Here we are day five into renovation and this still feels like a dream. As Jessica and I stared around the blank walls of our store just a few days ago, I thought to myself "How in the world will this ever get done?" Well friends, the Lord is faithful and we are progressing right on schedule. Does this mean there haven't been setbacks? No. Does this mean we haven't been stressed to the max? I can assure you, no, but there is one thing that has kept us going through this process and that is the love and support of our family and friends.
Friends. They fuel you, inspire you, and encourage you to chase your dreams. So, I know you're probably still reading this title and thinking, "what in the world does this have to do with the bridal store?" I can start by telling that 9 years ago my life was forever changed by my 10th grade English teacher and this may help answer the infamous question of how we came up with our name. August of my Sophomore year I stepped into the classroom of Lindsey "Raulerson" Martin. This would be the person who would challenge me, grow me, and learn to love me despite our strong willed personalities. Something I would never be able to appreciate until I got older.
Over the years our friendship has grown in many ways as we've walked through the good and bad times, the news of her newborn baby, and so many other life changing moments. On March 30th, 2017 with tears of joy, I stared into the eyes of a beautiful little girl named Mary Elizabeth Martin. From that day I knew this child would always hold a special place in my heart, but I never realized just how much joy she would bring me in the months to come. Life gets hard (can I get an Amen?!), people change and unexpected things happen but the Lord always gives you what you need to overcome. For me that was Lindsey and Mary Elizabeth.
So fast forward to June, Jessica and I we were knee deep in paperwork, trying to make this bridal business work. We started searching for what would be the perfect name and we were drawing blanks. Being in the heart of Savannah, we knew we wanted a name with southern elegance and grace encompassed, but something that also has meaning. I started questioning the thought of a personal name. We had just left Lindsey's house one night and I threw out "Mary Elizabeth's" in the car praying that Jess didn't look at me like I was crazy. Thankfully she was thinking the same thing! She and Lindsey have been great friends for many years.
There was no better way to honor Lindsey, the most genuine, humble person we know and always reminding us of our southern etiquette. So here's to writing thank you notes, southern hospitality, and the truest form of friendship. Cheers to Mary Elizabeth's!
-Emily