Featured Bride Friday: Samantha

Our Featured Bride this week is Samantha Cooper!

Samantha and Andrew were married August 19, 2011

Wedding Gown Designer: Allure Bridals

Florist: My mom and I purchased silk flowers and made all of the flower arrangements with the help of my sisters and my mother-in-law.

Hair & Make-up: My mother-in-law was a cosmetologist for 16 years and loved doing bridal updos so she did all of the hair for the bridal party and we each helped each other do our make-up.



What was it like working with Charlotte’s? Charlotte's was absolutely amazing! They made my experience shopping for my wedding dress and all other apparel for the wedding the best that it could be. The consultants really care about the bride and do everything they can to make you and your wedding party happy. They were very accommodating especially since I planned my wedding in 3 months time!

To see Samantha's full profile please visit our website

http://charlottesbridal.net/Featured-Bride/988-Samantha-Cooper.html

All photos courtesy of Samantha's grandfather.



Preserve Your Wedding Gown!



You’ll never own anything as beautiful and symbolic as your wedding gown! Here at
Charlotte's Bridal we’d like to give you some tips on preserving it, whether as a keepsake to look at from time to time, or if you want to turn it into your child's Christening gown, or for your own daughter to wear one day. Know that your wedding gown must be carefully cleaned before storing. Food and beverage stains, though invisible at first glance, may yellow later on. The hemline is usually soiled and must be cleaned. Many cleaners may offer to pack your gown in a special box, which offers protection from dust in the air. We offer a special gown preservation service that will take care of all of the steps for you. You can also include items such as your veil, headpiece, gloves, garter, moneybag, handkerchief, slip, etc. (Additional fees may apply).

If you decide to store it yourself, it is best to place it in a cool dry place, not in the basement or attic. If you choose to store it on hangers, sew straps to the waistline to relieve pressure on the shoulders from the weight of the skirt. Stuff the sleeves with white tissue. Finally wrap the entire garment in a protective sheet or muslin covering. Do not encase the gown in plastic. Before you trust this special symbol of your wedding day to just anyone, talk with us about your cleaning and storage options!

For more information please feel free to give us a call! 608-784-3493

http://www.gownpreservation.com/#home

Featured Bride Friday: Jacquelyn

Welcome back to our weekly featured bride post!

This week is Jacquelyn Johnson

(she had SO many amazing pictures it was hard to choose!!)

Jacquelyn and Jacob were married August 13, 2011 

Wedding Dress Designer: Sottero and Midgley

Florist: Bo Jon's Florists of River Falls, WI

Hair & Make-up: Linda Joachim, a great friend of mine and the owner of Salon Forte in Green Bay, WI

Is there anything special or unique about your wedding that you would like to highlight?

My wedding could not have turned out more beautiful or perfect. Jake and I chose to get married on his Grandpa's farm in River Falls. We got married in the middle of a cornfield, lined with sunflowers. The reception tent was stunning with shades of ivory, brown, and blue. For my Father/Daughter dance, my grandpa played the accordion, which made it truly special. I have to thank my wedding planners, Meagan and Lynne of Ambiance Wedding Consulting for pulling it all together.

 What is one piece of advice you would give brides that are just beginning their search for the perfect wedding gown?: Be patient. The perfect dress is out there for everyone. Remember to always go with your gut feeling; you'll know when you find it.

What was it like working with Charlotte’s? The staff at Charlotte's was incredibly helpful in not only helping me to find the dress of my dreams, but also in making it fit perfectly. I cannot thank them enough for putting up with my "need to be perfect" ideas. They did a beautiful job!

http://www.lacehanky.com/

For Jacquelyn's complete profile please visit our website

http://www.charlottesbridal.net/Featured-Bride/987-Jacqueline-Johnson.html

Mannequin Mondays!

We totally know it is not Monday - but there just aren't enough hours in the day!

Anyway, this week's Nautical Styled Wedding is a fresh end to Summer!

We dressed our mannequins this week in crisp blues and soft tans.

How beautiful is this gown?!

The clean lines make it perfect for your Nautical-Inspired wedding.

Our Groom is sporting our Madison Tan Suit!

You'd be happy to find out that it is also available in a three-piece!

We put him in a red bow-tie and two pocket squares to match.

For the guests at your wedding, we have the option to go Simple Chic!

For him, our Destiny Suit!  No tie, but two pocket squares to match.

She is wearing one of our Bridesmaid options in a Marine.

The little girl in your wedding party will love twirling around in her dress

with the Cashmere sash!

Attire is just the beginning of your wedding planning!

Small details - like table numbers - are an easy way to carry-out your theme!

 

How adorable are these cakes?  The rope detail throughout is a super fun addition!

The flowers add a feminine touch.



 Flowers are a super fun way to add your own femininity to your nautical wedding.

Customize your bouquet with shell details or a fun print!

Attire found at Charlotte's Bridal.

All decor photos found via Pinterest.

It's that time of year again!  Stay tuned for next weeks Mannequin Mondays: Homecoming Edition!



Miss Onalaska 2012

Congratulations to Madeline Anderson, our newly crowned Miss Onalaska 2012! Madeline performed beautifully dancing to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and will be an outstanding representative of her hometown community with the platform of “Eat Smart and Eat Whole.” She will represent Onalaska at the 2013 Miss Wisconsin Pageant held in Oshkosh, WI next summer. Madeline is a student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities studying neuroscience and art. She earned a total of $1,450 in scholarships through the Miss Onalaska Pageant this year. We look forward to helping Madeline with any wardrobe needs as she begins her reign and preparations for the Miss Wisconsin Pageant! We can’t wait to help her find a gown that will accentuate her exceptional grace and beauty!

