spotlight :: september's bride

When shopping for your wedding gown in West Michigan, there is only one place that I highly recommend. September's Bride takes the cake in our area, hands down. No other shop can compete with this beautiful boutique located in downtown Holland. From the excellent staff + service, to the relaxing, no-pressure sales team, Tami rocks the bridal scene in West Michigan. September's Bride carries great brands, has competitive pricing, and is a beautiful store.

She has a heart of gold and I cannot rave enough about her and her gorgeous shop. If you're shopping for your wedding gown, mother of the bride ensemble, bridesmaid dresses, flower girl frock, or maybe you just need some jewelry or a veil--go to September's Bride and prepared to be pampered + impressed.

Tami was happy to do a little Q + A with me, so here is a bit more about September's Bride and Tami. Thanks, Tami, for letting me interview you. I had a fabulous time, as always, and appreciate your friendship!

Pearls Events :: How long have you been in the business?
Tami :: We have owned September's Bride for nearly 11 months. Three years ago, I started Great Lakes Wedding Gown Specialists, LLC; this part of our business deals with cleaning, preserving, and restoring wedding gowns and other special and vintage garments.

Pearls Events :: What's the story behind the name September's Bride?
Tami :: This is a frequently asked question! The short answer is that my husband named the store after me, because I was a September Bride; we were married on September 18, 1992. When it worked out that we signed the papers to purchase the store on our 15th Wedding Anniversary, September 18, 2007; it just seemed to be the perfect way to honor God's timing in our lives. The name has become even more fun now that my assistant, Rachel, will marry on September 12 of this year.

Pearls Events :: What brands do you carry, and what is your favorite line?
Tami :: As far as bridal gowns, we carry Casablanca, Justin Alexander, Lila Couture, Maggie Sottero, and Novissima. Each one is a great line, with gowns I love. However, I would have to say my very favorite line is Lila Couture. Lila is a small design house near Atlanta, Georgia and the gowns are feminine yet very sophisticated. Also, brides can work with the designer, through September's Bride, to make a Lila Couture design truly a one-of-a-kind, couture gown!

Pearls Events :: What is your favorite part about helping a bride-to-be with her gown?
Tami :: My favorite thing is helping a bride who has a vague idea of what she likes find the perfect gown and then to complete the ensemble with a veil, jewelry, shoes...

Pearls Events :: If you could re-live your wedding day, what would you do differently?
Not too much, probably. It was very much "us" at that time of our lives. My mother encouraged me to involve a lot of family members in the wedding party and in honorary roles, and I am very glad that I did that. Even as my photos begin to look dated, and I am looking older than the bride looking back at me, I remember what a wonderful time I had on my wedding day, and I do not regret anything about the day.

Pearls Events :: How many 'maids do most of your brides have?
Tami :: Five seems to be the average. Most brides-to-be have at least three, and we have had wedding parties over ten, too!

Pearls Events :: What trends do you see coming for '09/'10?
Tami :: We are seeing sleeker shapes with more embellishment in the new collections. Also, straps and sleeves are making a comeback. I think that strapless gowns will continue as a classic neckline, but other options are becoming more easily available. Also, hair jewelry and short veils are going to be big trends in the next few years.

Pearls Events :: What is your favorite coffee drink?
Tami :: Whatever I'm drinking right now! My regular order at JP's Coffee House is a grande skinny 'cafe au lait' made with dark roast.