florida bride

Margaret Ellen Bride | Farrin Folk Cupp's Navarre, Florida Wedding

Farrin Folk is a special bride and one that will always be remembered at Margaret Ellen Bridal. Why is Farrin so special? She was our very FIRST bridal appointment and the very FIRST person to find her dress at MEB.

I remember getting her appointment request before we opened our doors and being so giddy and thinking “is this real?” The morning of her appointment was honestly like the first day of college. There were lots of butterflies, but I was ready to get to work and start the job I had dreamed of for so long. The appointment was so great, and I realized in talking with Farrin how much fun this job would be. I got to listen to her stories, learn about her love with Jesse, and become new friends with someone I would've never have met.

Thank you Farrin for your TRUST,SUPPORT, and FRIENDSHIP. You will always be the OG around here.

Farrin and Jessie said, “ I DO” in their backyard that they now call home together. She wore a Nouvelle Amsale gown for the ceremony and reception.

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How did you meet Jessie?

We met very young. Our parent's had a mutual friend who lived next door to them. My mom had brought me over and I actually had met Jessie's brother Chance first. Chance ended up inviting me to his birthday party and that's when I saw Jess. It was a pool party and I saw him across the way with his friends. I had brought my best friend Natasha with me (who was my MOH). We looked at each other and I said "dibs" haha. It took a while until we all got together in the game room, but once we did, we couldn't take our eyes off of each other. We finally started a conversation and by the end of the night, we had a picture with each other out by the pool and I gave him my phone number.

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How did Jessie pop the question?

At the end of June 2018, Jessie finally asked me to marry him ! We went shopping that day, and it was raining on and off. I didn't even realize he had been carrying the ring around all day. He had specific intentions... which I still don't know what they are. He said he still won't tell me that way he can make it up to me for an anniversary or something special. Anyways, we went home to his mom's to start cooking dinner for everyone, and he ran some of our own groceries out to our little room. Later that evening we were getting ready to go to bed, and I hadn't noticed he went ahead of me. I walked out to our little messy room and saw some candles burning through the glass. I walked in and he was down on one knee laughing because I hadn't noticed he put rose petals on the floor in the shape of a heart that I stepped all over haha. I think you can guess what I said ;) "Really?! In our room while it's a mess?! XD .....Yes though !" Bet you wouldn't have guessed that lol. But you could see me saying that if you really know me XD

What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?

My favorite part of the wedding planning was deciding on flowers. It was the one thing I personally didn't want to leave out. We didn't go all out flowers galore but it ended up being the perfect amount. We actually dried out my flowers and Jess's boutonniere and put them in a memory box that we now have hanging on our wall :) And our photographer Rebecca. She's a family friend but she lives in Hawaii now. She flew in for us after we just couldn't decide on a photographer here in town. She probably was actually our favorite part of the process because we wanted THE BEST photographer ! Jessie's personal favorite part of planning was tasting the cake, haha.

What is your favorite memory from the wedding day?

Our favorite memory from the wedding day is getting down the aisle, watching Jess bawl his eyes out, haha. And then saying yes to forever!

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What is one piece of advice you would give someone preparing for their wedding day?

Have fun. Stay calm and eat breakfast. Don't get drunk the night before or drink a whole bunch the day of. You don't want to be all puffy and bloated feeling. I don't drink very much so I didn't have that problem but for you girls who like to have a good time ;) And have someone take care of all the behind the scenes stuff you don't want to hear about and panic the day of. I woke up the day of and it was perfect. Sunshine outside and not too cold. I ended up worrying almost the whole day. It was a nightmare. My MOH talked to everyone at the house to see what we needed to do and they said it drizzled a little to just push back to 4:30pm. All the while... It was STORMING outside. My point is.. no one told me so I wouldn't worry haha. Jessie says prepare for a lot of crying lol.

Why did you choose Margaret Ellen Bridal? How did you know your dress was "the one"?

