Wedding Recap: The Dress!

My Casablanca wedding dress on model

My dress was an ivory silk Casablanca a-line with box pleats from 2005. I was previously engaged and had already paid it off (approximately $799) so I commissioned some alterations to change things up for our October 2010 wedding. For example, my seamstress, the fabulous, Anne Ventresco, added a sweetheart neckline, added multiple bustle points and hemmed it so that I could easily swish around as I danced.
 

Photo by Davina plus Daniel (c) 2010

Photo by Davina plus Daniel (c) 2010

Blue Valentine Wedding Fashion

My BFF and I saw the critically acclaimed Blue Valentine last night. I was totally charmed by Ryan Gosling's portrayal of Dean, a hopeless romantic and IMHO, harmless drunk.

And I adored both characters' thrift store wedding attire. Dare I try to find both these outfits for less than $250 for both?

Costume design by Erin Benach

To modernize things a bit, check out the sharp gray pinstripe suit Gosling's wearing on this month's cover of GQ.  Perfect for a groom's suit, it's Ralph Lauren Black Label.

Image from GQ.com

A wedding dress that won't break your piggy bank

Ivy and Aster's Dream a Little Dream: Silk chiffon sheared bodice with chiffon mini ruffle party skirt.

Ivy and Aster are two best friends "who dreamed of happily ever afters." Their designs are for the romantic and whimsical bride -- fluffy, ruffly, and very girlie. J'adore! The short dresses are very budget friendly, anywhere from $600-900. Now that's something to cheer about.

My Favorite Dress of 2010

This stunner by Jim Hjelm is my absolute favorite dress of 2010. It just so happens I coordinated a wedding for a bride named Joanne who wore it for her April 2010 nuptials. She was gorgeous in it!

On the runway:

Jim Hjelm Bridal Gown: Style JH8962

On the bride:

From Style Unveiled:  Joanne and Vincent's San Francisco Wedding. Photos by Caroline Tran

How to hide your arms

I've lost about 14-15 pounds so far but I've still got the jiggly arms since I haven't been doing weight training consistently. My dress is strapless and I'm worrying about the chicken cutlets that threaten to hang out over the sides of my dress. Eeks!!!

Uptown Urban Craft to the rescue! For $74, I can get this cute bolero in taffeta and choose from seven colors. Unfortunately, teal or orange aren't among the choices (mostly pastel), but I suppose the brown will go best with my champagne colored dress.

{Photo from Uptown Urban Craft}

Another one that's really sweet is this art noveau inspired number, called La Belle Epoque.

 {Photo from Uptown Urban Craft}

How to Bustle

If you're debating what kind of bustle you want for your wedding dress, here's a great introduction to the three different kinds of popular bustles. {By the way, mine's a French bustle!}