In a recent interview with her, I asked how she defines her wedding gown design aesthetic. Her answer was swift and straight-forward … “clean lines and luscious fabrics that incorporate french lace and decorative accents.”

I think, though, that the most significant thing Janell told me was that she designs for real brides with real figures and real curves.

Each of Janell’s gowns has a definite personality, a definite style. Once created, each gown will prompt the unfolding of a young lady’s dream-come-true wedding day.

We’ll be back with a few of our favorite gowns from Janell’s Couture Collection …

And if you’ve already selected your gown, head on over to The Little Black Book Blog for a stunning, classic Illinois wedding from Jeffrey and Julia Woods Photography. A little later today, we’ll be featuring another dazzling Real Wedding From Andrew and Katrina at Sedona Brides on the Little Black Book Blog!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Couture, Designer, Janell Berte, Lancaster, Nick Gould Photography, Pennsylvania, Wedding Dress Styles, Wedding Style
Post categories: Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Style

Before I show you all of the beautiful details, I thought these pictures of the bride getting ready were absolutely gorgeous…

All of the absolutely, tear-inducing gorgeous photographs were captured by Mark Wallis. There are no words for how beautiful some of the pictures are that we are going to feature today, I only wish that I could show you ALL of them.

From the bride, Fiona…

I wore a strapless beaded wedding dress and once I had the dress the style of the day really came together. I love sparkle so I wanted it to be twinkly day!

I had shoes custom made by a fantastic place called Emmy shoes in London to match the dress and bought extra dress lace so that it could be put onto the front of the shoes to match. I also had custom made Swarovski covered converse trainers for the dancing (more sparkle!)! I had Bride written on one shoe in crystals and Mrs Crompton on the other, they were a real talking point during the dancing!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Garden Wedding, Mark Wallis, Wedding Style
Post categories: Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance

And, I am beyond excited to let you guys know that Cathy is GIVING AWAY a set of 100 Invitation Sets! How great is that!? The set will include the invitation, the reply cards, reply envelopes and outer envelopes, all printed on beautiful Linen Paper. And here, my friends, is the absolutely beautiful design…

The design was inspired by grandmothers, mothers and daughters…and generations to come!

For this giveaway, we are hoping you’ll share the style of your wedding…is it rustic chic? classic and traditional? funky? casual but elegant? We’ll pick a random winner for this giveaway from your comments!

* * *

And the winner is…Abbie!

“Our wedding will be part rustic chic part garden party. We are getting married in the local botanic gardens with a reception at the local community center. We’ve chosen kelly green and a pale turquoise for our colors. LOVE THIS GIVEAWAY! I checked her site and love the designs.”

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 96 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Giveaway, Love at First Invite, Pink Week, Wedding Style
Post categories: Contests, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

Today’s post is a splurge vs. save. I tried to find gowns that were comparable either in cut or style, or at the very least, gave that ahhhh how pretty feeling for both the splurge and the steal. Here we go! The splurge gowns are all $1500 and above (most of them far more). The save dresses are $1500 and below (most of them far less).

Top Row, left to right: Rosa Clara, Junko Yoshioka for Bonaparte NY, Oscar de la Renta; Bottom Row: Vera Wang, Ruben Perlotti (most photos from Wedding Style)

Top Row: J Crew $1000, Carmen Marc Valvo at Bloomingdales, Ramona Keveza on The Knot $1500; Bottom Row: J Crew $250, ABS by Allen Schwartz $300, Mary L. Couture at Nordstroms, $238

The main element you should look for, if you are dress shopping on a budget, should be simplicity. Find a dress you love, then scour stores to find a simpler, toned down version. If you take away some of the ruffles and beading, even an inexpensive gown will look chic and sophisticated.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2007. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Allen Schwartz, Grace Ormonde, J. Crew, Junko Yoshioka, Mary L. Couture, Nordstroms, Oscar De La Renta, Ruben Perlotti, The Knot, Vera Wang, Wedding Style
Post categories: Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion