Free Bridal Party?!

I was just on Brides.com and I saw that MSP magazine is having a bridal party in September. Brides can get their complimentary ticket ($15 value). by ordering my complimentary ticket I also was entered to win $500 in flowers!

Inspiration

For my May wedding- here are the things that I am inspired by:

The long wait or How we got to here

My Fiance and I have a child together and he's nearly a year old. My parents wanted us to get married "right away". I think the whole shot gun wedding is antiquated. When they told me they went to a "Shot gun wedding" a year or two ago- I wasn't even sure what they were talking about.

We have set our wedding date for May 2011. Done. My Fiance will be done with his Physical Therapy program for one thing. Another thing that I considered was that I was laid off in June 2008 when I was 6 months pregnant. Try finding a job under those conditions! It's not an easy situation.

I have felt, and continue to feel, that we made the right choice in not wanting to do the Shotgun wedding. My parents talked of "providing a scholarship to the courthouse" so we'd at least be married by the time the baby was born...

PUKE.

We both knew that we wanted one wedding and one marraige.

While I was pregnant, and after I was laid off from my job, I became depressed. This is not something I have shared widely with people because when you're pregnant people ask you if you're excited. They ask you if you're happy. They ask you all of these questions that one would think would warrant a positive answer- and typically it does.

I was petrified. I was so petrified in fact, that I looked for books on depression during pregnancy- not after. They were hard to find. Finally, through my local library- I found "A Deeper Shade of Blue". I didn't know how to bring my emotional wellness up to my doctor- so I brought the book with me. She immediately understood and I collapsed into tears. (Tears coming from someone who considered herself mentally tough for a long long time. Also, I'd been told that I may never be able to have kids because my body was already deregulating itself as if I were going through menopause- as early as high school.)

It took a long time after the baby was born to feel back to my same old self again. Things were pretty rocky in our relationship over those last months of pregnancy and while my Fiance was taking Anatomy and Physiology. Not to mention, people were losing their jobs left and right at that time, I had an emergency C-section and couldn't drive anywhere for two months, or pick up anything but our baby.

At the end of the pregnancy my now-fiance and I had a huge fight and I nearly moved into my parents or in with friends. He was paying zero attention to me because of work and school, that summer he had softball league too. I felt very insecure, I felt very conspicuous- as if everyone could see that I was an unwed mother- that things didn't happen in the "perfect order". Just thinking about that time makes me want to cry. OK confession: I am crying. That's probably why my thoughts are a bit scattered.

It took a long time to feel good about myself and about my relationship with my now-fiance.

For Mothers Day 2009, my fiance took me out to a really nice restaurant. Friends of ours watched our baby. He proposed at dinner and I was so happy. I mean really really happy.
I would compare it to the Will Smith movie- "In Pursuit of Happiness".
I'll get to my point, I swear.

Here's the thing- if we hadn't had those struggles and we hadn't succeeded then we wouldn't be as strong as we are today. If we had gone ahead and done the Courthouse or Shotgun wedding- I wouldn't have had anything to look forward to and nothing to hope for. I would have felt that it had been done because he was obligated to marry me- not because he loved me through thick and thin, or inspite of If we had done what others wanted us to do- we would probably be miserable, unhappy, and fighting- just like that day when I was 9 months pregnant and bawling uncontrollably in our front entry.

My parents want us to move up our wedding a year from 2011 to 2010- and I say no. I say no because when I do things the way that my parents want- I usually get screwed over. At least that has been the track record.

I had a nightmare about our wedding day. That we said our "I Do's" and our pastor got to "You may now kiss the bride" and instead of kissing he walked off and out of the church. My mother did the same shortly after- leaving me to deal with guests and food and not knowing what to do. I take that nightmare as a warning that I would be left to pay for everything myself. So, the warning has been heeded and I will have a 2 year engagement because no one will promise me something and not follow through. Not again.

This was originally posted on 8/16/09 but has been updated.

