Sunlit in Soleil

There's so much that goes into choosing a wedding gown. Most brides ask themselves, "what silhouettes do I like? Do I like lace or something minimal? Sparkle, or no sparkle?" The questions can be endless (and overwhelming!). When I meet a bride, of course I consider what styles will look best, what vibe will match her venue, but what I'm really asking myself is, does the dress speak to the bride's heart? Is this gown the essence of who the bride is? Does she look confident and happy? Being a bride is so much more than meets the eye. Finding a dress that captures your innermost beauty and unique personality as much as it captures your outer beauty is the goal - and achieving that with our brides is the most fulfilling thing. This team of creatives set the scene and captured what I try to communicate with my designs; a timeless beauty that tells YOUR love story. The Soleil gown is one of those designs that doesn't seem to have a time or a place. Its beauty is something otherworldly and seemingly crafted by magic. This golden goddess gown is created with fairy dusted French embroidery draped upon layers of chiffon. The flutter sleeves are light as air as they move with the wind and shimmer in the sunshine (hence the name!). It has a slightly transparent skirt to convey the ethereal feeling, but can easily be lined with an opaque layer for more coverage. Many brides who have chosen this gown didn't go into dress shopping thinking I want a gold, sparkly wedding dress! Most of them saw the gown, it spoke to their heart, and that was it. It's a special feeling, and that's what I want all brides to experience when they find their dress. Along with a happy couple, all the other elements come into play to create a breathtaking wedding. From the florals by Emerald Grace Floral Design to the gorgeous table set up, this team of vendors truly brought their A-game! There was such a romantic theme which perfectly compliments the ethereal magic of the Soleil gown, and Whimsie Photographie captured it all beautifully. The towering trees and golden light at Padua Weddings didn't hurt either! Whether you've been dreaming about your wedding dress since you were a little girl or not, it's important to go into your dress search with an open mind and heart. It can be hard to silence the opinions of others and listen to your own thoughts. Sometimes you know exactly what you're looking for, and sometimes it's ok to allow yourself to veer from what you assumed would be it, to something that surprises you, and somehow steals your heart. As long as you stay true to yourself and allow that inner voice to guide you, you can't make a wrong choice. Follow you heart, and it will all fall into place, as it always does.
You can see more of this beautiful shoot in the latest issue of for the Love of!

 

Dress: Soleil by Claire Pettibone
Photography & Styling: @whimsiephotographie
Venue: @paduaweddings
Florals: @emeraldgrace_floraldesign
Makeup & Hair: @peonyblushmakeup
Hair Accessories & Earrings: @_allaboutromance_
Rings: @rawbyolliviamar
Cake: @reginascakepops
Groom'S Tux: @friartux
Rentals: @detailspartyrentals
Shoes: @bellabelleshoes
Invite & Signage: @velvetfoxdesigns
Silk Ribbons: @heyitsohsopretty
Velvet Ribbons: @emmalinhco
Ring Box: @the_mrs_box
Surfaces: @chasingstone
Artist Backdrops: @jrd_artshop