Tell Me Your Love Story-Lauren Zarella

Lauren and Tony met during a statistics class at James Madison University. Lauren says she always felt a pull towards him but she wasn't looking to date anyone at the time, so they were just friends. It wasn't until a year later that their friendship would grow into something more. 

Tony was working at the Food Lion where Lauren often shopped, and so they were constantly running into one another. One day Tony suggested they study and have lunch together and Lauren said yes. They had never hung out alone together before, but Lauren said she felt connected to him immediately. They’ve been together ever since.

When I asked Lauren if there was a time or moment when she knew that Tony was the ‘one,’ she said she thinks she knew it from the beginning. She had always felt something pulling her toward him, and their relationship always felt so natural and effortless. She had no doubt in her mind that this was a how a relationship was supposed to feel, and she knew that she and Tony were meant for each other.

After their graduation from JMU, Lauren and Tony moved to New York together, and it was while they were living there that Tony proposed. It was their anniversary but they didn't want to do anything fancy, so they decided to spend a nice night in instead of going out, and opted not to exchange gifts. Lauren had prepared a special dinner for the two of them, and she thought everything was going well until Tony announced that it was time for gifts and asked that she leave the room so he could prepare it. I asked Lauren if she suspected then that Tony might be proposing but Lauren said she felt too guilty about not getting him a present to think about what he was up to. She immediately jumped onto the computer to see if she could come up with any last minute gift ideas for him.

Lauren said a few minutes later Tony came in to get her, and that he had a funny look on his face. She walked into the room and found herself surrounded by lit candles. Tony then handed her a box, and when she opened it she saw a ring that looked like a wedding band. He asked what she thought of it and she said it was nice. He then told her it had an engagement ring to match, and then he got down on one knee and proposed. She said it was the perfect moment, and of course she said yes.

Lauren and Tony got married last September in a beautiful ceremony at Veritas Vineyard in Afton and are now living happily here in Charlottesville with their daughter.

Tell Me Your Love Story- Diane Casale

Diane and her husband Dan met during college nine years ago. Diane knew Dan by his reputation as the mysterious heavy metal guy who cruised around in a black and red Camaro, but she had never plucked up the courage to talk to him. The opportunity finally presented itself at a mutual friend’s party--iTunes was new and the big thing around campus, and they were playing one another’s playlists. Dan was in charge of the music, and a playlist containing the heavy metal band Black Label Society caught his eye. It turned out this was Diane’s playlist, and the rest is history. They’ve been together ever since, and Diane says Dan is truly her best friend.

Dan proposed to Diane on Valentines Day 2014. Though by this time they had been together quite a few years, Diane says she was not expecting it at all. She came home from work and he handed her a long rectangular box. She expected to find a shirt or something along those lines inside, but instead she found a smaller box containing an absolutely beautiful engagement ring. Diane says she was speechless, so Dan had to ask “so, yes?” to prompt her to answer. Of course she said yes.

Diane and Dan got married on October 3rd, 2015 at Fox Hollow in Woodbury, New York. Diane said “It was a wedding many will not soon forget. There was lots of delicious food, dancing, metal music and of course I crowd surfed.”

Congratulations Diane and Dan!

Buyer Beware: The Dangers of Purchasing your Wedding Dress Online

Left: Advertised gown  Right: Gown that was received.

Recently a bride visited our store with her family, and they all fell in love with a certain dress priced around twenty-five hundred dollars. There seemed no doubt in the bride's mind that this was the dress, but they wanted to shop around a bit more to be sure. She and her parents returned several more times to try on that dress, but left empty handed every time, saying they needed more time to think about it. Finally they returned and admitted that they looked up the dress online after their first appointment and found it advertised on a wedding gown website for only $300--they couldn't understand why our price was nearly ten times as much. It was then that we warned them about the dangers of purchasing a wedding gown online.