Where to Find: Jenny Packham

Jenny Packham is a London-based designer. She has a London boutique. I have emailed their customer contact line (8/14/09) and am currently awaiting a reply to see if any MN retailers carry her dresses.

Today (8/17/09), I received an email from Jenny Packham! There are no stores in Minnesota that carry her line- but here are the two closest:
Gigi of Mequon in Maquon, WI
Ultimate Bride in Chicago, IL

Where to Find: Impression Bridal

Impression Bridal is one of my personal favorites. I tried on the gown pictured at The Wedding Chapel during the "sample sale" they were having. I know it was this dress because of the rouching on the bodice and the balloon hem. The wedding gowns by Impression are fairly affordable as well ( not over $1000) at least from what I have seen.

There are 30 locations in Minnesota that carry this companies designs which include Bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses, evening wear, Prom (known as Xcite) Informal gowns, and Mother of the Bride collections.

Wedding Gowns, Informal, Bridesmaids, and La Perla Collections:
VIP Bridal in Brainerd
Glenrose Florals to Formals in Plymouth
Mary Kay's Bridal in Richfield
The White Rose Bridal and Formal in St Charles

Wedding Gowns, Bridesmaids, and Prom Collection:
Two Hearts Bridal in Bemidji

Wedding Gowns, Bridesmaids, and La Perla Collections:
Jessica's Bridal in Grand Rapids

Wedding Gowns, Informal, and La Perla Collections:
Weddings on First in Willmar

Wedding Gowns and Bridesmaids Collections:
The Wedding Chapel in Crystal
Fun and Fashion in Mankato
Rush's in Minneapolis

Informal Collection only:
Now and Forever Wedding Gallery in Wadena

Bridesmaids only:
Courtly Manor in Albert Lea
Belles and Beaus in Austin
Angelique's Bridal in Blaine
Pearls and Lace Bridal in Burnsville
Amoree in Detroit Lakes
Reminisce in Duluth
Elegant Affair in Fairmont
The Wedding Connection in Forest Lake
The Hope Chest in Ham Lake
Sew Special Bridal in Jordan
Lorraine Shop in Mankato
Alan Evan's Bridal in Moorhead
The Bridal Loft in Mountain Iron
Cynthia Bridal in Rush City
Specialty House in Sauk Rapids
Bridal Expression by Dorothy in Shakopee
The Wedding Shoppe in St Paul
Our Shop in Stillwater
Raffine Bridal Boutique in Stillwater

Where to Find: Camille La Vie (Group USA)

Camille La Vie is also known as Group USA and Camille La Vie. The designs are special to their website where you can order online and their stores around the country. Currently, no Camille La Vie stores exist in Minnesota.

Where to Find: Love by Enzoani

Love by Enzoani is the bridesmaid and evening wear line.

Love can be found in Minnesota at:

Che Bella in St Paul

Alan Evan's Bridal in Moorhead

Rush's Bridal in Minneapolis

Bella Bridal Boutique in Woodbury

Where to Find: Enzoani

Enzoani first entered the bridal gown design world in 2005.

Two stores in Minnesota carry the Enzoani line:

Rush's Bridal in Minneapolis
Alan Evan's Bridal in Moorhead

Where to Find: Eme di Eme

Eme di Eme is a division of Aimee A'telier- who currently has no representation in Minnesota

Where to Find: Elie Saab for Pronovias

Elie Saab for Pronovias is a very high end designer who's gowns range from $3,000 to $15,000.

No Stores in Minnesota carry this particular line of Pronovias.

Where to Find: Eden Bridals

Eden Bridals has three lines: Bridals, Selects, and Classics.

