Elizabeth Messina hosted the intimate Floral Arte Workshop in her gorgeous light-filled studio with Forage Florals arranging these pretty blooms and bouquets while makeup artist Gina Brooke Beauty brought out the natural beauty of our bride. Elizabeth is one of the top bridal photographers in the world. Her work has been featured in publications ranging from Harper's Bazaar to Vogue, and top bridal publications including Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Inside Weddings to name a few. She has been capturing iconic images of my gowns for years, and I think it's easy to see why I adore her work! The moods and moments she captures are true ART. For this workshop, two of my couture styles, Venus and Enchanted Moon, were photographed in a clean, modern setting that allowed the colors of the dresses and florals to radiate. 
You'd be hard-pressed to find a wedding dress in my collection without a flower motif, and my new Venus bridal gown from The Three Graces collection is an ode to nature's gifts...the quintessential floral dress. With this embroidered tulle gown, YOU are literally the bouquet, and I truly believe that flowers will bloom in your footsteps! I love how Elizabeth and Forage chose a bouquet that contrasts with the sublime hues of blush, lavender, soft green and blue in the gown...that pop of yellow is so unexpected and chic! This fashion forward editorial dress was created exclusively for this floral themed collaboration, and went on to be the catalyst for my next collection.
My vision for the Goddess of love was quite literally to adorn her in scattered petals with a touch of fairy dust. She deserves nothing less! The delicate sparkle in the tulle gives the illusion of beading across the shoulders and bodice and shimmers through the floral skirt all along the sweeping train full of drama and embroidery. The intricate bodice and draped bell sleeves enhance the spell our bride will cast as she sparkles in blossoms from head to toe. The final design for our brides is lined with nude crepe...every bit as stunning while being chic and wedding wearable. This unique gown is also available in all ivory. For brides choosing Venus for their wedding dress, be ready to be adored as you make an unforgettable entrance on your wedding day. 
Next up is Enchanted Moon, which was designed as part of the Vagabond couture collection. This wedding dress features a beautiful embroidered floral motif across the bodice that gently cascades along the full skirt and train. Enchanted Moon is available in the palest of ivory and spun silver for those brides that want to keep it traditional, but for brides that are a bit daring and would love a splash of color in their gown, her sister wedding dress creation, Desert Rose, uses the same unique embroidery in subtle shades of dusty rose, pink, blush and sage green. This dress is light and airy for an effortless, boho chic vibe that you'll be comfortable wearing all night long! 
In art, fashion and poetry throughout the ages, flowers and the Feminine are forever linked. In these images of Enchanted Moon, isn't it absolutely gorgeous how the flowers embrace our beautiful bride? There's something magical about those delicate pressed flowers grazing her temple and cheek...the soft draping of florals along her neck and shoulder are the perfect contrast to the crisp, clean ivory color of this wedding dress, once again proving that a floral theme is timeless. 
Soft and tonal, pretty pastels, or a pop of vibrant color...there really is no wrong choice when it comes to adding floral accents to your day...or your wedding dress. And your flowers can either pick up tones from your gown, or be a complete contrast. You might not think that a pop of red or yellow would go with a pastel gown, but it can be stunning! Make sure not to be married to just one idea, there are endless totally chic and gorgeous style combinations of accessories and florals for you to be inspired by...as any Pinterest loving bride can agree! 
Each bride is as unique as this assortment of blossoms, and when brought together with a touch of lace and embroidery in any of our wedding dresses, a beautiful mosaic emerges. When I design, floral elements are an essential part of creating unique wedding dresses and are obviously close to my heart. There's just nothing more romantic than a bride in a floral gown...except maybe one surrounded by a bounty of real life flowers as well. I can't wait to see all of the fine art weddings blooming this year!
Dresses: Venus and Enchanted Moon by Claire Pettibone
Photographer: @elizabethmessina
Florals: @forageflorals
Makeup: @ginabrookebeauty
