gown selection and choose some gowns that you would like to try.  She will probably make a few suggestions, too. Our suggestions are usually based on your descriptions of what you like or a gown that we know would look fabulous on your body shape.

 

Once there are several gowns ready in your fitting room, it's time to start trying them on!  We have a gorgeous fitting area upstairs in our store which is reserved for appointments and also used for walk-in customers if it is not already being used.  Your "entourage" may relax while we offer as much or little help as you desire. Your consultant will be nearby with ready hands, clips, and tips.  Trying on gowns at September's Bride is fun and pressure-free.  We want you to enjoy yourself and feel beautiful.

 

Appointments

 

Because November usually begins the busy shopping season, we do suggest making an appointment if you plan to come in and try on wedding gowns.  Saturday appointments are usually full by mid-week; so call early if you want to shop on a weekend.  Weekdays are usually very open for appointments; we are open until 8 pm on Thursdays and are also willing to accomodate additional evenings for appointments if you wish. 

 

Call us at 616-355-1433 or e-mail rachel@septembersbride.com  to make your appointment. 

 

We have a beautiful upstairs fitting area that usually accomodates two brides at a time.  We suggest bringing along 2 or 3 trusted companions when you are shopping.  Invite the people whose opinions you respect and who understand that the decision is truly yours!