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!