Bridal Boutique in Winona

Blossoms and Bridal in Montevideo

Jessica's Bridal and Formal wear in Grand Rapids

The Wedding Shoppe in St Paul

Mrs. B's Bridal and Sewing in Owatonna

Jenni's Bridal Boutique in Rochester

Rebekah's Bridal and Formal Wear in Elk River

Pearls and Lace Bridal in Burnsville

Princess Bride in Duluth

Little Bridal Shop in Rogers

Specialty House of Bridal and Flowers in Sauk Rapids

Sew Perfect Bridal in Fergus Falls

Weddings by Tess in Apple Valley

Hope Chest in Ham Lake

Milton's Bridal in St Paul

Barb's Bridal and Formal Wear in Hastings

Where to Find: Mon Cheri, Sophia Tolli, Cameron Blake, Tony Bowls, and Others

Mon Cheri is a label that encompasses a number of designers.

Courtly Manor in Albert Lea
La Gala by Tony Bowls

Jackie J's Bridal in Alexandria

Mon Cheri Bridals, Montage, Cameron Blake, Sophia Tolli Bridal

Belles and Beaus in Austin

Montage, Cameron Blake, Sophia Tolli Bridal

Formalities in Bemidji

Le Gala by Tony Bowls, Sophia Tolli Bridal

The Hope Chest in Ham Lake

Mon Cheri Bridals, Mon Cheri Flower Girls, Destinations, Montage, Montage Boutique, Social Occasions by Mon Cheri, Le Gala by Tony Bowls, Sophia Tolli Bridal

Glitz in Bloomington at the Mall of America

Le Gala by Tony Bowls, Paris by Tony Bowls, Tony Bowls Evenings

Pearls and Lace Bridal in Burnsville

Mon Cheri Bridals, Montage, Sophia Tolli Bridal

Silver Rose Fashions in Cloquet

Paris by Tony Bowls, Tony Bowls Evenings, Tony Bowls Collection

Amoree in Detroit Lakes

Cameron Blake, Le Gala by Tony Bowls

Princess Bride in Duluth

Mon Cheri Bridals, Mon Cheri Flower Girls, Destinations, Montage

The Sandpiper in Duluth

Cameron Blake, Le Gala by Tony Bowls

The Silhouette in Easton

Mon Cheri Bridals, Mon Cheri Flower Girls, Montage, Cameron Blake, Le Gala by Tony Bowls, Sophia Tolli Bridal

Bessie's Boutique in Eden Prairie

Paris by Tony Bowls, Tony Bowls Evenings, Tony Bowls Collection

Brides of France in Edina

Destinations, Montage, Le Gala by Tony Bowls

Elegant Affair in Fairmont

Mon Cheri Bridals, Mon Cheri Flower Girls, Le Gala by Tony Bowls, Sophia Tolli Bridal

North Country Bridal in Forest Lake

Mon Cheri Bridals, Destinations, Montage, Montage Boutique, Social Occasions by Mon Cheri, Cameron Blake, Sophia Tolli Bridal

Jessica's Bridal in Grand Rapids

Paris by Tony Bowls, Tony Bowls Evenings

The Wedding Parlour in Grand Rapids
Sophia Tolli Bridal

Heartstrings Bridal in Hopkins

Mon Cheri Bridals, Sophia Tolli Bridal

Aubony in Hutchinson

Mon Cheri Bridals, Mon Cheri Flower Girls, Cameron Blake, Sophia Tolli Bridal

Rush's Bridal in Minneapolis

Mon Cheri Bridals, Montage

Pageant Shop by Michaels in New Brighton

Paris by Tony Bowls, Tony Bowls Evenings, Tony Bowls Collection

Sister's Bridal and Tux in New Ulm

Mon Cheri Bridals, Mon Cheri Flower Girls, Le Gala by Tony Bowls, Paris by Tony Bowls, Tony Bowls Evenings

