Thank You To The Mother of the Bride

Real Weddings | March 1, 2024

Happy Women’s History Month (and any other months around it!). At Maggie Sottero Designs, we know firsthand the essential role women play in the bridalsphere. Women who create, design, dream, love, and innovate are what make the wedding business a beautiful place to be! And that’s just one half of the equation… We’re all about real women who celebrate love and marriage. Not just our Maggie brides. The mother of the bride, the maid of honor, and every sister, and friends who make it all happen. THANK YOU!

For today’s article, we’d like to extend a special honor to the mother of the bride… On behalf of everyone here at Maggie Sottero, WE LOVE YOU! We are so appreciative of the roles our moms and mother figures play in our marriage stories. To all our moms: You comfort us, advise us, indulge us, inspire us, and push us to be the best versions of ourselves. You’ve made us into the women, wives, mothers, friends, and colleagues we are today!

If you haven’t heard — here at Maggie Sottero, it’s our moms and daughters who run the show. From leading our executive team to crafting gorgeous gowns to helping brides celebrate true love and happily-ever-after. Curious about our women-led values and ongoing commitments? Keep scrolling, because we’ve got tons of THANKS to give! Plus, take our style quiz to see which some of our dress picks for your unique style!

Maggie Sottero: A Business For Women, By Women

Being women-owned and women-led means we have a real-life commitment to our gorgeous brides. Design for the diverse beauty, style, budget, and comfort of every bride searching for her perfect wedding gown. And for us, staying true to that commitment has always been about upholding a real family business… “Family-owned” is a rare modifier these days, so we’re proud to say we’ve been true to kin and collaboration since day one!

PC: Rhete Photography | Adri Rose Photography

We believe every bride deserves to feel exceptional on their big day, whatever their style, budget, timeline, and wedding vision. So that means one primary goal: Make dreams a reality for every Maggie Sottero Designs bride. Each season inspires us to reflect on our work, innovate our practices, and set a fresh, forward-thinking aesthetic for our trio of collections: Maggie Sottero, Sottero and Midgley, and Rebecca Ingram. We believe a wedding gown is a beautiful reflection of a bride’s love story, style, and personality. Every Maggie Sottero dress upholds our commitment to premium construction, impeccable styling, and incomparable fit, and reflects our company’s value of love for ALL. Today, let’s talk about the love we have for the mother of the bride!

Thank You To The Mother of the Bride

It goes without saying that we spend a lot of time focusing on our Maggie Sottero brides, but we also know that behind every bride is a tribe of family, friends, and great talent to make her wedding dreams come true! We’ve talked to a few of our real brides about their VIP Mother of the Bride and asked about what those women’s love and support has meant to them. Without further ado, here’s a little thank you to the MOB:

PC: Papis and Sons | Christopher Ian

• From bride Victoria Mendez: “The day before and the day of my wedding was a very trying and difficult time. My mother fell into a coma due to heart failure the day before my wedding and she was unable to be there. The entire situation was heartbreaking so both our families came together to show support for my father, my son, and I through that time,” Victoria says. “The best news I received before the ceremony was when my father called me and let me know my mother had woken up and blew him a kiss. They have been married for 31 years on Feb. 20th. It is their love and their union that has inspired and empowered our wedding and now our marriage. Our family, friends, and photographer made sure to capture as many videos and pictures as possible so my mom wouldn’t miss a thing! The support shown to us was unbreakable and I will be grateful for the rest of my life.”

• Michelle Salgado’s thank you to the mother of the bride: “My godmother was there with us during our getting ready process in the morning. It was so important for me for her to be there because she’s the person I look up to the most. She’s a very hard worker. She works 7 days a week to provide for her family, as she is a single mother. She’s a nurse during the week and she runs her small business on the weekends. She doesn’t rest. I had to ask her to make the sacrifice not to work on my wedding day. She’s always there to support the rest of the family no matter what. She deserves all the good things that this world has to offer.” 

PC: Emma Grace Photography

Michelle also shared details about her aisle walk: “Traditionally, only the father of the bride walks her down the aisle. But I wanted my mom to also walk me down, which I thought was very sweet! My mom also lit the candles during the ceremony along with my mother-in-law. They both also went up to read readings during the ceremony.”

