Super Natural: This Season's Best Dresses
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Weddings Fall/Winter 2010
By Melissa Colgan
Inspired by the singular textures of the season's best dresses—haystack embroideries, pleated tulle, 3-D floral laces—we chose the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to showcase the brilliant couture details against sunlit fields and flora.
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Tickled Pink
Not even a garden full of azaleas can steal the spotlight from our bride. Wrapped in fringed layers of petunia- pink silk, she sneaks a private moment.
Strapless eyelash fringe Biarritz modified ball gown with feather and flower detailing on the bodice (price available upon request), by Melissa Sweet, from Priscilla of Boston. Pink seed pearl bracelet ($385) and coral earrings ($875), by Penny Larsen, from L’atelier Couture.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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Spring to Life
A hint of sequins, embroidered between a layer of tulle and lace, lends dazzling glow and movement to a timeless silhouette.
Sequin-embroidered tulle layered over lace Under the Stars gown, with embroidered cowl neckline ($4,995) and scattered crystal-embroidered grosgrain belt ($295), both by Lela Rose, from L’atelier Couture. Vintage pearl bracelet ($138), from Brides of France. Rue Plumet crown ($400), by Paris, from Monique Lhuillier. Earrings ($95) from Che Bella. Bouquet of white and chocolate mini calla lilies, chocolate cosmos, and white astilbe, by deBruyn designs.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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Rare Bird
In layers of wispy, light-as-air, tissue-weight organza, our bride embodies an avian beauty.
Strapless full-tissue organza A-line Eva gown with Alençon lace, asymmetrical tulle feather embroidered skirt, and horsehair bow at natural waist bodice ($9,500), by Vera Wang, from The Bridal Salon at Macy’s. Earrings ($56), by Retrospect Design, from L’atelier Couture. Vintage gold necklace ($58) and vintage bracelet ($68), both from Brides of France. Bouquet of Duchess de Nemours peonies, violet Dutch tulips, Beauty of Moscow lilacs, white freesia, white hydrangea, white and pink Phalaenopsis orchids, and pittosporum, by deBruyn designs.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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Earthly Wonder
Deep in her woodland reverie, our bride’s sweetheart bodice and floral detailed ball gown are the perfect fit for a modern romantic.
Strapless silk organza Tresor gown with ruched bodice, floral accent at waist, and full ball gown with floral appliqués and delicate beading ($6,200), by Christos, from Mestads. Pink pearl lariat with citrine briolettes ($8,400), coral and 18 karat gold bracelet ($7,900), and Akoya pearl and 18 karat gold earrings ($6,700), all from JB Hudson. 2.31 carat Asscher cut mounted ring with baguettes ($29,500), from JB Hudson. Bouquet headpiece of yellow Oncidium orchids, craspedia, chocolate Cymbidium orchids, globe leucadendrons, Andromeda, asparagus plumosus fern, and pittosporum.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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Budding Beauty
Crosshatch embroidery and a hand-tufted skirt add 3-D interest to this tulle confection.
Ivory crosshatch embroidered tulle Liesel gown with jewel neckline and hand-tufted skirt ($7,600), by Monique Lhuillier, from Monique Lhuillier. Vintage gold bangle ($48), vintage bracelets ($48 and $94), and feather and tulle hat ($339), all from Brides of France. 18 karat yellow gold and Akoya pearl earrings ($6,700), by Hellmuth, and 2.31 carat Asscher cut mounted ring with baguettes ($29,500), both from JB Hudson.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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Flights of Fancy
Perfect as a reception dress or for the distinctive nuptials of a non-traditional bride, a short, feathered number makes a daring declaration.
Sam short dress with ruched silk chiffon bodice, accented with crystal beaded belt and full feathered skirt ($2,950), by Melissa Sweet, from Priscilla of Boston. Headband ($110) from Che Bella. 2.31 carat Asscher cut mounted ring with baguettes ($29,500), from JB Hudson. Bouquet of white ranunculus, lilies of the valley, and plumes, by deBruyn designs.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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A Rose is a Rose
Oversized tulle roses add texture to a nearly sheer gown while high-low construction adds to its dreamy appeal.
White silk illusion tulle strapless high-low Maya gown with handmade tulle roses ($6,600), by Monique Lhuillier, Labyrinth bracelet ($795), by Paris, from Monique Lhuillier. Chain-mail belt ($285), by Lela Rose, from L’atelier Couture. Vintage earrings ($68), from Brides of France. 2.31 carat Asscher cut mounted ring with baguettes ($29,500), from JB Hudson. Bouquet of saponaria and hosta leaves, by deBruyn designs.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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Bold Shoulder
The whimsy of a floral motif Chantilly lace—taking this year’s trend of texture from head to toe—creates a refined air with a sleek trumpet silhouette.
One-shoulder Chantilly lace 607 gown with trumpet skirt, accentuated by ribbon embroidery ($6,590), by Anne Barge, from Grace Bridal Boutique. Gold and citrine cross earrings ($575), by Penny Larsen Jewelry, from L’atelier Couture. Pearl and crystal comb ($175), from Brides of France. 2.31 carat Asscher cut mounted ring with baguettes ($29,500), from JB Hudson. Bouquet of celosia, green Cymbidium orchids, Mediterranean bell allium, and mint, by deBruyn designs.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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In Full Bloom
An intoxicating Alençon lace bodice is made demure by a ball gown blooming with layers of silk organza.
Ivory silk organza 8063 ball gown with sleeveless ivory Alençon lace bodice, V-neckline, open back, ivory moiré ribbon, and feather flower detail at natural waist with sweep train ($3,740), by Jim Hjelm, from Raffine Bridal. Pearl and diamond earrings ($15,400), from JB Hudson. Silk flower hair pins ($75 each), by Mahvash Designs, from L’atelier Couture.
Photo by Stephanie Colgan
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