Wedding Dress Wednesday: Jenny Packham's Esme

Happy Wednesday, Friends!

Another Wednesday is upon us, which means a new wedding gown is here to help us make it through Hump Day and on to the weekend!  I found this sheath stunner on Pinterest and absolutely had to share it.  This is "Esme" from Jenny Packham's SS13 Catwalk.

As Vogue has eloquently stated,

JENNY PACKHAM is one of the red carpet's go-to designers for dazzling feminine glamour. From dressing Hollywood royalty - including Angelina Jolie, Keira Knightley, Kate Winslet and Kate Hudson - to actual royalty like the Duchess of Cambridge, Packham's bejewelled, floor-length creations never disappoint the waiting photographers.

 Check out the rest of Packham's bio by Lauren Milligan here.

As it turns out, some of my favorite dresses worn by the ever-lovely Kate Middleton are Jenny Packham.  Here are just a few:

I love the light and airy feeling of Packham dresses--the flowing skirts, the sheer material.  They're so feminine and beautiful.  The Esme bridal gown might be a bit more weighed down but no less enchanting!  Take a look at the beading!  Absolutely incredible details that pair nicely with the glittering skirt, and again the flowing train and a fluttering, sheer back with a keyhole.  Everything about Packham dresses is refined with exquisite taste.

Esme is definitely a glamorous, form-flattering, delicate masterpiece.  Who here would wear it down the aisle?  Or maybe as a reception dress?  What kind of venue do you imagine wearing this in?  Leave your thoughts in the comments!  See you all next week!

Wedding Dress Wednesday: Monique Lhuillier's Dove

Happy Wednesday, Friends!

And happy first day of Spring!  It's still pretty chilly out, sadly, but hopefully by April 1 the weather will start feeling warmer and the days will get sunnier.  It's always my favorite time of year when the flowers start blooming and color comes back into the world :)

So speaking of spring flowers, today's wedding dress pick features an all-over floral textured organza.   Feast your eyes on Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2013 "Dove" gown.

It's really the back of the dress that does it for me.  Having a tufted skirt is a great way to add volume and an artistic, sculptured look.  It can be a tricky detail for a wedding dress to pull off--sometimes it will border on "comforter" or "cupcake" territory--but I love that this dress has the signature hand-tufted detail only half way down the skirt and then lets the gown finish with a beautiful, full ballgown shape.  I especially love how it cascades down the back.  A fingertip-length veil would add to the effect perfectly, don't you think?  Ah, it looks as light and airy as a cloud! 

Also, I love the textured fabric.  So subtle and elegant.  It's a great alternative to beading, lace, and applique if you want a gown that isn't too plain but isn't too flashy either. 

So what are your thoughts on a tufted skirt?  Do you love the volume or stay away from it?  How about the textured fabric--too little or not enough extra detail?  Let me know in the comments :)

Wedding Day Song Ideas: Sam Cooke, The Lumineers, Ray LaMontagne, Mumford & Sons

Happy Monday, Friends!

Hope you're all starting off the week on a happy note after a chilly St. Patrick's weekend.  I woke up to a few inches of snow this morning.  On cold gray days like this, I love to queue up some soothing, mellow music, which inspired today's post.  I've come across a few new songs recently that I not only personally enjoy but think would be good choices for wedding playlists.  Here are my picks.

Sam Cooke - Nothing Can Change This Love

The Lumineers - Ho Hey

Ray LaMontagne - You Are The Best Thing

Mumford & Sons - I Will Wait

For more wedding day tunes, check out my running Pin Board of First Dance Songs!  And be sure to tell me what your favorite wedding day songs are in the comments.  See ya Wednesday with a new dress :)

Wedding Dress Wednesday: BHLDN's Julie Gown

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Hope you're having a great week and looking forward to a fun St. Patrick's Day weekend ahead.

This week's Wedding Dress Wednesday is a rose-colored piece from the ever-inspiring collection at BHLDN called the Julie Gown, a brand new item in their Spring 2013 lineup (a collaborative design with Peter Som).  This silk cotton voile gown is feminine, voluminous, and playful with a subtle vintage touch.  Add your own sash and hair piece and you'll be the perfect spring bride.

BHLDN | Julie Gown in Rose | Style: 27085364 | $2,500

Seriously, can we talk about the volume of this skirt for a minute?  Stunning!!  Whether you're standing outside in a breeze or twirling around on the dance floor, this skirt is going to be whirling all around you and your guests (and your groom!) will have trouble keeping their eyes off it!  So much movement in this fabric, as you can tell in the product video.  Not to mention the camera absolutely loves it!  If you don't believe me, just look at the BHLDN homepage right now--Julie Gown front and center.  It's fantastic.  I was completely enraptured by it.

BHLDN.com Homepage Mar 2013

How many of you are Spring brides?  Are you ready for your big day?  It's coming up soon.  How about any brides that already had their Spring wedding--how did it go?  Any advice??  Feel free to share any and all pictures with us here in the comments!  See you next week :)