Clarice's Bridal Blog

A Christmas Wedding

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 14:30:00 GMT

Abbie and Travis' 2020 holiday wedding

Clarice’s Bridal has been helping brides’ dreams come true for over forty years! In that time, we have seen constant cultural shifts around relationships and wedding planning. One such shift is prioritization of adventure in today’s couples. Continue reading to see how Abbie and Travis embody this ideal and find adventure together.

The couple’s adventurous relationship began with a picture-perfect meet-cute. Abbie and Travis both attended the wedding of Abbie’s friend and Travis’ cousin. They really connected that first night and found they had a lot in common! They shared mutual friends and discovered that they grew up just twenty minutes away from one another without ever meeting. The pair was an instant hit but faced logistical challenges, as Travis was working in Florida at the time. He returned to Abbie’s neighborhood for special occasions, and they always spent time together over the Christmas and New Years’ holidays. “December was always a special month for us," Abbie recalled. "We met in June of 2016 and would only see each other here and there when we could, but somehow, we always managed to be together over the holidays!"

After seeing each other sporadically for that first year and a half, Travis finally returned from Florida, and the couple officially paired up. “I knew long before he did!” Abbie chuckled. “But that’s the standard with us. I’m more of a 'gut feeling' kind of person, and he is more calculated and measured.” The next year and a half were filled with travels as the couple grew closer. They took multiple international trips and invested in rental properties. They found over the years that they meshed well and enjoyed life together. Abbie said, “I like to think there really is no better pair! He needed someone to make life in the Midwest a bit more exciting, and I needed someone a bit more calm.”

Their love for adventure brought them incredible experiences, and travel became so important to their relationship that they planned to start their life together on a grand trip! “We had actually already planned a wedding in Italy [even before] we were engaged,” Abbie recalled. “We had booked the Airbnb and everything!” On February 1, 2020— with a wedding already planned—Travis officially proposed and surprised Abbie with a big bash at their neighborhood bar celebrating both their new engagement and Abbie’s birthday!

Their plans for a small Italian wedding were dashed by the coronavirus pandemic, and they had to come up with an alternate wedding plan. “We thought about just getting married and having a big party later, but it just didn’t feel like something we wanted for ourselves,” Abbie recalled. They ended up having a small wedding in Abbie’s hometown at her childhood church followed by a reception at The Original Springs Hotel, a 19th century venue in the area. “December was always a special time in our relationship, [so we had a Christmas wedding]! We wanted everything to feel very elevated and elegant. . .” Abbie explained. “Everything was already half decorated for us. We had greenery everywhere and lights. . . It was perfection itself!” To go with the black-tie holiday theme, Abbie picked a sleek number at Clarice’s. “Clarice’s was the first and almost only store I went to!” Abbie recalled. “All the [Clarice’s staff] were so excited because no one was buying this dress, and they [loved it on me]! It made me feel like this dress was the right one for me, and it was just different enough but not too out there.”

With COVID-19 making a plan to road trip across Europe unrealistic, Abbie and Travis instead went to Florida for their honeymoon. They spent time outside on the beach, playing tennis, and soaking up the sun! They even took a day drip to Orlando to visit Epcot, Walt Disney World’s park featuring multicultural attractions. “We didn’t get to go to Europe like we wanted, so we went to Epcot to fake our international travels!” Abbie smiled. They plan to take overseas trips to Asia and Europe this year as the world reopens post-pandemic. The couple has recently purchased a property in Carlyle, Illinois, that will eventually become their family home, and they look forward to splitting time between St. Louis and Carlyle for now. We wish Abbie and Travis all the best on their adventures together!

Photographer: Kathleen Mortland Photography

Venue: The Original Springs Hotel

Flowers & Decor: Annette's Flowers & Gifts

Hair: Hair Visions

Makeup: Jamee Mittell Esthetics Studio

Jeweler: Glenn Betz Jewelers

Menswear: Macy's- Kenneth Cole Reaction

Men's Tailor: Daniel Morgan Tailor

Band: Magic Music Bus

Open Minds and Open Hearts

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 17:16:48 GMT

Kayla and Adam's November 2020 wedding

Our goal at Clarice’s Bridal is not just to help you look fabulous, but to help you feel fabulous! Our passion is helping brides find gowns that help them feel their most confident and beautiful as they pledge their love to a partner. Kayla is the perfect example of a bride who prioritized her thriving and healthy relationship with her partner over the small details—and looked incredible doing so!

Kayla and Adam have been together for almost six years and friends for even longer! Over the course of a year, the pair became close friends over nights out and casual hangouts. “There was no super romantic ‘we just knew’ sort of thing. We just got really close, [and it went from there],” Kayla explained. Once things progressed beyond friendship, they found themselves deeply invested in their relationship. After four years of dating, Adam finally proposed! He took Kayla to a show of Christmas lights through a decorated park in December of 2019. He treated her to a private carriage ride through the display. Kayla, who keeps and rides horses, recalled the somewhat stressful experience, “I was watching the horse’s behavior, and I know horses. That horse [did not] want to be pulling that carriage! He was [so agitated] . . . It was bolting behavior, and I was expecting this horse to bolt on us!” The carriage pulled off the path onto a dark trail, and Kayla became even more nervous. Luckily, the situation remained safe and even exciting, as Adam revealed his surprise. “He pulled out a switch [that lit up] a sign.’” Kayla smiled. “He got down on one knee, and asked, 'Will you marry me, Little Babe?'" calling Kayla by his sweet nickname for her.

The engaged couple approached wedding planning with a laid-back attitude and priorities in check. Kayla recalled the planning process, “[It was] easy as can be because I honestly didn’t care about anything else besides getting married. . . I just wanted to get married and for everyone to have a good time!” The couple made use of The Knot app and recommends other brides do the same. The app provides a suggested timeline with “due dates” for each step of wedding planning specially laid out with the wedding date in mind. They followed the suggested timeline, let friends and family take care of decorations, and made a lot of planning decisions online. “It was a pretty easy process because we made it that way,” Kayla explained. “I am more focused on our marriage and relationship than anything else.”

That low stress attitude was evident in Kayla’s bridal gown appointment. Clarice’s Bridal was her first and only shop, at which she tried on just two wedding dresses! “Honestly, it was the easiest part [of wedding planning]! You guys made dress shopping so easy. It was the easiest thing in the world!” she chuckled. “. . . I didn’t think I’d like a mermaid dress, but I saw it [and thought], ‘Let’s just try it,’ and I was immediately like, ‘This is it!’ I was probably there for less than forty-five minutes!” Kayla suggests keeping an open mind and trying to find something that makes you feel beautiful on your big day rather than becoming fixated on recreating an imagined style. She explained, “If I stuck with what I expected, I probably would’ve tried on one hundred dresses and never been happy.”

When the big day finally came, Kayla stunned in her jeweled mermaid gown! The day was filled with touching moments. While getting ready, Kayla’s maid of honor presented her with a video message full of her closest friends giving their well wishes for the big day. She and Adam chose to recite traditional vows but expressed their feelings to one another through love letters before the ceremony. “I had given him this big card with all my feelings, and my feelings were kind of hurt because [I thought he didn’t] write me a note,” Kayla said. “The best man actually just forgot to give it to me. . . I ended up reading his letter right as the ceremony started which turned out to be perfect!” Another moving experience honored Kayla’s late father. She recalled, “My father passed away when I was sixteen. . . We had a little memorial for him at the ceremony and reception. Seeing John, my dad’s cousin, there was almost like my dad was there. We could all feel him there—just pure bliss and joy in the air!” The day was just about perfect with its seventy-five-degree weather in November and meaningful experiences with family and friends. “I really do believe that God blessed us with that day,” Kayla said.

Since the wedding, Kayla and Adam have been treasuring every moment together. He travels for work and spends a lot of time away. Kayla says of his work, “It really makes us appreciate our time together [and] makes us prioritize our relationship.” As demonstrated in their wedding planning process, they really do have their focuses set on one another! They plan to take a honeymoon when COVID-19 allows. To brighten up their lives during the era of the coronavirus, however, the couple purchased a new horse. “We actually spent our honeymoon money on a new horse! I’m the one who rides, but we like to spend time in the barn playing with him,” Kayla smiled. That time together is invaluable, and they know it! In Kayla’s words, “[Your wedding] is one day, and it is important, but your marriage and relationship are forever!” Best wishes to Kayla and Adam as they journey toward “forever” together!

