Photography: Erin Hearts Court // Dress: Larissa

We’ve been happily receiving a lot of Real Brides submissions and it’s about time we get this monthly feature going again! I first discovered Sabrina back in September 2009 when I saw her featured on The Bride’s Café. It was the style of photography and her beautiful wedding that caught my attention, and I couldn’t wait to post about it.

“I knew I was going to get a Claire Pettibone dress. A year before I ever met my husband, I showed friends your website and they instantly agreed that your line was made for me. When I went to the bridal salon to try on the Larissa dress, I also pulled about ten other random dresses just because it was a big trek to go out to the salon and I thought I should try on as many dresses as possible. I put on the Larissa and instantly told the saleslady that I didn’t need to try on any of the other dresses. I bought it on the spot. One of my friends had told me that you would find the right dress when you feel like a princess. The Larissa made me feel like a princess.”

Being half Japanese, Sabrina tried to include little Japanese touches throughout her wedding. “The wedding favors were a set of two little ceramic maneki-nekkos (the lucky cat holding up one paw that you see at a lot of Japanese restaurants). The favors were wrapped with Japanese fabric cord and the place cards were rubber stamped with chrysanthemums and cherry blossoms (both prevalent in Japanese culture).

Throughout the reception they played black and white films on a big screen including Singing in the Rain and Maltese Falcon among others. Setting a romantic mood as they danced, ate, and laughed with their loved ones.

Congratulations Sabrina!

Boulder, Colorado floral designer Ashley Giles was looking for one special element to inspire the theme of her October 2008 wedding to Matthew Clay McMillan in the mountains of Colorado. “Not being a fussy or girlie bride, there were very few designer’s whose wedding collections could have worked for me.  The dress had to be sophisticated and elegant, but at the same time, edgy.” Ashley started her wedding planning with the Claire Pettibone website, where she looked at gowns from the 2008 Couture Collection. “I immediately fell in love with the Clara gown.  My mother was with me at the time, and we were both in tears looking at the gown online.”

The Clara gown immediately inspired her Autumn 1920’s Art Deco wedding at the Boettcher Mansion, which was built in 1917 as the summer home and seasonal hunting lodge of Denver millionaire Charles Boettcher. “The Arts and Crafts and Art Deco styling of the mansion was perfect with the gown!  To keep with the theme we used a gingko motif, similar to the lace of the gown, on the invitations, paper accessories, and in all the floral arrangements.”

The small and cozy wedding, which was supposed to take place outdoors on the mansion’s patio, had a last minute surprise from Mother Nature! “We were supposed to be married out on the patio, but as luck would have it, the first snow of the season came in the evening of our wedding.  We were married in front of a huge stone fireplace in the sitting room.  It was cozy and magical.”

“Friends and family still comment on my beautiful dress.  Thank you Claire, for your fabulous designs.  Thank God you are making wedding gowns!”

Thank you Ashley for sharing your wonderful wedding with us!  All the best to you and yours.

Bridal Gown: Midnight // Veil: Caged Veil // Salon: Claire Pettibone Flagship

After waiting anxiously for Myspace viewers to cast their votes on every detail of their wedding, Elle and Tito’s big day finally arrived. We’re so happy that Elle got her dream “Midnight” gown and cage veil. She looks gorgeous and glowing, and this “Rock n’ Roll” design perfectly suits her style and personality. Tito is a lucky guy! Congratulations to the happy couple from all of us at Claire Pettibone.

Sarah from L’atelier Couture Bridal shared some photos of a beautiful bride on our facebook fan page and I knew I had to feature her wedding in July!

On a beautiful warm day in May this year, Jill and Jeff tied the knot at Lanikuhonua located on the Southwest corner of Oahu. It was an outdoor ceremony and reception with 70 people overlooking the ocean. Jill coined her wedding theme, Vintage Hawaii.

“I felt absolutely beautiful in my Cloisonne gown.  I wore a rusty colored cymbidium orchid in my hair and my grandmothers antique pearl bracelet.  I received so many compliments on my dress that day.  My favorite compliment was, That is the most beautiful wedding dress I have ever seen! Our cake designer, Cakelava, even created our wedding cake design based on a few pictures I sent of my dress.”

Jill M.

Jill found our stunning Cloisonne gown in Dallas but with her mother in Minnesota, she flew in the next weekend and made the purchase at L’atelier Couture Bridal in Saint Paul with the help of Amanda.

Thank you Sarah for sharing, and congratulations Jill and Jeff.

Another happy bride swept away in our Demetra gown that was featured in the Winter 2009 issue of Inside Weddings magazine! Susan and David celebrated their day on May 24, 2008 in the home of David’s parents. A cozy yet fresh and natural color scheme that gave a beautiful accent to the bride and groom. “As you can see, the wedding was beautiful and the dress was absolutely perfect!!  I mentioned it was a little cold and we had the threat of rain all weekend, but it turned out to be a blessing. ” Susan mentioned. She and her hubby (and their two dogs, Georgia and Capone) are adorable!

Warmest Wishes and Congratulations!