• Riley Boling: “Having my mom there with me was beyond special. She has been my rock through so many low spots in my life; it felt like a dream being able to have her there on the most important day of my life. My mom is my best friend and I hope I can be at least half the woman she is some day.”

PC: Kelly Keene Photography

• Gabrielle Unruh: “One way my mom supported me in particular was when she and my grandma went wedding dress shopping with me. I saw the Mitchell dress onlines, and so I called a bridal store to confirm they had it and then made an appointment. It was the first dress I tried on, and it was the one. My mom and grandma were there when I tried it on, and they knew just as much as I did that it was my dress. That was a very special moment to share with two important women who helped shape me into the woman I have become.”

PC: Adri Rose Photography

And finally, from all of us here at Maggie, THANK YOU to the mother of the bride!

Maggie Women for Women’s History Month

Here at Maggie Sottero, we’re proud to have women in leadership positions across the company and a multitude of departments. Our cohort of female employees is what makes Maggie Sottero the brand you see today! Here’s a quick intro to a few of them:

Kelly Midgley

Led by our CEO and Creative Director, Kelly Midgley, we are constantly inspired by the amazing, diverse people that make up the Maggie family. We’re friends, collaborators, dreamers, creatives, leaders, risk-takers, and trend-setters. But most importantly, we’re each beautifully and uniquely ourselves. Female leadership is a key part of our company’s success! 

• Kelly represents the legacy of Maggie Sottero as a women-led company from the beginning. Over 25 years ago, Wayne and Lesley Webster started with one boutique in Sydney, Australia. Our brand grew, and Lesley Margaret (“Maggie”) Webster assumed the name of “Maggie Sottero” in honor of her great-grandmother. Now, Lesley’s daughter, Kelly Midgley, has followed in her footsteps and assumed the role of CEO in 2020.

• Kelly speaks to her executive experience as a way to honor her creativity and learn from her talented peers. As Kelly puts it herself, “My family has been in the bridal business for about 45 years now. Growing up in the bridal business was such a joy. As a little kid, I would hide in the racks of our bridal boutique and scare our customers. I would always have conversations with our staff and our vendors, and they were always so kind to me. They made me feel like family. It was such a wonderful experience growing up in that environment. Throughout my life, my mother and grandmother have been my greatest influence. They were such strong ladies in business and taught me that there are no barriers. If you want something and work hard, you will find a way to make things happen. I’m so excited to start introducing my twin girls to Maggie. I truly feel so fortunate to have these experiences as a business owner of a women-led company, as well as a mom.”

Lily Yee

Lily Yee, our VP of Operations and Logistics, got started at Maggie when her then-friend-and-future-sister-in-law asked her if she would be interested in coming to work with her here at Maggie Sottero. At the time, she had just graduated from the University of Utah with a Biology degree that she didn’t want to use, and decided that she would take the job and work until she decided what she wanted to do with her life. She ended up finding her niche here at Maggie and never left!

Lily says that what she has appreciated the most in the 24 years that she has worked at Maggie Sottero is its positive family atmosphere. She loves the flexibility and understanding that was given to her as she grew her family from two to five. “Because the culture was primarily women, I felt that they understood the requirements of balancing home and work,” she says. “I am grateful for the support and the opportunities that I have had to grow with Maggie and forge a very successful career as well as raising a happy family.”

Anita Dowden

Meet Anita Dowden, our head seamstress here at Maggie Sottero. Anita first heard about Maggie Sottero in 1997, while she was working as a contracted seamstress at a local bridal shop in Utah… 

• When Anita eventually joined the Maggie family and met our founder, Lesley Webster, she learned that Lesley also had sewing skills, which Anita said made her love the company even more! Anita says that Lesley’s hard sewing work and leadership helped to instill in her a greater respect for her own sewing talents and abilities.

• Anita is all about honing her craft and sharing successes with her women-led teams. As she puts it, “Seeing Lesley and now her daughter Kelly’s passion for this industry has empowered me to follow my dreams and utilize these gifts to further reach my fullest potential. By working with so many women I hope to instill in them the courage to think big and make and follow their goals.”

• Anita says Women’s History Month means a lot to her as a woman leading in her field. She says that she finds it humbling and tries to look at those around her and encourage them to be the best they can be. “They will need to replace you and me someday,” says Anita, “and the world needs to be better because of our influence.” 

