Lovely by Natalie

What makes a wedding dress timeless?  For me, the most important thing is a classic silhouette.  A classic silhouette usually consists of a natural waist that is fitted tight to the body and a full skirt.  As more and more brides want to look “sexy” on their big day, I find the most beautiful brides to be the demure.  Some of the most beautiful women in history are loved because their fashion choices stand the test of time.  Before picking out the trendiest new wedding gown, take a look through your family wedding photos and decide how you want future generations to view you.  Here are some of my classic wedding inspirations to get you started. 

Jackie Kennedy

Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face

Grace Kelly

Brigitte Bardot

I found this sweet heart cake on Bakerella that is simple yet eye catching.  The blue cake stand has the needed pop of color and the pink heart is the perfect finishing touch.  

Here are some of my favorite heels for brides.  Dress up your tootsies in an adorable way! 

Kate Spade Elate $325

Badgley Mischka Xavier $152

Pour La Victoire Bridal $170

Nina Elga $89.95

Stuart Weitzman $345

I love watching Mad Men on AMC and think it would be fabulous to have a 60s inspired cocktail party. Here are the necessary ingredients: 

1. Double Old Fashioned glasses from the Mikasa Cheers Too collection. The dots, lines, and swirls are also distinctive, so each of your guests can easily identify their glass without the need for wine charms. Love these!!

2. The Greyhound:

INGREDIENTS 2 oz vodka 5 oz grapefruit juice INSTRUCTIONS Pour vodka and grapefruit juice on top of the ice in a cocktail glass. Stir well.

3.  Ladylike looks from Kate Spade

Wrap me up in bows!  Bows are everywhere right now and they don’t look like your baby sister’s.  Bows are making statements in sophisticated and elegant ways.  Let your inner girly girl out and wear one of this season’s hottest trends.  

Clinton Lotter gown as seen in You & Your Wedding Magazine.

Crystal hair bow by Lovely by Natalie.

Azzaro dress worn by Ashley Greene. 

Black satin bow belt by New York Nat

Kate Spade Bow cuff.

Who says you have to buy bridesmaids dresses at the bridal salon?  If you have a small wedding party, I suggest shopping your favorite stores for dresses.  The dresses will not look “cookie cutter” and your girls will not feel silly wearing the dress again. As much as a bride thinks that the bridesmaids will wear that shiny taffeta bridesmaids dress again… they won’t!  If you can’t find all of the sizes at one location - have the store manager look up other locations and have them sent to you.  And the greatest part is if the dresses don’t work out they can always be returned with the tags on.  Here are some of the cute maids dresses I found. 

“Ole Dress” by Leifsdottir sold at Anthropologie $325

“Mullany Dress” by Eva Franco at Anthropologie $258   

“Foremost Dress” by Maeve at Anthropolgie $118

These romantic hairstyles are great options for brides.  I prefer a loose feminine look - nothing too tight or severe.  The curls and waves add interest without looking like your 1990 high school prom. 

Carolina Herrera (www.carolinaherrera.com) designs some of the most beautiful and unique bridal gowns on the market.  I came across her designs from the Spring 2011 runway and thought these gowns would look lovely with paired with some of my own creations.  Is Carolina Herrera out of your price range?  Check out her looks for inspiration!

Above is the “Edith” gown featuring pale pink and pale grey illusion tulle and silk chiffon pastel applique with translucent and antique silver sequin embroidery.  Pair it with “The Elizabeth” veil -  A  32 inch veil made with the finest light ivory tulle and trimmed with an antique silver lace.  

Below is another inspiration from Carolina Herrera - the brightness of the flowers add style and flair to an ivory dress.  

The Lovely by Natalie version, “The Eva” is more subdued while still making a statement.  

I came across this engagement photo shoot (www.greenweddingshoes.com) that was inspired by the movie “The Notebook” and fell in love.  ”The Notebook” is one of my favorite love stories and the essence of the movie is really shown in these photos.  I like the idea of taking a love story or movie and recreating the look and feel for an engagement photo.  What movie would you recreate?  The possibilities are endless!  I’m thinking old hollywood…

I have been working on my new website, editing photos and captions all weekend and I have finally completed it this Sunday night. I could not be more excited to begin marketing and spreading the word about my new bridal accessory collection, Lovely by Natalie.  Thank you to my boyfriend and photographer, Jonathan, for taking my photos in the park!  You’re the best! xo

Check out my collection at www.lovelybynatalie.com