THE Dress!!!

Well because she is so speedy in her planning she already has a dress...

As would be expected from someone working in the wedding industry, since becoming engaged, I have tried to jump right into planning my wedding. My best friend since 3rd grade now lives in Los Angeles, but was in Richmond for the holidays, so we wanted to “just look” at wedding dresses before she had to return home. I was able to get an appointment at Jingle’s, in the Shoppes at Westgate. Cynthia and Ellen were so helpful pulling dresses and letting me try on what seemed to be half of their dresses! I had no intention of finding my dress just 5 days after becoming engaged, but then I put THE dress on, and as everyone said it would happen, I saw my best friend tearing up and Monica stop what she was doing. The wonderful ladies a Jingle’s brought out the perfect veil for both me and for the dress to complete the look and I knew that I would not be doing any more looking for dresses. As it turned out, they had just taken what became my dress out of the box that day. It must have been fate! I brought my mother and future mother-in-law back in the next day for final approval and after I got a similar reaction from them, we ordered it. I don’t want to give any details of what it actually looks like, so someone doesn’t find out, but I will be sure to post pictures post-wedding! Thank you to all the ladies at Jingles!

Update from Corbin!!!

As many of you know Corbin, our manager at By Invitation Only is engaged and as promised she will be keeping us updated on her wedding plans.

Here is her first post....

As Monica mentioned in her earlier blog entry, I recently became engaged. Mark, my boyfriend of over 2 ½ years, proposed on Christmas morning. Without me knowing, he had placed the ring in its open box at the top of Christmas stocking. I even managed to take pictures of our stocking and then hold mine for several (excruciating I’m sure for Mark) minutes before I finally looked down to see my beautiful three stone ring staring back at me. Then Mark had to wait several more minutes for me to stop screaming and jumping up and down before he could actually ask me that all important question.
We are still in the where and when stage of the wedding planning, but thus far the plan is to have the ceremony at St. Paul’s Episcopal, my family church, and we are trying for September this year.

Back from Atlanta

Well Atlanta was a total success and soon we will have lots of new merchandise to prove it!

I went to market with the intention of finding two or three new vendors with great new merchandise but I ended up finding more like 10 or 12! I am so excited about what's to come. We found things for the bride, the mom and every one in between. And what I love most is the fact that most of the vendors I found are unique to the Richmond market so we will have lots of new merchandise that you can't find anywhere else in town.

Also there was a lot of discussion centered around the economy and what retailers should expect to see in 2009. Everyone was very hopeful that things will turn around sooner than later but even with the hopes of better things to come I still was very mindful of the economic climate and 90% of what I ordered will have a price point of $30 or less! What does that mean for you? It means you will be able to find the perfect gift, favor, invitation or wedding accessory at a price that won't bust your budget, yet it will still be unique and fit your style.

So stayed tuned for pictures of the new items and I will keep you updated as things start to arrive.

Thanks again for your continued patronage and remember to continue to shop locally!

Off to Market!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

We here at By Invitation Only are excited about 2009 for many reasons! As we have already mentioned our own Corbin Brierre is now engaged and her wedding plans are already starting to come together. (She has even bought at dress) Also is less than 10 weeks Nicole will be tying the knot and we can't wait for the festivities. And finally I have the privilege of serving as Maid of Honor (okay well Matron of Honor) in one of my best friend's wedding this May and I get to travel to Philly for the wedding of another long time friend in March.

While all of these things are really exciting we also are gearing up for wedding season. This Sunday kicks off the first bridal show of the year. (Richmond Bridal Showcase which will be at the Greater Richmond Convention Center) And while the shows are just starting our brides began searching for the perfect wedding invitation as soon as Christmas was over and boy are they excited about all of the great new designs including a new letterpress book from Crane.

Now we are in wedding mode but this time of year is still exciting for our everyday customers. I will be leaving this weekend for the Atlanta Gift Show. This is one of the biggest shows of the year and I can't wait for you to see all of the new things I bring back.

Stayed tuned for updates after the show and a sneak preview of the hot new items for 2009.