I chose Margaret Ellen Bridal because I was on the hunt for a Hailey Paige dress. I had found some other places in Mobile that carried the designer as well but something drew me to Maggie's boutique. Maggie carried that designer but when I found her.. She wasn't even open yet. Maggie made an exception for us because half of my bridesmaids were from out of town. She unfortunately didn't have all of her designers in when we came but we wanted to look anyways with the hope of finding a blush pink dress. I had already been to 5 other stores by the time I found MEB. I was so excited ! We all were. I tried on dresses and I finally got to one that WASN'T EVEN PINK LOL ! I liked it but it felt just a little more on the simple side. She added a belt and BAM ! My dad cried, almost making me cry haha. I loved the way I felt in it. I felt even better in it on my wedding day. Just looking at it, it was perfect in every way for me.

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The new Mr. and Mrs. Cupp will honeymoon in Europe next year.

Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Daly Photography

Venue(s): Jessie and Farrin Cupp’s Home

Florist: Flowers by GiGi

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Donna Hendrix; It's Personal Wedding Staging & Design LLC

Caterer: Culinary Productions

Hair/Makeup Artist: Ponyota Whistler

Cake: Bread of Life Bakery

Reception Band/DJ: Good Vibrations

Invitations: Etsy

Officiant: Thomas Gillespie

Wedding Dress: Nouvelle Amsale | Margaret Ellen Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses Designer and Store Where Purchased: Vera Wang | David's Bridal

Tuxedos: Randall's

Seamstress: Kathleen Cooper - Southern Simplicity

Margaret Ellen bride | MRS. Danielle Kruja

I met Danielle back in February, just one short month after opening our doors. She was in search for a wedding dress that she was confident in and would be happy with for a long time to come. She fell in love with a gorgeous Martina Liana and paired a veil to match and the rest was history. She married Tauland Kruja on October 27, 2018 at The Ringling in Sarasota, Florida.

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How did yours and Tauland’s love story begin?

Tauland and I started dating in 2015. Our first date was at a miniature golf course. Tauland was the perfect gentleman by letting me win (at least that is what he says). We shared a small cheese pizza for dinner and finished the night with ice cream from Sweetberries.

How did Tauland ask you to be his wife?

To get me to go to Orlando without suspecting anything Tauland told me he had an oral surgery appointment with a teacher’s friend. Seemed logical by the fact he was a dental student. The first surprise was when we arrived at the Waldorf Astoria, not only were we staying at this amazing resort we had a view overlooking Walt Disney World and the fireworks. The following day he surprised me again by taking me to Magic Kingdom. When we got up to the castle, Tauland got down on one knee and proposed. That night, Tauland got us reservations for the Wishes Dessert Buffett. We had access to unlimited desserts with a table overlooking the castle during the fireworks.

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What was your favorite memory from the day of your wedding?

Our first look. I feel I was able to have the opportunity to have so many extra great pictures while having our first look. And I don’t think it took away from walking down the isle. I saved wearing my veil for walking down the aisle to give Tauland a little surprise and keep some mystery.

What is one piece of advice you would give someone preparing for their wedding day?

Enjoy the process and have a planner or day of coordinator. They took so much stress of my plate so I could focus on just enjoying the moments.

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Why did you choose Margaret Ellen Bridal? How did you know your dress was "the one"?

I had recently moved to the area for Tauland's dental school. Though I had already purchased a dress somewhere else I was having doubts. I found Margaret Ellen online and just had a gut feeling I needed to go. I had two separate appointments with Maggie going with a different bridesmaid each time. She made me feel so comfortable and like family, which was so nice because I didn't have family that could be with me. After having many top contenders I knew I found the perfect dress.

The new Mr. and Mrs. Tauland Kruja honeymooned in London, England and then took a small cruise out of Southampton, England to Paris, France and Brussels, Belgium.

