Debi C.: Black Tie Bash

Debi C.: Black Tie Bash

Mother of: Erin

Wedding locale: St. Bartholomew Catholic Church and Wayzata Country Club in Wayzata, Minn.

Vibe: A ritzy, warm, classic country club bash

Dress: Aqua Formal from Bloomingdale's

It was one of those straight-out-of-the-movies events with 275 guests in tuxedos and floor-length gowns, dramatic floral installations and theatrical lighting in a classic country club setting, speeches that brought even the most stoic of guests to tears, a band that had everyone on the dance floor, an over-the-moon bride and groom and beaming parents. "It was one of the most beautiful and happiest days of my life," says Debi, mother of the bride. "My entire family is pretty outgoing and social—we all wanted a big celebration. But nothing prepared me for the tremendous feeling of love and joy in my heart throughout that special day. Our family adores her new husband Anthony, we celebrated with hundreds of family members and friends, and our plans went off without a hitch!" 

It helped that Debi felt comfortable and chic in her off-the-shoulder floor-length black dress. Five months before the wedding Debi and her daughters went on a shopping trip to Chicago. "I had been looking online, but hadn't found anything that I thought was worth ordering. I was searching for something special and different from previous formal wear I had purchased.”

She knows her style: “I appreciate a strong classic look and feel I look best in tailored styles.” She spotted it on the rack at Bloomingdale’s: the black, off-the-shoulder column with a short train and gold back zipper. Bonus: it was by the quite reasonably priced brand Aqua. “It was comfortable, flattering, and classic,” Debi says. “We giggled in the dressing room as I danced around the room to be sure I could do all my ‘favorite dance moves.’ It was an easy, super fun experience for my girls and me!” 

Photography by: Steena Anne Photography

More Mother Of Stories