Real Bride Alice: Planning a Wedding During a Pandemic

A bridal party taking a picture.

 

Planning a wedding is not easy, but planning a wedding during a pandemic brought on a new set of challenges for most brides. Real bride, Alice was determined to make the most out of every experience. Discover what made each moment special for Alice and how she saw the positives during unusual circumstances.

Intimate Wedding Proposal…

Before pandemic times, I always thought I’d have my makeup on, and my nails fixed. I wasn’t wearing any makeup that day, but I did my nails the day before out of boredom.

On the day of the proposal, Andrew and I visited my sister and her family in Fort Worth to hang out at her pool. Since it was during the pandemic, we tried our best to practice social distancing and spend most of our time together outdoors. I hadn’t seen my sister, brother-in-law, and two nephews, Ben and Collin, in months which seemed like forever since I used to visit very often.

When we were getting ready to go outside, my 3-year-old nephew brought me an old shoebox. Because I hadn’t seen them much during the pandemic, I thought Ben was showing me new toys inside. When he opened it, I saw a ring box instead. Andrew grabbed the box and gets down on one knee. I was surprised and couldn’t believe it! Of course, I immediately said YES! We FaceTimed my parents shortly after and celebrated the rest of the day at the pool. It was a perfect little quarantine proposal.

Wedding Dress Shopping… 

Wedding dress shopping during a pandemic was something I dreaded—the mask mandate and the limited number of guests put a damper on my wedding planning mood. Who was going to join me to go wedding dress shopping? It was not an essential task, and I completely understood when none of the bridesmaids wanted to come. I didn’t even want to go myself! But, before I knew it, six months had already passed, so I needed to start looking.

Real Bride Alice and her bridesmaids

My wedding dress shopping experience at LuLu’s is something I’ll never forget. I already had high expectations for LuLu’s since that was where my sister found her wedding dress. Of course, I didn’t want to get my hopes up on finding it there, but how cool would that be, right?!

Melissa was the sweetest and very patient. I didn’t have a dream dress that I knew I wanted all along. She took her time with me, narrowing down which styles I liked and didn’t like. I felt so comfortable with her, which was great because it filled the void of not having all my bridesmaids with me.

I was with my sister when she found her dress, and in the end, she was with me when I found mine at Lulu’s. Always a good time at Lulu’s.

Found the One: Morilee 2044…

Melissa at Lulu’s did such a great job picking out dresses that it made it hard to choose. I would tell her what I liked and what I didn’t like about the dress. Each one got better and better until it was the one! Oh, my stars! The dress checked off everything I wanted. Melissa nailed it. I almost wonder if she secretly knew the whole time and just waited for dramatic effect. She’s that good and made it so much fun!

Wedding Theme…

I wanted my theme to be minimal yet elegant. Less is more! Planning a wedding during the pandemic made “less” favorable in case we were only allowed immediate family or a wedding cancellation due to Covid concerns. I didn’t even have any wedding cake tastings. I trusted my florist and went with a bakery she recommended. That first wedding cake bite was a pleasant (and delicious) surprise.

 

Real Bride Alice walking down the aisle

Husband and wife slicing a wedding cake

Favorite Moments…

EVERYTHING. The pandemic makes you realize what is truly important!

It meant so much to see everyone after missing so many special occasions and holidays because of the pandemic. The entire week and day were special to me. If I had to choose one special moment of the big day, I would say it was during the reception. My DJ (and good friend) Chris remembered a specific song I liked. The song does not have vocals, so it is hard to find. Towards the end of the night, there was a surprise for me.

I had to step onto speakers, and I was nervous about what was going to happen next. When I realized what song they were playing, I immediately knew I could let loose for the rest of the night and had no more worries. It wasn’t a song I requested on the wedding playlist, so it was a very thoughtful and awesome surprise! Someone said I was living my best life dancing on those speakers, and I agree!

Sentimental Wedding Details…

I wore my sister’s wedding shoes as something borrowed. Written on the bottom of one of the shoes was her wedding date, and I thought it was sweet of my sister to add my wedding date to the other. My sister and brother-in-law are total “couple goals,” so it was extra special that I got to walk down the aisle with something from their wedding too. I was lucky enough to have all my favorite vendors for my wedding. Every single one of them spoiled me in their own way. I was the luckiest girl and had the best people with me on my wedding day.

