Store Hours: Monday & Thursday (11am-8pm) | Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday (11am-5pm) | Saturday (930am-5pm) | Sunday (12pm-4pm)
Phone: (513) 821-6622
Brandon and I met at CityGate Church in Lebanon, OH. We had both grown up in the Church of God but never attended the same place. In 2018, the church I’d been going to was combined into CityGate, and they moved into our existing building. He just so happened to be attending that church at the time. He noticed me sitting in the same section one week and, realizing we had some mutual friends, decided to ask me out one weekend. It wasn’t love at first sight for me, though, so we just gradually started talking over several months until he became one of my closest friends. Even though I wasn’t interested in dating at first, I’ll always be so grateful for that time in which we built our friendship and
attraction. It laid the foundation for our beautiful relationship now. In the summer of 2019, we officially started dating – and in late September 2019, he proposed to me. It wasn’t anything extravagant (I’ve never loved attention on me, lol), but it was still perfect and meaningful for us. It had been exactly a year since the day he’d initially asked me out. We spent the day together, eating at the same restaurant we’d first gone to and watching the movie he’d asked me to go to that day a year ago. Afterward, he asked me to take a walk. There is a pond in our neighborhood with a fountain and a gazebo. Once we got to this spot, I told him we should stop in the pavilion and take pictures. We did that, then as I was leaving, he said from behind me, “Hey, hand on a second…”. I turned around, and he was on his knee with a gorgeous ring. He asked me to be his wife there, and it’s still one of the most memorable days of my life.
Our wedding day was scheduled for May 17, 2020. Due to COVID, we could not have it at the venue and with all the guests as we’d planned. We still married on that date, but it was just a small, intimate ceremony in my parents’ home with only our immediate families. It was a beautiful day, but not the one we had dreamed of or planned for months. Once some restrictions had been lifted, we rescheduled our venue date for August 9, 2020. The day was gorgeous; we were able to have an outdoor wedding at Stone Valley Meadows in Franklin, OH, with most of our guest list. The day was relaxed and enjoyable (as we were already married – much less stress!). It would have been a perfect day, except that my husband’s mom and grandpa had tested positive for COVID only a few days prior. His family could not attend, but we had the ceremony and reception as planned anyway. This year could never have been predicted, and it certainly wasn’t how I thought I’d be married – but it’s a wedding and time we’ll never forget.
Bridal and Formal had come highly recommended by many others I know, and it didn’t disappoint! While I was overwhelmed with the amount of dress selection at first, this store had just about anything and everything you could want – so much variety, yet all beautiful choices. I was a bit particular about what I was looking for. We tried on several dresses, but nothing just seemed “right.” I described what I preferred for one of the managers working that day, and she returned with something she believed I’d love. She was spot on! I missed the dress as I was browsing, but she seemed to grasp precisely the style I wanted. I continued going back to that dress and trying it on repeatedly. That’s how I knew it was the one! It’s only grown more beautiful in my eyes since that day. Despite all the uncertainty of this year, I was able to get the opportunity to wear my perfect dress twice now!
Both Sabrina and Tina were terrific! Sabrina, our consultant, was very patient and helpful with suggestions. The manager who later came over had been listening to our conversation and was the one who ultimately picked out my dress. I couldn’t be happier with our service.
Wedding Location – Franklin, OH
Ceremony & Reception Location – Stone Valley Meadows
Bridal Gown – House of Wu, style 18198
Photographer – Lauren Day Photography
