Insider Advice: 4 Tips for Successful Shopping

Shopping for your bridal gown is such a fun experience! However, some brides feel overwhelmed approaching their appointment. Here are 4 tips to help you find THE dress at Church Street Bridal!

1. Your friends' opinions are helpful, but it's ultimately YOUR decision.

   You don’t actually need everyone’s opinions! While it’s so helpful to have a friend or family member to help you figure out how you feel about dresses, an abundance of opinions can muddy the waters. Waiting 15 minutes to weigh the cons of each dress can slow down your appointment. Friends are there to support you and celebrate your upcoming wedding, not take

2. Keep an open mind, but don’t exhaust yourself!

   Trying on everything is tempting but not helpful! It’s incredibly exciting to see a shop full of dresses! Endless possibilities for your big day…but endless trying on sounds like torture. To avoid wedding dress overload, start with 4-5 dresses at a time and only try on gowns that you are interested in. This will allow your mind to fully digest what you love and don’t like about each dress, without getting mentally (or physically) exhausted.

3. Find a size that fits or is a bit larger, to avoid additional stress and alterations!

   I hear brides and their families say “I'll just PEAK at a smaller size!”all the time. It is much harder to alter a dress that is smaller/runs small than a dress that needs to be taken in. We’ve also noticed that the appointment becomes more stressful when brides try to fit into dresses that are too small. Rather than focusing on style, silhouette, etc. the bride begins to focus on jumping jacks and crunches and how to make the dress fit. For questions about bridal sizing or the availability of your size, send us a message!

4. Keep an open mind but always go with your gut and get the dress you love!

   A lot of brides fall in love with the first dress they try on and then talk themselves out of it. Just because your best friend tried on 20+ dresses….that doesn’t mean you have to! Don’t let someone else’s experience talk you out of what you love! Why make things more complicated?!

   Now that you’ve heard from the insiders at Church Street Bridal, it’s time to book your appointment! We can’t wait to help you find your dream dress!

Our Mission: Providing Safe Housing in Central Virginia

The YWCA of Central Virginia is located in a beautiful brick building in Downtown Lynchburg. As Lynchburg residents ride past on Church Street, they say “I took swim lessons at the YW as a kid. I got my wedding dress there!” The YWCA has been a pillar in Lynchburg for so many years, but many people do not know that the YWCA also fulfills another need in the area.

In 2019, a key study from Enterprise Community Partners revealed that there were 578 fewer affordable housing units than needed for people in Lynchburg who are considered low-income. A large percentage of people in need of affordable housing are women. 

Throughout 2019 the Town Center Residential Housing program housed 68 women for a fraction of the cost of traditional low-income housing. The price of a room at the YWCA of Central VA allows women to save more of their income and get a fresh start. 

A current resident told her story of leaving an extremely abusive relationship and not knowing where to go. She had no money, possessions, or family and she didn’t know if she would be able to survive without her abusive partner. A family helping her recover told her about YWCA of Central Virginia. Their daughter had purchased her wedding dress there. Even though she had never left her home state, she decided to apply to live at the YWCA. “Over the past two years, I’ve been able to work, save, and learn how to manage money. This is the first time I have been able to do this. I feel confident that I am able to take the next step and I’ve recently been applying for apartments.”

“Had it not been for the YWCA, I would have gone back to him. I wouldn’t have known what else to do. I have been able to heal, grow, and learn with the support of staff and other residents.”

The safe, secure housing YWCA of Central VA is possible because of proceeds from Church Street Bridal. If you purchased a dress or veil from Church Street Bridal, you have provided safe, secure housing for women in Lynchburg. 

Here's how you can support the Town Center Housing program today.

Book an appointment at Church Street Bridal to find your bridal gown. 

Donate new household items, food, clothing, to residents of the YWCA.

Promote the mission of YWCA of Central VA and Church Street Bridal via Instagram or Facebook.

A Conversation on Eliminating Racism with Sofia Thomas

Church Street Bridal exists to support the YWCA and its programs to empower women and eliminate racism. As a white woman this makes me feel inadequate and overwhelmed. How can organizations and brides help promote inclusivity on their wedding day, and even beyond? 

