Bride-to-be 'says yes' to filming reality TV episode

When Christine Rentschler couldn’t find a wedding gown she liked, she turned to a source many wish they had at their disposal: a TV professional who solves many anxious brides’ problems for a living.

Rentschler, 23, was recently selected to be on the TLC TV show “Say Yes to the Dress,” in the Atlanta boutique Bridals by Lori. When she was applied for the show, she didn’t think she would get chosen.

“I couldn’t sleep at all one night,” she said. “I had the hardest time finding a dress I liked. I was looking through Bridals by Lori, and I saw (the application). I applied, but I didn’t think they’d pick me. If they did, I thought it would be five years down the road and I’d be married and have children by then.”

Rentschler said it was 2 a.m. about three weeks ago when she was on the website, and it took about 30 minutes to fill out the application online. The applications asks for typical information, such as the wedding date, her name and measurements. It also asks how your fiancé proposed, who will be shopping for dresses with you and what they’re like, some facts about yourself and why you think you would be fun to watch on TV.

After Rentschler filled out her application, she said she put it out of her mind. So when they called three days later, asking her if she was still interested in being on the show, she was completely surprised.

“When I got the call, no one believed me, that we were going to go,” she said.

The show asked Rentschler to come to the store on Friday, Jan. 20. She brought seven of her 10 bridesmaids, as well as her mom, driving to Atlanta on Thursday and spending the night. They began filming at the bridal boutique at 9 a.m., Rentschler said.

She had watched the show a few times prior to getting engaged in September. However, once long-time boyfriend Joshua Griffith proposed to her, Rentschler said began watching a lot more bride-related shows, including “Say Yes to the Dress.” She said this was one of her favorites.

Nothing prepared her for the realities of being on a TV show, though.

Rentschler said she, her bridesmaids and mom were filmed from 9 a.m. to about 2 p.m. She had an individual interview by herself, where she was asked to discuss the dresses she tried on in the present tense. They also interviewed her maid-of-honor and her mother the same way.

Prior to coming, the women were asked not to wear red or pink, because of the color of the backdrop that would be used for interviews. They also could not wear black, because that was the color the consultants wore, Rentschler said. The girls also had to wear clothing with belts so there was something for the microphones to be clipped to.

“We were also told there would be no hair or makeup people there, so we had nine girls in one hotel room getting ready beforehand, doing their hair and makeup,” Rentschler said. “That’s when we needed the cameras.”

Rentschler said she was anxious about being on a reality TV show that would be seen nationwide.

“I’m outspoken and loud,” she said. “I was very nervous.”

Once they arrived at Bridals by Lori, Rentschler said the staff couldn’t have been kinder to her and those with her.

“They’re extremely nice and very professional, and they’re the same on camera as they are off it,” she said.

Rentschler got so comfortable with the cameras filming her that she let a few remarks slip.

“I forgot I was mic’d, and I’d say things like, ‘I’m starving,’” she said.

They didn’t stop filming for lunch, so when Lori and her staff brought out a few snacks, Rentschler said she and her bridesmaids descended on them hungrily.

After five hours, and several dresses, Rentschler was unable to “say yes” to a dress at the bridal salon.

“I didn’t find the dress there. They had gorgeous dresses, but I’m very indecisive and very picky,” she said.

Rentschler had a budget in mind of about $2,000 for her wedding gown. She said the boutique worked with her budget, showing her gowns in that price range. They also had her try on a few that were slightly more expensive but still the same style, so she could get an idea of what she might like.

“I wanted more sparkle, more bling. It became a joke. They said, ‘more bling means more cha-ching,’” Rentschler said.

Although she didn’t find her dream gown there, Rentschler said she’s still glad she was selected for the show.

“It was fun, and good to hear the girls’ opinions,” she said. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime, who-gets-to-do-this? experience.”

And Rentschler did not leave Atlanta empty-handed. After they finished filming, she went shopping for bridal gowns with her bridesmaids and mother at other boutiques. She finally found the Cinderella gown she’d been looking for.

“I wish the camera had been there to capture the moment, because it was everything you think of,” she said.

Rentschler will be married July 14. The episode is expected to appear during season 4 of “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta,” on TLC, which airs on Fridays at 9 p.m.