Mother of: Serenna
Venue: The Hare Wine Co. in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Vibe: Vintage Italian/French
Dress: Betsy & Adam
Ever since she was a little, Serenna knew she wanted to get married at a vineyard. When the time finally came in June, one thing she knew she didn’t need to think about is what her mother Suzanna would wear. “She’s the ultimate fashionista,” says the bride. “I knew she would choose something that was both beautiful and timeless.”
MOB Suzanna started her search at bridal boutiques, but says, “they were just a little much for me. While I’m of course proud to be the mother of the bride, I didn’t want a dress that screamed ‘MOB.’”
She shifted to online shopping and discovered Betsy & Adam on the Nordstrom website and ordered two dresses. “My daughter was halfway through zipping me up when I told her, ‘this is it!’”
She chose a one shoulder gown with an added cold shoulder cutout and asymmetrical neckline, which gives it some extra attitude.
“My dress made me feel sexy an elegant,” Suzanna says. “I also love that it showcased my toned arms—I worked hard on them after all!”
(Get the ultimate MOB arm workout.)
Betsy & Adam is known for its on-trend quality dresses at reasonable prices. “My advice to other mothers of the bride and groom: you don’t have to blow your budget to look like a million dollars. If you’re wearing something you feel confident in, you’ll shine.”
The bride agreed. “I loved everything about her dress,” Serenna says. “I could tell that it made my mom feel confident and beautiful. The simple style showcases her beauty, while the single shoulder adds a little interest.”
Just as she imagined, Serenna’s wedding to Cameron took place at a vineyard in southern Ontario wine country, about an hour from their home in Toronto. The Hare Wine Co. is nestled between the shores of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario.
Suzanna opted not to walk down the aisle with her husband and daughter. “I wanted to be at the end of the aisle, watching them come down. It was so special.”
Dinner was served alfresco, under twinkling lights. “It felt like a dream,” Suzanna says.
But Serenna says her mother’s advice kept her grounded throughout the magical summer evening: “A wedding is one day, marriage is forever. The flowers and decor are wonderful, but they are not the most important part of this day. If you’re excited to spend your life with your future husband, your wedding has already been a dream come true.”
| Photography by Livi Shaw