 

Real Bride Alice Send off

 

We love hearing from our brides. If you would like to share more about your wedding like real bride Alice – comment below or send a message to our Instagram! We would love to feature your love story! 

 

Vendor Team

Photographer: Jonny Ngo Photography @iamjonnyngo

Venue: Zander’s House @zandershouse

Planner: Love and Sparrows @loveandsparrows

Bakery: Paris Bakery @parisbakeryinarlington

Florist: Kim Trang @ktweddingevents

Gown Retailer: LuLu’s Bridal Boutique @lulusbrides

Gown Designer: Morilee @morilee

Makeup & Hair: Q the MUA @qthemua

Music: RLF Society @rlfsociety @skrach_chris

Wedding invitations and stationery: Footprints Invitations @footprintsinvitations

 

Real Sophia Tolli Bride Jessenia & Aaron

Real bride Jessenia wore the perfect timeless dress for her modern wedding! Find out about how she made her dress her own and the moments that made her wedding day special.

The Endearing Proposal

The goal to have Jessenia completely surprised when Aaron proposed was the plan from the start. It made for a long wait for Jessenia, but it was extra special when it came to the day!

“The stars finally aligned on February 23, 2019. Aaron invited his family to come to Dallas and hang out with us at our apartment, which was not out of the ordinary. I did not suspect anything. Aaron called my parents to ask for my hand in marriage. His entire speech was memorized and delivered in perfect Spanish. However, he failed to prepare for the follow-up comments and questions from my mom. All of which were also in Spanish. He says he left the conversation knowing that they approved but not knowing what else he agreed to.

 

man and woman kissing

Aaron and his family prepared a beautiful proposal setting at the apartment resort-style pool surrounded by fountains and water features. A walkway lined with candles and pictures filled with memories with music in the background created a beautiful intimate setup.

Meanwhile, all that was going on downstairs, I was napping on the couch upstairs in our apartment, completely unaware. Aaron called me to meet them all downstairs to eat dinner, play pool and hang out. Little did I know my life was about to change.

A few minutes later, I came downstairs and heard music but thought it was coming from the speakers in the outdoor lounge area. When I saw Aaron standing there surrounded by those candles and pictures, it hit me it was happening, and the first thing that came to my mind was: Omg, finally!!! Wait, I am not wearing any makeup, my nails not manicured, and I have on a huge coat that looks like a blanket, but finally!”

Man & woman standing outsideoutside

Finding the One

Jessenia always dreamt of finding the dress of her dreams and that moment when she knew. She would watch “Say Yes to the Dress” and would cry when brides would find the one! After going to several different stores, she fell in love with dress style 12026 by Sophia Tolli.

“I wanted sleeves, modern, cool-girl vibes, but overall, modest. I also knew one thing: I DO NOT WANT STRAPLESS. When the consultant brought in this Sophia Tolli strapless gown, I immediately was like, no. But I guess I will try it on for fun.

 

 

Man and woman outside

 

I. Felt. Like. A. Bride! Immediately. The curtains opened, and all my sisters and best friend gasped. They said, OMG this is so you! The consultant put a veil on my head, I turned and looked in the mirror, and I saw a bride, not just me wearing a white dress. I cried, and yes, the feeling is real! I could picture myself walking down the aisle to my fiancé. No need to try on anything else. No fear of missing out. So, it just goes to show, you do not immediately dismiss a dress until you try it. Trust your consultant!”

 

Wedding Plans 

“Our theme was modern, clean, minimalist. It was at the Nasher Sculpture Center, and it was supposed to be an outdoor affair. The weather had other plans, so we had to scramble at the last minute to move it indoors. In the end, the weather cooperated, and we had our dinner outside on the terrace. It all turned out amazing!”

Real Bride Jessenia and Aaron holding an umbrella

Special Moments to Remember 

The first look was a special moment to remember between Jessenia and Aaron!