Connie Gable

Our VP of Customer Relations, Connie Gable, speaks about how she loves finding herself surrounded by the beauty and craftsmanship of stunning dresses, an environment she never knew existed before she started at Maggie and was introduced to the bridal world 18 years ago. 

• Connie says that as a woman who has always prided herself on her strong work ethic, she is deeply inspired by the women who have influenced her life. AAs she puts it, “My mother, in particular, stands out as a beacon of strength and resilience, having navigated the challenges of single motherhood for much of her life with unwavering determination and grace.”

• We asked Connie what working for Maggie Sottero, a company for women by women means to her, and this was her response: “It fills me with immense pride to be part of a company like Maggie Sottero, where the ethos is firmly rooted in empowering women. Knowing that our designs are created by women, for women, is incredibly meaningful. It is a testament to the spirit of unity and support that permeates every aspect of our work culture, and it reinforces my belief in the importance of uplifting and championing women in every endeavor.”

Christina Blanchette

Christina Blanchette, our VP of Sales and Marketing, is an energetic, insightful powerhouse in our Maggie family. Her advice to other women interested in getting into the bridal industry is that If your passion aligns with your skills, that’s the ticket to getting where you want to go. She says that there is no right or wrong path. When the time is right, the opportunity will present itself.

• Christina has been influenced throughout her life and career by watching others, and especially her fellow women, succeed in their own career paths. Her advice to other women is to seek the opportunities to learn and grow from others.

• As a mom, Christina is often asked how she manages to balance her family and her career. Christina’s insight? “As a woman, you’re taught you have to choose between family and career — but you don’t have to think of that in limiting terms. It’s important to me as a mother to be a role model in this way and many others to my daughter. I want to show her that she can do whatever she puts her mind to, and to be gentle with herself on that journey to getting there.”

• Christina also urges women to reject the stereotype that we all have to be Superwoman. She says that it is crucial to take time for yourself. “I’m a leader and a mother, but I’m also just me,” Christina says, “And I need to take care of myself.”

To Our Flower Girls and Future Brides

Another of our brides’ supporters, besides the mother of the bride, are all the little ones (and in some ways, future brides!). Flower girls, daughters, nieces, and sisters make up the joy, uniqueness, and spirit of a wedding day. Here’s what our real brides have to say about what having you be a part of their wedding day means to them:

• Riley Boling: “My flower girl is the sweetest little girl I have ever met. She’s my husband’s cousin’s daughter and she was the prettiest, most amazing flower girl I could have ever asked for. I’m so thankful for my family and my husband’s family, I couldn’t have done anything without all of their love, help, and support.”

PC: Kelly Keene Photography

• Alice Aitkin: “My little niece, Alarnah was the prettiest flower girl you ever did see; even with her windswept hair and bright pink lipstick, she did us proud, walking down the aisle without a pick of nervousness! She will always be special to us as we have such a close bond and I’m so glad she was confident enough to lead the way with my son, down the aisle.”

PC: Papis and Sons

Women’s History Month: Our Legacy

Before we continue our thank you to the mother of the bride, we want to take a second to talk about our Maggie Mothers, the founders of our company! Curious about our history and legacy as a women-led company? Here’s a short but sweet rundown of our major touchstones!

• 1997 – Our co-founder and design innovator Lesley Margaret (“Maggie”) Webster assumed the alias of “Maggie Sottero” and launched our core brand.

• 2006 – We added a second label! 2006 marked the debut of Sottero and Midgley — cutting-edge styles designed for brides with chic, edgy, and discerning tastes.

• 2016 – In honor of Lesley’s grandmother, we launched the Rebecca Ingram label — high-quality designs at affordable price points.

• 2017 – Our Curve line debuted with Liris Crosse as our model champion. Liris was the first plus-size winner of Project Runway.

• 2018 – Maggie showcased our first plus-size model on the runway.

• 2020 – This year featured the introduction of Personalize It! For Your Love Story, a program that allows brides to truly personalize their gowns to complement their unique love stories.

• 2022 – This year marked our 25-year anniversary of making brides’ dreams a reality.

• 2023 – We proudly introduced sustainability initiatives to reduce our impact on Mother Earth. This unique and impact-driven program is part of our commitment to creating positive solutions for current (and future) generations of brides. After all, one day you just might be the mother of the bride!