I was so thankful to sit down with one of my trusted friends Sofia Thomas and ask for her perspective on what “eliminating racism” looks like for each one of us.

Sofia is a wife, mother, business owner, church staff member, and black woman who lives in Lynchburg. She acknowledged the size of the task: “It sounds so big, sounds so...where do we even start?” However, the first steps are simple, yet powerful; “At its heart, the goal of wanting (to eliminate racism) is practical and simple. It’s about providing and educating.”

When Sofia married her husband Marcus, her search through Pinterest for wedding details surprised her. The brides were overwhelmingly white, the blogs full of white hairstyles, and there were little to no people of color portrayed in the bridal industry. 

It was hard for Sofia to deny the subliminal messaging of what she saw online. “Black people get married!” she said. “But this industry displays styles for one type of person.” 

This is how Church Street Bridal supports the mission of the YWCA— we promote and celebrate black brides and styles that honor people of color. When we feature brides, grooms, and bridal parties full of people of color, we provide a powerful message and invitation into the bridal industry. 

It’s so encouraging to see brands and stores provide representation for people of color. However, how can each of us educate ourselves to promote inclusivity in our own minds and perspectives? 

Sofia encourages women to examine whose voices they listen to. Who do you follow on Instagram? Whose books are you reading? Who are your mentors? If all these voices are one ethnicity, Sofia encourages us to include new and diverse voices. “The experiences and voices of people of color are valuable and allow us to learn, which is where compassion and understanding start.” 

At Church Street Bridal, we believe a world without racism can start with each of us. 

What steps can you take today to help eliminate racism?

• Continue to support the YWCA of Central Virginia. Donate. Volunteer. Shop at Church Street Bridal.

• Support brands and stores that provide representation for women, of all colors and ethnicity. 

• Follow authors, thinkers, and influencers of color. Sofia has included a list of black authors, bridal inspiration, and thinkers to help us expand the voices influencing us.

  • Jena Holliday is a creative mom, based in Minnesota. Follow @spoonfuloffaithstudio for incredible illustrations and inspiration.

  • Tune to the My Girl Podcast to hear Ruthie Ridley and Phina Ellerman “create a safe place for all women to feel welcome.”

  • Prepare to lose yourself in the gorgeous bridal stories and photos on Black Bridal’s site.

  • The books and poetry of Maya Angelou have been inspiring readers for over 50 years.

Insider Advice: Emily Johnson, Wedding Photographer & 2019 Bride

On September 15th, 2019, after shooting 31 weddings, Emily Johnson became the subject of the photos. 

Mackenzie Leigh Photography

In eighth grade, Emily received her first camera. She started tinkering with settings and light. By doing photo shoots with graduating friends, she became comfortable directing and posing people. When a college friend asked her to shoot their wedding in New York, Emily was ready to take the leap, despite being only 19 at the time. 

Her favorite part of the wedding is helping the bride feel comfortable and organized, especially when brides cannot afford or do not have a coordinator. Her desire is to help them make an ideal wedding day, by giving proper expectations and allowing ample time for each part of their day. 

Emily Johnson Co

For example, Emily has noticed that family photos are an unexpectedly long part of the process. Most brides want all possible combinations of their own family and the groom’s family, resulting in a huge list of required photos. 

As Emily prepares the couple for their wedding, she recommends that they ask themselves “What pictures are you going to want in your home? What pictures will you want to have to post or give to someone on their birthday or Mother’s Day?” This question will allow brides and grooms to shorten the length of time they will have to stand and rearrange for family photos. In addition, this allows them to get photos that really matter to them. 

As someone who has just recently recovered from the process of planning a wedding, Emily has a new perspective for her business. She remembers the days of juggling tons of bridal tasks (along with her full-time job!) and wants to save her bride's time. She recommends that brides trust their photographer and only send a list of specialty shots. 

Brides, don’t waste your time making an exhaustive list. Emily advised that all wedding photographers know to get shots of the mother of the bride helping her daughter into her dress or the groomsmen hanging out before the wedding. Just make a list of photos, specific to your family. For example, Emily loved the details of her wedding. She adored her custom earrings from Etsy and designed her own invitations. Her photographer knew that these detail shots really mattered to Emily and was able to capture them in the days before the wedding. 