While most online shoppers are quite savvy to the ways of online scammers, it's very easy to forget to check the legitimacy of the website you're viewing when you find yourself staring at an amazing online deal. For brides in particular, there exists a slew of websites dedicated to bridal gowns at startling low prices, and it's not surprising that many don't think twice before entering their credit card information to purchase what they believe is their dream wedding gown for a bargain price. Most unfortunately, the number of fake websites and online scams for bridal wear is increasing, and with it the number of brides who are left scrambling to fix or replace the so-called 'designer' gown they received in the mail mere weeks or days before their big day, if they received anything at all.

Left: Advertised gown.  Right: Gown that was received.

Scammers often steal photos of gowns from the real designer's website and post them on their own website to appear legitimate. They list prices that are drastically lower than the designer's authorized price, making their prices difficult to resist. They pay for advertising, so that the likelihood of their site popping up during your search is increased. Once brides have placed their order on these fake websites, there is no telling what the bride will receive--a cheap, poor quality replica of the designer dress they were looking for, a misshapen heap of fabric that in no way resembles the picture they saw online, or they don't receive anything at all. Once this happens there is often little a bride can do to get their money back--if they call the customer service number on the site (if one is provided at all) they often find that it is a fake number, or are told that under no circumstances they can get their money back. The bride then has to spend yet more money on purchasing a new dress, or they spend it on alterations in an attempt to fix or alter the gown they did receive (and since these gowns are often made of such poor quality fabric it can be pricey to alter them, if they can be altered at all).

Left: Advertised gown.  Right: Gown that was received.

Despite large efforts by designers and bridal industry professionals to get these type of websites shut down, scammers find ways to maintain their online presence. Once complaints about their site begin piling up, they shut down and open another website with a different name to keep from being tracked down. While spotting these websites can be difficult, there are things brides can do to ensure they don't fall victim to these scams:

• .  Look out for warning signs like inconsistency, poor communication and language barriers.

• Do a quick search about the website you're viewing--can you find reviews or complaints from other customers? Be wary of using a website you cannot find any information for.

• Look for a customer service number on the website and give it a call. Scammers either have a fake phone number or a number that connects to a full voicemail inbox, so that you're unable to leave them a voice message. If someone answers and they don't speak English, it can also be a red flag.

• When customers email these sites with questions or concerns, they often receive an unhelpful automated email, or they don't receive a response at all. Be sure before you buy that if something is wrong with your order or if it isn't received, you can communicate your issue to someone who will be able to help.

• Most of these sites are based in China, but will neglect to post a business address or will list a fake mailing address--keep this in mind, and take it as a warning if something seems amiss.

Left: Gown that was received.  Right: Gown that was advertised.

So, are you really willing to take these risks with something as important as your wedding dress? There are so many advantages to shopping locally by visiting a brick and mortar store and purchasing from an authorized retailer.  Not only do you get quality service, a comfortable atmosphere and great communication, you also get the experience of working with industry professionals one- on-one, AND the opportunity to try on several wedding dresses with your closest friends or family.  Nothing beats that experience and the memories you will have when you’ve found the one.

3 Easy Ways to Customize Your Gown!

Whether you’re looking to make your dress unique or just want to add a touch of personality to your look, these are great ways to customize your wedding gown!

1. Add a belt or sash.

It might be a small change, but adding a blingy belt can really change the look of a gown. It will accentuate your figure and add a touch of glam to your wedding day look!

If a blingy belt isn’t for you, try a colored sash instead! It will still accentuate your figure, and the pop of color really adds personality to a dress, making it a truer reflection of your own personal style.

2. Add a jacket, sleeves or straps! 

If you're not set on the strapless look, adding a lace jacket can be a great way to add some gorgeous detail to a simpler dress. You can even wear the jacket just for the ceremony and take it off for the reception, or vice versa!

If a full jacket is a little too conservative a look for you, consider adding small sleeves or straps! They can even be detachable, like the look below, so you can change up your look throughout your wedding day. 

3. Add an overskirt. 

Another great way to customize your look is by adding an overskirt--this can totally change the look of your dress!

If you're looking to wear two different styles for the ceremony and reception, the overskirt is a great way to do it--most of your guests will never guess that it's the same dress!

