You can’t help, but get a little FMO (fear of missing out) looking at Allie and Collin’s wedding photos. Their New Year’s Eve wedding looks like it was a great way to ring in 2020. It was very fitting for this fun couple! We had the privilege of meeting Allie and sewing the alterations on her satin Alex Grecco wedding dress this past year. We were so happy when she agreed to take part in our Ask an Ette Bride series. Scroll through to read her story and her great tips for future brides.

Before the wedding – tell us a little bit of your love story?

Collin and I met in college at an infamous party called the night of 100 jell-o shots.  Over the last 10 years, our relationship has matured as has our preferences in beverage. We've cooked meals for each other while the other was studying through med school/architecture school and have been so mutually supportive of one another's individual goals. I think that giving each other the space to grow as individuals has only made our life together stronger. 

What was the proposal like?

Collin proposed to me on a beautiful summer day in Seattle. He'd gotten takeout bahn mi sandwiches (my fave), and we went down to the waterfront for a sunset picnic. It was low-key, sweet, and exactly what I wanted.  Once he popped the question, a group of our friends popped out from their hiding spots in the beach grasses and we all had a champagne toast. It was the cutest!

Tell us a bit about your wedding! Venue, vibe, favorite detail. 

We got married in a historic industrial venue in Portland, OR on NYE. It was lushly floral, intentionally undone, a bit glamorous, and SO FUN. Lots of glitter, lots of champagne, a balloon drop over the dance floor at midnight.

What is one moment of your big day that will last with you forever?

The way I felt when I started to walk down the aisle is something I'll remember forever. I remember being giddy, nervous, excited, but mostly in this weird, weird head space because I was trying so hard to absorb all the details and take everything in in the moment, but also already nostalgic for a moment that I knew was so fleeting. 

What do you wish someone had told you when you first started planning the wedding?

Don't let the opinions of a random aunt make you second-guess yourself. Go with your gut instincts. Oh also: I'd HIGHLY recommend a day-of, if not month-of coordinator. I was able to fully let go and enjoy the day without worrying about last minute details. 

Tell us about your gown!

I wore the Marley gown by Alexandra Grecco. It was sleek, modern, high necked with a fun low back. It was the perfect mixture of modern/elegant/flirty that I was going for. 

What was the biggest surprise to you about the gown purchasing and alterations process?

Ette was so lovely to work with. It was really straightforward because ultimately I trusted them to do what they do best. They hemmed the gown a bit, created a bustle, edited the strap length, and slightly changed the neckline. 

Any other tips for future brides?

I'd say choose vendors that you inherently trust/vibe with. That way you won't feel the pressure to micromanage everything. If you make good initial decisions, the whole thing should just come together. Also- weddings are F*%$ing expensive.  If you don't want to spend a ton of money on something you think you "need" because it's tradition, get rid of it! Invest in the elements of your day that are important to you!