After years of capturing brides’ special day, Emily Johnson had the opportunity to stand in front of the camera. She put her behind-the-scene knowledge to use by placing her trust in her photographer and enjoying her day. 

During the interview, Emily shared her favorite moment from her day. “Peter and I were in a field, down a hill from our venue, taking pictures. It was sunset and I could see all my guests congregating, taking pictures, and enjoying cocktails and snacks. I had a moment of gratitude, seeing all the people brought  together by their love for me and Peter.”

Emily wants to capture those moments of you, shining in your Church Street Bridal gown! Click here to contact Emily! To get more insider advice, click here!

Emily Johnson Co

Emily Johnson Co

Emily Johnson Co

Bridal Stories: From Intern to Consultant on a Mission

Her Story: Joanna Woolsey joined the Church Street Bridal team, as an intern, in January of 2019. Before she joined the team, she wasn’t entirely aware of the mission. She hadn’t even intended to go into the bridal industry! A professor connected her to Church Street Bridal to help Joanna complete her Fashion Merchandising internship requirement. 

Once she learned the mission and all that Church Street Bridal stands for, she was incredibly excited. She became a consultant six months later in June of 2019. Her Fashion Merchandising background allows her to reassure brides about alterations or styling concerns. She updates our social media and site with ease and style. Making brides and their guests feel comfortable in the shop is her specialty!

The Mission Comes Full Circle: During a Saturday morning, Joanna was helping in the bride shop. She was telling the bride about Church Street Bridal’s mission. She was explaining how the proceeds from Church Street Bridal benefit victims of domestic violence when she noticed the bride starting to cry. The bride collected herself and explained that she had survived a domestic violence situation. Joanna was able to congratulate her on her bravery and assist her in finding her wedding gown, She said that this was one of her favorite memories because she was able to see the mission of the Church Street Bridal come full circle.

Advice to Brides: Joanna’s advice for brides shopping at Church Street Bridal is “buy what YOU love, not what everyone else loves.” Have your friends and family pick out dresses for you to try on if you would like their input. This allows you to see dresses that you may not have tried on otherwise. However, once you put the dresses on, it’s up to you. 

Thank you, Joanna, for your hard work. You contribute so much to our brides and to the mission of Church Street Bridal!

UPDATE: Joanna has since moved on to Northern Virginia. You are amazing, Joanna and we loved getting to serve brides with you!

Joanna (on the left) is an incredible friend and consultant!

Bridal Stories: Weddings Amidst Crisis

The original plan was to have a 100+ person wedding in Downtown Lynchburg on Sunday, March 29th, 2020. It was on March 15th that Jess and Karch realized that their wedding would not go as planned. As different orders were issued, their venue, caterer, and other vendors cancelled and returned their deposits. 

Although corona virus is an unprecedented event, so many brides have their wedding plans changed. Changes can be caused by a military deployment, financial situation, or illness. No matter the cause, what should brides do when their wedding plans go up in smoke?

A few weeks after her rescheduled wedding, Jess spoke to Church Street Bridal. She provided brides with the following advice: 

1. Mourn the loss of your original plans. (With your fiance) It's incredibly disappointing to have to change any aspect of your wedding day. Take time to mourn the loss of your plans with your future groom. Speak openly about what you were excited about, before you start making new plans.  

2. Perfectionism is not your friend. An attitude of perfectionism fixates on what is not “right” about the wedding day. Originally, Jess was disappointed to get married at her home. It became one of the most special details about her day.  

3. Accept help from friends and family. As Jess talked about her wedding, she fondly remembers the contribution of each person. She talks about how the groomsmen cleaned and set up the front porch. The simulcast was set up and run by a tech-savvy friend. Her mother-in-law decorated the porch. Her sister surprised her with her incredible hair skills. When Jess allowed other people to take control of tasks on her wedding day, she was able to relax and enjoy her day. Rather than frantically delegating details, she viewed each piece of her day at a gift. 

