Project Wedding Blog

After we’ve had the pleasure of seeing nearly every dress in a bridal designer’s new collection… there is always the anticipated finale dress.  Sometimes it’s highly climactic…. a statement dress…something a little different, more avant garde, a piece the designer takes particular pride in,  other times, there is a more subtle close to the show.  Here are eighteen finale dresses in every variety from this October’s New York bridal fashion week. We’ll let these dresses speak for themselves and you can be the judge.

Sweet Classics by 1. Badgley Mischka 2. Christos 3. Romona Keveza

Mermaid Stunners by 1. Ines di Santo 2. Lazaro 3. Jim Hjelm

Retro, Vintage & Mod by 1. Hayley Paige 2. Claire Pettibone 3. Amsale

Dramatics and color by 1. St. Pucchi 2. Anne Barge 3. Vera Wang

And of course, ever voluminous ballgowns by:

1. Alvina Valenta 2. Ulla Maija Couture 3. Rivini

4. Reem Acra 5. Monique Lhuillier 6. Yumi Katsura

So, tell us… which ones strike your fancy?

Have a fab December weekend friends!

xo

{Photos by Dan Lecca}

Tags: Alvina Valenta, Amsale, Anne Barge, Badgley Mischka, christos, Claire Pettibone, finale dress, Hayley Paige, Ines di Santo, Jim Hjelm, Lazaro, Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, rivini, Romona Keveza, St. Pucchi, Ulla-Maija Couture, vera wang, Yumi Katsura.

During this season’s bridal week, we were continually awe-inspired by gowns with beautiful backs.  As the models traipsed back up the runway, our photographer captured the sophisticated details and unique styling.  As you’ll see, there is no formula to speak of… Although, we might give Kate Middleton a smidge of credit for inspiring the daring notion of a bit more coverage. And still, the low, low, back is always timeless and elegant. 

1. Reem Acra

2. Pnina Tornai

3. Claire Pettibone

4. Douglas Hannant

5. Lela Rose

6. Reem Acra

7. Alvina Valenta

8. Claire Pettibone

9. Pnina Tornai

10. Hayley Paige

Photos by Dan Lecca.

Happy Weekend!

xo

Tags: Alvina Valenta, beautiful backs, Claire Pettibone, douglas hannant, Hayley Paige, lela rose, pnina tornai, Reem Acra, sophisticated.

This past New York bridal market was really such a treat.  While strapless gowns have stolen the show year after year, this season was different.  We saw sleeves in all shapes and size… beautiful, feminine, sheer sleeves… short and long, beaded and simple, one shoulder sleeves, and off the shoulder sleeves! Whew!  It was a sleeve extravaganza that we enjoyed very much.  Here’s a peek at the sleeve trend with looks from our fave designers:

1. Elbow Length Sleeves

1. Marchesa 2. Rivini 3. Monique Lhuillier

2. Asymmetrical Sleeves

1. Douglas Hannant 2. Jenny Packham 3. Angel Sanchez

3. Flowing Sleeves

1. Angel Sanchez 2. Carolina Herrera 3. Nicole Miller

4. Puff Sleeves

Jenny Packham

5. Lace Sleeves

1. Monique Lhuillier 2. Carolina Herrera 3. Claire Pettibone

6. Tulle Sleeves

1. Monique Lhuillier 2. Reem Acra

7. Off the Shoulder Sleeves

1. Badgley Mischka 2. Marchesa 3. Romona Keveza

8. Beaded Sleeves

1. Reem Acra 2. Jenny Packham

We’re hoping sleeves are here to stay…

Happy Weekend!

Photos by Dan Lecca

Jenny Packham Photos Courtesy of Jenny Packham

Tags: Angel Sanchez, asymmetrical, Badgley Mischka, beaded, carolina herrera, Claire Pettibone, douglas hannant, elbow length sleeves, jenny packham, lace, Marchesa, Monique Lhuillier, puff sleeves, Reem Acra, rivini, Romona Keveza, sheer sleeves, tulle.

As we move into the 2012 bridal season, we couldn’t help but be swept back in time by style accents reminiscent of bygone eras.  So, for the second in a ‘Fashion Friday’ series inspired by the new season of gowns- here goes… some time travel back into the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s in both subtle and not-so-subtle ways!

1.  60’s Flouncy Brigette Bardot-inspired Trapeze Dress by Ramona Keveza.  2. 60’s/70’s  Style Blue Embroidered Bohemian Chic Gown by Claire Pettibone 3. 70’s Fringe by Hayley Paige 4. 80’s King of Pop Pantsuit by Yumi Katsura 5. Neon Paint Splatters by Angel Sanchez 6. 90’s Refined Rosettes by Marchesa.

So.. would you partake in a little era flashback on your big day or is that something you save for costume parties?

Happy Halloween Weekend!

Tags: 70's, 80's, 90's, Angel Sanchez, bridal fashion 60's, Claire Pettibone, Hayley Paige, Marchesa, Ramona Keveza, Yumi Katsura.