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Vendors

Photographer: Oksana Miro Photo

Venue(s): The Ringling | Hyatt Regency Sarasota

Florist: Flowers by Fudgie

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: NK Wedding Productions

Caterer: Modern Events

Hair/Makeup Artist: Femme Akoi

Cake: Cakes by Ron

Dress/Veil: Martina Liana

Ceremony Musicians: Jay Goodley Entertainment

Invitations: Minted

Officiant: A Wedding with Grace

Transportation: Revvies Classics

Seamstress: Kathleen Cooper/Southern Simplicity Gulf Coast

Megan and Nick's Panama City, FL Wedding

Megan was one of the first brides to find her dress at Margaret Ellen Bridal after our opening last winter. She fell in love with a long sleeve, fit and flare Martina Liana gown. Despite getting married in July in Florida, the dress couldn't be beat. I love when brides don't let their venue, time of year, or others’ opinions persuade them on what type of dress is “correct”. Girls dream of this vert important dress. Whatever it is that makes one feel beautiful and like a bride should go with that feeling. Megan did just that and is still in love with her beautiful wedding dress. She paired her gown with her mother’s veil, adding a special touch from the past.

Megan and Nick were married on July 28, 2018 at Saint Dominic’s Catholic Church in Panama City, Florida. They celebrated with friends and family at their reception held at the infamous Shrimp Boat. It is evident of the love these two share.

How did you meet your groom?

In January 2017, while in training at Keesler Air Force Base. I did not like Nick at first, but when some of our friends made a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, we clicked and fell in love.

How did Nick ask you to become his wife?

We were in Savannah, Georgia for the night. While on the Riverwalk, Nick proposed.

What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?

Everything to do with my dress!

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What is your favorite memory from the wedding day?

The ceremony was beautiful. We kept whispering to each other the whole time.

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What is one piece of advice you would give someone preparing for their wedding day?

Do what makes you happy! It's your wedding, not every person who gives unwanted advice.

Why did you choose Margaret Ellen Bridal? How did you know your dress was "the one"?

I wanted to feel special when I got my dress. Maggie made me feel like a princess. My dress caught my eye right when we walked in, and I tried it on just for fun. I loved it!

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Megan and Nick honeymooned where they met in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Photographer: TK Photography: Trudy Koelstra

Venue: St. Dominic’s Catholic Church

Reception Venue: The Shrimp Boat

Florist: One Stop Flowers/// Made by the bride’s mother

Caterer: The Shrimp Boat

Hair/Makeup: Rachel Howell- D’Salon

Cake: Sugar Boogers

Reception DJ: DJ Rad

Invitations: Minted

Officiant: Father Luke Farabaugh

Dress: Martina Liana

Seamstress: Kathleen Cooper

Corey and Jake's Destin, Florida Wedding | August 11, 2018

Corey, who has the sweetest soul, married Jake Sleight on August 11, 2018 on the rooftop of The Henderson Resort and Spa in Destin, Florida. Their ceremony was intimate and gorgeous as it overlooked the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Corey wore a gorgeous Anne Barge gown, and we are still swooning.

Corey shared special moments of her and Jake’s relationship and their memorable day. Read along to live their day again, and leave the new Mr. and Mrs. some love below.

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How did you meet your groom?

I met Jake in March of 2013 when I went out to San Diego to visit a girlfriend of mine from college. The day I booked my trip, she was telling me everyday, "I'm going to introduce you to Jake!". I hadn't dated anybody in about 4 years and really wasn't interested, but when she picked me up from the airport, he was in the car and went out with us that night. I was in San Diego for 7 days and it really wasn't until day 5 that we started talking. One night we stayed up all night watching Ridiculousness and talking. Neither one of us slept. I believe it was that moment that we knew there was something between us! Long story short, for the next 6 months, Jake flew me out every 2 months to see him. I then moved out to be with him in October of 2013, and the rest is history! He came into my life when I least expected him, but exactly when I needed him.

How did Jake ask you to become his wife?

