June 11, 2022

“I had an incredible experience at House of White! Leslie did a great job of listening to my vision for my wedding day and pulling a variety of dresses for me to try on. I ended up getting the very first dress she brought me because I just couldn’t keep my mind off of it once I had tried it on!! The entire staff was so welcoming and the shop itself was so stylish inside. I could tell the staff was very experienced and truly wanted to make my dress shopping experience extra special and personable! I can’t recommend this place enough - they are the full package!” - Alexis

Gown: D2845 by Essense of Australia

Veil: AVL0032 by Essense of Australia

Earrings: Deborah by Thomas Knoell

Shoes: Adora by Bella Belle

Tell US about YOUR BAE!

“Jeffrey and I met each other in the summer of 2015 through a mutual friend in high school. After being introduced to one another, we began talking more and hanging out together. Our first date involved putt putting at Knight’s Action Park followed by a late-night ice cream treat at Coldstone Creamery. On September 1, 2015, Jeffrey and I decided to make our relationship official. As our last two years of high school passed by, we spent lots of time together being each other’s biggest supporters. He attended my numerous dance competitions while I attended his various sporting events. When we weren’t taking part in athletics, we enjoyed going bowling, watching movies, and hanging out with each other’s families. During our final year of high school, we each began taking college campus tours. After touring the SIU campus in Carbondale, we both eagerly decided to make it our future home. Jeffrey decided to pursue their business program while I chose to pursue their microbiology/pre-medicine program. The next four years involved lots of very fun and special moments for the two of us. We moved into an apartment together in August of 2018 (sophomore year) and then decided to adopt our first dog, Kodak, together in November of 2019 (junior year). Throughout college, we continued to share a love for football as Jeffrey worked for SIU football’s equipment team and I danced on the sidelines as a Saluki Shaker. When we weren’t working or attending classes or football games, we loved taking Kodak to the dog park and on long walks around campus lake. We loved spending time together and becoming closer as a little family! After almost 5 years together, Jeffrey finally made our future together officially official. He popped the question on May 29, 2020, the day before my birthday. I had just got home from work when I was surprised by a walkway of rose petals leading into the living room of our apartment. After following the petals to the living room, I was surprised by all my closest family members as well as Jeffrey down on one knee. Despite being in the midst of the pandemic, it was truly one of the most special moments for the two of us, as we got to share it with our families!” - Alexis

Wedding day advice for future brides

“My advice would be to really try to take in the entire wedding day process, from the time the planning begins until the time the big day comes to an end. It all happens so fast and there are so many special little moments that you will hold onto forever, not only from your big day but from the time leading up to this day as well (such as when you pick out your dress, when you choose the people who will stand by your side, etc.)!”

favorite accessory on your wedding day

My veil!!!

vendor role call

Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse @menswarehouse

Photography & Videography: GM Photography @gabbymorganphotos__

Florist: Brilliant Bouquets @brilliantbouquets217

Venue: Erin’s Pavilion @springfieldparkdistrict

Cake: Incredibly Delicious @incdelcakes

Caterer: Hamilton’s Catering @hamiltoncatering

DJ: Music Source Professional Disc Jockey Service @musicsourceprodiscjockey

Hair: Appearances Salon & Retreat @appearances_salon

Makeup: LIV Beauty @livbeauty___

Appearances Salon & Retreat @appearances_salon

A special mOMENT from your wedding day

“Right before the ceremony began, my husband and I had a separate, private moment together to read each other letters we had written for one another. During this time, we were holding hands but we were on either side of a wall so we couldn't see each other. It was such a personal, intimate, and emotional moment for the two of us and it was really special to be able to share this moment together before the day got too crazy.”