The Magic Room - a Novel by Jeffrey Zaslow - Win a signed copy!

We have a special treat for all of our friends and fans! We were contacted by Jeffrey Zaslow, author of a new book titled "The Magic Room". He traveled to Fowler, MI and our retail partner, Becker's Bridal set the stage for this book. Within the pages of this book you will read about love, life and what goes on behind the scenes - how each and every bride who walks into a bridal salon has a story. More importantly, you will read stories just like yours...about women who are taking the same steps you are...what a journey it is on the road down the aisle! 


As a special gift, we are giving away a signed copy of the The Magic Room! Just leave a comment about your visit to the magic room - because every store has one. The room where you look into the mirror the first time and you feel it...you see it...you have finally gotten to that moment...you are a bride!



About Becker's Bridal: Becker's is located in Fowler, Michigan. It is a town with more wedding dresses (2,500) than residents (1,100).The store has remained in the same family since it was founded in 1934. Becker's Bridal is run by a daughter, her mother, her grandmother, and her great–grandmother. Becker's has carried Bonny Bridal gowns for many years and we are so thrilled to share with our friends and fans their very special story.

WIN A SIGNED COPY OF THE BOOK!

HOW TO ENTER

• Leave a message on this post about the 1st time you saw yourself as a bride

This giveaway will end on: January 21st, 2012 at 6pm PST and the winner will be posted and contacted shortly there after! If we do not hear from the winner within 3 days, another winner will be chosen. PLEASE, make sure you leave me a way to contact you!!

What you win: A signed copy of The Magic Room, a novel by Jeffrey Zaslow

Value of giveaway: $27.00

Shipping Charges: Included

This giveaway is open to US RESIDENTS only!

Good luck to everyone and thank you for sharing your stories with us!

Real Bride - Diane

June 24, 2011 was the day Diane married her best friend, Chris! 

Diane wore style 011 (now retired from our collection) from the Bonny Classic Collection for her big day! 

Thank you Diane, for sharing your photos with us and your memories from the big day! We are so happy that you and Chris are living your happily ever after and we wish you all the best! xoxoxox!

Real Bride - Crystal

Not every bride chooses a white wedding gown to get married in. When real bride, Crystal, visited our retail partner Deborah`s Bridal in Charleston, SC with her mom she was shown a catalog of dresses. She fell in love with a dress from our Quinceanera line, style 5007 that is featured in the color Aqua.

Deborah's didn't have the dress in stock for Crystal to try on so they used our very popular Borrow a Bonny program, which allowed Crystal to see the dress in person before buying. Crystal said, "I fell in love with the dress...I knew it was the one as soon as I tried it on & am so grateful to the very helpful Deborah for helping me find the perfect dress!"

Photo By: Reese Moore

Crystal looked like Cinderella on her wedding day...and we all know that Cinderella lives happily ever after with her Prince Charming. Congratulations Crystal and Kyle! Thank you for sharing your special day with us!

Photo By: Reese Moore

Real Bride - Julie

On a gorgeous Fall day in Ohio Julie and Tom said their "I Do's". Julie chose style 1010 from the Unforgettable Collection as her wedding gown. 

Congratulations you two! The day was beautiful, the colors were amazing...so perfect for the end of September and we loved looking at your photos! Cheers!!!

Style 1010 from the Unforgettable Collection

Bid Your Wish For Wedded Bliss - Final Update

A HUGE thank you is being sent out to all of our wonderful friends and fans who helped raise money for the national charity we support, Wish Upon a Wedding. 

Bid Your Wish For Wedded Bliss is the yearly auction fundraiser for Wish Upon a Wedding. All proceeds of the auction are used to help grant wedding wishes to couples who are facing a terminal illness or other life altering circumstance. Bidding ended on October 31, 2011 and the tally is in! With your help Wish Upon a Wedding earned a whooping:

$35,724 

We are so grateful to everyone who participated in this auction - the vendors who generously donated items and to the 1000's of folks who bid on the items! Your winning bid will be helping grant wishes and, well, that's pretty awesome!!

