MORE THAN A CINDERELLA MOMENT


A FRESH BOUQUET OF WEDDING LOOKS FOR MODERN BRIDES

By Lori Simmons Zelenko

Elegance with just a hint of sexiness peeking through a veil of discretion: That’s the trend that’s transforming every woman into the Bride of her dreams. From sleek and architectural to flowing, lacy and fantastically alluring, Brides are discovering versatile styles for the seasons to come, going beyond the traditional and even out-reaching the modern to find looks that are fresh and new, spontaneous and just plain pretty, as they opt to use their imaginations to truly make magic.

Sheer romance inspires designer Olia Zavozina whose sensual and softly-detailed collection exquisitely captures the essence of first love. Bringing the beauty of Paris and the delicacy of fine lace to graceful gowns, this designer consistently delights Country Music’s top celebrities (she’s at the top of the charts for the red carpet regulars!) From ultra-chic totally modern looks to illusion necklines barely but beautifully revealing the body, Olia Zavozina’s gowns give a feeling of gentleness and grace as flowing layers bring tenderness and joy to every step down the aisle.

We asked top Bridal blogger The Anti-Bridezilla, Dorian Smith-Garcia for her take on the trends, tops on her list – ‘the wearable ballgown’. Brought to life by Nashville’s premiere gown designer, Olia Zavozina, the ballgown is transformed with sheer, lacy fabrics into, “A wearable silhouette with intense movement creating an overall ethereal effect,” reveals this exceptional Bridal blogger who deeply believes in truth and beauty.

“Splendor, passion and grace” is how Isabelle Armstrong describes their refined, elegant statements. The best of the best from this collection? We love Gigi a short, flirty and floral look trimmed with a bow.

Sarah Seven too expressed a spirited playfulness in her collection of dreamy wedding day looks. Bringing out the fresh sexiness in a youthful Bride, the pretty in pink watercolor print on a high low gown is radiant as a rose.

We love a diamond-accented cuff as a graceful accent for bouquet-holding hands; our favorite being the slim 18kt gold pair from JEMILY designed by Catherine Marion (available in rose and white gold as well – mix and match the different colors of gold for a provocative pairing.) Paired with the Art Deco-inspired drop diamond-sparkled earrings from the JEMILY Idrissa collection or the Sunburst diamond studs, JEMILY designs deliver a sophisticated spin on retro flair. Each piece becomes a chic, modern accent for a light as air gown.

Exquisitely luxurious and classically modern, the bouquets from New York’s favorite Wedding florist, Belle Fleur, make every Bride’s dream come true. The mother-daughter duo, Meredith and Marilyn Waga, behind Belle Fleur do more than simply create stunning bouquets; they consult on all facets of design, whether a lavish gala or intimate soiree bringing a love for color, texture and composition that truly blossoms.

Today’s answer to Cinderella’s slipper are bejeweled sandals from Vanessa Noel who views her architecture-inspired shoes, coveted by her cult following of celebrities and socialites alike, as “sensual art objects.”

Tumbling curls blended with braids top off the romantic statement of the gown with carefully coiffed styles created by the extraordinary celebrity hairstylist Jasmine Anna Galazka with the Warren Tricomi flagship salon at the Plaza Hotel. When it comes to weddings, she creates luxurious looks full of life and movement, intuitively knowing what a Bride wants, whether an updo or loose waves, Jasmine’s approach is always naturally in sync with the Bride’s personal style. “My intuition is my guide,” she reveals sharing her secret to unerringly designing hair that speaks genuinely to the inner the beauty of the bride.

Last but not least is the flower girl: Actually the first down the aisle! Ready for her Wow! moment she’s heaven sent in Orten Couture. Angela Batistine designs this delicious new collection for little girls finding her inspiration in the fanciful architectural details of the buildings of her own childhood.

Moving beyond a Cinderella moment, fantasies become reality as today’s Brides infuse their special day with imagination and playful expression giving romance a fresh new charm. From hi-lo looks in watercolored patterns to fun flirty silhouettes or beautiful ballgowns re-imagined with floating layers of lace from Olia Zavozina, there’s a gorgeous gown ready for every bride.

Seeking perfection for your wedding day? Check out the USA’s new www.gownup.com sharing the inside scoop directly from the designers, this site invites us to experience the insights behind the latest collections. Do explore the elite destination for Brides in faraway lands (Turkey and beyond) the premiere multi-lingual site for the elegant bride www.aroosjoon.com .