Photography: Danielle Ambry Photography

Venue: Sunset Bluffs

Hair and makeup: @_4theloveofbeauty_

Flowers: Rouge Events and Design

Cake: The Sweet Divine

Framing the Scene— Our Favorite Bridesmaids Trends

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 22:04:14 GMT

Clarice's favorite ways to help a bridal party stand out

The first priority when it comes to outfitting a wedding party is, of course, the bride. The bridesmaids' dresses should certainly not be an afterthought, however, as the bridesmaids frame the bride and groom. They play a significant role in establishing the environment of the wedding and must compliment both the bride's gown and the venue. Here are some of our favorite bridesmaids' trends to set a unique atmosphere on your big day!

Legs for Days

If you want to give your bridesmaids comfort and movement without sacrificing style, a formal jumpsuit is a great option! Designer Morilee offers multiple options for jumpsuits, all with a wide pant leg to maintain a level of formality. These styles are a lifesaver for the bridal party whose girls don't like to wear dresses but want to look the part of bridesmaid!

Visions of Velvet

Choosing velvet as the fabric of your bridesmaids' dresses is a classy way to give your bridal party a season-appropriate outfit. Dress your bridesmaids in green velvet for a holiday wedding or in rich purples for a fall affair! Bridesmaid designer Morilee's velvet material has a subtle sheen to it that catches the light without stealing your spotlight as the bride.

Wrapped

A true classic, the wrap dress is making a big comeback in bridesmaids' gowns! This style is a fantastic option for bridal parties with lots of different body types, for people who experience a lot of fluctuations in their shape, or people who just want to give their waist some extra emphasis! Designer Bill Levkoff offers multiple wrap dresses-- some elegant, some flirty, and everything in between!

Blinged Out

Though the bride and groom are the stars of the day, decking your bridesmaids out in detail and beading is a sure way to bring an extra bit of class and grandiosity to your event! Our go-to designer for beaded bridesmaids' gowns is Adrianna Papell. These dresses are hand-beaded and offered in rich tones of champagne, burgundy, navy, and many more.

A Marriage of a Lifetime

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 19:44:45 GMT

Jasmin and Evan's 10.10.20 wedding

COVID-19 has shifted wedding plans for countless couples since early 2020. Many of these changes have resulted in heartbreak and frustration as dream weddings morph into what will make do. Amidst the grief and disappointments, however, we have seen couples flourish as they shift their focus from the theatrics of big weddings to each other. From high school acquaintances, to college friends, to lifelong partners, Jasmin and Evan kept their sights focused on one another. That certainly did not change with the coronavirus pandemic!

Pediatric ICU nurse Jasmin met Evan in high school. She attended a girls’ school, and he went to a boys’ school nearby. They shared mutual friends and attended many dances and functions as a group. After high school, they both moved on to St. Louis University and grew to be close friends in their own right! When Jasmin left to study abroad in Spain, Evan realized he thought of her as more than a friend and, upon Jasmin’s return, suggested they date. “It is kind of funny! He never really asked me out,” Jasmin chuckled. “He just said, ‘We should date.’ That was the summer of 2015. . . and we’ve been together [the] five years [since]!” In those five years, Jasmin found that Evan was a perfect balance for her. She explained, “I've never felt that Evan and I complete each other, rather we complement one another nicely. We challenge each other. He's left brain. He needs the numbers and facts. I am more right brain. I'm emotional, and I need to see and touch and do. But together, we make each other better.” They went on trips and adventures together, hiking and camping regularly. They took an annual trip to Colorado during which they camped and hiked in the mountains. Each year, they took one of Jasmin’s five younger siblings with them to share the experience.

For their 2020 trip, the pair brought Jasmin’s entire family! “I had my suspicions he would be proposing soon. . . What threw me off the trail was when we were [at the laundromat while on our trip]. I asked what he wanted me to do with his laundry, thinking he might have a ring hidden,” Jasmin recalled. “I asked if he wanted me to put the laundry in his bag, and he said I was fine to put it in there. I was like, ‘Are you sure you want me to go in your bag?’ and he said there was nothing in there.” Jasmin was now sure he would not propose on this trip but continued living in the moment, sharing the Colorado mountains with her family. As the trip neared its end, the family went to Mount Evans where half the group planned to climb the mountain and half would drive to the top. Unfortunately, the hiking group lost the trail partway through the trek. “At one point we got lost from the trail. We were going the wrong direction for probably forty minutes. . . I was getting anxious and worrying and he just encouraged me and calmed me down. . . At one point, I slipped and fell, and he caught me. I was crying, and he held me and said, ‘You got this. We are going to make it through.” An hour after their expected arrival, the group finally reached the summit and met the rest of the family who drove. Jasmin described the moment, " After taking family photos, I was ready to go eat, but Evan said, ‘Wait!’ He gently grabbed my arm and pulled me back to him and got down on one knee! I was so surprised, I burst out laughing and crying. He said, ‘I've known for a long time that you were going to me my partner in life. . . Will you marry me?’ I said, ‘Yes!’”

With an engagement accepted, wedding planning began. The pair selected 10.10.20 for their wedding date, as they wanted a fall wedding and appreciated the numeric significance. They set plans for almost one hundred eighty guests in their church gym but made significant changes to the day as COVID-19 became an issue. Jasmin said, “All those things changed quite a bit, but they actually kind of changed for the better.” They cut their guest list down to fifty and, with less people to seat, reconsidered venues. The couple attended the vow renewal of Jasmin’s grandparents who were celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary. “. . . As we were leaving the church, we were holding hands, and we had this moment of realization and. . . foreshadowing. [It almost] felt like walking down the aisle as husband and wife. . . We both thought, ‘How cool would it be to get married in the church [where] my grandparents celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary?’” Jasmin recalled. “We asked, and by some miracle, it was available on our date and time!” Although making changes to the guest list was difficult, Evan focused on the most important thing. “When decisions got hard, Evan would remind me that we are getting married, and it’s going to be great and beautiful. He said, ‘All I need to get married is you and a priest. Everything else is extra!’” Jasmin smiled. “It was about him and a sacrament and committing to each other. . . I wanted a marriage of a lifetime, not the wedding of my dreams. We focused on what mattered, and it was perfect!"

One part of wedding planning left unaffected was the dress shopping process. Jasmin came to Clarice’s a year before her wedding, well before COVID-19 shut St. Louis down. “. . . I walked into that [store] and immediately felt like [it was] magical—like twinkly lights and [angel voices started singing]!” she joked when asked about the experience. She continued, “Shannon and I connected right away. . . Something I really appreciated at Clarice’s was that she always put me first even though my [group] had lots of opinions. She helped me identify my own decisions!” Jasmin tried a wide variety of styles, some selected by her stylist, Shannon, and some selected by her family. She tried on the dress four different times throughout the appointment and cried happy tears every time! “I tried it on, and it had all the little details that I wanted in one dress. I started crying, and my family started crying. I really believe that dress chose me,” she said.

When Jasmin finally got to wear her gown on the big day, she had lots of help getting ready. Her mother and aunts had been a major part of preparing Jasmin for significant moments throughout her life such as her quinceañera and school dances. Keeping that tradition alive, they styled Jasmin’s hair and makeup on her wedding day! “My family is Mexican, so they also got me ready for my quinceañera,” she explained. “It was super important they would be there to help me get ready for my wedding too. . . My mom did my makeup, and she was super proud, and my aunts did my hair. It was a family event!” With family being so important to Jasmin and Evan, they also included contributions from Jasmin’s youngest brother, David. She had not planned to have a cake topper nor a ring box, but David had a solution to both! “A week before [the wedding], he came to me with a little ring box made of Legos. He also made our cake topper out of Legos with a bride and groom holding hands,” Jasmin recalled with a smile. “I didn’t ask him to do any of that—he just came to me with it!”