Tell Me Your Love Story--Nicole Kroll

Nicole met her husband Hannes while working as a nurse at a Massachusetts hospital. Hannes, originally from Berlin, was working on an internship there when his friends told him about a German speaking nurse working in the ICU he should meet. When he first approached her about going out on a date Nicole was a little nervous about dating someone from work, but now she’s glad that didn’t stop her from saying yes--she soon learned he was perfect for her.

Hannes was still very new to the area, and had to research restaurants and places to take Nicole on their first date. He picked her up and began driving to the restaurant, but since he didn’t know his way around quite yet it wasn’t too long before he realized they were lost. He didn’t mention this to Nicole though and simply continued driving, and Nicole was too engrossed in their conversation to notice that they were driving in circles--that is, until she realized they had just driven through the same toll road twice. Despite being two hours late to the restaurant, Nicole and Hannes had a great time that night, and they’ve been together ever since. Later, when Hannes learned he needed to relocate for a position at UVA, Nicole decided to move with him, and together they began their lives in Charlottesville.

In 2013, three years after they met, Hannes asked Nicole to marry him. It was near the holidays and they took a trip to Berlin to visit his family. Around the holidays there are Christmas markets throughout Germany, and they were walking and shopping at one when Nicole suspected something might be going on. She was enjoying browsing the market and wasn’t in a hurry to leave, but Hannes seemed nervous, and kept bringing up a reservation he had made and how they shouldn’t miss it. They were soon at the Reichstag (German Parliament) Building, which is known for its gorgeous roof terrace and glass dome ceiling. They had to walk through security in order to enter the building, and Hannes was nervous about getting through it without Nicole finding out about the engagement ring he had hidden in his pocket. He managed to keep it a secret however, and soon they were riding the elevator to the top floor. It was there, beneath the beautiful glass dome ceiling, that he got down on one knee and proposed--Nicole described it as the perfect moment.

Another perfect moment came about when Nicole visited our Charlottesville store a little less than a year before the wedding. Her mother was in town for a short visit, and they decided it would be a great opportunity to shop for wedding gowns together. Nicole tried on several gowns that she and her mother liked, but they knew her Casablanca Bridal gown was "the one" the moment she put it on. Once she tried on a cathedral length Laura Jayne veil with the gown the tears started flowing, and Nicole said yes to the dress. She was so happy that she not only found her dream dress, but also that her mother was there to take part in the experience.

Nicole and Hannes got married this summer in a lovely ceremony and reception that integrated many German traditions, including a log cutting ceremony, which represents the first obstacle a couple must overcome as newlyweds. The log they received turned out to be much, much bigger than expected, and their guests were very much amused as they watched the couple attempt to cut through the it. They also played a game where the bride is blindfolded then touches the legs of several men in an attempt to identify which one of them is their husband. The happy couple and their guests had an amazing night of fun and laughter, and Nicole says the wedding was everything she had hoped it would be. We here at Sealed With A Kiss wish them both the very best!

Vendor Spotlight- First Look Hair and Makeup Artistry

I first met Amy and Laura when they approached us about teaming up for a styled shoot back in January, and from the start it was easy to see that their connection goes beyond just finishing each other’s sentences. During the planning for a styled shoot it usually takes quite a bit of time for all the vendors to decide which dress best suits the style they’re going for, and when multiple people are involved in the planning it can be hard for everyone to be on the same page, but that wasn’t the case with these ladies. As we discussed dress options and sorted out the details for the shoot, they seemed to know exactly what the other was thinking, and easily put together a complete look --and the shoot turned out amazing (you can take a look at the photos from the shoot here: http://www.firstlookartistry.com/blog/bridal-shoot-at-veritas-winery). I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to work with them, and I was amazed at how in tune with one another they were.

That’s why the first thing I wanted to know when we got together for this interview was how they found each other. It turns out Amy and Laura were both raised here in Charlottesville and have been inseparable since they met during high school-- they’ve been best friends for about ten years! It’s not everyday you meet a pair of long time best friends who are also amazing business partners. Though they always seem to be on the same wavelength, Amy and Laura insist they’re quite different personality wise, and they believe that’s the key to their friendship--they balance each other out perfectly.  

