Photo by Erin Johnson Photography
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Weddings Fall/Winter 2008
1 In the Spotlight
Let your dress be the star by keeping the rest of your look—from makeup to flowers to accessories—soft and light. Our cover girl is wearing an alencon lace strapless Bouquet gown by Vera Wang. It is artfully accented with floral, pearl, and crystal hairpins, pearl drop earrings with bezel set diamonds by Mikimoto, and a vintage necklace made up of three rows of rhinestones. A bouquet of peonies adds to the subtle elegance of the look.
2 Choosing Your Gown
Bring one or two people you trust dress shopping. Everyone else can wait for the big day to see your perfect dress.
3 Comfort Zone
Make sure you choose a dress and shoes you will be comfortable in all day—whether you’re walking down the aisle or dancing the night away.
4 Personal Touch
Accent your gown or hairdo with pin-on fabric flowers. Floral motifs can also add a splash of color.
5 Haute Bridal
If your style is simple elegance, Bridal Accents Couture’s collection of gowns by renowned wedding dress designers—Anne Barge, Melissa Sweet, Liancarlo, Elma Reis, and L’ezu Atelier—may be just what you’re looking for. Plus, the shop is located within the Bridal Retreat, a one-stop wedding-planning complex. A well-edited selection of jewelry and accessories is also available, as are bridesmaid’s gowns and bridal shoes. 4401 Co. Rd. 42 W., Savage, 952-846-4496
 | 6 Beach Wedding Couture
No matter how much you love the princess look, a mille feuille ball gown would be all wrong on the beach. Thankfully, many designers have been stepping out of the box and onto the sand, presenting collections of gowns perfect for the destination bride. Reverie by Melissa Sweet offers everything from a knee-length party dress in cotton and silk with pearl and embroidery v-neck (left), to a cotton and silk knee-length dress with shell embroidery and three quarter-length sleeves. Add a pair of gold, flat sandals and simple hair and makeup to create a more modern, laid-back take on the traditional fairy tale. Priscilla of Boston, 3926 W. 50th St., Edina, 952-922-2106 |
 | 7 Mad About Monique
Ladies in love fly in from around the country to visit our Monique Lhuillier signature salon (one of only two boutiques) at 50th & France. Opened in 1996 to rave reviews, Lhuillier’s bridal collections always have a refined femininity and modern romanticism. Lhuillier’s spring 2009 bridal collection is no exception. Each gown is embellished, belted, or laced, but the bones are streamlined and offer more restraint (trumpet skirts and sheaths) than some of her previous collections. Monique Lhuillier, 3928 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-929-0747 |
 | 8 Always a Lovely Bridesmaid
Gone are the days of matching bridesmaid gowns in unflattering cuts and stiff fabrics. According to Flutter Boutique‘s Michelle Hanson, with new collections from the likes of Jenny Yoo, Melissa Sweet, and Thread, brides-to-be can swathe their bridesmaids in looks both current and timeless. Hanson suggests that brides choose a color and allow their maids to pick a shade and style that suits them (keep hem length consistent, however). Flutter Boutique, 720 W. Lake St. Ste. 107, Mpls., 612-216-1926 |
{ Hot Spot }
9 50th & France
You’ll find two of the Twin Cities’ hottest bridal boutiques—Monique Lhuillier and Priscilla of Boston—and one of the area’s premier wedding dress designers, Kristen Olsen of The Dressmaker, at this intersection. If that’s not enough, you’ll find vintage bridal gowns and jewelry at Brides of France, and enough spa and salon services to beautify your entire bridal party. Make a day of it, and in between catch lunch at Salut Bar Américain and an afternoon glass of wine at Beaujo’s Wine Bar.
10 Vintage Flair
While anyone can slip into shiny new designer threads and declare it “the perfect gown, meant just for me,” it takes a very special bride to go for the truly unique look of a vintage piece. “A lot of brides are artistically or creatively driven,” says Andrea Erickson of Andrea’s Vintage Bridal and Party Dresses, an expansive bridal boutique featuring hundreds of antique and vintage gowns and accessories. In fact, a look at the past can offer inspiration to any bride. Plus, there are always accessories that can give a new dress a vintage flair. Andrea’s Vintage Bridal, lower level of Blake Antiques, 901 Main St., Hopkins, 612-716-8006
11 Mamma Mia!
“Mothers of the brides like to have value in their outfit,” says Nancy Shank, owner of fashion boutique Dugo. “This means they often like to buy separates so that the individual pieces can be used later on.” Our favorites include Sylvia Heisel, Mark Heister, and Marisa Baratelli, who is known for her beautiful design, great fit, and gorgeous colors. Galleria, 952-746-4440
 Photo by Michael Hendrickson | { Cool Idea } 12 Hollywood Connections
Use Hollywood “Wedding Apparel Tape” to dance the night away without worrying about pulling up your strapless dress. $14, available at Brides of France, Uptown and Edina locations |
 | 13 Romantic Tradition
Inspired by delicate lingerie, Spanish bridal designer Rosa Clara creates exquisitely beautiful bridal gowns with intricate, romantic detailing. This bridal favorite was hard to come by in the states (and impossible to get in Minnesota) until Amanda Kautt opened L’atelier Couture Bridal Boutique in St. Paul. She offers a lineup of bridal designers to rival that of any boutique in NYC—Vera Wang, Elizabeth Fillmore, Jenny Packham, and Rosa Clara. “Rosa Clara embodies the romantic tradition of bridal beauty. I was captivated by the designer’s vast collection and knew any bride would feel elegant in one of her gowns,” says Kautt. “Rosa Clara makes European couture accessible and fun.” 493 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-602-9492 |
 | 14 A Look of Your Own
The strapless gown has become the prerequisite look for stylish brides over the past decade, but the demure lace sleeves and scoop back of this gown by Elizabeth Fillmore makes a statement of individuality that is just as sophisticated. Draped vintage crystal necklaces and a pair of starburst earrings enhance the romance, and the ring by Flyer Fit makes this look a knockout. How to create this look: Keira gown from L’atelier Couture Bridal Boutique, 651-602-9492; jewelry from StyledLife, Gaviidae Common, 612-746-5400; ring from JB Hudson, 612-338-5950 |
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