Posts Tagged ‘Bridal Gowns’
Real Weddings Dazzling Dresses: Elizabeth Smart in Alita Graham
Ten years ago, Elizabeth Smart made headlines for her high-profile kidnapping. Now the beautiful 24-year-old is once again in the media spotlight, but this time for happier reasons…her wedding! After announcing her engagement to 22-year-old Matthew Gilmour recently, the blushing bride surprised everyone with a private affair on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.
Pushing the original wedding date of July 1 to February 18 wasn’t without its challenges, especially finding the perfect dress at the 11th hour.
“I tried on just about every dress in Utah,” Smart told People magazine. “I was going to New York with my friend for the weekend and we thought, ‘Why don’t we just see if we can get into Kleinfeld’s and look around?’” The change of location proved inspiring and she quickly found her dream dress. The Alita Graham gown with lace sleeves and a sweetheart neckline was purchased at the famed boutique, also home to TLC’s reality show, “Say Yes to the Dress.” Said Smart, “It was traditional, but still was different. I felt like it was just perfect.”
We think she looks absolutely lovely. And kudos to the groom for the dashing kilt!
Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.
Photos courtesy of People Magazine.
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Real Weddings Dazzling Dresses: SPARKLE Bridal Couture
Happy Thursday, my diva Real Weddings Brides. Are you ready for the next installment of Dazzling Dresses? Check out these divine dresses from SPARKLE Bridal Couture, a boutique specializing in bridal and special occasion dresses size 14 to 30. Let the runway show begin!
ASMIRA
This luxurious satin gown keeps the eye moving with its intricate pleat-work and ruching. Asymmetrical draping balances the bride’s figure to create a perfect hourglass. The exquisite pearl and crystal beaded lace adds a unique feminine touch.
ASHIRA
The flowing organza layers of the Ashira gown’s skirt sway with grace and an air of chic simplicity. A cinched center band accents the bride’s waistline and highlights the delicate weave of eyelash lace throughout the bodice. The reinforced bodice construction provides support and creates an overall smooth look.
ALIANNA
Alianna’s side sweeping organza ruffles gather up to the waist and into a vintage inspired motif of beaded lace. A beautiful combination of modern design and old-world details. The bodice’s sheer folds accentuate the waistline and the lace’s strategic placement slims the torso.
CHARLIZE
This sexy yet playful mermaid gown showcases a bride’s every curve. Long cascading angular layers of ultra-silky angel satin drape into soft waves. The continuous braided pleat work minimizes the midsection. An internal dual-banding system helps lift the bust, cinch the waist and shape the torso into a sultry hourglass.
GLAMOUR ME
Superior luxe organza wraps the body and leads into a classic A-line skirt. The soft sweetheart neckline provides support to fuller bust lines and the generous skirt balances hips. Streamlined crystal and seed beading throughout the gown adds glamorous touches of sparkle.
Find all these gowns at SPARKLE bridal couture, 3200 Folsom Blvd in East Sacramento. 916-538-6615. sparklebridalcouture.com. And, be sure to “like” them on Facebook!
Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.
Photos courtesy of SPARKLE Bridal Couture.
Do you have the new Real Weddings Magazine iPhone and iPad App?
Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!
Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!
Real Weddings Dazzling Dresses: Reinvented
Hey gorgeous Real Weddings brides! Do you ever get tired of seeing the same ‘ole party dresses at the mall? Do you ever find yourself looking for something more unique and original?
We recently stumbled upon Kimberly Adams, a designer and photographer who has a knack for reinventing old wedding dresses into new, exciting, beautiful works of art.
Ok, so we’re not suggesting that you grab the scissors and destroy your cherished wedding dress or your vintage family heirloom. But, we do love the idea of finding a thrifted wedding dress, with good bones, and turning it into a one of a kind masterpiece.
You don’t have to be a skilled seamstress to pull off an incredible transformation. You’ll be amazed at what scissors, sewing tape and (dare we suggest) fabric glue can do! All you need is a little imagination.
We think pairing this idea with the growing trend of styled engagement photo shoots is a match made in Heaven! (Speaking of “Styled Engagement Photo Shoots” check back soon for a new blog post on a recent styled engagement photo shoot that we’re totally smitten over.)
We asked Kimberly to send us some tips for you, our dear brides and she said, “The biggest piece of advice is to think outside your comfort zone.”