We donated a wedding gown - ANY wedding gown from 1 of our 4 collections. The winning bidder was Dana H. She will get her pick of any Bonny Bridal gown from:

• Essence, our couture bridal collection
• Bonny Classic, the collection that started it all!
• Unforgettable, our award winning plus size collection
• Bliss, our modest collection 

We look forward to working with Dana and can't wait to find out which dress she chooses for the BIG DAY! We are lucky that we get to follow Dana (and all our awesome brides) down the aisle! 

Real Bride - Velvet

I have been looking forward to sharing this story with everyone! This real bride story just reminds me of how small the world really is and is a testimony of that saying "Everything happens for a reason". Meet Velvet and Alex, married on July 3, 2011:

Last year, around this time, Wish Upon a Wedding (the national charity we support) had launched their yearly auction "Bid Your Wish For Wedded Bliss". This auction ties in with their annual fundraising event called The Blissful Wishes Ball. Couples planning to be married can bid for wedding-related auction items online, with all proceeds benefiting Wish Upon a Wedding. 

Wish Upon a Wedding is the world's first nonprofit wish granting organization providing weddings and vow renewals and for couples facing terminal illness and serious life-altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation.

On November 30th, 2010 the huge, online auction was coming to an end. We had donated a wedding gown, of the brides choice, to the auction so we were watching to see how it was going! Excitement was building and then, finally, the auction closed. The winner was already a "friend" on Facebook so, I checked our her profile to see where she was from - and she was a Southern California bride! Have you ever noticed on Facebook when you visit a profile that their "Friends List" pops up random people on the left hand side of the page? Well, when I went to Velvet's page the first friend on her list was...are you ready for this?! Someone I knew and had been friends with for over 20 years!!! I actually did a double take! It turns out that this friend and Velvet actually work together and she had told Velvet about our company (knowing I worked there) and Velvet saw our posts about getting a dress from the auction! Such a small world...right? Since Velvet was local to us, we were able to meet her and show her the dresses in person. She chose Unforgettable style 1700 in White - which also happens to be one of my favorite dresses in our collection.

Congratulations to both of you! Velvet: it was awesome to get to know you! You are a terrific photographer, a gorgeous bride and a super nice woman! Alex is a lucky man...but, we already know that he knows that! Best wishes to both of you!

Unforgettable Style 1700 shown in Praline

Velvet chose Unforgettable style 1700 in White as her wedding gown. Wish Upon a Wedding's 2011 auction, Bid Your Wish For Wedded Bliss, will open on September 15, 2011. We hope that you will bid on wedding items you will use - including your choice of any Bonny Bridal wedding gown! The auction will be open until October 31, 2011. Your bid - for items you will need for your wedding anyway - will help grant wedding wishes to couples. 

All professional photos from Velvet and Alex's wedding were taken by Harvest Moon Photography. They are based in beautiful Eugene, Oregon. 

Real Bride - Caroline - Style 8009

The wedding of Caroline and Ramsey took place on June 11, 2011 at the amazing Château Vaudreuil just outside of Montreal, Canada. The bride and groom chose gorgeous accents of Royal Blue for the outdoor wedding - including the brides shoes!

Caroline, you looked stunning in your wedding gown! We are so blessed to get to see photos of our brides on the big day so, thank you for sharing! We wish you and husband a lifetime of happiness! Congratulations!

Wedding photos are by Kim Ing. Kim is a photographer based in Ottawa, Ontario, who specializes in Wedding Photography and Lifestyle Portraiture and she captured all the special moments of the BIG DAY! To view more click here! 

After all there is something about a wedding gown prettier than in any other gown in the world - Douglas William Jerrold

 Caroline chose style 8009 from the Essence Collection as her wedding gown. 

