Margaret Ellen bride | MRS. Kelly Thornton

The sweetest native of New York, Kelly McGowan, stepped foot into our little slice of paradise this past August with her cousin and aunt, and we are so thankful she did! Dressing Kelly for her special day was such an honor. Kelly chose a Martina Liana gown while adding the matching veil to complete her look. Kelly married Scott Thornton at Tyler Gardens in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Their day was beautifully captured and truly shows their love for another.

How did you and Scott meet?

We have known each other since 2nd grade!

How did Scott POP the question and ask you to be his forever?

Scott took me to Allentown Rose Garden where he had a friend hiding to take pictures as he got down on one knee in front of a beautiful rose archway.

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

HAVE FUN WITH IT and always remember it is YOUR wedding, nobody else’s. Please yourself, not what everyone else wants :)

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

Once I put on the veil, I knew that was it. I got all the feels!! :D

Vendors

Photographer: Liz Waterman Photography

Venue: Tyler Garden

Florist: Bloom de Fleur

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Open Aire Affairs

Caterer: Piccolo

Hair/Makeup Artist: Rosa Marchiano

Reception DJ: Capcee

Wedding Dress and Veil: Martina Liana

Officiant: Father Charles Magee

Bridal Photo Shoot featuring Lacey McLaughlin Photography

This past June, the sweetest Fairhope, Alabama photographer reached out to me after seeing MEB on Instagram (how lucky are we to have something to bring us all together?!?). After seeing her work and other shoots she had done, I knew I must go with Lacey for a photo shoot that was in need of happening. Lacey was professional, worked efficiently, and knew how to place the models which made my job so much easier. Finally in September we made the shoot happen (even with the clouds/rain affecting our usually bright studio) and the results are EXACTLY what I wanted and was looking for.

Lacey is no stranger to 30A. She married her love at Eden Gardens in the spring of 2017. Read on to get to know Lacey a little more and give her a follow on Instagram so that you can see the amazing work this talented photographer puts into every shot.

What inspired you to become a photographer? How long have you been in the business of photography? 

I started taking photos for Journalism in high school and really enjoyed the connections I was able to make when the camera was added to the equation. It was almost like it added an extra sense of closeness of getting to know someone because you have to build a sense of trust. Still not sure about what I wanted to be, off to college I went starting out majoring in Journalism. While I enjoyed writing, I realized I wasn't able to express all of my creative aspects. When I switched over to the college of Fine Arts, it was then that I took my first photography class starting out on 35mm film processing in the dark room. This was when I fell in love. Something just clicked. When I was behind the camera, I felt my happiest. I felt invincible and I knew that this would be the path for me. Film is my one true love for personal and portrait work, but when I started photographing weddings immediately after graduating in 2013, I knew I would need something a little more efficient. I second shot my first wedding for a photographer in 2013, moved to California, started my own business in 2014 and have never looked back! I've been a photographer for 5 years now. 

What does a day in the life of running your business look like? 

Well, to be honest, each day looks pretty different. It also depends on what time of year it is because Spring and Fall are the busiest times for me with wedding season being the most abundant then. I travel around to Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida for photo shoots throughout the year, mostly on weekends. During the week, on an average day, I am at my new studio (celebrating it's 1 year opening October 20th) answering emails, listening to music, meeting with potential brides/grooms, and editing. LOTS of editing

What sets your photography apart from others? 

This is a hard one, but I would say it's all about the energy I emit through the camera. Each person responds uniquely to me as a photographer and if I'm either doing well or having a tough time, that shows in the photos. I try to bring my best self to every shoot so that I can bring that beautiful & positive light out in my subjects. I also like to take a more modern approach with weddings and all my work, while capturing those candid natural moments that are full of emotion as well. Whether it's happy, energetic, sad, loving, or plain honest; the emotion is what I'm after. 

What can brides expect if they hire you as their photographer? 

Beautiful photos that capture the unique essence of them TWO! Each couple is unique, and I never show up to a wedding day knowing what the outcome of my photos will look like. Some couples are loving, touchy, and some aren't. I want to capture their day in the best way possible. If it's raining, the photos will be a bit moodier. If it's hot and sweaty, we roll with the punches and find shade where we can. If I step in an ant pile during a first look (true story), I kick my shoes off, squeal and keep shooting. I never want to miss a moment. But most of all, my brides can expect honest and loving photos that make each of their unique personalities shine!

What is the biggest tip you would give to a bride for her big day? 

Be in the moment. Be in love. Don't worry about how you look when you're laughing or crying or feeling any kind of way. Talk to your love. Don't worry about the camera. These true moments between you and your spouse are the ones that make the most beautiful photos. Soak it all in. Don't worry about the little details. Give your phone to your bridesmaids. Dance your heart out. Eat the cake. Stop for a moment (or two) to take it all in. This may be the only day of your life when you have every single person you love and who loves you all in the same room celebrating your love. What could be better?!

Visit her website to learn more:

www.laceymclaughlin.com

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!

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. 

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!

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!

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.

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. 

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.

 

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