With a focus on the marriage and family support, the day was beautiful. With every hiccup, Jasmin remembered what Evan had instilled in her throughout the process: They were marrying one another, and everything else was extra. “I would rather have a marriage of a lifetime than the wedding of my dreams,” Jasmin said. “But our wedding day was everything I could want and more!” We wish Jasmin and Evan every happiness. With their attitude, they will surely have the marriage of a lifetime!

Photography: Photographer: Astrid Johana Photography

Venue: St. Cecilia Catholic Church and A.CASA

Florist: City House Country Mouse

Videographer: Riley Pruemer Media

Food: Seed.Sprout.Spoon

Cake: Whisk: A Sustainable Bakeshop

Wishes Granted—Our 2020 Giving Tree

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 00:06:24 GMT

A thank you to all who participated in our holiday gift drive

Clarice, our founder, went above and beyond for her community. She always enjoyed helping others and giving back in every way possible. We take inspiration from her not only in the way we conduct business but in the way we interact with our community. In that spirit, the Clarice's Bridal family adopted a mom and daughter for Christmas. We would like to thank everyone who participated in our holiday giving tree, both through donations and volunteered labor.

Together with our customers and community, we were able to provide over $700 in gift cards toward basic needs as well as gift every item on our adopted family’s Christmas wish list! Thank you to each and every one of you who provided gifts from our family’s wish list and funds for groceries, gas, house repairs, and so much more. We are so grateful to have brightened their Christmas morning with your help!

Restoring a safe home to our family was one of our biggest priorities in this process. We would like to extend a big thank you to Tom Streib and the entire Streib Electric team for volunteering their services to our adopted family. Prior to Christmas, this mom-daughter duo lived without electricity in multiple rooms. They assumed there was a break in the wiring preventing electricity from reaching certain rooms. Streib Electric was a true blessing, as the Streib team discovered there were live wires which could have caused a fire. Those wires are now taken care of, and every room in the house has electricity! If ever in need, be sure to visit Streib Electric by clicking here .

We would also like to thank the Crystal Heating and Cooling staff for volunteering to restore working heat to the family’s home. Before the Crystal team provided their services, our family made do with space heaters in multiple rooms. The pair is overjoyed to live in a safe and comfortable home thanks to their help. You can check out Crystal Heating and Cooling here . With a functional heating system, our adopted family must be able to pay for monthly heating bills. Family of Clarice's ownership have connected the family with Heat Up St. Louis to help cover heating costs. You too can help St. Louis families stay warm this winter here !

The Clarice’s staff continues to help our adopted family in any way possible! We communicate regularly to receive updates about their struggles and successes. We consider these ladies a true part of our Clarice’s family, and we thank all of you who joined us in caring for them!

Mountain Dreaming

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 16:36:45 GMT

Megan and Peter's mountain wedding

COVID-19 has forced couples everywhere to adjust their wedding plans. For some, though, an intimate ceremony was always the dream. That was the case for Megan and Peter whose small ceremony in the mountains was just what they wanted!

When social worker Megan met chef Peter through mutual friends, she wanted to be friends rather than romantic partners. She was unavailable at the time and turned him down for a date. “He was persistent, though,” Megan recalled, “and the second time he asked me out, I was interested and said, ‘yes!’” Megan and Peter found they were a balance for one another, with Peter being outgoing and social and Megan being more reserved. They had different personalities but shared common passions such as a love for animals. When the couple met, Peter did not like cats, but Megan’s three kitties changed his mind. The couple has adopted a fourth cat together, as well as a horse!

The pair also shared common life experience with kids. Both had children, so it was important to the couple that each partner meshed well with each family. “. . .We waited a couple months to tell our kids before things got serious. My son thought he was just my friend. He loved him and thought he was awesome!” Megan explained. “Then, when he found out we were dating, he was like, ‘I don’t know about this,” and gave him a hard time. But now, he really likes him. . .Our kids also really like each other and get along.”

Peter proposed to Megan in the spring of 2019. He set up a grand trip to Colorado for Megan’s 30 ^th birthday in August during which he planned to pop the question. His nerves got in the way, however, and he could not stand to wait for the trip to propose. He bought a ring in May and proposed shortly after. “He was so nervous and couldn’t hold it together. . . He was like, ‘Okay. I have to do this,’ and he was so nervous that he ended up doing it that Wednesday night,” Megan explained with a smile. They went to downtown Kirkwood and bought lattes. Megan noticed the lattes had hearts designed in the foam. They then walked outside to the fountain where they first met. “It was kind of raining,” Megan said. “But he wanted to go to the fountain, so we did. . .I looked at the fountain and turned around, and he had the ring out!”

It was time for wedding planning! “I never wanted a big wedding,” Megan explained. She looked for a scenic outdoor venue and stumbled across Diamond Cross Ranch. This venue was the perfect fit for Megan and Peter because it offered beautiful mountain views and horses, which the couple enjoy riding. To help with planning an out-of-state wedding, Megan hired a wedding planner who could help coordinate vendors and pull things together on the big day.

Megan’s search for the perfect dress brought her to Clarice’s Bridal after purchasing a gown she did not love. She went to two shops before coming to Clarice’s and bought a wedding dress from a bridal chain. Megan explained, “. . .I went to [a bridal chain store] and tried on a dress and bought it. Later I was like, ‘I don’t think I like this.’’ Having a longstanding relationship with the owners of Stallone’s Formal Wear, the menswear store in the lower level of the Clarice’s building, Megan visited Clarice’s on the upper level. “I came to Clarice’s and fell in love with the Allure dress and returned the other one. . . [You have to] trust your gut and go with the dress that suits your personality,” she advised. “If you try to be someone you’re not with your dress then you don’t feel like yourself on your wedding day.”

On June 29, Megan and Peter promised forever to one another in their beautiful mountain ceremony. Only seventeen people attended the wedding, and everyone stayed in one large rental house in the mountain valley. Guests got to see moose and other wildlife in the backyard. The background created an environment that was easygoing and flexible. “I didn’t pay a lot of attention to the small details,” Megan said. “That really allowed me to just enjoy the day and live in the moment.” A string duo provided music for the ceremony. At the pronouncement of marriage, horses were let loose and ran behind the couple. Although Megan’s son had insisted during planning that he wouldn’t dance with his mother at the reception, he asked to share a dance with her in the moment. “That was a really touching [experience]. . . Dancing with our kids at the wedding was really neat because we had our children celebrating with us!” Megan explained.

Six months post-wedding, the family is enjoying their time together. They had planned to move in together after marriage, but circumstances related to COVID-19 pushed the family into the same house before their June ceremony. Megan said of the move, “It’s been a roller coaster moving two families into one house, but it’s been really good. Lots of adventures and fun times in our new house together! Right now, we are just focusing on continuing to come together as a family. Obviously, [it] takes time to blend as a family. We are spending time getting to know each other and adjust and come together.” The Clarice’s team wishes the new family every blessing!

Photography: Your Story Photo and Cinema

Venue: Diamond Cross Ranch

Wedding Coordinator: Grand Teton Weddings

Hair and Makeup: Kelly Rene Bernard

Menswear: Stallone's Formal Wear

Beyond the Wedding Day

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 18:52:06 GMT

Advice for a lasting marriage from the married Clarice's staff

The Clarice’s staff is passionate about making our brides feel special on their wedding days! We know that the weddings we help create are only the beginning of something substantial and long-lasting. We have tons of advice about the wedding day, but we also have suggestions for a lasting marriage. Keep reading to meet married Clarice’s staff and their recommendations for a happy marriage!

Shannon, married for 2 months

Shannon is still a newlywed! You can read about her wedding on our blog here: https://www.claricesbridal.com/an-insider-perspective-a-clarice-s-consultant-s-very-own-wedding. She says, “As a newly married gal, I can’t give much advice. All I can say is just be there fore each other. Be each other’s listening ear. Love unconditionally, and never go to be upset with one another.”

Emily, married for 3 years

Bridal manager Emily came up with five suggestions with the help of her husband, Kyle!

1. Marriage is always a compromise,

2. Communication is key… as cliché as that sounds.

3. Spontaneity is key.

4. Get a dog before you have a baby.

5. Have a few good love songs and print out the lyrics for around your house.

Ry, married for 3 years

Ry had a dreamy beach wedding! She says, “Marriage is a story that should be written out over many years and not pre-planned in advance. Roll with the highs and lows, and you shouldn’t put so much pressure on yourself to stick to a perfect plan!”

