The Unconventional Bride: A Story of Individuality and Empowerment
In the world of weddings, it’s easy to feel like you must follow tradition at the expense of your own style. But what if we told you that there’s another way? This is the story of our featured bride, Hannah, who dared to be different and refused to let convention dictate how she celebrated her love.
Hannah is a free spirit and an adventurer who lives on her terms. She is spontaneous, happy, and authentic, with a spirit as indomitable as the mountains she loves to climb. And when she stumbled upon Dreamers & Lovers, she knew she had found a kindred spirit.
The Violetta lace wedding dress she chose is more than just a dress; it reflects her journey, symbolizing her spirit and style. It allowed her to express her individuality in a way that felt true to her, and on her wedding day, she shone like a star.
Hannah’s wedding was captured stunningly by Basically Emily Photography.
I was in a car accident nine years ago where I broke my back and pelvis and had to learn to walk again, so every time I accomplish something I dreamed about since I was a kid I feel grateful and empowered! I’m thankful I could walk down the aisle!
Embracing Change: A Tale of Spontaneity, Adventure, and Resilience.
– What three words would you use to describe yourself and why?
Spontaneous, adventurous, and happy! I embrace change and love to travel.
– How do you define authenticity in your day-to-day life?
I am very intuitive, so I go with what feels right in the moment. It has worked well for me so far!
-Tell us about a moment when you truly felt empowered. What led to that realization?
Every time I find myself far from home – whether submitting a mountain in the Adirondacks, studying birds in the Amazon, or seeing an elephant in the wild for the first time. I was in a car accident nine years ago where I broke my back and pelvis and had to learn to walk again, so every time I accomplish something I dreamed about since I was a kid, I feel grateful and empowered! I’m thankful I could walk down the aisle!
– Can you share a story of when you felt most true to yourself? –Anytime I’m exploring and can share new experiences with someone I love.
Unique Elegance: Hannah Reflects on her Journey with Choosing Her Wedding Dress
-What attracted you to Dreamers and Lovers for your wedding dress?
I was looking for something I hadn’t seen before, I love to be unique! I had always imagined myself wearing a darker shade of white, so being able to choose the nude color underneath the lace was perfect.
-How does your chosen dress reflect your identity or journey?
It just felt right, and I always choose what feels right. My mom always says that I have a vision, and once I know what I want, I go for it!
-In what ways did Dreamers and Lovers allow you to express your individuality on your wedding day?
I was able to be comfortable! It wasn’t too much fabric or too heavy, I could hike into the pines for our vows and dance with my friends!
-How did you feel the first time you tried on your Dreamers and Lovers dress?
I chose a different dress first! Same lace and color but short flowy sleeves instead of long ones and less form-fitting. I told all my friends and family there with me. I chose the other one, but over the next couple of weeks, I kept going back to the long sleeves. Since it was a sample size, it didn’t fit me perfectly and was hard to imagine as my dress, but I decided to surprise everyone and put my trust in the Dreamers and Lovers team that when it was made to my measurements I was so happy I did!
What emotions or memories does the dress evoke for you now?
I was so happy and calm all day – right where I needed to be:) I have beautiful pictures showing my dad, who bought the dress for me for the first time.
How did wearing a Dreamers and Lovers dress enhance your wedding experience?
I felt like me!
Candid Moments
-Could you share a candid moment from your wedding day or any day when you wore the dress and felt incredibly “you”?
I love birds and have dedicated my career to bird conservation, so having a hawk fly in the rings was such a showstopping special moment! When he landed, he bonked me in the head a little with his wing!
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Hannah’s Advice to Future Brides
-What advice would you give future brides to stay true to themselves while navigating wedding preparations?
Wedding planning can be fun! We snuck away and eloped on the same day as our wedding in the park where he proposed. We spoke our vows and officially became husband and wife for the first time peacefully in the pines with just our parents and bridal party; it was absolutely perfect and took the pressure off of the rest of our day. So my advice is to plan in a few peaceful moments!
-How do you believe individuality and self-expression play a role in today’s wedding culture?
People want to be unique and I love that!
Hannah’s Reflections:
-How do you believe your dress added to your wedding’s narrative or story?
It fit me and the venue perfectly, as if it belonged there!
-How has your understanding or appreciation of authenticity and individuality evolved after your wedding?
I have gotten so many comments from guests about how they loved all the unique touches I added to the day and how it differed from other weddings they have attended!
-What message would you like to leave for women embarking on their journey of finding the perfect wedding dress?
Take lots of pictures during fittings! How you see yourself in the mirror vs. how you look in photos can be different, so look at both! .
HANNAH’S DRESS: VIOLETTA LACE WEDDING DRESS
PHOTOGRAPHER: BASICALLY EMILY PHOTOGRAPHY
