Adrienne Wissner, owner of Memories Bridal and Evening Wear in both Stevensville and Kalamazoo, has had a lot of experience in selecting the perfect gown for other brides! It wasn't until April 2004, upon her engagement to Derek Wissner, that Adrienne began to visualize herself in one of the beautiful dresses her boutique offered.
Ironically, years of boutique expertise did not aid Adrienne in the gown selection process. In fact, she was surprised to find choosing her own gown could be so difficult. While trying on a variety of dresses, she had hopes of finding a perfect match, but couldn't decide on one style over another.
One afternoon in the midst of planning frenzy, a custom-ordered Forever Yours gown arrived at the boutique. Although it was intended for display, Adrienne couldn't resist "trying it on for size." Sure enough, the fairy-tale gown was perfect for her! Gazing at herself in the mirror, she couldn't dream of a more beautiful gown for her special day.
Obviously knowledgeable of the latest in wedding trends, Adrienne opted for chic black bridesmaid dresses. And, while she selected the color and designer, she allowed the maids to choose their own dress style and fit. Adrienne said each girl really enjoyed revealing her personality through an individualized selection.
Beyond the dresses, Adrienne and Derek didn't begin the planning process until mid 2005, only four months prior to their wedding on September 5. Envisioning an elegant and classy affair, Adrienne did not allow their tight budget to limit the overall look of the wedding. Much like opening her own bridal boutique, Adrienne took creative matters into her own hands. From designing the bouquets to fashioning the guest tables with centerpieces, Adrienne created her dream wedding from scratch.
Reflecting on her own experience, Adrienne encourages brides to "follow their heart" while dress shopping. "Try on all styles and pick out what excites you!" After all, "The planning should be as enjoyable as the wedding."