When I asked how their business came about Amy said she was always in love with cosmetology and fashion, and so she knew her career would revolve around that. When the opportunity presented itself she jumped at the chance to study at the Aveda Institute of Atlanta, and after doing some work in the industry realized how much she absolutely loved styling. Laura, though she always loved makeup and beauty trends, didn’t realize how passionate she was about it until a bit later. Eventually the two of them decided to team up and start a business on their own, and First Look was born.

It's no surprise that business has really taken off for Amy and Laura, and while they say it can be overwhelming at times, they are too busy having fun to let it get them. They love working with brides to create their ideal wedding day look, and they’ve developed a friendship with many of their clients. I asked what they love most about what they do, and they said nothing beats that moment when when they’re done doing hair and makeup for the bride and her bridesmaids and they realize how beautiful and happy everyone looks. They feel like they’ve done their job when the girls look in the mirror and feel really good about themselves, and they believe every bride should have that feeling on her wedding day.

Learn more about how awesome Amy and Laura are by checking out their site- http://www.firstlookartistry.com/.

Tell Me Your Love Story - Alex Wood

Sometimes true love may be hiding right under your nose, in the case of SWAK bride, Alex, it was hiding right down the street.  Alex and Trevor were both raised in the Charlottesville area.  Their parents lived only five minutes apart from each other but they never crossed paths.  It wasn’t until after graduating from college that the two would finally meet.  And how did their paths finally cross?  At a friendly game of Putt-Putt with friends of course.  One of their first dates involved playing a gig together, she on the mic and he on guitar, in Charlottesville behind Barracks Road.  Too cute, right?  After that they were inseparable and realized quickly that they would spend the rest of their lives together.

We often ask brides if the proposal was a total surprise or if they sensed it coming, and for Alex it was certainly out of the blue.  In fact, it was on the Blue Ridge for that matter (sorry, had to do it!).  Alex and Trevor often spent time at a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway called Big Spy Mountain, so it wasn’t uncommon for them to decide to spend the afternoon there.  Little did she know that he had planned a picturesque picnic proposal that included her family surprising her afterward.  On the way to Big Spy they stopped at the gas station, Sheetz, so she could order her favorite sandwich.  Sheetz has a made-to-order system and you can usually expect to wait about 5-10 minutes for your order to be complete.  Today wasn’t one of those days - they waited 53 minutes for her sandwich, yes, you heard me right, 53 MINUTES!  That has to be some kind of record.  Trevor is usually very calm and collected so she was slightly surprised at his antsy and short tempered demeanor in Sheetz - can’t blame the guy!  Finally her order was ready and they made their way to Big Spy.  Now, they have visited this lookout before and it’s usually totally empty, hence why he chose the spot to propose.  They arrive at the lookout surprised to see of a couple of hikers taking a rest.  At this point I’m sure Trevor is thinking something along the lines of “seriously, of all days”.  That didn’t stop him, he was determined to set this day right.  He proposed to Alex overlooking the beauty of the Blue Ridge.  She immediately burst into tears of joy not noticing the concerned hikers glaring at her.  Although she can’t remember actually saying “yes” her excitement more than made up for it.  A few moments later the hikers walked by and made a sarcastic comment along the lines of “well, you all look like you’re having a great time...”, not realizing that she was crying happy tears.  She laughed at how awkward it all actually was, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.  She was so overjoyed and excited to be engaged to the love of her life.

Alex found her gown well in advance so we were lucky to share quite a bit of time with her and her family.  I remember the day she said yes to her dress, surrounded by her family.  We all knew it was the one and agreed it was going to be so perfect for her vineyard wedding at Pippin Hill.  And that it was.  Alex and Trevor were married at Pippin Hill in June.  It was everything and more by looking at the photos.  Thank you again, Alex, for being so wonderful and easy going.  We wish you both the best in marriage and life!

Tell Me Your Love Story - Amanda Smith

It isn’t often that you marry a guy you don’t like. But this didn’t stop Amanda Smith from becoming Mrs. Micah LeMon. When Amanda first met Micah, she didn’t like him very much. Amanda had been working at the Blue Light Grill on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, when Micah started working there. Amanda said that Micah changed a lot when he came to the Blue Light Grill, and at first she didn’t like the changes or Micah, but she soon grew to admire him and his work ethic, realizing that he was a good guy.

