Isn't It Romantic: This Season's Best Dresses
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Weddings Spring/Summer 2010
By Melissa Colgan
Bringing us backto a time when John Singer Sargent painted socialites and elegant dress was a daily convention, this season’s bridal gowns boast singular couture details and dramatic silhouettes. Inspired by an “everything old is new again” ethos, and lured by its irresistible charms and classic architecture, we venture into downtown St. Paul with the season’s best dresses and most inspired accessories in hand.The Swing of Things
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The Swing of Things
The softness and fluidity of the skirt contrasts with the arresting architecture of the James J. Hill Reference Library, while animated ruffles modernize an exaggerated portrait neckline.
Winter gown, by Monique Lhuillier, from Monique Lhuillier. Earrings and bracelet, both by Penny Larsen Jewelry, both from L’atelier Couture Bridal. Necklace, by Jeanne Johngren, from Max’s. Bouquet by Martha's Gardens. Platinum and diamond ring from Robert Foote Jeweler.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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In Dreams Awake
Wrapped in swaths of steel blue taffeta, she awaits her fairy-tale prince.
Maxime ball gown, by Ian Stuart, from Grace Bridal Boutique. Necklace, by Jane Bohan, from Max’s. Bouquet by Martha’s Gardens.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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Belle of the Ball
Layers of rustling tulle and an ivory silk satin bustier enhance the fairy-tale effect of this grand ball gown.
On Monica: Magnolia gown, by Reem Acra, available through The Bridal Salon at Macy’s. Necklace and earrings, both by Jane Bohan, both from Max’s. On Toby: Tuxedo, by Savvi Formalwear, from Heimie’s Haberdashery. Platinum band from Robert Foote Jeweler.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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At a Glance
Catching her own reflection before sashaying into the spotlight, our bride admires the juxtaposition of her structured trumpet silhouette with a spread of couture ruffles.
Dress RK130, by Romona Keveza, from The Bridal Salon at Macy’s. Belt, used as headband, from Che Bella. Earrings, by Penny Larsen Jewelry, from L’atelier Couture. Platinum and diamond ring from Robert Foote Jeweler. Bouquet by Martha’s Gardens.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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Girl About Town
Dressed in one of the season’s top trends—corset bodices—our bride shows us that delight is in the details.
Magical dress with re-embroidered lace corset, lace bolero, satin trumpet skirt, all by Monique Lhuillier, from Monique Lhuillier. Earrings and bracelet, both by Penny Larsen Jewelry, both from L’atelier Couture Bridal. Necklace, by Jeanne Johngren, from Max’s. Platinum and diamond ring from Robert Foote Jeweler.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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Layer Cake
Dressed in whisper-thin layers of organza and hand-embroidered crystals, our blushing bride steals a sweet moment with her dapper groom in the Park Suite at the Saint Paul Hotel.
On Monica: The Library gown, by Lela Rose, and necklace, by Penny Larsen Jewelry, both from L’atelier Couture Bridal. Platinum and diamond ring from Robert Foote Jeweler. On Toby: Suit, by Savvi Formalwear, from Heimie’s Haberdashery. Platinum band from Robert Foote Jeweler. Paris Hilton cupcake from Cupcake.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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Pretty as a Picture
Dressed in a sheath of Alençon lacefor a moment of languid repose on a Saint Paul Hotel banquette, she embodies easy elegance.
Dress 8011, by Jim Hjelm, from Raffine Bridal. Necklace, by Jeanne Johngren, and rings, by Stephanie Albertson, all from Max’s. Glitter heels, by Christian Louboutin, from Neiman Marcus. Platinum and diamond ring from Robert Foote Jeweler. Bouquet by Martha’s
Gardens.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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Let them Eat . . .
In a tailored, curve-hugging silk gown and face-framing asymmetrical neckline, not even a delicious cake can entice revelers to divert their eyes from the lovely bride.
Dress 8456, by Justin Alexander, from Our Shop. Earrings, by Penny Larsen Jewelry, from L'atelier Couture Bridal. Cake by Country Cake Cupboard.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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Sleek Getaway
As our couple departs, the bride’s jersey column cuts a slender shape while a hand-beaded and embroidered coat twinkles under the night sky.
On Monica: Blake gown, by Vineyard Collection, and Jake jacket, by Melissa Sweet, both from Priscilla of Boston. Headpiece, by Meredith Griffin for Elizabeth Fillmore, from L’atelier Couture Bridal. Earrings, by Stuart Weitzman, from Neiman Marcus. On Toby: Suit, by Savvi Something BlueFormalwear, from Heimie’s Haberdashery. Platinum band from Robert Foote Jeweler.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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Something Blue
Sneaking through the back hallways at J.J. Hill, our bride wears a column of Windsor blue silk taffeta topped by heavy Cluny guipure lace that is at once sensual and demure.
Gown, by Oscar de la Renta, and earrings, by Penny Larsen Jewelry, both from L’atelier Couture Bridal. Platinum and diamond ring from Robert Foote Jeweler.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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Black Magic
A gown inspired by French ateliers Dior and Lacroix seems fitting attire for St. Paul’s preeminent French brasserie, Meritage. The asymmetrical bust line, peplum details, fit-to-flare skirt, and dramatic black bow create a feminine but edgy silhouette.
On Monica: Ballet Noir gown, by Elizabeth Fillmore, and necklace, by Meredith Griffin for Elizabeth Fillmore, both from L’atelier Couture Bridal. Chenille blusher from Che Bella. Platinum and diamond ring from Robert Foote Jeweler. On Toby: Suit, by Savvi Formalwear, from Heimie’s Haberdashery.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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