The crowning of our new Miss Onalaska 2012

Madeline Anderson

More congratulations go to our very own Charlotte’s Bridal consultant Audra Fuchsel who was named 1^st runner-up to Madeline on Saturday night. Audra looked glamorous in her Johnathan Kayne evening and talent gowns from Charlotte’s! Audra earned $500 in scholarships which she will apply to her education at Viterbo University. We knew Audra could sing, judging by the tunes she would hum around the store, but she blew us all away with her operatic vocal to “The Laughing Song.” We couldn’t be more proud of the way she represented herself on stage and cannot wait to support her in her future endeavors!!

1st Runner Up Audra Fuchsel and Miss Wisconsin Kate Gorman

Charlotte's Bridal Staff cheering on Audra!

1st Runner Up Audra Fuchsel and Miss Wisconsin Kate Gorman

Also, a big congratulations to 2nd Runner Up Rachel Brummond!  Also, Kyleigh Sopher, Kennedy Vaaler, Catie Elsen, and Katelyn Mattson - you all did a fabulous job!

Pageant season has begun!! We look forward to the National American Miss Wisconsin Pageant August 24-26 in Wisconsin Dells and the Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest Pageant coming up on September 15^th at the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center.

Happy Saturday!

Featured Bride Friday: Aimee

Our featured bride this week is Aimee Wilcox

 Aimee and Jeff were married July 30, 2011

Wedding dress designer: Venus Bridal
Florist: I made all the bouquets for our wedding with the help of my daughter.

Hair & Make-up: My hair was done by Jessica at The Salon and Tanning II in Mauston, WI. I did my own make-up.

What was it like working with Charlotte’s?  I honestly thought picking out my dress would be a lot harder than it was, my consultant was very helpful and determined! I think I tried on at least 20 dresses and yet my consultant never once got irritated. Working with Charlotte's bridal was the best experience ever! I ended up picking out my dress, veil, and shoes all within the first visit! After that first visit, there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to get all my bridesmaid dresses there also!

For Aimee's full profile please visit our website

http://www.charlottesbridal.net/Featured-Bride/989-Aimee-Wilcox.html

Mannequin Mondays!

Welcome to our newest weekly blog post!  Every week, we change out our mannequins in the front entry way.  Since all are styled to compliment each other - like a wedding party - we are going to post them on here with styling tips!

This week, the mannequins donned all shades of PURPLE!

This mannequin as wearing a lavender, a-line satin gown with floral detail.

The ruched, crumb-catcher top adds some fun interest!

To complement the details of the lavender bridesmaid's dress, we placed this

mannequin in a knee-length aubergine ruched satin dress.  The flower detail on the

bust adds a nice balance!

Don't forget about the little ladies in your wedding party!

This gown can come in any two colors from the company's selection

of colors.

Did you know Charlotte's offers a black and white stripe tuxedo shirt?

For the man in this wedding party, we put him in a light lavender tie with

an all black tuxedo.

To complement the soft purples, our bride is in a tulle, dropped-waist gown

with lace details and a flower sash.

Check out this key-hole back!  Can you say GORGE?!

Lastly, we wanted to highlight the recent popular 'ombre' trend.

This works for brides who want variety but still stay focused on one color.

What do you think of this trend?!

That's all for today!  Stay tuned for our nautical inspired bridal party!
Happy Monday!

Alyssa's Wedding

We just received pictures from Alyssa's wedding! She looks BEAUTIFUL!! The pictures were too good not to share!!!

Alyssa and Stuart were married July 7, 2012

We are hoping Alyssa decides to become one of our Featured Brides so we can see more pictures and hear about her wedding day (hint, hint Alyssa)!

Photos were taken by Diane Knothe of Apropos Photography
To see more pictures of Alyssa and Stuart please visit
http://aproposphotography.com/2012/07/alyssa-and-stuart-married/

Featured Bride Friday: Jordana

Welcome back to our weekly featured bride post!

Next on our list is the beautiful Jordana Reinhart

Jordana and Robert were married July 16, 2011.

Wedding dress designer: Venus Bridal
Florist: Louise Coughlin from Cottage Garden Floral in La Crosse, WI

Hair & Make-up: Visual Changes Salon

 

Favorite part of the day: Travelling around to take pictures at various locations in La crosse. My favorite stop was the Boys and Girls Club because it was where we met and spent a lot of time as members and employees.

What was it like working with Charlotte’s? The staff was very helpful and always listened to what I had to say. They are very knowledgable and did everything possible to make our day special.

http://craigjohn.com/

For Jordana's complete profile please visit our website

http://www.charlottesbridal.net/Featured-Bride/990-Jordana-Reinhart.html

Tuxedo Tuesday: Suits!

Suits aren’t just for the boardroom or beach weddings anymore! Who doesn’t love the suit trend?! Gray, Tan, Black Pinstripe, 3-piece…there are so many fun options!

Did we mention that Charlotte’s Bridal and Formal Wear has suits for rent as well as purchase?! Our suits for purchase come in the largest variety of colors, including gray, black, tan, navy, pinstripe, and many more!

Suits are currently priced at only $160.00! With the current rental prices averaging $150 in today’s market, your groomsmen will be overjoyed to be able to keep their own suit for future wear. Call your Charlotte's Bridal Tuxedo Consultant for details and new offers!

 

Contact Summer, your Charlotte’s Tuxedo Consultant for details!

summer@charlottesbridal.net

608-784-3493