Jess married her best friend, Karch, on March 21st, 2020 on the front porch of their home. The sun shone beautifully after a day of drizzling rain. A neighbor let the bridal party take photos in their backyard, among their flowers. A small group of family and friends sat in chairs on the lawn, as people watched online via Facebook Live and a simulcast. The groomsmen and bridesmaid lined the sidewalks as Jess and Karch exchanged their vows. 

Rain or shine, small or large….your wedding will bring hope and love to any situation.

Insider Advice: A Chat with The Mullins Photo Co.

Adam and Sarah Mullins are parents, advocates for foster care, teachers, and the owners of the Lynchburg-based photography company The Mullins Photo Co. They have shot 200+ weddings since they started their business in 2013! I, Rachel, was so lucky to sit down with them for an interview. I wanted their insider advice about everything from dresses to wedding day preparation!

Sarah recalls her wedding dress and bridal shopping experience. She was recovering from mono when she went shopping for her dress. (Oh no!) Sarah anticipated buying a princess style ball gown but ended up walking down the aisle in a strapless, lacey simple gown. Adam recalled that “she looked awesome!”

Adam calls himself the “nerd of the crew”, with an affinity for the tech side of photography, while Sarah thrives on the special details and family moments of the wedding day. Their complementary strengths and perspectives make them an incredible photography team!

Their advice for the gals at Church Street Bridal:

1. Comfort is key! A comfortable dress that makes you feel confident means that all the photos from your wedding day will reflect your joy and relaxation. Being unable to sit or move makes it more difficult to enjoy your big day! 

2. To blush or not to blush? Some of our brides wonder about how an ivory or blush dress will appear on camera. The Mullins reaffirmed that all shades of ivory and blush look beautiful in bridal portraits and photographs. Each bride should wear whatever shade makes them feel the most confident!

3. Delegate day-of responsibility! Get someone else to handle day-of questions and coordination. While Adam and Sarah understand that not all brides can fit a wedding planner or day-of coordinator into their wedding budget, they recommend having a friend stand-in. This person (as a professional or as a friend) can field the questions that a bride may not want to field on the wedding day. 

4. Make like Frozen and ‘Let it Go'!’ Adam and Sarah advised all brides “Hire vendors who you trust and who listen to you.” Take time to find vendors who you are comfortable with. If you have confidence in your caterer or photographers, you won’t get wrapped up in small details. 

To find out more or invite Adam and Sarah to capture your wedding, click here to contact them!

Bridal Stories: Sam Inon

In June of 2018, Sam Inon's friend, Ariel, suggested they go look at wedding dresses for fun. Sam thought it could be a good idea to visit a bridal shop locally before she made her way to an appointment in Maryland. The mission of Church Street Bridal and the YWCA excited her, so she said "sure."

But when she entered Church Street Bridal, she was amazed and slightly overwhelmed by the number of dresses.

Her friend brought several dresses for Sam to look through. Between two large dresses, she saw a mermaid style dress with lace overlay and skinny straps. She was pretty sure that she wanted a dress with long sleeves but wanted to try and keep an open mind. As she tried on different styles of dresses (including dresses with sleeves) everything felt “eh”. Until she slipped into the mermaid style dress. 

This didn't feel like just any dress. This felt like a wedding dress. 

She placed the dress on hold but returned shortly after with another friend, Kacie. Her friend pulled other dresses for her to try on, but nothing compared to the dress she put on hold. So, she said 'yes' to her dress! 

Sam and Jez married on December 8, 2018, at Old Pate Chapel. When asked how her husband, Jez, felt about the dress, Sam quoted him directly. "Dangggggggg!" 

Her favorite memory of her dress was during the "dollar dance". She and her husband danced with wedding guests while they pinned dollar bills onto his suit and her dress. 

While Sam remembers her bridal shopping experience fondly, it is the cause of the YWCA that  "meant the whole world to me and warms my heart." Sam talked about how wedding planning and bridal shopping can be self-centered but shopping at the YWCA allows brides to give back. 

