Zach and I talked about doing a west coast trip and and east coast trip in the future, so when I booked a wedding in Cape Cod for this year, we thought it was a perfect excuse to do the east coast trip. We decided not to take Maddox with us since we were going to staying in so many different places and on the go so much. We missed him, but it was nice to have some much needed adult time and one on one time with my husband (especially before #2 comes in November) We started the trip in Boston, then headed to Newport Rhode Island, followed by Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, then finished in Cape Cod with the wedding.

Boston

Zach really wanted to go to a Red Sox game, and unfortunately we missed the Royals being there by one week, but it was still a good time. We stayed in an awesome little AirBNB near downtown Boston which was walking distance to everything we wanted to see and do. Started out on Lansdowne Street before the game for a bite to eat, then headed into the game. The next day we shopped Newbury Street and went to the Boston Tea Party Museum for a little history lesson. Couldn’t leave Boston without getting a cannoli from Mike’s Pastry. We picked up our rental car on the Harvard campus, so we got to see that which was really neat.

Newport Rhode Island

Newport was one of our favorite places on the trip. We stayed in another AirBNB which was the Trinity School House with Robert and Michelle who were amazing hosts. They had renovated the old school house, which was beautiful. So close to the town and helpful with recommendations for where to eat. They even took us out sailing on their boat, which was such a cool experience! We did so much in Newport. Lunch at The Lobster Bar which had excellent views of the harbor. Dinner at Scales and Shells, a local favorite. The Cliff Walk has awesome views of the ocean and all the Newport Mansions. We toured Rosecliff and I found out you can have your wedding there, so if you do, just call me!

Martha’s Vineyard

Next stop was Martha’s Vineyard and we took the Hy-Line cruise out of Hyannis. I highly recommend staying at The Dockside Inn because once you get off the boat, its right in front of you, so convenient! The Dockside Inn was updated, clean, friendly and had an awesome breakfast and snack area. They also had beach gear you could use which was nice since you can’t pack all that in your suitcase. When checking out we chatted with the owner and he told us so much about the Vineyard and it was so cool to get in the inside scoop, great guy! In the Vineyard we had rain both days, but we still shopped! We hit up Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. We walked through Faneuil Hall with all the market shops and stopped for lobster roll for lunch. Before we left, we saw all the Gingerbread houses in Oak Bluffs, which had some real character!

Cape Cod

Last leg of the trip was Chatham in Cape Cod. We drove up to Providence town one day and that place was hopping! Tons of people in the streets and shops and restaurants. Back in Chatham we shopped the downtown and sat in the bleaches of the baseball field that Summer Catch was filmed in. Then ended the trip shooting the wedding in Chatham with a wonderful couple who were truly meant to be and some of the nicest people I have ever met!

On June 1st of this year Altar Bridal will mark its 6th year in the bridal business. Altar Bridal was created for brides who want to shop for fresh and fashionable designer dresses in a relaxed and personal atmosphere. From the moment you enter their doors, they want you to feel relaxed, pampered and ready to have some fun! You’ll receive personalized attention from their professional staff who will listen thoughtfully to your likes, dislikes and overall vision you have for your day—even if you’re not quite sure what that vision is yet.

Dede Palmer, owner of Altar started this business because it was the one business idea she knew she would not tire of, and starting and running a business was her passion. She truly excels in customer service, growing the business and creating an amazing experience for brides. The Altar Bridal team is comprised of three talented ladies.

From the left: Sara Sarles, Dede Palmer, Meredith

I sat down to talk all things bridal with Dede and if you are in the market for dresses, then this is for you!

What are the newest trends in dresses?

Sleeves, back details and separates

Stock photos from Designers

What type of experience do brides get when they walk into Altar Bridal?

An experience that is memorable. We try to keep things super relaxed and personal so each bride feels comfortable. We really want to work with the bride to find them a dress that works for them

When should brides start looking for their dresses?

Our recommendation is 9-12 months, especially if you don’t know for sure what style you want. And the most important piece of advice I can give to brides is to do your research! Research styles before you start looking. Research dress stores and their style to make sure they carry what you are looking for. Research price points of certain designers and know your gown budget before you hit the stores. Which leads me to the next piece of advice, don’t start shopping until you are ready to buy. Because there are no rules and if you love the first dress you try on, you don’t want to be caught off guard and nervous about making a decision so soon. You never know when you are going to slip into the perfect gown.

What are brides favorite style of dresses right now?

The silhouette that we see most brides gravitating to currently are fit to flairs and sheath (think bohemian). Although we think the ball gown is making a comeback!

Stock photos from Designers

Altar Bridal Shopping Tips

• Appointments preferred, but they do accept walk-in’s
• Wear what you would wear underneath your dress that day. Nude underwear, shape wear, strapless bra, etc
• Bring your shoes with a heel height that you may wear on the big day
• Only invite close family and friends that value your opinion when heading out for a day of dress shopping

For a full list of shopping tips visit the Altar Bridal shopping tips page

This is the first feature of the monthly feature series and I am so excited to feature my favorite place to sweat: Fusion Fitness. This place will get you in the right mindset for your upcoming wedding; mentally and physically. I have been working out at Fusion for 3 years now and I never get tired of it. Not only do the workouts rock my world, I just love how they make you feel good. Always uplifting, good moods and reminding us of gratitude.

According to owner and creator, Darby Brender, “We have developed a system that will transform your body by elongating your muscles, decreasing body fat, improving cardiovascular endurance and increasing flexibility.”

photo credits: epagaFOTO http://www.epagafoto.com/

Once again, Haley has put together an amazing shoot for her Fall Bridal Line. From Haley at The Yellow Peony, “I started The Yellow Peony with a vision and aspiration to create beautifully constructed hair pieces informed by vintage couture style and timeless design. I wanted to create pieces that would be attainable for brides like myself who didn’t want to sacrifice quality and craftsmanship to wear a piece that was both lovely and handmade.” She does such an amazing job and all the new Fall pieces are available on her Etsy shop.

Thank you to all the amazing vendors that participated in the shoot, we could not of done this without you!

Makeup, Kristen George Makeup Artistry - kgmakeupartistry.com

Hair, Michelle Marturano, Bella Hair Company - http://www.bellahairco.com/

Dress, Janay A Handmade - http://www.janay-a.com/

Flowers, Good Earth Floral - http://www.goodearthflowers.com/

Location, The Urban Event - http://theurbanevent.com/

Accessories and shoot styling, The Yellow Peony - www.theyellowpeony.com