Camille’s of Wilmington meets hundreds of brides every single year that are looking for the perfect gown for the day they say “I do.” Some brides only need a a couple times to shop, order, alter, and pick up their dress. Other brides, like Courtney Townsend, stop in dozens of times during the planning process and stay connected with us long after their big day.
Courtney did not come into Camille’s knowing what she kind of dress she wanted or even what kind of wedding she wanted…
“I was not the type of bride that knew everything I wanted for my wedding since I was a little girl…other than looking through some bridal catalogs to get an idea, I was still all over the place. So I was really grateful to all the help and guidance I received throughout the process from Caitlyn Campagna and the ladies at Camille’s.” – Courtney Townsend
Courtney worked with Camille’s to find the perfect:
- wedding dress
- hair piece
- veil
- wedding jacket
- alterations
- bridesmaid dresses
- suits for the Groom and Groomsmen
Courtney’s engagement…
Where did you meet your husband, Thad?
We met at Goodfellas in Downtown Wilmington. I’m originally from New Jersey and Thad is from Emerald Island, NC.
When and where did you get engaged?
Thad and I would take our dog, Randall, on walks at Poplar Grove and on September 27, 2015, Thad said Randall needed some exercise before we headed to a birthday party. He proposed by the lake at Poplar Grove after we’d been hiking on a trail in the pouring rain.
Courtney’s & Camille’s…
What made you decide to shop at Camille’s for your wedding?
My mom and I had attended a Bridal expo at Porters Neck Country Club where Camille’s hosted the fashion show. That’s where the name was first introduced to us. Their central location was also key.
How soon after you got engaged did you begin looking for a wedding gown?
October 10, 2016, so just a couple weeks. I probably tried on 40 dresses before saying “yes!” at Camille’s.
What was it like shopping for your wedding gown at Camille’s?
In mid- November I went to Camille’s with my mom and found two dresses I really loved but they were complete opposites. One was a fuller white ball gown that allowed for more room to move and dance and the second was an off white, form-fitting, lace with open back and lace overlay on the back.
 |
|
The jacket can be added or removed |
How did you decide which one?
Caitlyn, who works at Camille’s and was my “go to” there was a huge help and support. She gave great advice about what styles would work for me and helped me consider which style would be the best based on the type of wedding and wedding day I wanted to have. After much consideration, the ball gown made much more sense because I knew I wanted to be able to dance, hug, move, and eat as much as I wanted that day.
Another recommendation from Caitlyn was a lace overlay jacket to wear on top of my dress during the ceremony that could be removed for the reception. I also added a belt (that came with the dress) to the dress during the reception. So it ended up looking like two completely different dresses!
What was your favorite thing about wedding dress shopping?
Getting to feel like a little princess and getting up there and twirling around and getting to share those moment’s with my parents.
How was shopping at Camille’s Different from other stores you went to?
The team at Camille’s remembered me every time I came and and asked me about how wedding planning was going. They really cared.
I felt like I was their #1 priority when I was in there. Caitlyn gave me honest opinions which I needed. She was familiar with the dresses in the store so she could quickly find dresses with similar look and quality to the ones I already liked. She helped me get in and out of the dresses. She would call over others in the store to give feedback. I felt like they all knew me and wanted to help me find the perfect dress…which they did!
I was in and out of the store all the time to test different pieces and jewelry as I would find it. They were always helpful and got really used to seeing me.
They were committed to making sure I was satisfied with everything I ordered and happy on my wedding day.
Did you stay within your budget?
I was thrilled to only spend $700 for the gown and the jacket was $200. I have friends who spent a small fortune on their dresses so this was a steal.
 |
|
Courtney chose a dress she could dance and twirl in. |
Did you get your alterations done at Camille’s?
Yes, the seamstress was great to work with. I can be particular with how things fit and she worked patiently with me to get the bustle just right.
Did you get your bridesmaid’s dresses from Camille’s?
I only had 1 bridesmaid in town, the rest were in Massachusetts and Camille’s did a great job working with me to get all their measurements to them and then place a rush order to save on shipping since I wanted to drive them up myself when I was there on vacation.
 |
|
Wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses from Camille’s |
Did they help with anything else?
They invited me to a bridal workshop at the store where I met Kelly with Silverceiling who did such a great job at the workshop, she ended up doing the hair and makeup for me and me entire wedding party! So thankful we found her.
 |
|
The bridal workshop at Camille’s with Silverceiling |
Courtney’s wedding…
When and where was your wedding?
Nov 12, 2016 at Bakery 105 in Downtown Wilmington.
The ceremony was in courtyard and the reception took place inside..
How many wedding guests?
175
Courtney’s wedding vendors:
| Ceremony/Reception: | Bakery 105 |
| Photography: | Bella Rose Photography |
| Videography: | The Good Life Film Company LLC |
| DJ | DJ Brian Hood |
| Lighting: | High Performance Lighting |
| Flowers: | Eco Chic Blossoms |
| Cake: | Creative Cake Designs |
| Tent, heaters, Linens: | Party Suppliers and Rentals |
| Furniture and Design: | Pomp Events |
| Hair/Make Up: | Silver Ceiling |
| Shuttle: | Wilmington Trolley |