Here’s a peek at the joyful party (wedding!) of our gorgeous bride Nicole Kramer in New Orleans. How much fun are they having?! Makes me smile just looking at these beautiful photos, and we send the happy couple hugs and kick-up-your-heels dances for years to come.

Photography: Sandra O’Claire // Dress: Kristene // Salon: Kleinfeld

Our wedding was magical. It was the best day of our lives. Pure joy and happiness. We chose New Orleans, not only because it is my groom’s hometown, but because of it’s character and romance. We felt as if we were on a movie set in an old black and white musical comedy.

When I saw my Claire Pettibone dress I knew it was the one. I have never felt so beautiful. Everyone kept saying it was the most gorgeous dress they had ever seen! My husband couldn’t take his eyes off me! We chose to get married in a hidden courtyard and dance through the streets afterwords with a traditional second line.The dress complimented the style and unique romance of New Orleans perfectly!

The love on that day was overflowing. It truly was what dreams are made of! Thank you Claire Pettibone for making my dream dress!!!

It all begins with the dress…but just like a cake with no frosting, it’s in the final embellishments, the veil, the headpiece, the jewelry, that the full story is told. I love that moment…you’ve found the perfect gown that looks so beautiful and says all you want to say about who you are, and what this day means…and then, we add an antique veil, or a jeweled headpiece, and that’s when it really sinks in…you’re getting married, and the tears come.

I think it’s that culmination of beauty and joy amidst all of the nervousness and high expectations that cause this slightly overwhelming sensation. Once you see yourself as you are going to look on this day (of course even better with hair, make-up and a perfectly fitting gown!) it all comes into focus and you come back to the real reason you’ve been going through all this…why you’ve tried on so many dresses and have a binder full of swatches and tear-sheets and guest lists and menus…you have fallen in love with someone truly special, and are going to pledge your devotion and share your life.

This part of my job really is the “icing on the cake”. I absolutely love designing gowns. I love the fabrics, the flowers, the lace, the details, everything! But when I see those tears of joy and know that I have helped make a bride not only look breathtakingly beautiful, but that my work has actually touched her soul…well, it doesn’t get any better.

I invite you to see the inspired collection of headpieces from Enchanted Atelier for Claire Pettibone. We worked closely to create the perfect accents for your gown, and along with my signature embellished veils, we are sure to create some magic and put the Icing on the Cake!

Claire Pettibone Flagship Salon
236 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA
Please call to schedule your appointment: 310-360-6268

Photographer: Scott Myers // Dress: Demetra // Salon: Claire Pettibone Flagship

Being surrounded by nostalgic scenery, loved ones, and the anticipation of a new addition to the family makes this wedding story the epitome of love in all its forms. We have the pleasure of exploring Jessyca’s beautiful wedding day this month. “Casey and I chose to have our destination wedding in New Orleans, in the historic Hermann-Grima House courtyard on October 10, 2009.” Looking at these photos you can instantly see and feel the close connection she and her husband share.

Little did this couple know, there was another marvelous suprise on the horizon. “When we started planning the wedding about eighteen months before, we had no idea we’d also be planning for a baby, and that made the festivities even sweeter.”

With the help of our bridal consultants, Jessyca felt that our Demetra dress would best suite her needs as an expectant mother. “I was surprised at how flattering the gown was – wearing a long white dress isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you’re pregnant!  The way the Demetra fell on my extra curvy body made me feel statuesque and graceful, exactly the way I wanted to feel on my wedding day..expecting or not!”

This dress features an ivory strapless French cotton lawn with silver and ivory embroidered tulle and cotton lace. Jessyca further elaborates, ”…Demetra not only worked well as a maternity gown, but the simplicity and elegance of the cotton lace made me feel cool, comfortable, and elegant and it also fit perfectly with the atmosphere of the wedding.”

A few months later, Jessyca and Casey were graced with another blessing… “Our daughter Magnolia was born Christmas Day, 2009 -  in the warmth and peace of our home in Baltimore.” To celebrate their one year anniversary, the happily married couple returned with their daughter to New Orleans. Here they are now looking as wonderfully radiant as ever.

Thank you so much Jessyca for sharing your experiences with us. Your story was truly heart-warming. Best wishes to you, your husband Casey, and your adorable daughter Magnolia!

Clara and Lalique, two of my favorite gowns from my Art Nouveau collection. They really epitomize the inspiration from Clara Bow, the classic 1920′s icon, to the lyrical jewelry design of Lalique which inspired the embroidery for this piece.

Some of my absolute favorite brides have worn these gowns, and I think because the dresses have such distinct personalities, they attracted a fabulous selection of brides and made some breath-taking weddings.

Making the cover of WWD was a professional highlight for me. My husband was up late one evening, and just happened to visit WWD online. They post the following day’s issue after midnight, and up came that cover! Total surprise, and what an honor!

I really do feel a little sad saying goodbye to these two, but nice to know they made a lasting impression.

Juliet is from my very first bridal collection, and over the years has been one of our top selling gowns. Here’s a look back at just a few of our gorgeous brides and press as we say goodbye.

First, sweet and timeless love…Juliet was created with Shakespeare’s classic heroine in mind, although in my version, of course she and her Romeo live happily ever after!

Layers of blush silk, scalloped lace and delicate leaves and roses conspire to leave all of her admirers breathless.

Source: Real Bride, Polyvore

If Juliet is your dream gown, give our Flagship a call…there is a very limited amount of fabric left, so hurry before she takes her last breath!!!

Claire Pettibone Salon
310-360-6268