Sam wants domestic violence victims to know that they are not alone and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 

Church Street Bridal is so proud to be a small part of Sam and Jez's wedding day and wish them a lifetime of joy and light! 

To read more bridal testimonials, click here.

Photography Credit: Chrissy Howell Photography

Insider Advice: Wedding Planning & Bridal Shopping Resources

It’s so exciting to look through bridal magazines when you’re engaged! The glossy images can give you some great ideas, but why stop there? We have scoured the internet and found 4 channels on YouTube to help you with your wedding planning/bridal shopping journey! Grab a snack & get help with your wedding planning from these four awesome ladies!

1. Rachel Burt Garcia is an incredible wedding planner and owner of ‘As You Wish’ Events. She’s based out of Dallas, Texas, but is sharing her matrimonial skills online, via her Instagram and her Youtube channel!

2. Hayley Segar was a bridal consultant for 5+ years. She’s beautiful, positive, and full of advice for brides headed to shop for their special dress! Click here to check out her playlist of wedding & bridal related videos.

3. The Unveiled Bride is a Youtuber who gives tons of wedding & honeymoon planning advice. Her Instagram & Youtube channel chocked full of advice for brides up to their eye balls in details.

4. Jamie Wolfer’s Instagram bio states “We’re big fans of uncompromising brides, understated budgets, and unbelievably beautiful weddings…” WOW! She’s sounds like our kind of girl! She has videos about eco-friendly weddings and things that your guests may not actually care about! Check out her Youtube channel and Instagram for her knowledge and tips!

Insider Advice: Picking Your Ideal Bridal Shopping Crew!

The consultants at Church Street Bridal have helped hundreds of brides and their families and understand how to help talk a bride off the “let’s just elope in sweats” ledge. We have assembled 5 tips to help you choose a team full of MVP’s to help you shop for your gown!

1. WHO YOU DON’T NEED: Some brides opt to bring large parties full of family members, younger cousins, and friends, but the consultants at Church Street Bridal have seen large bridal crews backfire. Large groups can overwhelm the bride with opinions (even if everyone is very kind and super supportive) and parties with children don’t usually have the endurance for a full day of shopping. (Because most bridal shops aren’t as exciting at 8 year old girls need them to be.)

2. HOW TO MAKE YOUR PEOPLE FEEL INCLUDED: No one wants to exclude their friends or family from their wedding planning process or bridal occasions, but a huge group of people can be overwhelming. If you decide to have a smaller group come with you to shop for your wedding gown, choose different people to go with you to other bridal appointments. Do you have a cousin who hates clothes shopping but has an eye for design? She should totally go with you to pick out flowers or venue decor. Having a smaller bridal shopping party doesn’t mean you have to exclude your favorite people!

   OPINIONATED FRIEND PSA: Your opinionated friend is awesome. We love her. She’s the one that will send back food that isn’t correct and stand up for her girls. However, if you have a hard time stating your opinion or speaking up for yourself with this person, she should not be a part of your shopping party. Have her help you with picking the menu or making a tough call with the venue. Her strong spirit and opinions will be an asset to your big day!

3. BRING YOUR RIDE OR DIE: When choosing your bridal crew, opt to bring 1 person who has known you for a long time. Whether this is your mom or your longtime BFF, this person remembers that you hate the feeling of satin or think fit & flares make your butt look GREAT. Her presence will inspire some much needed bridal confidence!

4. BRING YOUR FASHIONISTA: The next member of your VIP crew is your style icon. If you’re got a CoCo Chanel channeling aunt or a coworker turned confidante who regularly pushes the envelope, this person is a must have on your trip. The fashionista is going to encourage you to try something you may not have picked out & might just pick out the dress you never knew you needed but can’t get married without!

5. BRING YOUR CHEERLEADER: The friend to round out your bridal crew is your cheerleader. This person is the one who you talk to about your insecurities or the stress surrounding your wedding. She knows how to help you get out of a slump and they are there to help you understand when it might be time to take a bridal break for a quick snack. She’s essential (and so are the snacks she brings).

   Having a streamlined bridal VIP team is going to make the process amazing! Click here to make an appointment to visit Church Street Bridal with your dream team.