Caitlin, married for 10 years

Caitlin and Kyle have been married for 10 years and have two sweet boys together. She suggests that couples keep the following in mind.

1. Understand that you are 2 individual people who will not always agree, learn t accept your differences and see from each other’s perspectives

2. Laugh together as often as possible.

3. You won’t always feel in love the way you did at the beginning. Make the choice to actively love them anyway. Love is action, not feeling.

Sue, with her partner for 45 years

Sue and her husband have been together since 1975 and married since 2008. She suggests making it a priority to treat one another well. They read a set of rules for a happy marriage together once a month to remind them how they should treat each other. “Everyone has feelings!” she pointed out.

Changing Tradition

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 16:00:00 GMT

How the white dress and bridal veil became standard wedding attire

When entering a bridal shop, one expects to see white coating the walls, silver beads glittering in the light, and puffs of tulle jutting from the racks. Just a few hundred years ago, however, such a scene would have looked completely foreign to the average bride. Keep reading to find out how European and American bridal traditions have changed in modernity!

The white dress associated with the traditional bride is not, in actuality, so traditional! The long white dress was popularized in 1840 by Queen Victoria of England. She shocked the world with what was considered a quite plain gown! For most of European and, later, American history, the wealthy wore custom made designs in rich, luscious colors adorned with family jewels. Queen Victoria opted for a white satin dress with lace rather than the jewels and expensive pigments expected of royalty. This was a statement of frugality, a promise to make wise rather than frivolous decisions as monarch.

Victoria’s white gown started a trend that would bridge the gap between the style of the wealthy and the necessary budget-conscientiousness of the average bride. While it remained somewhat common and socially respectable for a bride to wear her “Sunday best” rather than purchase a gown specifically for her wedding, the popularity of the formal white gown rose over the next century. Formal dresses are no longer for only the wealthiest brides but are standard. What was a shocking color choice for Queen Victoria is now the norm!

The “traditional white dress” continues to evolve in the present day. The 2010s have brought the fabulous trend of two-tone wedding dresses, with white (or white-adjacent) detail laid over a darker beige color. Soft, dusty tones of champagne and blush are the most common colors after white and ivory for those who want something unique while maintaining a sense of tradition. Many designers offer black wedding gowns for the bride who wants to make a statement against custom and expectation.

Even older than the tradition of the white dress is that of the wedding veil. Veils have been, and still are, meaningful to many different religions and cultures for various reasons. It is believed that the ancient Romans were the first to use veils specifically in marriage ceremonies. The Roman bride was covered in fabric dyed with red pigments in an attempt to deter malicious spirits. This practice certainly interacted with other cultural uses of veils, as the Roman Empire spanned incredible distances and influenced numerous peoples in Europe, the Middle East, and northern Africa.

The tradition survived in fluctuating popularity over the next few millennia, and the bridal veil has evolved into one to two layers of sheer tulle draped from the hair. Most brides who wear veils do so because it is part of their dream wedding outfit—a necessary accessory rather than one warding off spirits or hiding her beauty from the world. Of course, some brides hold veils with religious significance and, if so, often choose veils specific to their cultures rather than those of sheer tulle. This tradition is ever-changing, and more brides leave the tradition of veils behind. The boho bride may wear a flower crown, and the fall bride may don a bridal cape wrapped around the shoulders instead of a headpiece.

Considering the timing of Queen Victoria’s wedding in the 19 ^th century, the bridal industry as we know it is a fairly recent development. The white dress is not such an old tradition, but the bridal veil holds ancient roots. Bridal style is ever-changing. Whether you have always dreamed of a traditional style or want something that is unexpected, the important thing is that you feel beautiful and loved!

Second Chances

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 20:22:43 GMT

Rebecca and Curtis' journey to one another

We at Clarice’s bridal believe in the power of love and the beauty of having a life partner. We are in the bridal industry because we are passionate about helping brides feel their most beautiful as they commit to their partners. Whether a bride comes to us young and in love or returns for their second chance at marriage, we want every bride to have her dream wedding! Rebecca and Curtis found their perfect “second chance” together.

It is astonishing that Rebecca and Curtis did not meet in the years leading up to their relationship, as their lives followed incredibly similar paths. Both were raising boys from previous marriages, with Curtis having three and Rebecca having one. Curtis works as a high school teacher and coaches various high school sports, including wrestling. Rebecca’s son is a wrestler, and he has spent countless hours attending wrestling activities. At one point, she even managed a little league wrestling team in her free time outside of her job as a parole officer. She said, “We are complementary because we have had some of the same experiences. Wrestling is probably our biggest connection. My son wrestles in high school, and Curtis is a coach. It was pretty crazy we had never crossed paths. . . We are both big on sports and on family, so we spend a lot of time seeing the boys play in their [activities].” For date nights, the couple likes to roller skate. They are both athletic and enjoy the exercise as a fun activity together. “We haven’t been able to do much at the skating rink [during the pandemic], so Curtis turned the basement into a skating rink one night as a date night,” Rebecca explained, “and we’ve gone down there a few times since to practice!”

If they never crossed paths through athletics, how did Rebecca and Curtis meet? It seems fate set them up for success! The pair met on dating app Tinder on January 1, 2019, and almost missed each other. Rebecca recalled, “Curtis had been on Tinder for some months, and he kind of had a deadline. Like ‘if I don’t meet anyone, I’m going to get off the app.’ I had been through some breakups and gave myself a deadline to get on [the app], and the day I gave myself to get on was the day he was planning on getting off. We both chose New Year’s as that deadline.” She continued, “It’s been very natural since then. We both deleted our accounts pretty soon after meeting. . . He’s been divorced, and I’ve been divorced, and we each have our kids so we both knew we wanted something long term. We were looking for a husband and wife.”

In September of that year, Curtis proposed. In an untraditional proposal, Curtis played a practical joke on his soon-to-be-fiancée! She explained that Curtis probably had an extravagant plan but couldn’t wait once he had gotten the ring. Curtis and his children came to Rebecca’s house for a casual family meal, and she found that everyone was acting strange. “It still makes me mad to think about. . . It was during the week and kind of random. I was just cooking dinner for us, and I looked crazy,” Rebecca said. “He came over to me and was like, ‘I’m sorry. I’m going to make you really upset today.’ And I thought, ‘I’m about to be single again.’ I thought he was trying to bail out!” Curtis and the boys had a secret conversation, during which Rebecca went to the restroom worried and confused. Through the door, she heard Curtis yell in an angry voice, “I can’t do this anymore! I am going to leave!” She flung the door open to find Curtis on one knee and their kids looking very excited! “I was just standing there like, ‘I can’t believe you would do this.’ And of course I said yes!”

With an official engagement, wedding planning began. The pair visited Las Vegas to choose a venue, as they wanted a fun-filled destination wedding. They booked a ceremony venue and a reception space for the date of July 4 ^th so they could celebrate on holiday and see fireworks every year. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic made such a wedding impossible. Rebecca recalled, “[The venues] called and told us that Vegas wouldn’t be opening back up until July 7 ^th . . . It was pretty devastating at first, but then we just went into ‘plan mode.’” The couple wanted to keep the July 4 ^th date and certainly did not want to postpone their marriage by an entire year, so they came up with a nontraditional solution. “It was more about the marriage than the ceremony for us. We wanted to be married. . . The only thing we knew couldn’t get cancelled was a wedding at our house.” Curtis and Rebecca used the budget for the Vegas wedding to fix up the recently purchased property. “It was so much work,” Rebecca said. “We both work from home, so it was work, and then throw on construction outfits to rehab the house.” Rebecca not only dealt with the stress of changed wedding plans and home improvements but also the physical strain of undiagnosed Lupus. The autoimmune disease flared from the stress and resulted in significant body aches and fatigue. “I had been battling it for years and had no idea. I thought I was just getting old!” Rebecca chuckled. “It was kind of a blessing though because the stress brought those [symptoms]. If I hadn’t had those flares from the stress and heat, we probably wouldn’t know I have Lupus. We got married on July 4 ^th , [2020], and I got my diagnosis on August 8 ^th .”