Glenrose Florals to Formals in Plymouth

Mon Cheri Bridals, Mon Cheri Flower Girls, Destinations, Montage, Cameron Blake

Mary Kay's Bridal in Richfield

Mon Cheri Bridals, Mon Cheri Flower Girls, Montage, Sophia Tolli Bridal

Jenni's Bridal Boutique in Rochester

Le Gala by Tony Bowls, Paris by Tony Bowls, Sophia Tolli Bridal

Mestad's Formalwear in Rochester
Montage

The Prom Shop in Rochester

Le Gala by Tony Bowls, Paris by Tony Bowls, Tony Bowls Evenings

Monique's Bridal in Roseau
Paris by Tony Bowls

Mestad's in St Cloud

Mon Cheri Bridals, Le Gala by Tony Bowls

Milton's Bridal in St Paul
Mon Cheri Bridals

The Wedding Shoppe in St Paul

Mon Cheri Bridals, Mon Cheri Flower Girls, Destinations, Montage, Montage Boutique, Social Occasions by Mon Cheri, Rina di Montella Bridal, James Clifford Collection, 2be Bride, Le Gala by Tony Bowls, Rina di Montella Evening Wear, JCH Collection, Sophia Tolli Bridal, James Clifford Black Label

Our Shop in Stillwater

Cameron Blake, Le Gala by Tony Bowls, Paris by Tony Bowls, Tony Bowls Evenings, Tony Bowls Collection, James Clifford Black Label

DC Bridal Boutique in Waconia
Cameron Blake

Carrie Johnson Bridal in Waite Park
Sophia Tolli Bridal

Bella Bridal in Woodbury

Mon Cheri Bridals, Destinations, Montage, Sophia Tolli Bridal

Sonnie's in Woodbury

Montage, Montage Boutique, Rina di Montella Evening Wear

Where to Find: Demetrios Collections

Various collections are created by the Demetrios label.

The following is where you can find Demetrios gowns in Minnesota:

Macy's Bridal Salon in Minneapolis

Mary Kay's Bridal in Richfield

Two Hearts In Bemidji

Rush's in Minneapolis

Mrs. B's Bridal and Sewing in Owatonna

Maudie Mac's Brides in West St Paul

Where to Find: DaVinci

DaVinci is a very common bridal gown line at a reasonable price point.


***The following stores Carry DaVinci Gowns, Bridesmaids, and Quincierra in Minnesota:

Two Hearts Bridal and Prom in Bemidji


**The following stores carry DaVinci and the Bridesmaid lines in Minnesota:

The Wedding Chapel in Crystal/ New Hope

The Wedding Shoppe in St Paul

VIP Bridal in Brainard

Red Magic Bridal in Cloquet

Reminisce Bridal in Duluth

Elegant Affair in Fairmont

The Wedding Connection in Forest Lake

Fun and Fashion in Mankato

Rush's Bridal in Minneapolis

Glenrose Floral to Formals in Plymouth

Cynthia's Bridals in Rush City

Specialty House in Sauk Rapids

White Rose in St Charles

Now and Forever Wedding Gallery in Wadena

Weddings on First in Willmar

Bridal Boutique in Winona



*The following stores carry the DaVinci Bridesmaids only:

Courtly Manor in Albert Lea

Amoree in Detroit Lakes

Princess Bride in Duluth

Jessica's Bridal and Formalwear in Grand Rapids

The Hope Chest in Ham Lake

Alan Evan's Bridal in Moorhead

Jenni's Bridal Boutique in Rochester

The Bridal Loft in Virginia


*The following stores carry the DaVinci Quincierra line only:

Patricia's Boutique in Glencoe

El Amore in Minneapolis

Where to Find: Cosmobella

Cosmobella is apart of Demetrios and is only available at the Demetrios store in New York.

Where to Find: Blue by Enzoani

Blue by Enzoani is a designer that launched his first line in 2005. There are very European influences to the gowns.

Three stores in Minnesota carry this line:

The Loft in Lakeville

The Wedding Shoppe in St Paul

Alan Evan's Bridal in Moorhead

Where to Find: Atelier Diagonal

Atelier Diagonal is a European design line.

Minnesota has two retailers that carry these dresses:

Angeliques Bridal in Blaine

Fun and Fashion in Mankato

Review: The Wedding Chapel, New Hope/ Crystal, MN

I have visited this store twice. Once as a bridesmaid- there for moral support and once as the bride.

I would like to start by saying both experiences were ok but not fabulous.