They began flirting, which soon led to dating, and slowly her love for him grew strong. Amanda told a story of a big date Micah and her went on, where they visited three different watering holes, went on a hike, and then ended the day at McGrady’s Irish Pub, where they would later have their wedding reception. She decided that he was the smartest and sweetest guy she knew, which made her excited and a bit scared.

Amanda didn’t see the proposal coming. She knew Micah had planned a romantic date (of which she told a girlfriend about, who guessed Micah might propose), but it just wasn’t on Amanda’s radar.

The day of the special and romantic date arrived. Amanda and Micah had a tasting at Clifton Inn and then were having a nightcap. Out of nowhere, Micah dropped down on one knee and pulled out an engagement ring. Amanda was so stunned that she couldn’t process what was happening right away. When Micah saw Amanda’s face, he actually stood back up to make sure Amanda was alright and that nothing was wrong. Once Amanda finally registered what was happening, she began jumping around and asking if what was happening was real; she was so incredibly and unbelievably happy. Earlier, Micah had stashed a bottle of champagne outside, and once Amanda said yes he retrieved the bottle and he and Amanda toasted to their new life together.

When Amanda was asked how she found THE dress, she answered that she was looking for something lacy and Gatsby-esque. Our owner, Susan, then brought a particular dress from the Richmond store for Amanda to try. The dress had a separate lace overlay, and when she first caught her reflection in the mirror after putting the dress on, her first and immediate thought was, ‘Get this off of me.’ After a moment, Susan realized they had actually put the lace overlay on backwards, so they fixed it, and that’s when Amanda decided that the dress was perfect.

Amanda wanted her and Micah’s wedding to be a very relaxed and fun event, and she cleverly thought of a great way to achieve that in her wedding. The ceremony was held in her parents’ home. The guests were given burlap sacks filled with ponchos, koozies for drinks, and a fleece blanket with a lemon on it because of Micah’s last name, LeMon. As a replacement of chairs, the guests spread their blankets and sat on them during the ceremony. Guests hooted and hollered and whooped as Amanda walked down the aisle. The ceremony was followed by a reception at McGrady’s Irish Pub, as visited on their “big date.” Amanda said that the whole event was “pinch-yourself perfect.”

(We loved working with Amanda; she was very fun and easy to work with and knew what she was looking for when she walked into our store. Stay fun Amanda, and congratulations on your beautiful wedding, as well as your beautiful dress!)

Vendor Spotlight - Jenn Finazzo Photography

Photography has never been a question for the talented Jennifer Finazzo. “Photography has always been a love of mine,” says Jennifer. Like me, Jennifer knew her passion since middle school. While I was learning I had an aspiration to be a writer, Jennifer was falling in love with the world of photography. She said growing up she was spending all her money on film and the Ritz Camera store.

Jennifer always loved and was fascinated by photography, but it wasn’t until she attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, that she really began to fall in love with photography as an art. Jennifer loves that thrill of excitement from taking pictures; she loves the flood of graphic memories whenever she prints the pictures, and feels as if she is reliving the moment she took them. Finazzo started her business in Food and Restaurant photography, and was very successful with it. She believes that the photography is all about telling the story of the dish.

Though she still loves and has a deep passion for the Food and Restaurant photography business, Jennifer felt that she was being called to Charlottesville weddings. She created Jenn Finazzo Photography and has dedicated the past two years of her life to shooting weddings. She finds it rewarding capturing other people’s memories in picture frames that they can display and remember forever. When I asked what advice she would give to newly engaged couples, she said they should take lots of photos; she says to “snap a few shots every day,” and to print the favorites. “Also, don’t be so serious,” she adds; she wants you to have fun with each other. I don’t know if I could agree more with her wisdom.

I asked Jennifer about memorable stories or people that she’s experienced at her wedding shoots, and she fondly reminisced about a bride whose sister secretly wrapped the bride’s bouquet with their recently-passed grandmother’s blue and white embroidered handkerchief. Jennifer said that it was very special to experience and witness that beautiful gift. It's one of a kind moments like these that she loves to capture with her camera.

