MOB: Kelly O’Shea
Mother of: Abby
Venue: Excelsior in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Vibe: Formal urban
Dress: Alex Teih from Van Cleve Bridal
Abby and Lexi got married in September at the Excelsior in Lancaster, Penn. — an historic space that’s been transformed into a modern venue with loads of eclectic character. Abby’s mom, Kelly, used the space as her wardrobe guide.
“I wanted to wear something that fit the ambiance of the venue and the energy of a classic wedding,” she says.
But before she even described the space to the team at Van Cleve Bridal, a stylist had her pegged.
“This is your dress,” she told Kelly, pointing to an Alex Teih strapless navy ballgown with a skirt of flocked tulle. “She told me it had an 'old Hollywood' style. I loved the shape and the silhouette right from the start. I also loved the texture and shimmer.”
She had already tried on about 20 dresses when she found the Alex Teih gown. “Once I tried this one on, it became the benchmark.”
Still, she sat on it a few days before making it official.
With its texture and shimmer, Kelly kept her accessories to a minimum. Abby gifted her mom a pearl bracelet to wear with her dress. It featured eight pearls representing the members of their family: Abby’s mom and dad, two sisters and their partners. And it connected to the pearl necklace that Abby wore — a family heirloom handed down from her great great grandmother. She was the fourth bride to wear the necklace.
“I loved the connection to the pears she was wearing,” Kelly said of the bracelet.
It was a small anchor in a day that Kelly says felt like “a whirlwind.” Her advice to other moms: “Try to slow down and observe what is happening around you. And don't worry so much!! The day is planned, professionals are helping, it will all play out beautifully and perfection doesn't matter.
| Photography by Lindsey Ford