As the bridesmaid, I was there to assist my friend The Bride, choose her headpiece and veil. The individual assisting us was very helpful, asked excellent questions in regards to the look of the dress, the formality of the wedding, and things of that nature. My friend, The Bride, had an awful time finding something that she liked prior to this visit and she found both pieces that day. Also during this first visit, there was a dress that I saw that I simply could not stop looking at. I was mesmerized. The same consultant assisted me with trying it on. I was lucky it wasn't busy as they do suggest appointments on the weekend - most likely to ensure appropriate staffing and to have some control over traffic.

On my return visit, I was The Bride. I made an appointment for a weekday and brought two of my good friends with me for help and moral support. They have a huge selection of gowns and fairly large dressing rooms. I ended up finding 6 gowns that I loved- and I've only begun the process of trying and deciding. The one thing I thought was very odd was the lack of tags in the dresses they stocked.

At the time of my visit The Wedding Chapel was having a "sample sale"- for those who are unfamiliar with these- it is based on a designers up and coming dresses for the coming season or year- and have not been viewed before. When I asked the sales girl what designer or line it was- she replied- "it's called "Dreams"... it's our own label designed especially for us." Yeah right. One of the dresses I tried seemed strangely familiar- so I returned to the web and sent an email to the company- expressing my concern and stating that they may be misrepresented at this shop, as well as breaking a contractual agreement. My question is- why would a store want to conceal the dress lines they carry? I mean, Besides it causing brides to shop around and determine other shops carry the exact same dresses, what reasons would they have? An administrative assistant from Impressions informed me that they are looking into it. I wrote an email to another label- who I know I wrote down three of their dresses and spotted a handful of others- their website states brides should only purchase their dresses from a retailer so that people know they are getting a genuine Maggie Sottero dress. If a retailer is concealing who the designer is until it's been ordered- that creates speculation among shoppers that the dresses are mearly knock offs and not the real deal.

I speculated on this myself- when a very modern and unique, and what I believed to be,(because of the lack of a tag) knock-off is one that I wrote down.

Would you shop at a store that concealed the designer of a shirt or pants you're buying but kept the $250 price tag? You'd feel ripped off if you found out they were a pair of Lee jeans (which are fine- but they are not in the $250 jeans section) and had been marked up 5-7 times their actual or expected retail.

I will continue to shop around and see what other shops have to offer. The Wedding Chapel did boast of free storage until you need your dress. Is storage of dresses often charged? The store I worked at would never charge for such a thing- it seems like it should be included. How else are you to keep the gown you have selected concealed from the man you'll marry?

Where to Find: Casablanca Bridal

Casa Blanca Bridal is another designer that I happen to love.

23 stores in Minnesota carry this line

Alan Evans Bridal in Moorhead
Beautiful Beginnings Bridal in Theif River Falls
Bella Bridal Boutique in Woodbury
Belles and Beaus in Austin
Bridal Boutique in Winona
Bridal Center in Oakdale
Bridal Elegance in Cloquet
Cynthia's Bridal in Rush City
Dena Marie's Bridal and Tux in Roseville
Glenrose Florals to Formals in Plymouth
Heartstrings in Hopkins
Jenni's Bridal Boutique in Rochester
Mestad's Wedding World in St Cloud
Mrs. B's Bridal in Owatonna
Napier Bridal in West Saint Paul
Rubenesque Bridal in Savage
The Silhouette in Easton
The Special Event in Alexandria
The Wedding Parlour in Grand Rapids
The Wedding Shoppe in St Paul
Wedding Connection in Forest Lake
Weddings by Tess in Apple Valley
Weddings on First in Willmar

Where to Find: Antoniette Catenacci

Antoniette Catenacci is a Haute Couture designer based out of Ontario, Canada. She has two lines- one is very traditional and timeless, the other is Celtic.

Currently, no Minnesota Boutiques carry the designer.

The closest is in Illinois- Eva's Bridal in Oak Lawn. In Fall 2009 there will be a store in Perry, Iowa carrying her designs as well- it's called Angela's Bridal Couture.