Another aspect of wedding planning that was affected by these chaotic changes was Rebecca’s wedding gown. Having come to Clarice’s looking for a gown fit for Vegas, there was some concern the dress would not fit the updated backyard theme. “The experience was definitely different because we were planning to go to Vegas, so I was thinking I need something very sparkly but not heavy. . . I had good experiences at other places, but it just felt so much more natural at Clarice’s. . . I don’t regret the dress one bit, [even with the change in venue]. Clearly, being outside [on the] 4th of July, it was hot, so I didn’t need anything too heavy.” Rebecca explained. “We are going to have a reception next year. . . and we are going to go to Vegas to take pictures, so I’ll definitely be wearing it a few more times!”

Rebecca’s gown ended up working perfectly in their backyard wedding. The ceremony was intimate, with the couple surrounded just by immediate family and a handful of friends. When asked about special moments that stood out to her, Rebecca responded, “To walk about and see our vision. It wasn’t something a venue set up. It was something we did and something we will enjoy for however long we live [at that house].” Making the ceremony even more unique was the officiant. Curtis’ eldest son officiated the marriage! “We didn’t have a wedding party. My son walked me down the aisle, and Curtis’ sons were his groomsmen. His oldest was our officiant,” Rebecca said in regards to the small group. The day was a celebration of their relationship with those close to the couple, and one cannot help but believe in the power of love when they see these two. “Marriage was not ‘doomsday’ for us. Yeah, those past marriages didn’t work, but this one will. Even though I had the dream wedding already, I had the dream wedding this time because it was for us!” Rebecca exclaimed. She continued, “Don’t give up on love! Go into a marriage with an open heart, [and don’t] focus on past hurts or failures. . . Go into it to being optimistic about love and staring over again. Love truly exists. No matter what age or time period, you can still find love, and it can be everlasting.” Congratulations on an everlasting love to Rebecca and Curtis!

P hotographer: Joseph Richardson at JLR Photography & Designs

Videographer: Latrelle Yancey at 2LYVE Media LLC

Hair: Tanisha Gilliam at Bleu Luxe Glam Bar

Makeup: Tara Lowery at Blush on the Blvd Salon

Nails: Kimberly Brown at Sista Love

A Dream Come True

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:21:33 GMT

Mannette and Andre's journey from high school sweethearts to husband and wife

The Clarice’s Bridal staff loves when a bride knows what she wants! Mannette had been planning her wedding for a long time, and we are happy to have helped make those plans a reality.

Mannette and Andre’s love story began almost nine years ago when the pair were just teenagers. High school sweethearts, Mannette met her husband in her sophomore year. The couple shared their high school years until Andre left the area to attend university, at which point they continued their relationship over the distance. When asked if she knew at that young age that she would end up with Andre, Mannette said, “I think it was after we went long-distance. After a while, you know, it just stuck!” The following years brought them even closer together. Mannette explained why they make such a great couple, “We are definitely [an] opposites attract [case], but we have strong points that bring us together.”

After years together, Andre proposed to Mannette while on a vacation in Santa Monica. During their romantic getaway in July of 2019, the couple walked along the beach. This walk proved life changing, and the pair returned from their vacation officially engaged! After such a long romance, their marriage was inevitable! “I had a feeling it was coming,” Mannette recalled.

With a ring on her finger, Mannette was ready to plan. “I had already been planning my wedding at the hospital [where I work],” she explained. “. . . I love this type of stuff!” The pair did not want to stretch the engagement much more than a year, so they began work right away. They booked a date at the Shrewsbury City Center. Mannette said, “I wanted something where we could bring our own food and drinks because my cousin is a caterer. . . We also got to decorate it [how we wanted].” She received a lot of aid from family during the planning process, as Mannette’s family enjoys putting together events. Although family was helpful, Andre was less so. Mannette chuckled, “He wasn’t helpful at all! He’s not the panning type. . . I took him to a cake tasting, and he didn’t cake taste. He just ate cake!” He was willing to give Mannette her dream wedding, however, and it was full of glitter! “I didn’t really have a theme, but you could say our style was shiny. I like a lot of glitter!”

With that same spirit, Mannette searched for the perfect wedding gown. She attended appointments at three shops and had luck at Clarice’s. “I didn’t really like anything at the first two places,” Mannette recalled. “When I waked in, I just knew Clarice’s was going to be the place.” She wanted detail and sparkle, and she found it! “I thought everything was going to be expensive because of the [fancy] way Clarice’s looks, but I was actually able to find a lot of things I liked. . . I tried on like forty dresses and had a hard time narrowing down!” With a second appointment to get family feedback, Mannette officially chose her gown from her many liked styles!

After a year of planning, the big day came! Mannette and Andre were married on August 1, 2020, at the Shrewsbury City Center. It was a celebration of a love a long-time coming. Mannette said of the day, “My favorite part was coming out and seeing him. I actually didn’t see him at all the day before, so that was my favorite part!” Mannette finally got her dream wedding of glitz, glamour, and—most of all—Andre. From teens to adults, Mannette and Andre grew up together. They now start their married life and look forward to their lifetime of love.

Photographer: Mena Darre (ig: menabrides)

Venue : Shrewsbury City Center

MUA: Studio Flawlexx (ig: studioflawlexx)

Hairstylist: Maya Johnson (ig: dolled_up_by_mayaj)

Menswear: Savvi Formalwear (Delmar Loop)

DJ : DJ Chill Will (ig: _chillimondo)

An Insider's Perspective

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 16:00:14 GMT

Clarice's consultant Shannon's wedding planning experience

We at Clarice’s Bridal are honored to play just a small part in our brides’ most special days! Weddings are a momentous moment of celebration, and we love being surrounded by the excitement that comes with wedding planning. It is especially exciting when one of our very own staff members becomes engaged! Shannon, who has worked at Clarice’s Bridal for over two years helping brides find their dream gowns, became engaged to Noah in January of 2019 and experienced the same process she aids others in every day!

Shannon and Noah’s marriage was a long time coming! The pair met in high school and participated in activities such as choir and the school musical together. They did not date, however, during their teenage years and lost contact after Shannon graduated and Noah began his senior year. “Back then, it wasn’t our time to be together,” Shannon explained. It was not until three years later in December of 2017 that the couple began talking again and immediately noticed a romantic connection. “I kind of knew from the beginning it was going to be who I was with forever,” Shannon recalled. “He was just perfect and was everything I wanted and needed.” Noah, an outspoken and fun-loving individual, helped develop a confidence and energy in Shannon. Likewise, Shannon brought out a softness in Noah that was not there before. Shannon described their dual personalities, “When we first met, we were like two completely different people. I’ve always been so soft-spoken, and he’s always been so outspoken. . . We bring out different sides in each other, and it’s made our relationship so much stronger.”

Although the pair had previously discussed waiting until Noah finished medical school to start their married life together, he could not wait! In January of 2019, Noah went shopping for the perfect engagement ring. “He dropped me off [to work] at a bridal show and went and bought a ring. He made this big plan to propose at [The Fabulous Fox] theater, but he literally proposed the same day because he was too excited,” Shannon said with a chuckle. “It wasn’t the most romantic gesture, but it was Noah! It was Noah, and it was so sweet.”

Noah’s excitement carried on throughout the engagement, as he wanted to be married within a year. Shannon, however, had always dreamed of a fall wedding and wanted enough time to make that dream wedding happen. The couple settled on October and viewed various venues with October 2020 availability. “We looked at a couple venues, and nothing felt as good as Andre’s [West] did. Noah loved it, and because it was the place he loved, I was like, ‘Okay let’s just do it!” Noah was just happy to be engaged, supporting Shannon in almost everything she wanted for the big day. “Whatever I wanted, he was down with. He tried to help, too, but you know guys aren’t very good at that stuff,” Shannon joked.

