Last month, we had the opportunity to speak with Greek designer,Christos Costarellos about his latest wedding dress collection, and honestly, we’re quite smitten by all his gowns (just look at how this dresssparkle and float)! Greece is in the heart of all of Costarellos’s creations, and the dresses are designed to be light and comfortable — perfect for destination weddings. The Spring 2016 Christos Costarellos bridal collection consists of delicate, feminine looks with a bohemian flair:
“The collection combines traditional moulage techniques with luxurious materials, such as French embroidery and silk, harmonized with elegant cuts and transparencies. Each piece is a blend of soft, delicate fabrics, featured with high quality and artistry. Unique kinds of lace are splendidly composed and layered in a truly stylish way. Apart from the timeless elegant style, for which the designer is known for, he has included, two-piece looks, loose crop tops and ethereal skirts into the collection, incorporating elements of everyday life into the bridal look.”
Photos courtesy of Christos Costarellos. For details, visit Christos Costarellos.
Love the Spring 2016 BHLDN lookbook we just posted? We’re not done yet! We have gorgeous imagery from BHLDN’s newly launched Fall bridal collection, and, let’s just say that you are in for a treat. Framed by colored glass panels and a rich autumnal landscape, photographer Boo George laid the perfect gold-tinted canvas for BHLDN’s exquisite new wedding gowns:
“By Amber Light – an October daydream imbued with luxe, floral textures and encrusted beading that ushers in a new wave of refined, bohemian style. Shot amid a meadow of dancing grass at a nature preserve in Pound Ridge, New York by noted photographer Boo George, the glass “chapel” was constructed from re-claimed windows and colored glass – the pièce de résistance in this surreal and dreamlike environment that captures the romantic feel of an intimate autumn wedding. The images celebrate the launch of eight new BHLDN looks that narrate the dreamy, golden environment and the spirit of wanderlust evoked by model Jenna Earle.”
Highlights of this shoot include WI favorite wedding dresses, the Lake Gown by Needle & Thread, Catherine Deane’s Bridgette Gown.
An England Meets Texas-Themed Wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel in Houston, Texas
Crystal Randgaard (30 and a principal buyer) and Kevin Ayres (31 and a project controls analyst) shared their first date in London on April 23, and have kept a tradition of a date night on the 23rd of each month since. Years later, after a couple of months of delaying their date night, they arranged a special date night stay at a local boutique hotel. When the next morning arrived and Crystal was collecting the last items from their room, Kevin mentioned that there was one thing she left behind. He had waited until the next morning to propose so that they would be engaged on the 23rd! Since the couple met while living in London and moved to Texas three years later, it seemed natural to utilize the rich cultures from both places in an England meets Texas-themed wedding. Rather than going for the traditional red, white and blue that represents both England and Texas, the couple selected a color palette of red with varying shades of gray. “Our favorite memory of the wedding day was how wonderful it was seeing all of our guests from around the world together in one place and to share such a special day with all of them,” says Crystal.
Saying no to the traditional wedding ceremony and wedding dress? Check out our favorite looks for an elopement or destination wedding below.
By Farah Prince
PHOTO BY LEFT: MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO; CENTER: MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO
In the past, elopements conjured images of impulsive romances and couples running off to marry in secret—but that's changed over the years. Whether you're foregoing tradition to save a few bucks or to save yourself the stress of planning a bigger affair, more couples are taking this less formal route to matrimony. But doing away with a lavish ceremony doesn't mean you can't still have the perfect wedding look! Using Fall 2016 Bridal Fashion Week as our inspiration, we picked 15 alternatives to the big white dress, just begging to be worn in a cool courthouse ceremony or destination wedding.
1. Laser-Cut Floral Wedding Dress
PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO
An intimate daytime wedding calls for easy fabrics and silhouettes, like this Amsale tea-length dress. With its sheer, cutout lace and casual length, we think this pretty frock would make a seamless transition from ceremony to outdoor reception.