She also suggests, “Don’t think too hard about the design, just go for it! When I think about it too much, I get scared to try it. Just start cutting and sewing. I always start with a recycled dress and go from there. This was an old wedding dress and I just went for it. I use fabrics from thrift stores and I’m always on the search for anything I can use to reinvent, like curtains or an old silk gown. Look for anything that can add depth and texture.”
Can’t find a thrifted wedding dress? You can reinvent anything! Check out what Kimberly made with an old slip and curtain pieces…
Have fun with your creation and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. If you always keep your eye out for inspiration, you’re bound to come up with your own custom, wearable piece of art.
Are you in love with Kimberly’s peacock dress? You’re in luck, it’s for sale! If you’re interested in purchasing the peacock dress, please contact Kimberly at Kim@kaelitephotography.com.
Blog post by Aimee Carroll.
Photos courtesy of Kimberly Adams. Model Alyssa Underwood.
Do you have the new Real Weddings Magazine iPhone and iPad App?
Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!
Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!
Real Weddings Dazzling Dresses: Sophia Tolli
Hello darling Real Weddings Brides! Today we feature one of our favorite wedding dress designers, Sophia Tolli. Her collection provides both classic silhouettes and dramatic, haute couture in one gorgeous package. As Sophia herself says, “My bridal collection has two distinct feelings: soft classic romanticism and traditional bridal drama. My signature style will always be gowns with an exceptional fit and cut.” Sophia Tolli’s collection can be found here locally in Yuba City at Always Elegant Bridal & Tuxedo.
Let the runway begin!
Y11211-Ivon
With cascading rows of ruffled misty tulle and glittering hand-beading softly spilling down to the hemline, Ivon creates a mesmerizing effect in this A-line silhouette. The Paris satin asymmetrically dropped waist bodice boasts exquisite hand draping and glamorous hand beading trims sweetheart neckline. A chapel length train and functional corset back complete this chic look. Removable straps are included.
Y11102-Leighanna
Sophistication with a touch of glamour, Leighanna combines traditional couture-inspired draping with modern styling. A slim A-line gown in sumptuous Paris satin, the gown features a strapless sweetheart neckline. Dazzling crystal brooch-like beading at the waist catches a striking waterfall ruffle that cascades down the front. The functional corset back is partially concealed by a satin overlay that spills into a chapel length train. Removable straps included.
Y21143-Zola
Paris satin is shown off in all its glory in this slim A-line signature Sophia Tolli gown, Zola. Guipure lace and distinctive couture inspired asymmetric draping highlights the bust and sweetheart neckline. Matching Guipure lace lightly dusted with hand beading and crystals continues down the side of bodice and accentuates the stunning cut of this gown. The dress features a wonderfully pleated skirt that sweeps into a chapel length train. A functional corset back finishes this classic look. Removable straps included.
Y11008-Innis
Blending tradition with modern styling, Innis captures all the elements we love most in a classic Sophia Tolli gown. Organza spills around the body and is caught up with hand placed lace appliques on the strapless bodice, while the A-line skirt dances with delicate lace posies that continue to the chapel length train. The back bodice features a wrap draping closure accentuated with lace applique to conceal a functional corset back. Removable straps included.
Find Sophia Tolli and more great designers at Always Elegant Bridal & Tuxedo, 229 Clark Avenue in Yuba City. 530-755-4282, alwayselegantbridal.net. And, be sure to like their Facebook page!
Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.
Photos courtesy of Sophia Tolli.
Do you have the new Real Weddings Magazine iPhone and iPad App?
Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!
Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!
Valentine’s Day Sale at Diamond Bridal Gallery… Gowns just $199!
Hey Real Weddings Brides….looking for your own dazzling dress at a steal? Be sure to check out the upcoming Valentine’s Day Sale at Diamond Bridal Gallery in Granite Bay. Here’s the scoop:
Three days only! Visit Diamond Bridal Gallery February 13th, 14th and 15th to take advantage of this amazing sale! Come early for the best selection!
Plus, register with Diamond Bridal Gallery and receive additional SAVINGS. If you would like an extra discount (come on, what girl doesn’t?) register here!
While you’re there, you can pick up a complimentary copy of the newest issue of Real Weddings Magazine!
Photo courtesy of Diamond Bridal Gallery.
Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!
Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!
