Photos courtesy of Forever 21

Have a lured you in?! Over the weekend, I stopped into Forever 21 (yes I know, teeny-bop galore) for a couple basic t-shirts. They’re super cheap! Anyway, I found the most amazing twisted strap, white chiffon maxi dress on the 2nd floor of the downtown San Francisco location….AND I can’t find it online anywhere. But it’s still worth chatting about..it was under $30 and super cute!! Lots of us on budgets these days, even more so if you’re planning a wedding. Think out of the box when shopping for that wedding dress….I’m definitely a believer of style but if I could go on a fabulous honeymoon with the money that I used to purchase my dress, I would! The key to an under $50 wedding dress? Research, explore and don’t look for the word ‘wedding’! Go to the sale racks and enter stores you thought you’d never go to. Keep an open mind and think ‘cocktail dress’. Good luck!

Photos courtesy of Thread Design

So everyone’s on a tight budget, check.  You still wanna be fashion forward, check.  You could do without several dress fittings, check. And you still want to breathe in your dress, check. Thread Design has incredible bridal alternatives for the casual bride who still wants a bit of flair for under $1000!  This a wedding dress trend that I see sticking around forever :)  Perfect for that outdoor wedding!

Photos courtesy of Vera Wang via What Junebug Loves

Nope, no need to squint your eyes again…it does say 2010!  Check out some 2010 wedding dress trend highlights here, here, here and here.

Photos courtesy of Samuelle via A Cup of Jo

I heart the dress.  Sleeves can we say ‘yes please!’  

Photos:  Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Finally!!  I shot Alice Padrul’s wedding dress collection just before the holidays, and I’m so happy to finally show you some of my favorite images.  Alice Padrul is located in the west loop neighborhood in Chicago but sells her gowns all over the country.  Every dress is custom and hand-detailed, which is why I think they are all so gorgeous!  Check out my favs… (more…)

Photo:  Edyta Szyszlo Photography

You won’t believe the past week I’ve had…just when I thought catching up on post production would be the most of my worries…my wallet gets snatched out of my purse during a bridal consultation :(  I’ve spent the last few days sorting, making calls and canceling who knows what just to be safe…and yes, my production has suffered.

A long awaited sneak peek!  With holidays, traveling and a stolen wallet (pretty much my life) – I promise to do my best to get more images up!  I had the pleasure of shooting Alice Padrul’s custom wedding dress line.  Thanks to the amazing team!  I promise to get all the images up soon :)

Photos courtesy of Dan Lecca, designer Kenneth Pool via Brides.com

Dresses and more dresses!  Lots of new ideas and lots of old ideas in fresh new styles.  The spring 2009 wedding dress collections are fabulous!  Let me share some of the keywords that the designers are using to describe 2009 spring wedding dress styles:  construction, waves, sophisticated, folds, textures, glamorous, scale, proportions, old hollywood, seductive, necklines, lace, small details, short, blooms, color, lightweight.  I’ve showcased some of my favorites but be sure to check out Brides for videos and more galleries. (more…)

Photos courtesy of Project Runway

If you haven’t seen the latest episode of Project Runway – I advise you to, especially if you are a bride!  They had their contestants design a bride and bridesmaid dress!  Super fresh ideas – check out episode 13 (parts 1-5) here. And check the link above for still images of the dresses.

Photos courtesy of Once Wed

Happy Friday everyone!!  Today’s extra special because I have a guest blogger – Emily, owner of Once Wed! Brides looking for dresses – this is your day!  Be sure to check out her site for creative diy wedding projects as well!                                                                         …

Once Wed grew out of my own frustration with trying to sell a wedding dress online, so I decided to launch my own listing service where women can list and search for wedding gowns for FREE.  6 months later we have over 700 “designer wedding dresses for less” in our database and receive new, sample, and used wedding gown listings on a daily basis.  Many of our gowns include designer labels such as Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Melissa Sweet and Reem Acra 50% OFF their original retail prices.   (more…)

Photos courtesy of Holly Stalder

A little birdie (ok, it was lovely Lauren of Staunch Knits) sent me a link to Holly Stalder yesterday! Amazing! My personal taste towards anything wedding dress tends to be more romantic vintage, so I thought others could enjoy it as well! I’ve seen a lot of wedding dresses, and believe me it’s all about how it makes you feel that gives the wedding day glows…but it’s refreshing to see designers step away from the strapless a-line. Ultra feminine, lush fabrics and romantic lace – you have to check out Holly’s collection, blog and Etsy shop!! Her Portland studio takes appointments for wedding dress consultations. If anything, the photographs and designs just might give you some inspiration! (more…)