Where to Find: Jim Hjelm

Jim Hjelm Bridal designs are carried exclusively at Raffine in Stillwater.

Where to Find: Jessica McClintock

Jessica McClintock is a designer I first hear of because of her prom dresses- and that is what I believe she is most known for. Jessica McClintock gowns can be found at the Jessica McClintock store at the Mall of America in Bloomington and at Princess Bride in Duluth.

Review: Heartstrings Bridal, Hopkins, MN

I visited Heartstrings and loved it. It is located on Main Street in downtown Hopkins on the west end. It's in a charming pink stucco house. The main floor houses the stationary, brides maids dresses and some accessories. The second floor is where the bridal gowns are kept. This store is clean and comfortable. There is plenty of space in the main viewing room- with a large three way mirror and platform to stand on. The hard wood floors make the shop homey and welcoming in my opinion. There was plenty of light in the rooms, it was not dark strange or neon and electric. The dresses are easy to see both on the hanger and in the viewing room. You can really see the details- which is fabulous.

The staff was helpful, kind, and not pushy. This was great because really, I've just started shopping. Yes, I have been to other shops with friends, and I had gone one other time for myself- but I hate to think I'm stealing my friend's thunder.

There was a strong variety of dresses from modern and contemporary to the very traditional.

Wedding Gown Designers at Heartstrings include:
Maggie Sottero
Mori Lee
Casablana
Venus
Jasmine
Paloma Blanca

The dresses are kept in garment bags. They tell you who the designers are and they don't take the tags out. They let you take photos without purchasing the gown! The sizes the dresses are available to order are listed on the tag, along with the sample dress size, the colors and fabrics they come in. One of my favorite features that they have, which is, as far as I know, unique to this shop- they include a photo of what the dress looks like from the catalogue/ web so you know what the dress looks like on before you pull it to try on. This was so helpful!

Another thing that I really appreciated- the customer service- they had long line bras to try with the gowns. Our sales associate gave us a tour of the gown section and then let us start browsing- she provided a business card that had blue clips on it and when I found a gown that I liked- to place a clip on the bag and then she would pull the gown for me to try. I pulled SO many gowns. And again- I wrote down six. How does one choose? I know one will be off the list when I return it was taffeta- a definite no in my book- but some dresses wouldn't lay right if they weren't taffeta. So we'll say I have 5 written down.

My mom came with to this shop- and being a former alterations lady- she asked if they had someone- she comes in on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Also, going on a weekday was wonderful- I felt like we owned the store while we were there.

Thursday August 13, 2009

Dress shopping: Part Deux will commence on Thursday! I'm so excited- my future sister-in-law and my mom are going dress shopping with me. The plan is to go to Heartstrings in Hopkins at 3:00 and then head to Burnsville and go to Pearls and Lace. Well, that is... if they are open! I just checked the website and they close at 5pm... I guess I may have to rethink that!

Where to Find: Jenny Lee Bridal

Jenny Lee Bridal is the label of Jenny Lee- a graduate of Parson's Design School. Lee opened her first boutique in Beverly Hills in 1995. Many stars are Lee favorites including: Whoopi Goldberg's daughter Alex Martin, Supermodel Kelly Emburg, Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown's wife had her wedding gown commissioned by Lee. In 2003, Lee made her NYC Bridal Fashion Week debut. Two years later she won the prestigious New Designer of the Year. Most recently, in 2007, she was called the "hottest new wedding gown designer". Her gowns are showcased next to wedding gown guru's such as Reem Acra and Vera Wang.

Jenny Lee's flagship store is located in Newport Coast, CA. L'Atelier Couture in St Paul is the premier MN retailer.

Currently, no trunk shows are scheduled.

Where to Find: Janelle Berte

Janelle Berte is a US native- born in PA. After college, she worked in Beverly Hills and worked with celebrities such as Zsa Zsa Gabor, Fay Wray, and Jill Ireland. Her designs start at $2300.