We Can’t Forget About the Bridesmaids…

Aside from the mother of the bride, of course, some of the biggest supporters of our brides are their lovely bridesmaids! Here are more heartfelt thanks from some of our real brides:

PC: Emma Grace Photography | Adri Rose Photography

• Alice Leaf: “My sister was my maid of honor – and what an honor it was for me. She was a voice of reason in the lead up to the big day, and was grace and beauty personified on the day itself (at least until the dancing started!). And where would I have been without my bridesmaids? They are the most thoughtful, kind and beautiful women, and have been constant sources of strength and love in all the time I’ve known them. I pinch myself everyday that I get to do life with them by my side.”

PC: Christopher Ian

• Melanie McGill: “I think one of the best parts was getting ready all together with the women closest to me. Everyone having drinks, playing music, getting makeup done and just talking was so simple but such a core memory. Throughout the reception, it was so fun dancing with all my girlfriends, blasting Celine Dion and screaming along. I think overall, the whole day was special with all of them.”

PC: Kimberly Sha Caton

• Alice Aitken: “My maid of honor was my sister, Charlotte. She’s one of the most important people in my life and has been one of the reasons I have become such a well rounded person. She has guided me through so much since I was young, and ALWAYS has my back, no matter what. The most amazing sister and best friend any woman could ever want. On top of that, she is the best Auntie to my children and we adore her.”

PC: Papis and Sons

• Kimberly Whittaker: “I didn’t have bridesmaids, I had DIAMOND ANGELS, a group of my 7 sister-friends! ALL MY DIAMONDS were present in beautiful colored dresses! All I asked is for everyone to wear something purple or close to it and THEY ALL understood the assignment!” (Also, how cute is this picture of Kimberly walking with her mom. The sweetest mother-of-the-bride moment!)

PC: Unknown

Women’s History Month: A Thank You to All the Other Women

Last but not least, thank you to all the other talented ladies who make our bridal dreams come true! Friends, family, colleagues, helpers, vendors — everyone who goes all in on creating the best day ever for the happy couple. A few final shout-outs from our brides:

• Melanie McGill: “My Mom’s best friend was our officiant. She is family to me and it was so fun having her a part of my day. I’ve always looked up to her so it made the day extra special.” 

PC: Kimberly Sha Caton

“It was amazing being surrounded by so many women supporting me. Not only from my bridal party but so many great women that attended. My Aunts, Grandma, sister, cousins, etc. — I have amazing, strong women in my life that I value so much.”

• Kimberly Whittaker: “Being surrounded by the women that truly and wholly support me and me with my husband, was absolutely emotional! I burst into tears as soon as they all stood for me! with the sun glowing off each of their melanated skin. I could see they were happy for me at that moment! or was it all the purple that brought tears of joy? I don’t know but it was a special moment!” 

PC: Unknown

“A special lady that traveled to Jamaica to support our unity is Ms. Louisa. My African Queen. Ms Louisa is a former co-worker with a huge heart and creative hands! She encouraged me when I was down, gave me advice on love, family, and children. She is strong, she is love, and she is a blessing to have by my side.”

• Victoria Mendez: “My aunts Cheryl and Kim really stepped in when my mother was ill and really took me under their wings, nurturing me, speaking during the ceremony, and supporting me in every way. My high school teacher and longtime friend Sara shared so many memories with each other and she spoke so much light into my heart about how proud she is of the woman I’ve become since she’s watched me grow into the woman and now wife that I am now. She recorded so many details of the wedding for my mom to see and it meant the world to me. These women made my wedding even more special!”

PC: Rhete Photography

• Alice Aitken: “Grandma was a huge part of my life, especially in the last years of hers, as along with the rest of the family, I helped care for her up until her death at the age of 92. I wore her wedding ring and used Elnette in my hair so she was with me.” How wonderful to be the mother of the bride, and then the grandmother of the bride. We can’t get over how sweet it is.

Feeling the love? Grab the mother of the bride and MOH and head to an Authorized Retailer near you!

More blogs like this:

Women’s History Month: Why We’re Proud to Be a Women Led & Women Owned Business

Maggie Sottero: Our Story

Real Brides Katie and Curly’s New Year’s Eve Wedding and Giveaway

To the Mother of the Bride (and every other fabulous woman to celebrate) — THANK YOU!