Jake decided we should make a trip to Florida to see my family while he was on spring break. I asked him why he wanted to go to Florida, because it seemed kind of random (all while I was thinking to myself "maybe he needed to ask my family something...?!), but he replied, "Well, you weren't able to see them for Thanksgiving or Christmas so I thought it would be a good time". (This is about the time that I come back down to reality and realize that he's not up to anything!) My "Mom had planned beach pictures for my Mimi's 80th birthday", so we left Texas at 3am to make it to Destin in time for evening beach pictures. We were all in like colors and ready to go. My Dad, sisters, and Jake left for the beach before my Mom and I because my Mom was "running late", which if you know my Mom, is nothing new. Little did I know that while my mom was "running late", they were staging a great surprise! My Mom and I start walking towards the beach and my Dad meets us right before we walk down the boardwalk. I see our photographer taking pictures of me and I'm thinking, "I do not look cute right now, why is she snapping these candids?!" I look around and realize that everybody is looking at me, and Jake is standing there with our dog, Koda, with a sign around his neck. I said "Aw, the photographer brought props!" I make my way down to Jake and once I see his face, it hits me. All I can say is "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh"... He said, "Corey, I need to ask you a question. I LOST IT! He asked me to marry him in front of my family, as well as his, whom he flew out from Oregon and until this day, our families had not met yet! Obviously, I said yes! The engagement, the pictures, the setting, the ring...it was all everything I hoped for and more.

What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?

DRESS SHOPPING DUHHHH! Seriously, without question, finding my dress with my close friends and family while sipping on champagne and eating macaroons. It was an experience I will never forget!

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What is your favorite memory from the wedding day?

The ceremony, hands down. Standing in front of Jake, looking at him and absolutely nothing else, knowing that this day has been 5+ years in the making and we're finally here with our closest friends and families commenting to forever with one another. I was taking in every second.

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What is one piece of advice you would give someone preparing for their wedding day?

Make sure you choose great vendors, because they will make this process extremely fun! You hear horror stories about wedding's and how you "need to elope because of the stress". I never felt an ounce of that. All of my vendors were incredible in the months leading up to as well as the day of the wedding. I would plan our wedding all over again if I could!

Why did you choose Margaret Ellen Bridal? How did you know your dress was "the one"?

My twin sister/MOH found Margaret Ellen Bridal online while we were searching for bridal salons. We looked at her website and immediately called to schedule an appointment! The concept of a completely private appointment in such a beautiful store was something I knew was going to make for a special and memorable event!

I believe I tried on 9 dresses in total. I kept going back to number 4. Once Maggie put the veil on, and I had that "bride" moment, which of course started the waterworks, I knew it was the one. I couldn't see myself wearing anything else walking down the aisle to Jake.

Corey and Jake celebrated their marriage by honeymooning in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

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Photographer:
Erica Whitaker

Venue: The Henderson Beach Resort and Spa

Florist: Bella Flora 30A

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Sherri Kuhn, Destin to Wed

Hair/Makeup: Gallant Glam

Dress: Blue Willow Bride by Anne Barge

Caterer: The Henderson

Cake: Bake My Day

Ceremony + Reception Musicians: GOT Groove

Invitations: Minted

Officiant: Jared Brown

Transportation: The Henderson

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Tuxedos: Jos A Banks

Seamstress: Kathleen Cooper, Southern Simplicity
















Erin and Ryan's North Carolina Wedding

Erin Wahler's was not the first bride to get her dress from Margaret Ellen Bridal, but she was the first bride to marry. The feeling of knowing that someone is wearing such a special piece of clothing that came from your bridal boutique is one of the best feelings in the world. This dress is something that will be cherished forever. To know that I was part of that makes my heart swell 1,000,000x. So, thank you again for letting me be a part of your process and helping you in such a special way.  Erin and I instantly connected on both being Mississippi girls. She has since made her home along the Emerald Coast as I have, but Mississippi is still in our blood. I am forever thankful that Erin chose to find her dress at Margaret Ellen Bridal. She couldn't have been anymore beautiful. Congrats to Erin and Ryan. Wishing you nothing but happiness in all of your years together! 

Erin and Ryan Landmann married on June 10, 2018 at Hidden River Events in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Erin wore a stunning Blue Willow Bride by Anne Barge gown. 

Erin sat down and answered questions and told her "love story" for our blog. So, CHEERS to our first bride, Erin!

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How did you meet your groom?

