Learn more about Meadowbrooke Bridal, current bridal fashion, and the ins & outs of finding the perfect wedding gown.

Hello Early Fall! We are in love with these Indian Summer vibes, but we are also ready for the cool mountain air. Fall brings so many elements that become a little muted during the hot Summer months. It brings life to love. It crisps up the feeling of livelihood. One of our favorite parts about Fall is the updated FASHION it brings! The wedding industry is no different than every other industry in that regard. Bridal Fashion is ever so changing, and seeing new timeless bridal trends make our hearts swoon. We recently had the opportunity to catch up with one of our favorite bridal boutique owners, Brooke Jackson from Meadowbrooke Bridal. She expressed her thoughts on bridal fashion, it’s changes, and how brides can plan for the future.

First, Who is Brooke from Meadowbrooke Bridal?

I am originally from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, between the Lynchburg and Roanoke areas.  I graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Integrated Science and Technology while also completing the Pre-Dentistry Program.  After 4 years of rigorous school, I decided I wasn’t quite ready to head to Dental School. So my husband and I moved to Charleston, SC where I worked as a Bridal Tailor.  I have known how to sew since a young age and enjoyed my time working with boutiques across the Charleston area getting to know the ins and outs of the wedding industry!  While working as a tailor, I discovered I was much more passionate about the boutique side of wedding gowns, rather than tailoring, so I eventually moved in that direction over time.  During my time working in the wedding industry in Charleston, my husband was completing Naval Nuclear Power School. 

After graduating from that program, he was officially an officer in the Navy and we were moved around the East Coast where I worked in a bridal boutique in each city we came to, while my husband deployed on a submarine.  It was a wonderful experience for me  getting to know so many different businesses and wedding dress designers, but we quickly realized military life was tough!  We knew fairly quickly that we intended to complete service in the Navy and move into civilian life with the hope of opening our own wedding dress boutique. 

During out transition out of military life, we looked at a few different cities with the qualifiers of availability for my husband to work in the civilian sector and also that there was a market for a new bridal boutique in the area.  We fell in love with the Asheville area and are even more smitten with quaint downtown Weaverville! 

When Did You Fall In Love With Bridalwear?

I have always been interested and loved clothing in general, but I’d say my bridalwear obsession started when my sister was getting married.  We had an absolute blast shopping for her dress and enjoyed the time spent together during such a special time for her.  We really connected with the owner of the boutique she purchased her gown from and that’s how I first got started working in this industry.

When Did You Know That You Wanted to Open a Bridal Boutique?

Fairly quickly after starting in the industry almost 10 years ago I knew I would love to run my own show!  It was incredible to work with a number of boutiques across the East Coast and learn all I could about all things bridal.  I’ve taken bits and pieces from each boutique and made them into what works best for Meadowbrooke Bridal!

Brooke, Where Did the Name “Meadowbrooke” Come From?

My childhood home is in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and the property is called Meadowbrooke.  It is still my parent’s home and was such a special place to grow up!  I always knew if I opened a bridal boutique, it would be Meadowbrooke Bridal.

Bridal Fashion:

What about a girl’s wedding gown(s)/outfit(s) are so important to not only her, but the entire wedding day?

I’d say the most important part of a bride’s gown is how she feels in it!  If the bride is feeling beautiful and confident, she’ll radiate that 🙂  Happiness is beautiful on everyone!

How do you see trends in bridal wear changing, and is it important to keep up with the fashion trends current?

The latest trend we’ve been seeing that we love is versatility!  Designers are getting so creative with options to change up your look.  You can add detachable sleeves, a belt, an overskirt . . . there are so many possibilities now!  We love the chance to have two looks for your big day.

Since brides plan their weddings months and sometimes years in advance, how can they ensure their dress will still be on trend when their day arrives?

My best advice for this is that if you love your dress when you get married, that’s what counts!  So many brides that got married in the 80’s complain they were so silly in their gown choice, but I always ask if they loved it at the time and I almost always get a Yes!  And that’s all that really matters.  It’s impossible to know what styles may come and go, so just go with whatever you feel most beautiful in at the time.  Who cares what brides are wearing 40 years from now!

Veil or no veil? If no veil, what other statement pieces would Meadowbrooke Bridal recommend?

Team Veil!  Always.  I vote that it’s the day to do all the good bridal stuff and that’s the only time you’ll ever get to wear a veil!  I would always recommend at least trying one on at your dress shopping appointment as many brides assume they won’t want one, but end up loving it!  If a veil were out of the question (I’d be heartbroken, but I’d live), I would go with a statement earring!  So many wedding gowns have such lovely necklines, I’d keep it simple with no necklace and a killer pair of earrings.  You could also consider something lower key for the ceremony and then jazzing it up with something fun for your reception!

What are some of your favorite designers? Why?

As the designers of Meadowbrooke Bridal, we so proud to carry each of our designers!  We love working with different brands who can bring different styles to our brides.  We will say though that we’re super excited to be partnering with a new designer, Alena Leena Bridal!  These gowns will be arriving to the boutique in the next 2-3 months and we just can’t wait!  Think texture, romanticism, and whimsy, we just know our brides will love these gowns!

Let’s Chat Dinero (Mulla, $$) with Meadowbrooke Bridal:

What is a good rule of thumb for budgets when purchasing your wedding dress?

Our gowns range in price from $1,500-$5,000 with the majority sitting between $1,800-$2,500.  Brides shopping our boutique with a budget of $2,000 would have an awesome selection of gowns to choose from! 

Traditionally, who purchases the wedding dress?

I’d say traditionally the bride’s family purchases her wedding gown.  Many moms and dads out there have been dreaming of their daughter’s wedding day so it can be special to gift to their daughter.

Modern day, who purchases the wedding dress?

I still see lots of families purchasing the dress still, but plenty of brides are pulling out their credit cards now too!  I know lots of brides feel they want to have full control and say over what they wear, so spending their own money can make that a no questions asked solution.

Are there any items in the bridal ensemble that you would recommend spending your budget on more? Less?

I’m team spend your money on the dress, but obviously totally biased!  To me, the dress is such an important part of the wedding for the bride, aside from actually getting to marry her love of course. I also think florals are a lovely part of the day, and particularly the bridal bouquet.  I would personally spend to get a beautiful bouquet for the bride! 

We LOVED getting to chat with Brooke about all things bridal fashion. We hope she could shed some light on selecting the perfect wedding dress for your big day. If you have any questions in regards to wedding gowns, accessories, or would like to schedule an appointment with Meadowbrooke Bridal please visit their portal at meadowbrookebridal.com or click HERE.

XO.
Kayla

Featuring photos from Styled Photoshoot at Chestnut Ridge Wedding Venue
Design + Planning by Kayla from CR Planning
Photography by Sheila Nolt Photography
Floral by Shannon K. with Springvine Design
Dresses + Accessories provided by Meadowbrooke Bridal | With collections from Lotus Threads, Eddy K. Bridal, with Olive + Piper
Makeup + Hair by Flawless Airbrush
Modeled by Kyra Latson
Cuisine by Carrasco Catering
Cake by 50/Fifty the Art of Dessert
Rings provided by Spicer Green Jeweler
Neon Sign by Howdy Dudey Neon