Real Brides: Laura

5 years ago, I met Ryan at a dance club close to our hometown, Bloomington, Illinois. We locked eyes and my direction shifted. It was an instant connection, the one where you feel like you've known someone your whole life. We hit it off and we've been inseparable ever since. Ryan has a house down in Clearwater, Florida, so we are frequent visitors of the area. On March 14th, 2017, Ryan surprised me and got down on one knee at our favorite beach on Honeymoon Island. Then had a limo pick us up and took us to Ocean Prime in Tampa, where they greeted us with champagne and led us to our table that was covered with rose petals. On July 7th, 2018, we had our dream wedding in Clearwater Beach, Florida, the city where we fell in love. We said "I do" with the relaxing ocean waves crashing below us. Our wedding was everything we could have hoped for and more and my Val Stefani Bridal dress made me feel like a Princess! How I knew my gown was "the one": I found my Val Stefani gown at Country Lace Bridal Shop, in Bloomington, Illinois. I came in knowing I wanted a gown that was covered in beading and that was unique. When I tried my dress on, and saw my Mum's eyes tear up, I knew it was "the one". The gown was everything I dreamed of and more - it was beautifully embroidered with Swarovski crystals, form fitting, and PERFECT for my Florida wedding! I had the dress custom made to fit my petite frame and with added covered buttons down the back of the zip! While heading down from my bridal suite, before my first look with my soon to be husband, the elevator opened and a group of darling little girls whose eye's lit up and asked me if I was a Princess! During our ceremony overlooking the ocean, my gown sparkled in the sunlight! It was absolutely stunning! Photographer by Limelight Photography. Venue by Opal Sands Resort. Florist by Iza's Flowers. Hair Stylist + Make-up Artist by Femme Akoi.