Blush Bridal Spotlight: Courtney Long

New Year...new amazing "Brides of Blush" are sharing their wedding day stories with us!

There are so many things we love about working with our Brides of Blush! From when we first discuss the bride's bridal gown dreams/budget and her plans for her wedding day, to when she says "yes-to-the-dress", we delight in the process!

But the one thing we truly love? Seeing photos of our brides looking absolutely GORGEOUS in their gowns after their wedding day! We feel honored to share in such a memorable time in a bride's life and love when she sends us updates from her special day!

In this Blush Bridal Spotlight, we talk with Courtney and hear all about her special day at Historic Acres of Hershey! From the photographs, Courtney and her groom know how to have a good time! It's clear through this interview that this Bride of Blush had a truly magical day and we are so happy for her and her new husband! Brides, be sure to pay close attention to Courtney's awesome advice on finding the right gown to all of the special details that make your wedding day POP! Also, be sure to look for the special furry friend who played a special part in this sweet couple's wedding day!

1. As a bride, you have several choices in the area to find your wedding gown. What brought you to Blush Bridal?

Originally I had purchased a dress at Alfred Angelo but ended up not getting my dress or money back when they closed. I had a couple friends recommend Blush Bridal to me, and I also saw their posts on Facebook. Once I saw everything there was to pick from and that it was a small mother-and-daughter-owned store, I knew I had to try it!

2. How did you know your dress was THE one?

I tried on multiple dresses that were totally different from one another. Dresses that I, along with a couple of my bridesmaids, had picked out. We were sure we were going to love the styles but nothing grabbed me! Then, the consultant I was working with told me that there was a dress she wanted me to put on that I could take home with me that very day. I tried it on, but wasn't sure I liked the top of it-I thought it was too much. I walked out in to the open room with the dress on, stepping back from the mirror. My bridesmaids and I cried after seeing it in a different light. Finally, it was all the tears that showed me it was THE ONE!

3. What advice would you give a bride when deciding on her dream gown?

I have been in to the store multiple times since my appointment. I have been there with my best friend as she tried on dresses and I've also observed random girls trying on dresses, while at the shop. You can tell by the expression on their faces as to which dress they love but the minute that one person says they aren't a fan, the bride's face totally changes and they no longer "love" the dress.

I would tell the bride to go with her heart, go with what she thinks. Those other people you brought along with you are there to offer their opinions, but that doesn't mean you have to agree with them. You are the one who is going to be the beautiful bride walking down the aisle! The only one who has to love the dress is you - because you have to be comfortable in it! And come on, you know that your husband is going to love it no matter what!

4. In a few words, tell us how you met your husband!

My husband and I met at a country bar, through a mutual friend. She brought him in to the bar where we hung out every single weekend and to tell you the truth, I wanted nothing to do with him! He bought me drinks all night, and even got my number, but I just wasn't feeling it. Of course, after talking for a couple of weeks I became interested, but then he wasn't! We didn't talk for a couple days, but then, we hit a stride and we just clicked! We were just what each other needed!

5. What was your favorite part of the wedding?

My favorite part of the wedding was turning the corner to walk towards the man who was going to be my husband, and seeing tears in his eyes. It was like no one was there but me and him!

6. Where was your wedding held?

Historic Acres of Hershey

7. What words of wisdom would you pass onto brides for their wedding day?

Many brides give the advice to not sweat the little things, but I say you SHOULD sweat the little things because they are things that make your day POP! I would give the advice to be careful with making your bridal party too large. Everyone always thinks they need to have a bunch of their friends in their wedding and make it as big as possible, which I did. Looking back, there were too many personalities that didn't go well together and people who always had an excuse. Keep it small and try to choose your most intimate friends, or even just you and your husband. There will always be friends there to help you with things you need completed for you special day, even if they aren't in your wedding. Trust me!

8. Did you have something borrowed or did you have any meaningful traditions you made a part of your special day?

My something borrowed meant the WORLD to me. I assigned three of my bridesmaids to be in charge of my something old, something new, and something borrowed because I already had my something blue. My cousin was in charge of my something borrowed - and she couldn't have picked something better! My aunt died of lung cancer a few years back and she would have LOVED to be at my big day, dancing the night away. My cousin picked out a heart shaped pin that had my aunt's name in the middle of it. My cousin pinned this to the inside of my dress the day of my wedding, so my aunt was with me the entire day!