As supportive as Noah was, Shannon found the planning process quite overwhelming. The options presented by the nature of her job at Clarice’s Bridal were ceaseless. She described the experience, “It was super weird! It was so crazy because I talk to brides all day long and hear their ideas and think, ‘Wow! I could do that!’ And there’s so many things you don’t think about for your wedding that I got an advantage with.” Even harder than general planning was picking her actual gown! Shannon felt intimidated by the endless options she had, as she was surrounded by stunning dresses. “Picking your dress is the hardest thing in the world working in a bridal salon because you could literally have anything!” Shannon explained. She started the gown hunt by letting co-workers make suggestions and having a “play” appointment with family for them to be involved. She knew she wanted a fitted gown, however, and she stuck to her vision. “I see every day how long things can be because a bride won’t stick up for what she wants,” Shannon said. “To find one that is extremely special to you and work in this industry is a really special thing.” When Kelly, a dear coworker at Clarice’s, presented Shannon with the gown, she was sure.

With a dress chosen and a wedding planned, Shannon and Noah went ahead with their October 2, 2020, wedding despite the coronavirus pandemic. With their priorities on one another, the pair decided to get married on their original wedding date no matter what might have happened. They were blessed to not need many adjustments in the end, and they had their “big, beautiful wedding just like [they] planned!” Shannon began the day with her bridesmaids and grandma, sharing sweet moments together. Shannon described the scene, “The morning of, I woke up with my bridesmaids. . . and I just said, ‘This is it, guys. This is the day I get married!’ and we all hugged.” After getting ready, Shannon conducted a reveal with her father, which she considers one of the most special parts of the day. The wedding was perfect, full of family and friends supporting Shannon and Noah as they stepped into married life. “I got to share that moment with my best friends, my cousin who is like a sister, [and] with both sides of my family. Being there, it felt like our two families were meshing,” Shannon said with a smile. “It was a really cool moment to look and be like, ‘Wow, our families are here for us becoming one family.’”

Post wedding, Shannon and Noah travelled a few hours southwest to Branson, Missouri, for a miniature honeymoon which was gifted to the couple. “After the craziness of the wedding, it was nice to just go somewhere together and relax,” Shannon said. “It was great to just spend time together and really start married life!” The newlyweds are now saving for their dream house while Noah finishes medical school and Shannon continues her work at Clarice’s. She plans to go back to school for fashion in the coming years as well! In wrapping up her wedding story, Shannon commented, “We will get our dream house and think about starting a family, and we will see where life takes us. Life is an adventure! God’s got a plan out there.” The Clarice’s staff is thrilled to see Shannon and Noah thriving as husband and wife. We are blessed to have Shannon on our team and to have supported her on her wedding journey. We wish all of life’s blessings for Shannon and Noah!

Photographer: Robb Breck Photography

Venue and food service: Andre's West

Bridesmaids: Clarice's Bridal and JJ’s House

Dj: House DJ

Cake: Harter's Bakery

Nerf Guns and Cupid's Bows

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 16:53:33 GMT

Molly and John's fall wedding

We at Clarice’s Bridal Fashions adore a good love story! Molly and John’s sweet meeting and relationship certainly qualify. When asked about meeting John, Molly lit up! “I love this story so much,” she said with a grin. The pair met in college in the most charming way! They lived in the same building at Bowling Green State University and engaged in group activities to meet one another and develop friendships. “He was my next-door neighbor. . . To get to know everyone, we had a nerf gun fight,” Molly explained. “He happened to hit my glasses, and [the toy bullet] stuck!” Circumstance seemed to draw them together, as John landed two more toy bullets on Molly’s glasses!

The following years were spent growing their relationship and facing life changes together. The pair were perfectly matched with similar personalities and a shared “quirkiness.” Molly said of their relationship, “I feel like we’re different but the same in a way. . . Emotionally, we are on the same level, which is good. . . We each bring something different to the relationship because we both have our likes. We click in a weird way.” By the time Molly was ready for graduate school, she and John were serious about their future together. Having grown up in St. Louis, Molly dreamed of returning to her roots, and John was happy to build roots there as well. “He didn’t even think twice when I got into grad school here in St. Louis,” Molly gushed. “He said, ‘Let’s move there together.'"

In time, it became obvious to both Molly and John that they were headed toward marriage. They joked about proposals, and Molly often reminded John to make sure she was “engagement ready.” “I was always telling John, ‘When you propose, make sure I look good because I’m sure I’ll want photos!'” Molly recalled. It was this advice that made John’s plans for engagement so transparent! He suggested Molly get a manicure and have her hair touched up, so she knew what was coming. The pair took a stroll through Forest Park during which John popped the question! Molly’s cousin accompanied the couple to take pictures. Of the proposal, Molly said, “It was pretty private, which was nice. That’s what I wanted!”

With an official engagement, wedding planning commenced! “The first half was great! I loved every minute of it and wasn’t stressed at all. Then COVID hit, and it wasn’t so fun anymore.” Molly’s mother was a huge help in easing the burden. “It was a really fun bonding experience with me and her!” Molly said. In addition to the help received from her mother, John’s parents provided significant support. Molly explained that she had heard “horror stories” about monstrous in-laws and was grateful for their kindness.

In the planning process, Molly chose Clarice’s Bridal as her first bridal shop. Though it was her first wedding gown shopping experience, she fell in love with a gown by Eddy K. “I tried on maybe five dresses, and I found my dress,” Molly recalled. She also found the Clarice’s staff to be just what she needed! “It was the most positive experience. . . I felt very overwhelmed when I saw how many dresses you guys had. I just told [Brandi] a few things I liked, and she did all the pulling for me so I didn’t have to worry!” Molly purchased her gown, belt, and veil that day!

The pair chose to go through with their original wedding date of September 6, 2020, limiting the number of guests to about one hundred people. The ceremony took place at Sts. Mary and Joseph Chapel in Carondelet. Molly said, “It was just an overall perfect day!” Her father officiated the wedding, and his words moved the crowd. “I still go back and listen to his speech [at the reception.] It was so sweet! Everyone—even the staff—came up and said they [had] never [seen] a dad with such a good speech. . .” To other brides, Molly advises they cherish the process, because the actual wedding day will “be over in a blink!” She suggests people take lots of pictures so they can look back at their memories and the highlights of the day.

Post-wedding, Molly and John are waiting for the state of the world to settle before they enjoy a honeymoon. They are hoping to travel in the summer of 2021, COVID-19 permitting. Molly was raised in St. Louis and plans to stay in the area long-term. “It was always my dream to move back because I was born here and left for a while.” With John by her side, Molly’s St. Louis dreams are coming true! Congratulations and best wishes to Molly and John!

Photographer: Bernie Elking Photography

Venue, DJ, and food service: Royale Orleans

Hair and Makeup: Elegance Salon

One of a Kind Styles

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 14:00:00 GMT

Making your gown YOURS

Clarice's Bridal Fashions is proud to offer gowns from leading designers in the industry such as Allure Bridals, Maggie Sottero, Mori Lee, and many more. While our inventory offers something for everyone, adding a personal flair to a standard gown is a phenomenal way to make one's gown feel special! The process of making changes to a gown in the manufacturing process is called customization. Customizations are not offered on every gown but are absolutely spectacular from those companies who pride themselves on their extensive customization options, such as Casablanca Bridals. Below are just a few of the many beautiful Clarice's Bridal brides who made custom changes to their gowns, their experiences with the customization process, and their advice to brides who are looking for a one-of-a-kind look!

Haleigh's Understated Neckline

Haleigh found Allure gown 3268 online and ordered a loan sample through Clarice's. We brought the gown into our store for Haleigh to try on, and she fell in love with it! The neckline was rimmed with beading, however, and Haleigh wanted an understated gown without any glitz. Haleigh explained, "The dress that I picked was perfect, except the beading just wasn’t for me. I visualized my dress being very simple with no beading or lace." She ordered her gown with a customized neckline without beading and found the slight change made a positive difference to her look. "Visualize your perfect dress," Haleigh advised, "and imagine you can customize it almost any way you can!"

Photographs by My Sun, My Moon Photography

Kristi's Dramatic Bow

Kristi began her gown search knowing exactly what she wanted. There was only one problem: it did not exist! Kristi wanted an A-line style with beading on the bodice and a dramatic bow at the hip. This was a unique style, and Kristi ended up looking for gowns which met all of her other requirements with the knowledge she could add a bow to almost any gown either by customizing her gown through the designer or with a seamstress. Kristi said, "I had a ton of photos and knew exactly what I wanted. We tried this at multiple shops but the whole look just never came together. At Clarice's I loved the dress [by Allure], and it was just enough, but I still had my heart set on a bow. My associate, Ry, was great and knew I was looking for a bow. Luckily they had a bow from Allure. . . We pinned it onto the dress, and I was sold!" The customization process elevated style 9710 into her dream dress, and she urged other brides to explore their options for changing their gowns. "I definitely would suggest customizing your dress, especially if you know what you want and are having trouble finding it," she said. "This is the one time you can make something you truly love and looks like no other dress!"