Wish Upon a Wedding - Lisa and Doug - Part 2

In part 1 of this story - you got the background leading up to Lisa and Doug's wedding day - which took place on May 26th, 2011. We asked Lisa to tell us about her feelings and we recently just got a "thank you" card from her that read:


"The dress was the most important thing on my list. I was anxious and nervous about finding the perfect dream dress. When I took one look at your website of gowns I felt a sense of relief as every gown was stunning and beautiful. When I went to try the dresses on I fell in love with my gown. Everyone loved it! When I took it to David's Bridal to buy a slip other people wanted to buy it. Everyone loved all the details, the beading and especially the train! When the wedding day came I could not wait to put it on. Wearing it I felt amazing and more beautiful than ever! I love that dress! I had it boxed because all I wanted to do after the wedding was wear it and looking at it just brings back that day and all of the amazing moments of my wedding. I thank you and all of Bonny Bridal for your generosity and for giving me such a stunning dress and making my dreams and wishes come true. With much love and thanks, Lisa Wang May 26, 2011 Wish Upon a Wedding"

Many vendors worked in the quick time frame to put this gorgeous wedding together! The photographer, Jim Kennedy Photography, were able to capture so many beautiful images of the special day!

Venue: Bella Collina / Caterer: Jay’s Catering / Wedding Planner: Once Upon a Time Weddings & Special Events / Wedding Photographer: Jim Kennedy Photographers / Wedding Videographer: New Classic Films / Floral Design: Fantasy Floral / Officiant: Rich Anderson / Wedding Invitations: Paper and Thread / Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Sweet Fuss / Wedding Cakes: Sweet Gems / Photobooth: Shutterbooth/ Favors: Dough a Deer / DJ: Vive Entertainment / Rentals: Fusion Linens / Linens: Wildflower Linens / Wedding Dress: Bonny Bridal / Hair Accessory: The Wedding Pantry / Groomsmen Attire: Friar Tux / Ring Bearer Pillow + Flower Girl Basket: Bella Bambino /Cake Stand: Raise the Cake / Veil Weights:The Pampered Bride / Calligraphy: Calligraphy Katrina / Hanky: L’il Inspirations

Wish Upon a Wedding - Lisa and Doug - Part 1

We have been waiting to share this story with all our friends and fans! We heard about Wish Upon a Wedding when they were first starting out and immediately knew that this was the charity we wanted to partner up with! We signed up as a "wish granter" for our local Southern California chapter. Lisa and Doug were the 2nd couple to be granted a wedding wish by our local chapter. Wish Upon a Wedding grants wedding wishes to couples who are facing life altering circumstances, including terminal illnesses. You can read more about Lisa and Doug's story here or learn more about Wish Upon a Wedding here. 

On April 19th we saw that WUW had granted their 2nd wish to Lisa Tso and Doug Wang. We immediately contacted them to see if Lisa needed a dress for the wedding, which was taking place on May 26th, to coincide with World MS Day.

We got our first email from Lisa on April 20th and she wrote, in part, "A wedding gown is probably the most important aspect of every girls wedding. We are so excited to be getting married and for you as my bridal consultant. Every gown on your website is stunning and beautiful." Lisa was going to come into our showroom on May 2nd to try on gowns. We had a few gowns for her to choose from:

034 White - This is a very elegant, popular style right now! Anything with flowers (this dress has small 3-dimensional flowers) is in style right now. The draped bust line is also very elegant and a classic button down back.

045 Ivory - A simple Halter gown with an overlapping pleated empire bodice and banded waist.


052 White - Chiffon is a very nice flowing fabric and wouldn't require the use of a full crinoline slip.


0101 White - The sheer illusion strap that leads into the back is very elegant!


0720 Antique - This gown is certainly made for a princess!! The color is very unique - it's Antique (kind of like a rum-pinkish).


2021 Ivory - This gown is from our Bliss collection. This is our modest collection, which means all the dresses have sleeves and a higher back and neckline that our other dresses.


We had asked Lisa to bring in heels similar to what she would be wearing on the day of the wedding - because she is petite and was definitely going to need a hem. Lisa was already a step ahead - she had already bought her shoes for the wedding! 

We tried on style 034 first and everyone agreed it looked "nice" but, there wasn't a feeling of "Yes! This is the one." Next, we tried style 720. I personally love wedding gowns in different colors and was happy that Lisa was willing to try this gown - even though it wasn't in the traditional white or ivory. This is when we had a "bridal moment". Lisa had on her wedding shoes - a cute heel that had a ruffle detail but, what made them unique was the beautiful color! When I pulled out style 720 to show her - the color of the dress was a PERFECT match to the shoes! We put the dress on her and immediately she knew, we all knew, it was THE ONE.  In the next post, we will get to the wedding pictures and Lisa's own words about her experience on her wedding day!

