Before coming to the Gown Boutique of Charleston, Aly was not looking forward to wedding dress shopping. Aly came to our boutique with a very specific vision in mind. As soon as she walked in the doors, she spotted a dress that fit her every need! Aly said “YES” to her beautiful wedding dress with the help of her mother and father. On March 23rd, 2019, the day Aly said “I Do!”, Aly never felt more beautiful, and her desire to look like a southern belle…a feat we definitely feel we accomplished.
What were some of your “must haves” for your wedding dress?
I was very particular with what I wanted in my wedding dress…Here goes my list!
-Ball Gown
-Sweetheart Neckline
-Textured/Layered Bottom
-Beading
-Lace
-Long Train
-Equally as pretty bustled
-Comfortable
-Make me feel secure
Was your vision the same as the wedding dress you choose?
I felt like my list of expectations going into wedding dress shopping was so long…but believe it or not, I found EXACTLY what I wanted! So yes, the dress I chose was my vision that came to life. It was actually the first dress I noticed when I walked into the store. When I began working with Janet, I said “That one! I want to try that one on!”
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What did you love most about your gown?
I loved the way I felt about myself when I looked in the mirror. I never felt more beautiful. It was like I was living my fantasy of looking like a southern belle.
How did you know you had found your wedding dress?
Immediately when I put it on, I knew it felt right. There were two other key moments that locked it in for me. The first moment was when Janet put on the cathedral veil I said I wanted. I wanted to have a show stopping moment, and the veil made everything look so dreamy. The second and final moment that sealed the deal was my dad’s reaction. Keep in mind he was in the Air Force for twenty-four years so not showing emotion is something he was very accustomed too. But! When he saw the dress complete with the veil, he got so emotional. It just warmed my heart, and that is when I knew.
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Most memorable moment from your wedding dress shopping experience:
Honestly, I was really dreading going wedding dress shopping. Being plus size, options are very limited, and there were many bridal boutiques that only went up to size twelve for trying on. That would not have worked for me. With that being said, I found Gown Boutique of Charleston. From making my appointment, to the helpful sales consultants, and the large selection of plus size dresses, I could not have asked for a better shopping experience. I felt so comfortable and confident from start to finish!
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Advice you would give to future brides about planning their wedding:
Wedding planning is stressful, there is no denying that. Remember that the point of a wedding is the marriage and who you are marrying. THAT is what matters. Everything else will come together so try to not sweat the small stuff.
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Advice you would give to future brides about wedding dress shopping:
Keep it an intimate experience. I went shopping with my mom and dad. That was it. The more people you have, the more opinions there are which can be overwhelming when it comes to making a decision. With that being said, choose what YOU like! You are the bride and deserve to feel your best, even if it means the dress you love isn’t everyone else’s favorite.
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Aly and her parents became a part of the Gown Boutique of Charleston family the day of her appointment, and we are so honored that they chose us to be a part of of her magical day. The vendors listed below are all of those who made this special day possible for Aly and her husband, Justin.
Congrats Aly and Justin! We wish you all the happiness in the world, xoxo
Wedding Planner– Michael Winship, Charleston Wedding Planner
Florist- Pretty Petals of Charleston
Caterer- Just Eat This!
Cake- Cakes by Kait
Alcohol- Carolina Cocktails
DJ- Lowcountry Entertainment
Makeup- Done by Aly (um can you come do our makeup someday!?)
Hair- Olivia Carroll, Charleston Bridal Hair & Makeup
Dress Alterations- Alena Fede Designs
Tuxedos- Tuxedo Junction
Invitations and Save the Dates- Designed by Aly and her husband, Justin