The Dress
UPDATE: I chose my dress, veil, and many accessories! Please scroll way down for pictures and info :)
I know that I do not want a strapless dress and that warmer ivory shades definitely look better on me than pure white- I am a pale redhead! For now, the mermaid silhouette is my favorite. Some of my favorite designers include Alvina Valenta, Monique Lhuillier, Jim Hjelm, Lazaro, Romona Keveza, and the Priscilla of Boston Collections. I've included some of my favorite pictures below- all taken from the Kleinfelds website.
I know that I do not want a strapless dress and that warmer ivory shades definitely look better on me than pure white- I am a pale redhead! For now, the mermaid silhouette is my favorite. Some of my favorite designers include Alvina Valenta, Monique Lhuillier, Jim Hjelm, Lazaro, Romona Keveza, and the Priscilla of Boston Collections. I've included some of my favorite pictures below- all taken from the Kleinfelds website.
This Lazaro gown in a golden champagne outfit is one of my favorites.
This dress by Alvina Valenta is probably my favorite inspiration picture, and I loved it in person too. I tried it on in a very faint 'rum pink' shade.
Jim Hjelm- love the lace.
Lazaro, plus straps.
Another Lazaro, ditto on the straps. I like the subtle use of color here.
The Big Decision
Please scroll down for pictures and info on my wedding gown.
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Brendan, you're not allowed to look at this! Shoo!
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Almost there! No fiance allowed :)
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Brendan, you're not allowed to look at this! Shoo!
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Almost there! No fiance allowed :)
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After picking out my top three or four wedding gowns at three different bridal boutiques in Chicago, my mom, future mother-in-law, future sister-in-law, and godmother all came to visit for the weekend to make the big decision. At the last stop of the trip, Belle Vie Bridal Couture, I went to try on my previously-selected top gowns, but was first told that there was an Elizabeth Fillmore trunk show going on with several new gowns there fresh from the runway. One immediately caught all our attention, and I decided to try it on too. Romantic, flattering, memorable, a little quirky, in a unique color- it was my dress from the moment I first pulled it on! I had an absolute TV moment- I cried, we all cried, and I got the dress!
Elizabeth Fillmore gown
The back view- please ignore the orange clips! I chose this veil too, instead of the options I had originally discussed below.
A close-up view of the fabric from the designer's website
Reception Dress
I always knew that I wanted a short party dress to change into for the dancing portion of the wedding reception. After a long search, I happened across the perfect dress at a boutique in Chicago. This dress is short, vintage-feeling, and even has some subtle pink accents to reference my pinkish wedding gown. I love it and can't wait to DANCE in it! Please excuse my closed eyes in the picture below- we were working with a Blackberry camera.
Hair and Veil
UPDATE: Of course, I ended up with something completely different here too! Please see above for a picture of the ivory, one-length, cathedral length veil that I purchased from Belle Vie Bridal Couture. I will still definitely be wearing my hair curly and mostly down. I also am having three jeweled hair clips custom made with warm colors of pearl- ivory, tawny, and rose. Pictures to come when I see the final product!
I have long, curly red hair that I love, so I will definitely be wearing it at least partially down. I'm considering trying out a birdcage veil, and I also like the big, vintage-style flower hair accessories that have become popular recently.
I have long, curly red hair that I love, so I will definitely be wearing it at least partially down. I'm considering trying out a birdcage veil, and I also like the big, vintage-style flower hair accessories that have become popular recently.
Shoes
UPDATE: I'm re-thinking the idea of a green shoe now that my dress is dusky rose in color! Perhaps pewter? I'll update when I make the purchase.
Shoes with the new color palette in mind have been selected! I chose Jimmy Choo's "Egypt" in a light gold color that will complement both my wedding gown and the reception party dress. They are comfortable and pretty!
Original plan, now changed: I love the idea of doing a bright shoe, probably in green.