Photographs by Tracy Routh

Emily's Dreamy Overskirt

Emily loved the unique lace pattern and bodice of dress Sloane but wanted a gown which would not hug the whole body. Designer Casablanca is known for its ability to make changes to its gowns based on the customer's wishes. To make the dress unique to Emily, Casablanca loosened the the gown's skirt to a sheath fit rather than a fit-and flare style. The company also created a custom tulle overskirt which attached via the gown's pre-made belt. "There's always going to be some risk involved in getting a dress that, essentially, doesn't exist yet.," Emily said of the customization process. "[but] if you know your body and know what you want, the girls at Clarice's can most certainly make it happen. I never had a doubt that my dress would be exactly what I envisioned. Honestly, I say shoot for the stars and get a dress that is YOURS." This gown certainly is hers , with its dreamy skirt unique to Emily!

Photographs by Michayla Slone

Clarice—Our Founder and Inspiration

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 01:50:10 GMT

Honoring the woman who started it all

Clarice Creech touched the lives of countless women in the St. Louis community in her 82 years of life. Born October 11, 1926, she led a life of service to family and community. With a gentle kindness, Clarice made lasting connections with her customers. It is an absolute joy to have “legacy brides” come shopping with pictures and stories of family weddings impacted by our founder, and it is an increasing occurrence as we approach forty-one years of operation!

Clarice’s interest in the bridal industry bloomed during her career at Wilhelm’s department store. She was put in charge of bringing bridal into the shop and thrived with the responsibility. When Wilhelm’s closed its doors, the owner made a point to tell Clarice to carry on in bridal, stressing that he believed in her ability and passion. Clarice’s husband took this advice to heart and set his wife up with her own store in preparation for his expected passing. In December of 1979, Clarice’s Bridal Fashions opened its doors to the public, offering just 800 square feet brimming with love and joy. Sue says, “There was one long rack of bridal gowns and a small rack of bridesmaids. We just had these tiny fitting rooms and one big mirror. [Clarice] never dreamed we would have a store like [the one we have now].” Clarice’s husband passed the following year, leaving his wife and daughter with a business which would offer lifelong fulfillment.

Clarice and her daughter, Sue, lived above the shop and worked together to establish the reputation of character and true care that lasts to this day. They worked nonstop to give St. Louis brides quality service, eventually expanding and moving locations to meet growing demand multiple times over the years. Of Clarice, Sue says, “I think what really brought a gleam to her eye was making a bride happy. Everything revolved around that customer. She would love to see a girl go out of there with a dream dress. If a girl needed that dress for $99 and it was a $300 dress, then she would do it. That’s all she wanted: the happiness of the bride.”

Clarice stepped back in 1996 after over fifteen years pouring her heart and soul into the shop. She trusted the store to Sue and came to work only when she felt the urge rather than push herself to work daily. This retirement allowed her to focus on family and enjoy well-deserved rest. Sue wanted to surprise her mother with a party for her 70 ^th birthday—the first birthday party Clarice ever had! The venue owner, a family friend, insisted Clarice be warned, saying, “You can’t do that to a 70-year-old. You’ll put her in shock!” It was a fair concern, as Clarice was always a delicate woman at 5’4 with little weight to her. According to Sue, Clarice was still amazed at just how many people attended the party.

After a bad fall and health scare, Sue took her mother into her own home until Clarice’s passing in 2008. The bond shared between the pair was obvious. “It was a rough life for her in the end,” says Sue, “but I can say I would do it all over again for her. I did everything I possibly could for her in this house.” At the funeral, people stood outside the door, as the location could not hold as many people as attended. She was truly loved.

Twelve years after her passing, Clarice’s Bridal Fashions is still thriving in the hands of the Creech family. Clarice’s daughter, Sue, owns the business and leads us in the values Clarice so cherished. Clarice’s granddaughter, Katie, is on the sales floor daily to continue the work of her grandmother. They are a fabulous team! Sue says of Katie, “Katie is Clarice. Katie goes 100 miles per hour for the bride. Clarice was the same way.” The pair are also training another young family member, seventeen-year-old Sydney, in the family business and employ a staff who value the leading family's character. The Creech family believes Clarice appears as a fruit fly, and it is always a lovely moment when we see a little fly buzzing around us. “We are going through a hard time just like all the rest of the world,” Sue says regarding the pandemic of 2020, “and she is going to pull us through it. She’s like an angel. She’s got her hands over us.” The Clarice's staff intends to carry on the work of Clarice and build upon the principles she set. In the words of Katie, "To [Clarice], it was always... about the experience and making each and every customer feel special. Today, this is the very thing that brides continue to visit Clarice's for... The connection and relationship you make at Clarice's is beyond what you will get anywhere else. Today, we all continue to carry on Clarice's legacy based on the foundation she built when she started her beautiful beginning years ago."

Staying Flexible

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 16:37:13 GMT

Legna and Cristian's September Wedding

The brides who purchased gowns at the start of 2020 certainly did not expect to wear those gowns amidst a global pandemic! For many, this was—and still is—the reality. Planning a wedding during the COVID era requires significant flexibility and adaptability. Determined to start their marriage, Clarice’s bride Legna and her husband, Cristian, made their dream wedding happen even as vendors closed their doors.

When Cristian began attending Legna’s childhood place of worship, the pair became fast friends. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Kingdom Hall provided opportunities for the kids to become closer as they grew. During their teen years, Cristian and Legna confessed romantic feelings for one another but decided to hold off on a formal relationship until Legna finished high school and accomplished some goals. After years of friendship and a long wait to be an official couple, Cristian gave Legna a beautiful surprise at Forest Park on September 21, 2018. He arranged for family and friends to wait at the Boathouse restaurant with a banner which asked, “Will you be my girlfriend?” Exactly one year later, Cristian topped that surprise with one even greater: a proposal! While on a family trip to Florida, Cristian proposed to Legna with 600 flowers and close friends who secretly flew to Florida for the surprise! Of Cristian, Legna said, “He is really romantic!”

After a few months savoring the experience of being engaged, the pair was ready to begin wedding planning. First on the list of “things to do” was shop for Legna’s wedding gown. She attended multiple appointments at various shops and felt quite discouraged. She said, “I was really nervous to find a dress. I had tried on other ones and hadn’t gotten that feeling. I was starting to wonder if it even existed!” Luckily, she found that perfect feeling at Clarice’s Bridal in her dreamy Kenenth Winston gown. Paired with a delicately beaded chapel-length veil, Legna’s dress brough tears to her and her entourage. One special person was missing, however. Legna’s father was at work, and it was imperative that he give his approval before Legna make her final decision. “Growing up, I always looked up to him,” Legna said of her father. “This is the most important dress I am going to wear, so I needed his “yes” or “no.” I knew he would give me his honest truth.” The Clarice’s staff remained after hours so Legna’s father could slip away from work and see his daughter in her bridal gown. Needless to say, he was impressed with the stunning bride!

Unfortunately, the Midwest became more concerned with and cautious of COVID-19 the following month. Wedding vendors, like the rest of the public, shut down just as Legna and Cristian needed to begin serious planning. They faced this challenge head on, and Legna said, “Most stuff we did ourselves by making things, borrowing, or ordering from Amazon or Etsy.” They postponed their search for a florist and cake baker until they could taste and view samples. The couple originally wanted to be married at their place of worship but quickly realized that would not be feasible because of coronavirus restrictions. Instead, the pair chose a barn wedding at the estate of a friend but were unsure of how many guests to expect. “We really didn’t know if we should plan for 300 or 30,” Legna commented. The guest list ended up consisting of 35 names of family and the very closest of friends. Vendors had a shortened time frame, and the couple had a shortened guest list, but Legna and Cristian were thrilled with the result!

