It was a Mikaella day!!

We were super busy this past Saturday, and, at one point, we had three girls wearing Mikaella bridal gowns at the same time. We had to snap a picture of them and their family/friends!

At The Wedding Bell, You’re Not Just a Number!

It was a flourishing May day when Jennifer and her mother came into The Wedding Bell in search of the perfect gown for her November 7th, 2009 wedding! Jennifer, only leaving herself with 6 months, knew we had to find her gown that day!! As we started off, I knew there was something different about this adorable pair! They were so sweet and gracious; working with them was a breeze! I went through our store process: telling her how the gowns were arranged, a little about the construction and styles, giving her the five clips… Then, we were off into the racks! When Jennifer first walked into the store, I thought of a specific dress in our store. Her wedding was going to take place in Seattle in the fall, and the dress was perfect for the event! I left the room briefly to grab the gown off of the mannequin and whisked it into the room! I told Jennifer “Now, I know this is the one!!” With excitement and anticipation in her eyes, I pulled the gown over her head and zipped the back of the gown up! Her mom was waiting patiently in the showroom, and I couldn’t wait to see her reaction! As I pulled the dressing room curtain back and gathered her train, butterflies ran threw my tummy. I knew it was the gown….

Jennifer’s mom’s eyes lit up! “Oh my goodness, this is the one,” she said! Jennifer walked up to the platform and stood facing the mirror. As I dropped the train, her face said it all! It was the dress!!! We had found it! The color was oyster and ivory with a dropped waist and sweet romantic lace and tulle over the soft satin! It was beautiful! As we starred in awe, I pulled a veil that just completed the whole look! She was ready for the big day! But, we weren’t finished by far!

The next step was her four bridesmaids. Jennifer knew she wanted them to be in long gowns and knew the color that she was looking for! I always say the bride should never leave the decision up to the bridesmaids. It’s their wedding, and, if you leave it up to them, you will have a hodge-podge look! We hit the bridesmaid rack, and I pulled three gowns that are always great for all different body styles and look great in pictures! Her mom was also looking for a gown for the event! I pulled a strapless corset gown that came with a shawl for her! We went back into the room, and her mom looked perfect as well! The dress had two sparkling broaches to set her apart from the bridesmaids! In no time, we had done it! Dressed the Bride, Mother of the Bride, and the Bridal party!

As I rang up the girls, we talked about one of The Wedding Bell’s great options for any of our brides, our Day of Package! The package consists of one of our great consultants (of course, it is the bride’s choice of who comes to her wedding) on hand and some other special services! The consultant comes to the wedding to steam the bridal gown, bridesmaids’ gowns, mother of the bride gown, and mother of the groom gown! We even bring water and treats as well as a sewing kit and other goodies! “Oh, yes, we would love to have you help out at the wedding,” says Jennifer’s mom! So, by the end of the day, we found all of the gowns plus me to be at the wedding to make sure all the gowns are perfect!

Time flew by! Months passed, and, before you knew it, November was here! Jennifer and I kept in contact throughout the months and even decided I was going to do her hair and makeup at the big event!

On the morning of November 7th, I woke up at 6 a.m., got ready, drove up to the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, and got to work! When I walked into the suite, I was warmly greeted by Jennifer’s mother and sisters! The excitement and anticipation was in the air! Out walked Jennifer from the bathroom, and she was glowing! She was so calm for it being one of the biggest days in her life! I first steamed all of the gowns as the videographer roamed around the bustling room and photographers snapped candid shots of the bride and her family! It was such an honor to be able to watch a special time, not only Jennifer’s life, but her family’s life as well.

It was then time to put Jennifer together as she sat in her silk robe with Bride written in crystals on her back (just in case anyone wasn’t sure). We began with her hair. Soft curls was the look we were going for with it half swept up out of her face, so that all could see how beautiful she is! Her makeup was done with soft pinks, warm browns, and golds. Before we knew it, the time was there to put her gown on! The girls all gathered into the room and watched her mom and sisters zip her into the gown. It was PERFECT! All the planning had paid off, and it was time for Jennifer to be married!

I absolutely love my job! I am so blessed to be in an industry where I get to meet the women I do and make the friendships I have. The Wedding Bell is a small, family owned bridal boutique off 6th Avenue in Tacoma, Washington, where it has been for the past 65 years! Each day, I come to work knowing that I am one of the luckiest people to do what I do! It is a joy to provide a service we know our clients will remember forever, and we pride ourselves in doing so! Come, let the girls at The Wedding Bell not only help you find your perfect dress, but become a life-long friend! At The Wedding Bell, you’re not just another number, you’re a friend, and you are what matters!

Ashley Taylor
Manager

What Silhouettes Look Best for Different Shapes

When choosing what silhouette you want to wear, keep in mind what parts of your body you want to emphasize and show off.

An A-line is fitted through the waist and goes out with a defined waistline. A-lines tend to be the most flattering for all shapes. The cut of an A-line is good for larger hips as it flares out right above the hips and shows off the waist.

A ball gown has a very fitted waistline with a very large skirt. This style is the most traditional bridal silhouette. This style is flattering to most body shapes.

An empire is a high waistline, which is fitted right below the bust, and goes out into a thin skirt. This style is flattering for a girl with a larger bust and hips. It draws the eye to the smallest part of the waist and conceals the hips.

A mermaid is fitted all the way to the knee and flares out just below the knee. This style tends to look good on long and lean bodies. The shape of a mermaid can give the illusion of hips and more curves to the body.

A sheath is fitted and goes straight down the body. The sheath style is a relaxed look that tends to look best on a girl with a small bust and hips. This style shows off the shape of the body and its curves.

Marissa Fahnstrom
Bridal Consultant

marissa@theweddingbellbride.com