JANUARY 12, 2016 A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO KENNEBEC JOURNAL | Morning Sentinel Dreams Bridal Boutique Helping clients fi nd the dress of their dreams Flowers Can create an atmosphere best suited to the bridal couple Wedding Themes Cowboy, gothic, fairy tale or Victorian — no matter your style, your wedding can refl ect it 2 Tuesday, January 12, 2016 _________________________________________________________Special Supplement • Kennebec Journal • Morning Sentinel Special Supplement • Kennebec Journal • Morning Sentinel __________________________________________________________Tuesday, January 12, 2016 3 Helping clients find the dress of their dreams for Dreams CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 weddings and other special occasions recounts how she was getting ready to open her new busi- BY NANCY P. MCGINNIS ness, days before the Cony Correspondent “Most of us have something we don’t like about ourselves, but the people in our lives who love High School semi-formal. us don’t see us that way. When you come dress shopping, remember that the man who put the “I had four girls, close to Renee Adams recalls the days, as a tears, at my door. They had young girl, when she dreamed of own- ring on your finger loves you exactly as you are!” ordered their dresses online. ing a bridal shop. But the inspiration One dress never arrived. RENEE ADAMS, OWNER, DREAMS BRIDAL BOUTIQUE AND TUXEDO CENTER to launch Dreams Bridal Boutique last The others didn’t fit, or were fall came from how she herself felt as nothing like the picture on the a bride to be, shopping three years website! ago for one of the most important days “Of course I helped them. I of her life. felt their pain,” she said, add- “It was awful— crowded and imper- ing that shopping for a gown sonal.” She cringes at the recollection. online is a risky endeavor at “It’s true that you can try on dresses best. elsewhere, or even buy one on the “It’s important to use a repu- internet,” she said. But what she table site with a secure check- strives to offer in her own boutique out. I do understand wanting is more than a shopping transaction: a good deal and not having a “It’s really about the experience.” ton of money to spend on a With this in mind, she opened homecoming dress or prom Dreams Bridal Boutique and Tuxedo attire, or wanting to save on Center in early October, 2014, in the your wedding expenses. But space once occupied by Fashion Bug keep in mind, if it seems too Adams stays on top of new on Western Avenue in Augusta. In good to be true, it probably is.” trends, such as print gowns for addition to brides-to-be, her clientele Luckily for Maine brides, prom or the wedding party. includes bridesmaids, mothers of the and anyone in need of attire to Dreams Bridal Boutique offers bride and groom, and flower girls. She look their best for a special oc- not only gowns, but also impor- also offers prom dresses and other casion, Renee Adams is ready tant accessories such as these special occasion formal attire and and waiting to welcome you to David Tutera shoes. Adams tuxedo rentals. Dreams Bridal Boutique. Adams has created a spacious, clean, DREAMS Bridal Boutique points out that the baby blue bright and inviting venue where every and Tuxedo Center, 56 West- soles (reflected in the mirrored customer is warmly welcomed. She is ern Ave, Suite 3, Augusta, display surface below) count as also happy to set up appointments so can be reached at 480 -1446, the “something blue” for brides that brides, mothers, grandmothers online at dreamsbridalme. following the traditional custom. com or on Facebook. The shop and other bridal party/family mem- Nancy P. McGinnis photos is open weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 bers can enjoy Adams’ genuine hospi- Gowns in varying flattering tality and her undivided attention and p.m., Thursdays until 7 p.m. On Your shades of white feature a range guidance in a stress-free atmosphere. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to of silhouettes, fabrics and A romantic at heart, Adams readily Nancy P. McGinnis photos 3 p.m. admits “I’ve forever wanted all women Renee welcomes you: In a Western Avenue storefront space transformed into trimmings. to embrace their inner goddess, to a welcoming oasis of elegance, Renee Adams is ready to help the prospective WEDDING DAY love the sparkle and glitter in life.” bride, or anyone dressing up for a special occasion, to find just the right thing to She also possesses a natural knack wear. Inspiration. Information. Style. for helping each individual discover At right, Renee Adams was inspired by her own customer experience as a Weddings Start Here! Find your dream dress, explore the most flattering style and shade bride-to-be three years ago to open her own bridal boutique, where