Currently there are no MN bridal salons that carry Janelle Berte, the closest is in Madison, WI:
Premiere Couture which was named to "Wisconsin Bride Magazine Best of 2009".

Where to Find: Isabella Margianu

Isabella Margianu bridal gowns are named for the designer that creates them, who was born near Bucharest, Romania. She apprenticed in Asia and Milan, Italy. Now, she resides in the Atlanta, GA area-which became her launching pad in 2005 for her own label. Atlanta is also home to her flagship store.

Isabella Margianu is currenly not represented by a Minnesota retailer. The closest is in Wheaton, IL:
The Dress by Nicole

Where to Find: Allure Bridal dresses

In Minnesota, you can find Allure Bridals at the following stores:

Jackie J's, Alexandria
Formalities, Bemidji
Pearls and Lace, Burnsville
The Wedding Chapel, Crystal/ New Hope
Amoree, Detroit Lakes
The Wedding Parlour, Grand Rapids
Aubony, Hutchinson
Rush's, Minneapolis
Blossom's and Bridal, Montevideo
Mestad's, Rochester
Little Bridal Shop, Rogers
Dena Marie Bridal and Tux, Roseville
The Wedding Shoppe, St Paul
Beautiful Beginning, Thief River Falls
La Reine Bridal, Weltham

Where to Find: Ines de Santo

Ines de Santo is a Couture Bridal gown collection carried by the finest retailers. The designs reflect her Spanish and Italian heritage and the training she received in South America and Europe. At this time you will not find any stores in MN that carry these gowns. The closest stores are in IL:

Dimitra's Bridal Couture, Chicago
Macy's Bridal Salon, Chicago
Bella Bianca, Oakbrooke Terrace

Where to Find: Eugina Couture

Eugenia is a line that caught my eye in The Knot (see photo).

Grace Bridal Boutique is the premier retailer of Eugenia gowns in Minnesota.

November 6-7, 2009, Grace Bridal Boutique is having a trunk show for Eugenia.

Where to Find: Elizabeth Fillmore

Elizabeth Fillmore Bridal is modern and can range from whimsical to edgy.

The premier retailer in MN for her designs is L'Atelier Couture Bridal in St Paul.

Where to Find: Douglas Hannant

Douglas Hannant is a modern designer with a whimsical twist.

The premier retailer for Douglas Hannant is Dugo in the Galleria of Edina which carries his other non-bridal lines.

No trunk shows are currently scheduled in Minnesota.

Where to Find: David's Bridal

David's Bridal is a chain store that is ok. I've had to get two bridesmaids dresses through David's Bridal and I thought that for a little more money we could have had a lot nicer dress. The materials are cheap.

Check the web page for stores.

I'm not an advocate of David's Bridal. Why? While working in wedding retail, my mom had to "rescue" a number of alteration botch jobs from this store. One that stands out in my mind imparticularly- a woman needed the side seams of her gown taken in. Instead of sewing the side seams to fit the woman, they inserted ties to the inside of the side seams. The seamstress then instructed the bride to first tie the strings together and then zip the dress up. I don't know where they learned to sew- but that is unacceptable! Personally, I avoid this store at all costs- but if The Bride finds something she wants and I am in the wedding- I of course appease The Bride.

Where to Find: Anna Maier~Ulla Maija Couture

Anna Maier~Ulla Maija dresses are hand made and finished.

I emailed the marketing group out of the NY office to find out where in Minnesota these gowns are carried. I did receive a reply and was informed that there is a limited selection of these gowns at Bridal Accents Couture in Savage.

If there is a particular design you are interested in- you can shoot the NY office a quick email- they know which dresses the shop has!

Where to Find: Adele Wechsler designs

There is only one retailer in Minnesota that carries Adele Wechsler.
That is the Bridal Salon at Macy's in Minneapolis.

This is a design favorite of mine!

Where to Find: Claire Pettibone

Claire Pettibone gowns are offered exclusively at L'Atelier Couture Bridal in St Paul.

