(Above) “When you enter most bridal boutiques, the dresses are divided into three main directions: the princess cut, the mermaid and the lace,” says designer Olga Thomas, who splits her time between Milwaukee and Bucharest, Romania. “They are beautiful, but they are not for everyone.” To give brides more options, she took needle and thread, and designed her first collection of bridal gowns. Each has a mix-and-match quality, like the Alisha (price upon request), a two-piece that features an embroidered cut-out top and a tulle-lined skirt.
(Below) Think haute couture is only for Paris, London or Milan? Think again. Custom high-fashion bridal looks are being created right here in our home state. Take accessories designer Jackie Barutha of Jaxie, for example. The Milwaukee native thoughtfully designs vintage-inspired bridal clutches, crowns (the Tori, $295, shown here), veils (this one, a double-layer cathedral, $175) and more.
(Above) Such glamour! For a truly show-stopping look perfect for a formal wedding, choose a cathedral veil. (For the full effect, ensure you have a long, dramatic aisle to walk down.) Coordinate your veil (Veil Trends’ Fleet, $725, available at Bliss Bridal in Brookfield) with an equally dramatic gown like this one by Hayley Paige. The Remmington ($3,850, available at Bliss Bridal) features an illusion top and full-length sleeves embellished with floral beading.
(Below) Same dress, different vibe. For a Greek goddess take on this Hayley Paige gown, part your hair straight down the center and top it with a subtle but stunning crown by Jaxie. Smoky eye makeup, along with a pale pink lip, will keep all eyes on you all night long.
(Above) Perhaps you depend on a top knot to get your hair through a work day—so why not on your wedding day too? With a cathedral veil pinned into it, the ’do makes for a sleek wedding-day look. It also coordinates well with this oh-so-romantic illusion lace top, which slips over Olga Thomas’ Antonia gown ($1,890). Come cocktail hour, make a quick wardrobe change by removing the lace top and revealing the stunning gown underneath.
(Below) We can’t get enough of this fresh take on the flower crown craze: a flower cluster. Stylist Tiffany Tia created the floral piece, arranging roses of varying sizes and pinning them into a chic updo. Keep the flowers within one of two neutral color families; here, Tia chose blush and ivory.