Aside from her photography business, Jennifer runs a restaurant owned by her family, Sal’s Caffe Italia. I’d say it takes some serious talent to be able to run both a photography business and a restaurant.

By: Hannah, Intern at Sealed With A Kiss

Tell Me Your Love Story--Kandie and John

It’s not everyday that a trip to the grocery store leads to a life-changing event. But one particular grocery trip changed everything for Kandie Stanton.  While perusing the store, she heard a voice call her name, as she turned around she was surprised to see a classmate from high school that she had not seen in over seven years.  They chatted for a while, stood in the checkout line together, finished their conversation and she went on her way.  But he wasn’t going to let her go that easy.  He asked the cashier if he should get her number - an obvious yes, a quick jog to the parking lot, a phone number later, and the rest is history.  

John and Kandie started dating shortly after their reconnection and about a year later she found herself realizing that he was going to be the man she would one day marry.  She loved how much alike they were.  Their minds and personalities blended perfectly and she knew it was meant to be. Just like their first interaction in the grocery store a year and a half earlier, the proposal caught her off guard.  They share birthdays a day apart from each other and to celebrate her birthday they planned to spend the evening relaxing and having dinner at a local restaurant.  After they finished their meals she got up to go to the restroom and came back to find the waitress awkwardly standing by their table.  She sat back down and John asked if she wanted anything for dessert.  She refused at first but he strongly insisted they have dessert.  A few minutes later the waitress brought the dessert to their table and Kandie eyed it with some confusion.  There was something in their dessert...and it looked like a piece of jewelry.  She insisted it must have been meant for someone else and tried to send it back.  Then she looked up to see him down on one knee, proposing.  They began planning a spring wedding which led to her “by chance” visit to our store.

While walking the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, Kandie noticed a dress in our window that caught her eye.   Though she loved it when she first tried it, she didn’t say yes just yet.  She tried it two more times before deciding it was the one.  She opted to add an additional foot of length to the train, and what a great decision that was!  When the dress arrived and Kandie put on her actual dress for the first time we were all in awe.  At her final fitting with her parents everyone was all smiles, it was perfect.  

Kandie was always so calm and collected at each of her appointments - often a rarity when you’re planning a wedding.  I asked her what advice she had for brides-to-be. She simply stated “take your time and enjoy the moment.  All that matters is that at the end of the day you’re married”.  Such a simple concept but so easy to forget while in the midst of planning a wedding.

Thank you again, Kandie, for sharing your love story with us!  We wish you and John many years of happiness!

Vendor Spotlight--Jazmin Alford of Anyvent!

Jazmin Alford

Smart, funny and passionate were the first words that came to mind when I first met Jazmin Alford a couple of months ago. She came into the store to help a client find her dream dress, and I knew right away that this woman absolutely loves what she does. She provided the bride support, understanding and a lot of laughter; it was probably some of the most fun I’ve ever had during a consultation. When we first started making out a list of vendors to interview for our blog, hers was one of the first names to come to mind.

Right away we found out we had a little more than our love for the wedding industry in common--we’re both originally big city girls (I hail from Los Angeles, while she’s a New Yorker), and we both said goodbye to our urban roots around two years ago. We agreed that the small town charm of Charlottesville was a welcome change after years of hustle and bustle in the city. When I asked what she loves the most about Charlottesville Jazmin said it’s the natural beauty--she loves seeing the mountains and hills through the open skyline, a sharp contrast to the skyscrapers she was once accustomed to. She also loves that everyone in Charlottesville is so friendly and welcoming--it didn’t take her long to feel like she was right at home.

While in NYC Jazmin worked for a property management company, and it was there that she realized how much she loved event planning. She found herself planning corporate and residential events, and loved every minute of it. Upon moving to Charlottesville she decided to give in to her passion for event planning and she started her own business, Anyvent. When I asked what it was like owning her own business, she said that it was a lot of pressure but that she wouldn’t have it any other way. She loves calling the shots, the relationships she builds with her clients and other vendors, and she’s having a lot of fun.