No trunk shows are currently scheduled in Minnesota.

If you're planning a trip to Kleinfeld in New York- they are having a trunk show from October 30 to November 1st. Call ahead for an appointment if you go!

Where to Find: Christos

Christos is offered exclusively at Mestad's in Rochester only.

Where to Find: The Cotton Bride by Chris Kole

The Cotton Bride by Chris Kole is available exclusively at Grace Bridal Boutique in Excelsior.

These couture gowns are hand-sewn and made of natural fabrics such as: cotton and linen.

Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue Bridal Boutiques also carry The Cotton Bride.

Where to Find: Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera Bridal is not available in Minnesota.

One salon in Wisconsin carries her couture gowns:
Gigi of Mequon

Three salons in Illinois carries Carolina Herrera designs:
Ultimate Bride of Chicago
Saks Fifth Avenue Bridal Salon in Chicago
Neiman Marcus in Oak Brook

If you're planning a trip to New York you're in luck! Six stores, including her own flagship store, in New York carry her designs including:
Carolina Herrera
The Bridal Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue
Kleinfeld's
Bergdorf Goodman
Mark Ingram
The Wedding Salon in Mahasset

Or if you're headed West- California is a major "hub" of Carolina Herrera design-carrying stores:
Carolina Herrera in Los Angeles
Chez Bride Modern in La Jolla
R-Mine Bridal Couture in Studio City
The White Dress in Corona Del Mar
The Bridal Salon Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills
Marina Morrison in San Fransisco

Other states have stores that carry Carolina Herrera Designs as well. Check web page under Boutiques-> Bridal Collection for more.

Where to Find: Bara Champagne

Bara Champagne or Bara Luxe has no stores in Minnesota. However, if you're in Chicago, The Bridal Salon at Macy's carries this line.

Where to Find: Badgley Mischka

Badgley Mischka is exclusive to Grace Bridal Boutique in Excelsior.

No trunk shows are currently scheduled.

Where to Find: Augusta Jones

Augusta Jones designs wedding gowns and shoes.

Shoes are available in Arkansas and New Jersey.

The only retailer in Minnesota to carry the gowns is The Wedding Shoppe of St Paul.

Where to Find: Atelier Aimee

Atelier Aimee is an Italian label with International appeal. So popular world-wide they have been in business for 40 years, and have over 10,000 dress designs over those years and over 500,000 brides they have dressed. Wow.

No stores in Minnesota carry this line, but you will find it in Chicago at Dimitra's Couture.

Where to Find: Aria

Aria designs both wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses and can be found in Boston, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C.

Sorry ladies- no Aria stores in MN! However, there is a Try On Program available. So if you aren't a jet setter but have your heart on an Aria design- you are in luck!

Where to Find: Anne Barge

Anne Barge designs are carried at only 2 Minnesota wedding shops:

Bridal Accents in Savage
and
Grace Bridal Boutique in Excelsior

Where to Find: Amy Kuschel

Amy Kuschel designs can be found at:

L'atelier Coutour, St Paul
Macy's Bridal Salon, Minneapolis

No trunk shows or sample sales are currently scheduled in Minnesota.

Where to Find: Amsale

As always- this information is specific to Minnesota only!

Amsale Bridals can be found at:

Mestad's in Rochester only

Amsale Brides Maids can be found at:

Mestad's in Rochester only
Bloomingdales.com
Saksfifthavenue.com

Amsale Little White Dress can be found at:

no stores in Minnesota currently carry this line

No trunk shows are currently scheduled in Minnesota.

Where to Find: Alvina Valenta Dresses

In Minnesota, you will find Alvina Valenta dresses at the following locations:

The Wedding Shoppe, St Paul
Mestad's Wedding World, Rochester

In August 2009 the following Trunk Shows is scheduled:

August 28-30, 2009
Alvina Valenta Bridal Collection Fall 2009 Bridal and Maids Collection Mestad's Rochester, MN (map) 507-289-2444