2. Asymmetrical Strapless Wedding Jumpsuit
PHOTO BY KURT WILBERDING
A white or ivory jumpsuit can make you feel like an elegant bride without the formalities of an actual wedding dress. Angel Sanchez's strapless jumpsuit is all modern sophistication, with an asymmetrical neckline, structured pleating and laser-cut flower details.
3. Tea-Length Wedding Ball Gown
PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO
If you aren't having a traditional ceremony but you love the classic look of a ball gown wedding dress, here's the perfect compromise! This Dennis Basso dress has all the volume of a ball gown but its tea-length cut keeps it from feeling too formal.
4. Slip Wedding Dress With Floral Cape
PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO
Opting out of wearing a full-on wedding gown doesn't mean you can't have that showstopping moment. This Hayley Paige slip wedding dress with floral net cape overlay is totally awe inducing.
5. Wedding Dress Separates With Faux Fur Jacket
PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO
Ivory and lace may not scream "edgy bride," but this uber-chic Houghton outfit will change your mind. The laser-cut top and mini skirt, paired with a boxy faux fur jacket, give us major rock 'n' roll vibes.
6. Low-Cut Beaded Wedding Dress
PHOTO BY KURT WILBERDING
Your elopement can still have a glamorous, black-tie feel with a sleek and sexy beaded ivory and silver number. With a deep V-neck front and open back, this Inbal Dror wedding dress can always been worn again as an elegant New Year's Eve outfit.
7. Cashmere Sweater Wedding Dress
This Ivy & Aster cashmere sweater tank dress has us wishing for a winter-white elopement wedding. The ultra-luxe fabric, paired with a delicate beaded caplet, makes for a look that's truly stunning in its simplicity. The best part? You can toss it in your luggage without worrying about crinkling a fussier fabric like chiffon.
8. Silk Wedding Playsuit
A playsuit may not be your first thought when considering your wedding attire, but it would be right at home at a laid-back beach wedding. Whether you wear it to your causal nuptials or your bachelorette party, you'll probably want to sport Tara LaTour's spaghetti-strap romper again and again.
9. Wedding Dress With Illusion Neckline
This tea-length Liancarlo wedding dress mixes subtle details, like laser-cut leaves and an illusion neckline, with a feminine silhouette for a dress that feels classic but low key enough for a courthouse wedding.
10. Fringe Mini Wedding Dress
PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO
With its fun fringe detailing and shorter cut, this Naeem Khan wedding dress is made for a bride that plans to dance the night away—even if it is at a smaller fete!
11. Sweater and Skirt Wedding Separates
PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO
As far as wedding separates go, you can't get more sophisticated than a sweater and skirt combo (as proven by the forever-stylish Olivia Palermo at her own wedding). The intricate beading along the shoulder of this Jenny Yoo sweater gives the outfit just the right amount of sparkle.
12. Cap-Sleeve Sheath Wedding Dress
PHOTO BY KURT WILBERDING
A simple cap-sleeve sheath dress, like this figure-flattering wedding dress from Pronoviasis a testament to the saying "less is more." Another plus: This minimalist sheath will work in any setting.
13. Floral-Print Wedding Dress
An elopement is the perfect opportunity to show a little personality. Pair this floralRomona Keveza dress with neutral accessories to keep all eyes on the gorgeous print.
14. Collared Wedding Dress
PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO
This Sarah Seven sleeveless collared dress is about as casual (and chic!) as you can get. Pair it with sneakers and loose curls for a no-fuss bridal look.
15. Ivory Halter Wedding Jumpsuit
PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO
We're envisioning a chic courthouse ceremony with this Theia, 1920s-inspired, ivory, halter-neck jumpsuit. Finger waves and a bold red lip are optional, but highly recommended.
Want more wedding dress inspo? Check out all the Bridal Fashion Week galleries, plus wedding dress advice and more, at TheKnot.com/frontrow.