“There is so much anticipation for months leading up to your wedding day. So many decisions to make, and you worry about everything being perfect. I felt like I was holding my breath for so long, and my heart was pounding as I stood behind him, waiting for him to turn around. As soon as we saw each other and said a few private words with just the two of us, I immediately felt a sense of calm and peace. I could breathe! At that moment, nothing else really mattered, the rain, the decor, the flowers. The only thing that mattered was that I was finally marrying the man of my dreams.”

man and woman outside

 

My Signature Style

“My wedding dress was modern, elegant, simple. And I loved it, but I wanted a wow factor too. I had so much time to spare because of Covid. I spent hours on Etsy looking for the perfect add-on to achieve a unique, one-of-a-kind look. I decided on detachable statement sleeves, and added them on after the ceremony and once the veil came off. They were so fun and such a hit! Everyone loved them.”

Real bride wearing Sophia Tolli

 

We love Jessenia’s personal style! Comment down below and tell us what you think!

If you are a LuLu’s real bride and would like to share your story, email hello@lulusbridal.com or direct message us on Instagram. (@lulusbrides)

Take a look at Real Bride Trish wearing Eddy K. 

 

Vendor Team:

Venue: Nasher Sculpture Center

Bakery: La Casita Bakeshop (bridal cake), Bronwen Cakes (grooms cake)

Florist: Luxe Petals

Rentals: Posh Couture Rentals, Center Stage Floors, Mirmir Photo Photobooth

Photography: Laning Photography

Makeup & Hair: Alayza Casey Makeup, Modern Hairstylist

Music: LeForce Entertainment

 

Real Bride, Trish, in Eddy K

“My experience at LuLu’s Bridal shopping for my wedding gown was incredible! My stylist, Daniella, was knowledgeable, she made the experience fun, and she asked all the right questions. She listened to what I was looking for, and she chose styles that both fit my vision and different options I hadn’t considered.

After trying on several dresses in a style of what I originally thought I wanted, she encouraged me to try on one dress in particular she pulled for me that was a different style and color (champagne and ivory). I knew before the dress was fully zipped up that it was my dress! My stylist pulled a veil for me to try on with it, and once my mom started tearing up, we knew I did not need to try on any more dresses.

I felt beautiful and confident in my gown on our wedding day.  I cherished every moment in the dress and didn’t want to take it off! The dress fit my wedding day vision perfectly for our romantic and classic fall wedding. It has the most gorgeous lace and beading detail that made the dress so unique.”

We are completely obsessed with Trish’s Eddy K gown! She made the most beautiful LuLu’s Bride.

Take a look at her stunning wedding day photos below:

Real Bride, Trish 1

Real Bride, Trish 2

Real Bride, Trish 3

Real Bride, Trish 4

Vendors:

Venue: Gleneagles Country Club

Flowers: Root + Bloom Floral Design

Photography: Lily Hayes

Event styling/coordinator: @the.design.co

Hair: Monica with Memorable Occasions & Hair Design

Makeup: Beauty by Taylor Kizer

Dress Designer: Eddy K at LuLu’s Bridal

Real Bride: Madeline in Allure Bridals

Bride, Madeline, exudes classic bridal perfection in her Allure Bridals gown.  A strapless, sweetheart neckline is adorned with beautifully corded lace and embellished with a crystal sash at the natural waist.  The A-line silhouette is complimented by drips of lace appliqué past the waist, flowing tulle skirt finished with a lace hem and chapel length train.

Gown: Allure Bridals at LuLus Bridal Boutique | Photography: Adria Lea Photography | Hair and Makeup: Lauren Davidson

 

Southern Tradition of Bridal Portraits

Rooted in tradition, the bridal portrait is the southern must-have prior to your wedding day!  A bridal portrait is a special photoshoot between the bride and her photographer without any other pomp and circumstance or focal points.  A bride typically will choose a venue totally different than the setting of the wedding or on location at a place dear to her heart.  During this time, the bride is able to do a full “wedding day look” trial run with hair, makeup, bridal gown, veil, accessories and her bridal bouquet.  It is such special time for the bride to envision exactly what she will look like on her special day and have the opportunity to take an extended amount of time to capture the essence of her bridal beauty!  Additionally, this time allows the bride to become more comfortable with her photographer, creates better communication between the two and will help her see which poses are the most flattering for her upcoming nuptials.  On the wedding day, these portraits become a beautiful addition to the overall décor displayed for all friends and family to admire.

Featuring Kinsey in Maggie Sottero from LuLus Bridal Boutique

Florals: Mayfield Events

Photography: Swan Photography

Venue: The Forum Wichita Falls