Jazmin gets to travel quite a bit, planning events around the midwest and east coast, but she’s starting to break a little further into the Charlottesville market and loves working with the wide array of venues and vendors. She offers both full service wedding planning and day of coordination, and she really can customize the event to be everything the bride dreams of. I asked her what a typical wedding day for her looks like, and she said that for an evening wedding her work starts at around 8am--she gets to the venue and makes sure the decor is just right, coordinates all of the other vendors, and makes sure the bridal party is exactly where they need to be throughout the day. She handles any last minute issues that come up on the wedding day so that the bride doesn’t have to--she told me about this one instance when she realized that the caterer didn’t provide napkins for a reception, so she had to come up with a solution at the last minute. In the end everything worked out great, and the bride had no idea there was ever a problem.

When I asked Jazmin what advice she has for brides-to-be, she said to get a planner to either help put together your whole event, or at least provide day-of-coordination. Couples often underestimate how helpful a planner can be, and especially don’t realize how much money getting a planner can save you in the long run with their connections to other vendors in the industry. After listening to Jazmin describe all the work she puts into planning a couple’s big day, I begin to see how having an event planner like her on your side is akin to having a fairy godmother plan your wedding for you--all your dreams really can come true!

Learn more about Jazmin and Anyvents by checking out her website at  www.anyvent4you.com.

5 Reasons to shop the Sealed With A Kiss Sample Sale & Curvy Girl Sale

Say yes for less

Sample sales are a great opportunity to find high-quality designer gowns for a steal.  Even if your wedding isn’t for another year or more, don’t wait for someone to steal your deal!  You may find the dress of your dreams, and if it means you can put extra money into your honeymoon budget, then why not?!

Buy one of a kind

Sample sales can include all types of gowns but if you’re looking for something very individual, you may find it as a designer's sample.

Don’t  wait for your dress to arrive

Most brides don’t realize how long a dress actually takes to produce.  If you’re the type of bride who can’t fathom waiting that long, or you’re planning a quick wedding and need a beautiful dress in a short amount of time, this can be the perfect opportunity.  You can see exactly what you are getting and leave with it!

Start alterations early

If you don’t have time to order, buying a sample is to your advantage as you can get a head-start with your fittings.  Depending on the time of year, alterations can take several months, but no worries - we can fit your sample straight away!

       

Sizes

Sealed With A Kiss carries all sizes from 2 to 26, so you will find plenty of choice in our Sample Sale and Curvy Girl Sale.  Not a size 10 or 12?  Don’t worry, we have you covered!

Contact us for more information!

pat@sealedwithakissbridal.com

Charlottesville - 434-979-5683

Richmond - 804-393-2041

Tell Me Your Love Story--Brynne and Jonathan

SWAK bride Brynne and her husband Jonathan had what many would call a whirlwind romance--they met during the summer of 2014 and married in January 2015. When I asked Brynne to tell me her love story, she said it was essentially love at first sight. She’s a social worker in a psychiatric facility, and Jonathan was just hired as a security guard when their paths first crossed. She often worked with her office door open, and Jonathan would come in uninvited and start up a conversation. Brynne says there was an instant connection, but at the time she wasn’t in a hurry to jump into a relationship, so she didn’t respond the first couple of times he gave her his phone number. She couldn’t resist him for long though, and when they went out on their first date she said they both knew they had found ‘the one.’

Once they started dating there was no separating the two of them, and they were engaged by November. Brynne says there was no point in waiting to get married, as they both knew they had found their soulmate. They considered eloping, but in the end decided that they wanted to be surrounded by their family and friends when they made their vows. I asked her what it was like planning the wedding in only a month, a process that takes most other couples a year or more to plan out, and she said it was rather easy. They were focused on being together, not on the details of the event, and in the end everything fell into place on its own. They were married in a lovely ceremony on January 3, 2015.

When I asked Brynne what advice she would give to brides-to-be, she said she would tell them not to get hung up on the details. Everyone worries about making sure every aspect of the wedding is perfect, but she says down the road you’re not going to remember what your wedding colors were or what flowers you chose for the centerpieces; you’re going to remember getting married to the love of your life.

Congratulations again, Brynne and Jonathan!