Get ready for some pretties, because day two in New York was jam packed with gorgeous dresses, headpieces, and hairstyles from the best in bridal.  We’re sooo excited to share, so without further ado, here are the highlights (in no particular order) from NYC bridal market on Saturday, October 15th~

no. 1

This season, Amsale showed a super-contemporary collection of clean lines and precise construction.  Each piece, a work of modern art.

no. 2

The Monique Lhuillier collection is always one of the most highly anticipated.. and for good reason.  We saw bustier bodices, imprint fabrics, and high slits all with the classically feminine Monique touch.  It was light, ethereal, airy and alltogether gorgeous.

no. 3

Reem Acra accentuated a stunning bridal collection with feather-like petal and sparkle hair adornments.  Always inspiring, our imagination ran wild when we saw these designs.  See the full gown collection here.

no. 4

Claire Pettibone has this gift of creating a wonderland of Bohemian bliss wherever she goes… and most of all in her utterly unique and artistic bridal gowns.  It wouldn’t be enough to call her creations ‘dresses,’ the term ‘masterpiece’ seems more fitting.  This season’s collection was inspired by the French countryside, and we were enamored by the color, pattern and lace.

no. 5

There was color to be found at Romona Keveza’s Fall 2012 presentation, with dresses in the colors ’something blue,’ metallic gold, and blooming lilac.  Paired with Romona’s couture construction, it was an absolute highlight of the day.

no. 6

Think classic fabrics and silhouettes with subtle twists of contemporary design.  We enjoyed seeing the aisle-ready styles from Christos in traditional lace, chiffon, organza, and tulle.

no. 7

The new Jenny Packham collection is a healthy dose of sultry sophistication… each gown truly exquisite and extraordinary in its fabric, shape, and embellishment. Dare I say, to die for?  Exposed shoulders, deep V-necks and slim A-line silhouettes made us swoon!

no. 8

Besides a collection of beautiful bridals, there was lots to see at Maggie Sottero’s early morning runway presentation.  We took note of the loosely upswept hairstyles and stand-out back-of-dress styling.

no. 9

We hit up the Kenneth Pool runway show in the afternoon and came across these two beauties, designed by Amsale Aberra.  We loved the starburst sparkles (L) and dynamism of gathered fabric (R).

no. 10

And last, but certainly not least, we had to show you Jenny Packham’s collection of vintage-inspired headpieces.  With the look of an expensive antique heirloom, the pieces whisper glamour and luxury.  Bravo~

Stay tuned for more from NY International Bridal Week!

xo

{Photos by Dan Lecca}

{Jenny Packham collection images courtesy Jenny Packham}

Tags: Amsale, christos, Claire Pettibone, Fall 2012, jenny packham, kenneth pool, Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, Romona Keveza.

Andrew Thomas Clifton’s photos tell such a beautiful story…
A story of Toyin and Daniel’s exquisite Nigerian-American wedding in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Toyin looked ravishing in a Claire Pettibone gown… the Orange Blossom.
The ceremony took place in the back yard of a colonial style home built in the 1930’s, called Little Gardens.There was so much rich family heritage incorporated into the day… Both of their families are Nigerian, so it was filled with both Nigerian and American traditions. Blue is the bride’s favorite color, while brown is the groom’s favorite color.  They wove these two hues with splashes of orange for a- traditionally colorful- Nigerian wedding feel.One of our favorite photos of the day was Toyin giving her father a big smooch.  We love how Andrew captured such memorable close-ups. 

Like is customary in both Nigerian and American weddings… there was tons of dancing all evening long!

Happy wishes to Toyin + Daniel!

Photographs by Andrew Thomas Clifton

Bridal gown by Claire Pettibone

Bridesmaid’s Dresses by Bari Jay

Bride’s Hair by Shana Nunnelly of Honeecomb Natural Hair

Bride’s Makeup by Alicia

Venue: Little Gardens

Flowers and Cake by Magic Moments Inc.

Tags: blue, brown, Claire Pettibone, Nigerian wedding, orange, Southern, The Love Deluxe.

We’ve been so spoiled with gorgeous film photographs over the last few weeks…and I’m so happy to have another set for you!  I was thrilled to receive this chic city stunner from Frame 36 Photography, out of Los Angeles.  Katie and Paul celebrated their day with a posh Oviatt Penthouse ceremony and reception.  They had a perfect view of the city… and everything about the day was a reflection of the couple’s impeccable style.

Things we ♥: Receptions with a view, The bride’s Claire Pettibone gown, and Romantic outdoor lighting

Photos by Frame 36 Photography

Venue: Oviatt Penthouse

Bride’s Gown by Claire Pettibone

Groom’s Tuxedo by Dolce & Gabbana

Cake by Cake Divas

Tags: Black Tie, city, Claire Pettibone, Frame 36 Photography, modern, Oviatt Penthouse, sophisticated.

We’ve counted down fifteen of our favorite dresses from the 2011 collections!  Here are a few of our top picks, see the full story here…

Read more…

Dresses from top to bottom: Monique Lhuillier, Claire Pettibone, Melissa Sweet, Angel Sanchez, Melissa Sweet

Tags: 2011 bridal fashion, Angel Sanchez, Claire Pettibone, melissa sweet, Monique Lhuillier.

I kid you not… I actually became weepy and welled up with tears during the Claire Pettibone runway presentation.  It was so exquisite, extraordinary… an outpouring of her spirit into twenty unique and exceptional bridal gowns.  This season’s collection was inspired by Fairies and sweet spirits of the night.  Here’s just a few… I can’t wait to share the full collection!

Photos by Firstview.

Tags: Claire Pettibone, New York Bridal Market, Spirits of the Night.

Claire Pettibone’s gorgeous Butterflies and Luxury Lingerie collections easily made our Valentine’s Day wish list!  The Butterfly collection features colorful, flirty sets for spring, while the Luxury Lingerie collection is perfect for wedding night romance.  Butterflies retail from $22 to $88, which is an excellent value coming from couture designer Claire Pettibone.

Tags: bridal lingerie, Claire Pettibone.