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Bride Of Blush Spotlight: Sarah McGowan

Our favorite blog posts have to be our "Bride of Blush Spotlights"! Today, we're talking with Sarah about her experience finding her man, her dress, and planning the wedding of her dreams! From meeting on Hinge, to their first date where Sarah's now husband recalls having thought: "this girl is going to be my wife someday", Sarah & Steve were a perfect fit. A relationship built on a shared love of Philly, Steve popped the question on the "Rocky" steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (one of the couple's first dates), as they looked out at the city's skyline.


Join us as we take you through this super sweet interview with Sarah and discover how she knew her dress was THE ONE and her tips on how to make the most out of your special day.


The Meet Cute


Tell us how you and Steve met and share a bit about your love story.

"We met over 4 years ago on Hinge, the dating app designed to be deleted and it worked! Our first date at a brewery was almost 4 hours long and we both felt like no time had past. Steve says he knew that evening that I would become his wife. Fast forward 3 years and a pandemic later, Steve proposed on the “Rocky” steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the location of one of our early dates! The Philly skyline served as the background and it’s the city where our love story began. So sweet!"



Finding The Dress


How did you discover Blush Bridal and tell us about your experience?

"I was looking around online at bridal shops in both the Philly area, where I now live, and the Lancaster area, where I’m from. I wanted a shop that felt down to earth and had stunning dresses. Blush fit the bill! Blush Bridal made me feel at home and took care of me every step of the way. I had an appointment scheduled for the following weekend at another shop that I had to cancel because Blush spent so much time to help me find the perfect dress. I knew my search had ended! Throughout the process though, Blush took care of me and my mom who got her Mother-Of-The-Bride dress there as well. They talked through accessories with us and made sure we loved our entire looks for the big day. I felt like a princess through the entire process."




How did you know that your dress was THE one?

"I knew it was the one because of how I felt in it before even going out to show my mom and best friend. I felt the most beautiful in it and didn’t want to take it off! I tried more dresses on after my dress and I kept staring at my dress on the hanger. Other dresses may have had elements that were slightly “better” or “unique” but my dress had it all. Plus it felt elegant and timeless too. I remember I kept looking back at the train and thinking if I don’t get this dress, I’ll never find anything better."


Sarah's Words of Wisdom


What advice would you share with brides-to-be when shopping for their dream dress?

"Be open to trying to things that you wouldn’t normally go for. I said I never wanted strapless. My mom urged me to try on the dress I ended up picking. I didn’t want to because it was strapless. The consultant helped me talk through it by saying we could add straps if I wanted so I decided to try it on and humor my mom. However, once it was on, I couldn’t even imagine adding straps because it fit so nicely and I was shocked by how much I loved it. I also wasn’t sure how much I’d love sparkle tulle. Initially, I was turning down options because I thought I didn’t want sparkles or strapless and if I kept that mindset I wouldn’t have found my dream dress. So go in with ideas of what you like but try things even if you aren’t sure. You may surprise yourself!" (this right here ↑ )



The Ceremony


Where did you get married?

"We got married at St. Matthew Lutheran Church and our reception was at Springfield Country Club in Delaware County."



Sarah's Wedding Planning Tips


Any piece of advice you could give to brides when planning your wedding?

"Try to keep it big picture. You’re marrying the love of your life and it is the best! The small details can be overwhelming and it can feel like the littlest decision will make or break everything! Keep it big picture with the end goal in mind, prioritize your tasks, and delegate when you can (whether to your fiancé, a friend, or a family member). It will all work out and the things that won’t will become good stories!"


The Details Matter


What was your favorite detail about your wedding?

"What a hard choice! From private vows to a choreographed first dance, it really is tough to decide. I think the most sentimental detail is that my mom sent her dress away to be made into several items for my wedding day. My getting ready robe, wedding weekend purse, flower bouquet wrap, and cake table runner were all made from her dress. She gave them to me at my shower and it made myself and the crowd shed a tear. It was so neat to see her beautiful 1991 dress brought to life again in a way we couldn’t have imagined. Now I have beautiful souvenir-like memories from not just my day but hers as well."



Take It All In


Share anything else you'd want brides to know on their wedding day.

"You often hear that the couple should look out at the ceremony and take in all your loved ones here for you in one space (that will never happen again). While you should absolutely do this at the ceremony, do this throughout the day too. While at your sweetheart table, look out at guests enjoying dinner in the space that you designed in your mind. See guests on the dance floor having a great time. Notice people mingling who wouldn’t have met otherwise. It’s an incredible thing to witness and something you’ll cherish forever. "





We hope you enjoyed reading Sarah & Steve's love story as much as we did! Are you a recently married #brideofblush and want to be featured in our blog? Send us a DM on our Instagram or Facebook to get started!


Sarah & Steve's Vendors


Dress: Blush Bridal; @christinawubridal

Videographer: @soulnarrativestudios

Makeup: @jkobeauty1

Dance Lessons: @mari2s2a @pivotballroom

Photo Booth: @phillysnapbooth

Transportation: @sterlinglimoservice


Looking to make an appointment with us? Click the link below to start the process and experience your own special moment with us, saying yes to your dress!


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