Turn the wedding aisle into a high fashion moment with these tradition-breaking trends
Written by
Lara Burnap
Published:
California Wedding Day Spring/Summer 2023
Sometimes you can break the rules a bit when it comes to gown selections and fittings—and still end up with a perfect, classic yet just-for-you look.
Cynthia Baghdasarian of With a Flair Events
More brides are choosing to ditch the white dress tradition for a fashion-forward walk down the aisle in a colorful confection, such as Millia London’s lilac “Lucinda” gown. An armful of blooms, like this bountiful bouquet, gives even more panache to the look.
BRIDAL GOWN: Millia London | FLORALS: Birchwood Floral Design | HAIR: Linda Dzhabieva | MAKEUP: Twirly Shears | MODEL: Sarah Cass | PHOTOGRAPHY: Vic and Sasha Photography
In lieu of a veil, bride Lyndy McGrody worked with Julie Harris Designs to create custom bridal “wings” to adorn her Maggie Sottero “Minerva” gown. The light and airy cross between a veil and cape that attaches at the shoulder was perfect for the “woodland fairy-tale bridal look” the bride desired. “I opted for wings over a traditional veil because I felt it added an elven princess feel to my bridal look and honored my love for The Lord of the Rings,” says Lyndy.
To accomplish this vision, Harris chose a soft net tulle and adorned it with ivory floral and beaded leaf appliqués, which she hand-dyed to match the peach hue of Lyndy’s dress. “The lace appliqués on the wings organically flowed into the lace on the bodice of the gown,” says Harris. “And trailed off into soft, plain tulle that allowed the details of the gown’s train to shine through.”
BRIDAL ATTIRE: Maggie Sottero; Julie Harris Designs | HAIR + MAKEUP: Betsy Faust, The Pretty Parlor | PHOTOGRAPHY: Julie Shuford Photography
Billowing sleeves are having a moment. Bride Kim Marquez put a spin on the look by incorporating soft, flowing sleeves into her form-fitting Galia Lahav gown. Timeless and fashion-forward, the look was perfect for her wedding at Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles. The pièces de résistance were her René Caovilla “Floriane” heels, which spiral around the ankle. Also, Kim chose not to bustle her dress so that her gown would look and feel the same throughout the evening.
Kim’s wedding planner, Cynthia Baghdasarian of With a Flair Events, sums it up best, saying, “Sometimes you can break the rules a bit when it comes to gown selections and fittings—and still end up with a perfect, classic yet just-for-you look.” BRIDAL GOWN: Galia Lahav | Hair: Olivia Rose Beauty | MAKEUP: Faces by Mesh | PHOTOGRAPHY: Joel + Justyna | PLANNER: With a Flair Events
Not a fan of dresses? No problem. Designers such as Amanda James Bridal and En Blanc (pictured here) are adding chic pantsuits and jumpers to their look books. For same-sex couples who love the tradition of a gown and a suit, these outfits lend a masculine edge with feminine styling. Separates are also ideal for a casual yet elegant wedding, an outfit change for the reception or a sleek look for a rehearsal dinner. BRIDAL ATTIRE: En Blanc | HAIR + MAKEUP:Make-Up Therapy | JEWELRY: Made in Earth | PHOTOGRAPHY: Chris J. Evans | STYLING: Jes Gordon