she throws to wear. Dreams Bridal Boutique reception locations, discover new ideas, preview DJs and her heart and soul into helping every customer feel as special as they deserve other music options, taste your way to a perfect menu! features gowns by Stella York, Sophia to feel. Photos of her own wedding grace the walls. Tolli, David Tutera, and the Romance Come see, feel and touch as you get to know your options. Collection by Allure. The selection for bridesmaids, mothers and flower Augusta Wedding Show girls includes offerings from Montage, prices for wedding gowns range from gown of their dreams. Four of Yvonne D, Joan Calabrese, Allure $450 to $2200. It can also be nerve them actually walked out with Sunday, January 24, 2016 and Sorella Vita. But Adams notes wracking to think of being the center their dress, but typically 90% of that most of her customers shop by of attention. customers order a gown after 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. shape and style rather than seeking a “Most of us have something we trying on various possibilities and Augusta Armory • Western Ave. • Augusta particular designer. don’t like about ourselves, but the narrowing down the options here. “Come in with an open mind,” she people in our lives who love us don’t “For the most successful, and Come Early - The fi rst 100 lucky couples suggests. Often, she observes, cus- see us that way. When you come dress least stressful experience, brides- to walk through the door will receive a tomers who think they know exactly shopping, remember that the man to-be should be seeing me at least one year subscription to Bride Magazine what they want end up with something who put the ring on your finger loves 10 months before the big day,” different. And if a dress is almost you exactly as you are!” recommends Adams. A special and a complimentary copy of Real Maine but not quite perfect, there may be Thanks in part to word of mouth, and order can take six months, and Weddings Magazine. Also, while supplies options to modify a neckline, or to add rave reviews on the Dreams Bridal it’s wise to allow plenty of time last, an eco friendly bag and oven mitt straps or sleeves, for example. Often a Boutique Facebook page, customers for alterations to assure a perfect from Royal Prestige and Dinner for two. shade of blush, mocha, cocoa, ivory, or are coming not only from the central fit. Grand Prize Give-away Dream Vacation even gold sets off the bride’s complex- Maine area, but as far away as Booth- That said, Adams is willing ion better than white. bay, Rockland and southern Maine. to do whatever is necessary to With gowns for bridesmaids, mothers and flower girls, as well as and Wedding Band Sets. One lucky bride Adams knows that the prospect of In the first few months that her make her customers happy. She formalwear for men, Dreams Bridal Boutique offers one-stop shop- will win $500 in CASH! shopping for a special occasion can be boutique has been open for business, ping for the entire bridal party. Visit www.maineweddingassocation.com for up-to-date information. intimidating along with the price – her Adams has helped 16 brides find the More DREAMS, PAGE 3 4 Tuesday, January 12, 2016 _________________________________________________________Special Supplement • Kennebec Journal • Morning Sentinel Special Supplement • Kennebec Journal • Morning Sentinel __________________________________________________________Tuesday, January 12, 2016 5 “One couple put flowers into empty shotgun shells filled with water. That was part of the out- Tame wedding day nerves Flowers can create an atmosphere door theme that also included camouflage.” AURILLA HOLT, When couples tie the knot, who will be forgiving of any OWNER BERRY & BERRY FLORAL many changes are in store, hiccups along the way. You’re many compromises will be bound to recover gracefully made and many lasting memo- from any mishaps. best suited to the bridal couple ries will be created. But in the Work on confidence. Wed- weeks and months before their ding fears may stem from BY VALERIE TUCKER big days, couples can easily inadequate self-confidence. Correspondent get caught up in the whirlwind Give yourself a pep talk and Florists have precious of wedding planning, never tak- surround yourself with positive little time after the winter ing inventory of their feelings people. Keep the worry-warts holidays for rest and relaxa- until their wedding days have at arms’ length for the time tion. Couples planning their arrived. being. weddings are scheduling Come their wedding days, Recruit more help. Weddings appointments to review couples should not be sur- are huge undertakings, so it’s endless possibilities for prised if some nerves set in. no surprise that couples some- bouquets, arrangements, A survey from the anxiety times feel overwhelmed.