Legna described her September wedding as “absolutely perfect” and said, “I wouldn’t change anything.” She speaks fondly of the day and suggested other brides take lots of pictures. When asked what she cherished from the day, Legna responded, “I really cherished taking pictures with my friends and family. . . It could get a little crazy at times trying to get a large group to look at one camera, [but] it was so fun!” Another part which she suggests brides treasure is the dancing. “When you go to a wedding, you always put yourself in their shoes,” Legna said, “so it was nice to experience it myself.” Her final piece of advice is this: “Expect the unexpected. Don’t be too stressed out on the smallest of details. When the day comes, just enjoy the day—every minute of it. It honestly goes super quick, and later on you’ll want to relive every minute of it, so relax and enjoy.”

After the wedding, Cristian and Legna began their “staycation” honeymoon. The original hope was to go to Italy, but that was, of course, not possible with the coronavirus. Legna’s aunt gifted the newly married couple a night in the luxury Angad Arts Hotel in downtown St. Louis where they enjoyed their blue room. “Then the next week, we went apple picking and went to the new aquarium,” Legna explained. The couple also attended Night at the Zoo at the St. Louis Zoo where they were able to enjoy an adult-only zoo experience of sea lion shows and tiny train rides. They also used their time to get settled after moving in together.

After a dream wedding and romantic “staycation,” the Legna and Cristian are continuing their quarantine happy together. The couple hopes to go to Italy for their one-year anniversary and hold a party to celebrate with those who couldn’t come to the wedding. Whatever the future holds, we wish good luck and blessings to Legna and Cristian! Congratulations on your love and marriage!

Photographer: Diggnity Photography
Florist: Walter Knolls Flowers and Harold's Wholesale Florist

Cake: La Bonne Bouchée

Stepping Into Marriage—And Quarantine

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 13:52:23 GMT

Hailey and Will's 2020 Wedding

Amidst the chaos of 2020, the wedding industry has coined a new term: the COVID bride. We lovingly apply this label to those whose weddings have been postponed or significantly changed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Hailey narrowly missed this title, stepping into her marriage from a free world and emerging into one of quarantine.

Hailey and Will’s individual paths ran parallel to one another so much that Hailey wonders how they never met before adulthood. As kids, both families moved around quite a bit, and the two lived in the same state as children. Both Hailey and Will’s parents moved to Chicago around the same time during Hailey’s college years. It was at this point that Hailey returned to Memphis, having lived there in the past, for a short trip away from her studies in St. Louis. She met Will during this trip, and the two began their long-distance relationship. Will eventually joined Hailey in St. Louis when his circumstances made a move opportune. As Hailey puts it, “His job didn’t want to keep branches in that area, and his lease was up. There wasn’t anything tying him to Memphis. It was just the right time.” Their parallel journeys continued, as the only living space in the area convenient for Will was the apartment unit next-door to that of Hailey. Hailey speaks of this time fondly, saying, “We spent a lot of time together and got closer after his move.”

Five years later, the time came for an engagement. According to Hailey, Will kept his plans of proposal a total secret. Hailey did not know he had even purchased a ring and only became suspicious when she realized the “secret place” Will was driving toward was Memphis. It was unusual for the pair to make a Memphis trip one of privacy rather than one of visiting with friends and family. When Hailey’s best friend and eventual maid of honor showed up, she really knew something was up! The girls went out together that evening and walked along the river toward the place where Will was waiting. Hailey had other things on her mind, however, and she overlooked Will in her search for a bathroom! Her friend pointed Will out, and Hailey affectionately describes the ensuing event as “the normal say nice things, I love you, get engaged.”

After the proposal, wedding planning began. The pair wanted to be engaged more than six months to so they could enjoy the process and less than a year so they would not drag it out. Hailey says, “Fall was out of the question because my husband is a big football fan. I didn’t want people to be concerned with what game is on instead of being in the moment! Summer is too hot, and winter has all the holidays. So that leaves Spring!” Hailey stresses how helpful Will was during the planning process, supporting her in what she wanted and stepping up to be involved when it was appropriate. “I realize that might be different for some people,” she says, “but he was really wonderful.” They decided to hold their wedding in Memphis, the city where they met and the place which Hailey considers her hometown. Will and Hailey looked at venues with Spring dates available and chose the Children’s Museum of Memphis—an ironic location, Hailey explained, as all guests were at least high school age. The reception area was a wide, open space with a glass opening in which a carousel sat. Guests could ride the carousel and participate in the dancing! When it comes to wedding planning, Hailey has three pieces of advice.

Splurge on a wedding coordinator. Of her coordinator, she says, “He was like a personal bodyguard. If anybody got too close to me with red wine, he said, ‘Nope.’ If we needed a drink or food, he knew what we were having. He made things so smooth and easy . . . Spend your money. 100%.”
Don’t be afraid to save some money. Hailey and Will wanted a videographer but prioritized the ceremony. She looked for an affordable videographer and saved money by specifying, “I want the important parts. I don’t need hours of people dancing at the end of the night.” She also suggests purchasing wine at CostCo, as you can return what is unopened. Hailey and Will returned over $200 of wine!
Never feel too far behind to go after what you want for your wedding. Hailey’s wedding app told her she was behind every step of the way. She says, “To those of you who think you are behind, you are not until it is too late. And it is not too late until probably the day of the wedding.”

Hailey engaged in a lengthy gown search, stopping at no less than ten stores in the St. Louis area. Having heard horror stories about shops with no care for inclusivity, she conducted a Google search of “plus size friendly boutiques.” Before coming to Clarice’s Bridal, Hailey went to seven shops at which she found choices she liked but was unsure of. Hailey describes herself as a picky bride, explaining, “I tried on a lot of dresses. . . I didn’t feel like you guys were pushy, and I felt that way at some other places.” At Clarice’s, she found the perfect match both in dress and in experience. She attended three more appointments at different shops but compared every dress to her Clarice’s gown, a sure sign one has found their perfect dress! Tired of trying to top the dress she loved, Hailey called Clarice’s and snagged a last-minute comeback appointment at which she made her dream dress the official wedding gown. In the written feedback Hailey provided, she wrote, “Every single person was so helpful and happy for me. I felt so comfortable as a woman with curves. I appreciate that the ladies would give their honest opinion about not loving something on me or matching a veil. I needed honest opinions but also supportive comments, and I felt like I received both.”

Hailey was lucky, as she was able to wear that perfect dress to a wedding which went just as planned. She says the pair “barely made it” before the coronavirus shut public events down. Their March 14, 2020, wedding took place the day before St. Louis began mandated quarantine with public spaces, shops, and restaurants closing. The rest of the world also became extremely concerned of COVID-19 at this time, with flights and travel becoming less available. Attendance decreased by about thirty people from those who RSVP’d, and Hailey and Will’s vendors worked with the couple to cut down on wait staff and arrange for extra food to be donated rather than wasted. Hailey describes the situation, “It was that awkward place between ‘I am frustrated that all these things are happening and people aren’t coming’ [and] ‘I can’t expect anybody to risk their lives to come to our wedding.’” Regardless, the pair had a beautiful wedding to kick off their quarantine.

Since the wedding, Hailey and Will have enjoyed their time together and, while the situation is certainly different than expected, are thoroughly happy quarantining together. “We were kind of forced into a staycation,” Hailey says. “It was nice to be together with no pressure of work or doing a million things after getting married.” They are currently planning a “mini honeymoon” to South Carolina and are looking forward to time on the beach. Their future holds bright possibilities for the pair once the pandemic clears, but for now, Hailey says they are “living the life of a millennial not knowing what’s going on!” Hailey and Will entered marriage from a free world and emerged into one of quarantine. How blessed for them to have each other through that experience! Congratulations and best wishes to Hailey and Will!

Photographer: Lyndsi Metz Photography

Coordinator: Lynn Doyle Flowers & Events
Venue: Carrousel Pavilion at the Children’s Museum of Memphis

Florist: Lynn Doyle Flowers & Events

Hair and Makeup: Lexi Blanton at House of Aglaia
Videographer: Josh Diliyok Productions
DJ & Photobooth: Carson Krueger
Food and Service: Draper’s Catering
Wedding Cake: Nicole Manes at ANP Cakes
Groom's Cake: Cracker Barrel