Ryan and I met through mutual friends.  
Ryan and I have some very good friends at Harbor Lights to thank for introducing us...a few times.  It took Ray, Diane, Stephanie and Enzo about three chance introductions before we actually went on our first date.  After trying to obtain my number, Ryan decided to friend request me on Facebook.  Since I don't 'friend' strangers, he sat in Facebook purgatory for a week or so until I went to the opening night of Star Wars with Enzo and Stephanie where they told me to just go on a date with this handsome and smart man.  How was I supposed to ignore that?  A few messages later, Ryan and I had our first date on Friday, December 30th.  After hours of conversation (or interrogation) we shut down Harbor Docks.  Ryan definitely put me through the ringer with the questions but the conversation was worth a second date.  Two days later on New Year's Day, we decided to do something a bit more active.  The dreary day led us to choose bowling.  I think it caught Ryan and I both off-guard when I won the first game.   I was even more surprised when I won the second game (I kicked some major booty).  He still decided to take me to dinner afterwards despite the loss.  During dinner I realized his beloved Packers were in the division playoffs...that night!  He said some things were more important.  Yep, I was pretty smitten.
This inevitably led to more dates testing our athletic prowess (putt-putt of course) and more chances to slowly get to know one another a week or so every month as Ryan flew down to work.  We've squeezed as much as we can into our two weeks a month and look forward to living in the same house...eventually.  One day maybe he'll even take me fishing on his boat. 
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Tell us about your engagement story

Ryan and I had been discussing getting married since Thanksgiving of 2017. We had thought about venues on the panhandle the following fall. After work on February 8th, Ryan asked to check out Eden Gardens State Park. It was a beautiful day for the trip. I was worried about making it before it closed; he assured me we would make it. I was worried about the tuna steak dinner we had planned at home; he said it would keep and proposed a nice dinner on 30A. Since we never get out there for a date night, that did the trick! We walked around the venue and made it to the dock overlooking the bay right around sunset. We were enjoying the view and he said, "if this is where we think we want to get married, I guess there's only one question left to ask." I turned around and he was down on one knee. Yes! We went to dinner at Surfing Deer and decided to text a picture of the two of us to our parents. We didn't say we were engaged but wanted to see who would notice the ring first. His mom responded within 5 minutes. After 30-40 minutes with no response from my mom, I tried to message her. No response. Then I realized my phone was notifying me of several Facebook posts and messages. I open Facebook only to realize my mother had posted the picture to social media. She was too excited and said she was crying the entire time she posted. Ryan and I enjoyed the last few moments of our dinner before answering all of the incoming messages and phone calls. We've since requested all major public announcements be left for Ryan and I to post on social media in the future. We love our family's enthusiasm though!
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What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process? 

Everything! Hidden River Events made the process completely stress free. They took care of everything! We were given access to their website and Grace helped us through the selection of all the details. Their flowers are grown on-site and the caterer also owns an amazing restaurant a few miles away. I cannot say enough about how the venue created our perfect day! I showed up with the perfect dress, they took care of the rest!

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What is your favorite memory from the wedding day? 

Saying our vows in front of our friends and family. We felt our vows were unique and captured our lives in the present and the wish we have for our future together.
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What is one piece of advice you would give someone preparing for their wedding day? 

Do not stress over the details. At the end of the day, your guests will not know what you had envisioned and they'll love everything. 
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What made you choose Margaret Ellen Bridal? How did you know your dress was "the one"? 

I was looking for a more personal dress buying experience. I had recently heard of Margaret Ellen Bridal and decided to make an appointment. Maggie truly went out of her way to ensure she could get me the dress of my dreams in such a short timeframe. She took note of my dress desires over the phone and recommended I send her a few dresses from the designers that caught my eye. She got it right on the first dress. Yes, I tried on others but went back to the first one in my mind every time. It was very classic, simple and elegant (my Audrey Hepburn moment). I felt like it reflected me and what I wanted for my wedding day.
 
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Venue/Florist: Hidden River Events

Photographer: Jesse Kitt Photography

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Grace Giles

Caterer: Native Kitchen and Social Pub, Asheville, NC

Hair: Hayley Gregory

Cake: Anne's Custom Catering

Ceremony Musicians/Reception DJ: Erik Mattox

Invitations: Minted

Officiant: Jeanne Sommer

Seamstress: Kathleen Cooper/Southern Simplicity Gulf Coast