Kayla Lee Photography
The day after the proposal, I knew I was set to begin one of the most meaningful parts of my wedding journey: finding my dream dress.
Saying “Yes” to The Dress
The day after the proposal, I knew I was set to begin one of the most meaningful parts of my wedding journey: finding my dream dress. I had admired Rosa Clará gowns for decades and I have always imagined myself wearing one on my wedding day. I had always assumed I would need to travel to New York to experience the collection in person, until Ellie Belle opened its doors in Eden Prairie and brought the designer I had dreamed of wearing so close to home. So together with my mother and my soon-to-be mother-in-law, we arrived at Ellie Belle with that longtime dream of wearing a Rosa Clará gown in mind.
From the moment we arrived, the team at Ellie Belle welcomed us with a warmth that made us feel less like clients and more like family. After carefully learning what my vision was, they thoughtfully selected an array of beautiful Rosa Clará gowns for me to try. But then, as the appointment unfolded, I began to realize that the dress I had envisioned for so many years might not be the one that truly reflected who I was.
Thankfully, the professional team at Ellie Belle provided thoughtful guidance, which led to a shift in direction. We explored different silhouettes and styles, and then, as these things so often happen, we found the one! It was my mother who ultimately recognized the dress that was meant for me, because, as they say, mothers know best. The moment I put it on, everything just felt so right. It was unmistakably me, and for the first time, I truly felt like a bride.
The appointment became so much more than finding a gown. It was an afternoon filled with laughter, happy tears, and the kind of memories that I will cherish forever. I will always be grateful to the Ellie Belle team for creating such an intimate and welcoming experience for me. The exclusive, one-on-one attention made the process feel deeply personal, allowing me to feel comfortable, celebrated, and completely cared for throughout the experience of finding THE Dress.
ELLIE BELLE
Making The Dress Truly Mine
My journey with Ellie Belle continued at Ellie Belle Atelier, where I entrusted the team with perfecting my Rosa Clará Couture Alzir gown to make it truly mine in every way. Their attention to detail was exceptional. They understood exactly how to tailor the dress to my body, creating a fit that felt effortless and beautifully sculpted. Every adjustment was made with the intention of making the gown truly my wedding dress.
The finishing details made it all the more special. I thought the bustle was absolutely stunning, showcasing the romantic layers and intricate details of my Rosa Clará Couture Alzir gown's breathtaking train. The removable sleeves were also carefully tailored to fit my arms perfectly, adding another layer of elegance and refinement to the overall look. It was clear that the team was just as invested in bringing my vision to life as I was.
ELLIE BELLE
The Big Day
On August 7, my husband and I were married at the Landmark Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The venue was perfect as its timeless architecture felt like the absolute reflection of our wedding day. The bridal suite, with its corner tower, marble walls, soaring ceilings, and delicate ceiling details, felt almost dreamlike! Every architectural element seemed to complement the intricate beauty of my Rosa Clará Couture Alzir dress. Its romantic train and exquisite detailing mirror the beauty of our wedding venue. To stand in that space, surrounded by such grandeur and history, I truly felt that every part of my vision had come together exactly as I had imagined.
Looking back, what made the experience so unforgettable was not simply finding a beautiful dress, but the people and places that helped bring my vision to life. From that first appointment to the final fitting and, ultimately, the moment I walked down the aisle, Ellie Belle made me feel understood, supported, and beautiful. My Rosa Clará Couture Alzir will forever hold a special place in my heart—not only for its timeless romance, but for the memories woven into every detail of finding and wearing it.
Some dreams stay with us for years, quietly waiting for the moment they become real. For me, that dream was a Rosa Clará gown. And thanks to Ellie Belle, it became so much more than a dress. It became part of the story of one of the most beautiful days of my life.
Kayla Lee Photography
Mother of the Bride
Kayla Lee Photography
A Big Thank You to Everyone Behind Our Perfect Day
Photography: Kayla Lee Photography
Catering: Lake Elmo Inn
Cake: Dorothy Ann Bakery
Dress: Ellie Belle
Florist: Artemisia
Band and String quartet: Blue Water Kings Band
Venue: Landmark Center
Kayla Lee Photography
From the moment we arrived, the team at Ellie Belle welcomed us with a warmth that made us feel less like clients and more like family.
About the Author
Amber McDonald (formerly Ignaszewski)
Ellie Belle Bride
Amber McDonald was born and raised in Woodbury, MN. She met her husband while serving as youth group leaders at their church. She married her husband on August, 7, 2026, at the Landmark Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