Real Bride - Nicole and Matt Saskatoon/Moonlake Wedding

We have a very special wedding to share with you today! Nicole and Matt tied the knot on September 18, 2010. Nicole chose Essence style 8613 (now retired) for her big day! When we first saw the pictures, taken by JG Photography, we were in love and couldn't wait to share the photos with you all!

Strapless lace covered bodice with a lace-up back. Shirred taffeta hip detail flows into the the full draped skirt and semi-cathedral train with floral applique 

(which Nicole opted to remove on her dress)

Nicole and Matt are also now expecting their first child so another big congratulations to this beautiful couple! Thank you for sharing your special day with us!

Real Bride - Janelle

Janelle and Christopher

November 6, 2010

Photos were taken by Aevum Photography in New Jersey

We have been so lucky to have so many brides tell us their story and share their special day with us! Today, we bring you Janelle's story! On November 6th, 2010 she married her husband Christopher. Janelle chose Bonny Bliss style 2011

Janelle shared with us, "One of the most exciting parts of wedding planning was the search for the dress. The very first gown I tried on was a Bonny gown. It took a little while to choose but I finally decided on style 2011 from the Bliss collection. I fell in love with the silk flowers and beading all over the dress and train. It also had a huge skirt that was so much fun to twirl in! It was exciting to find a line of dresses that had sleeves yet remained modern and elegant!"

Your smile that day says it all, Janelle! Congratulations to you both!!!

Style 2011

Real Brides - Michelle

Newlyweds: Michelle and Cole

Photos courtesy of Victoria Webb Photography

Our real bride today is Michelle! On November 20, 2010 Michelle and Cole tied the knot! Michelle chose style 927 from the Bonny Classic Collection as her wedding gown. Congratulations to both of you! We wish you many years of happiness, joy and beauty!

Photo courtesy of Victoria Webb Photography

Beaded straps fall into the shirred V bodice. The shirred empire waist is highlighted by a center cluster of beading. The skirt and extends to the chapel train that is decorated by scattered appliqués.

Style 927

Real Brides - Clarissa

Congratulations to Clarissa & Clarence!

Clarissa and Clarence were married on a beautiful southern California day! Clarissa chose Unforgettable style 1818 as her wedding gown! What a gorgeous bride...don't you agree? You looked absolutely radiant Clarissa! Thank you for sharing your special day with us! We wish you both all the happiness as you start your life together!!

Style 1818 is made from French Taffeta. This sleeveless gown has lace that falls down the shoulder strap along the V-shaped neckline. The lace continues across the bodice into the billowing skirt full of tucks and gathers that continue around to the semi-cathedral train. The back is fitted with lace up ties.

Real Brides - Destiny

Meet Destiny....and her new husband Willie! 

Destiny and Willie were married February 20, 2011!! Destiny contacted us on Facebook and we got to know her a little - and we enjoyed reading about her engagement (Willie...you did a great job!!). We are still waiting to hear about her wedding but, we couldn't wait to share a photo will all our friends! Destiny chose Bliss style 2101 as her wedding dress and we think she rocked that dress out!!! Congratulations you two! We can't wait to see the rest of your wedding pics and read about your wedding on our Bonny Brides page!

Bliss Style 2101

Real Brides - Jody

JODY and RICK

"Rick and I got engaged in January 2009 and even though we had about a year and a half before our July 2010 wedding date I started shopping for my dress fairly quickly. I looked online and in countless shops for the right dress and I found some I liked... but none that I loved. After trying on tons of dresses I finally was lucky enough to go to the Bonny website where I saw a beautiful Bonny gown (847) and fell in love with it. I then found a bridal shop that carried it and went to try it on and loved it even more (and I loved the price). Bonny was even able to alter it a bit at the time of ordering - I really wanted a lace up back and I was able to add that to my gown that didnt originally have it. I felt amazing on my wedding day wearing my dress and my husband loved it!"

Jody...thank you for sharing your story and pictures with us! We would love to even see more! Your location looked amazing, the dress looks gorgeous and we love the black shirt and pants with white vest! Style 847