FEATURES – Spring/Summer 2012
Make a Splash
Marvelous mermaid gowns are still turning heads with different styles for every aisle.
One of the finest aspects of living in Hampton Roads is that we're so close to water. There's something truly intriguing and inspiring about the ocean, which is why we chose to emphasize gowns that emulate cherished aspects of the sea. After choosing a grand selection of discernable and exceptional mermaid styles along with a bounty of oceaninspired accessories, we made our way to the aquatic atmosphere of the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel. Whether you're planning a beachside ceremony or have a genuine appreciation for the many bodies of water surrounding us, let these gowns be your inspiration for the ocean of beauty you'll impart on your very distinguished day.
By Land or By Sea
Unlike most mermaid-
inspired dresses,
this gown connects
two worlds by
combining extraordinary
designs that
are as complex
as an intricately
formed seashell with
delicate feathers
that will tickle your
fancy to the fullest.
Topped with an
exquisite silver beaded
veil, this dress
dives to the deepest
level of divinity and
soars to the top of
your things to love.
Gown: Pronovias
"Bali" dress fabricated
with gorgeous
beaded lace with
tulle trim, feathered
bodice and broach
underneath the
bust line, $2,775.
Veil: Pronovias silver
beaded edge, $385.
Jewelry: Bronze and
pearl earrings by
Christina's Crystals,
$119. All from Maya
Couture, Norfolk.
Aquatic Allure
Some of the most gorgeous
scenes are supplied by the
majestic movement of water
in the ocean. Make your own
movement in this champagne
lace gown with beautifully
beaded straps. The dazzling
form and flow of the richly
decorated train creates a
pedestal of purity. Gown:
Champagne lace with
satin underlay by Casa
Blanca, $1,198. Jewelry:
Large freshwater pearl
necklace, $445, and
matching earrings,
$105, by local artist
A. Amsler Designs.
All from Williamsburg
Bridal.
Ocean of Extravagance
We learned from Titanic that
a woman's heart is a deep
ocean of secrets. However,
it's no secret why brides
are swimming with delight
over this majestic mermaid
gown. The ivory Alencon
fitted bodice, gorgeously
adorned with an elaborate
pattern of lace, erupts into
a tulle mermaid skirt with
Alencon overlay to create
a mermaid effect that's
incomparable. Gown: Anjolique
ivory Alencon with
tulle mermaid skirt and
embellished belt at waist,
$1,790. Jewelry: Haute
Bride rhinestone drop
earrings, $195. All
from Pure English,
Virginia Beach.
Making Waves
The gentle flow of an ocean's waves
layering one another is mimicked in
this gown's softly ruffled and tiered
skirt, and the jeweled bust is more
exquisite than the most bounteous
treasure found at the bottom
of the sea. You're sure to make
positive waves of wonderment
as you fancily float down the
aisle. Gown: Allure sweetheart
neckline with jeweled bust and
criss-cross pleating at bodice
and waist, $1,299.99. Jewelry:
Gold drop bracelet and pearl
and gold earrings by Enttra,
$85. All from All the Rage,
Hilltop, Virginia Beach.
Pearls of Perfection
If love is like an
oyster, love is a
pearl—a rare find
that is formed
naturally and holds
the utmost value.
Celebrate your love
in this satin light
gold hued gown
that reminds us
of the naturally
polished refinement
of a freshly
formed pearl. Pair
with a cluster of
freshwater pearls
necklace and earrings
for a pure
and classic quality.
Gown: Satin
light gold with
ruched pickup
skirt by Ella Rosa,
$798. Jewelry:
Small freshwater
cluster necklace
by local artist A.
Amsler Designs,
$445. Matching
earrings,
$175. All from
Williamsburg
Bridal.
Water, Water Everywhere
No matter if you decide to be married
amid the crashing waves of
the ocean, a glimmering lake or a
tranquil pool bursting with blue,
you'll look ravishing in this ivory
silk satin V-neck dress with asymmetrical
ruching. Embellished with
floral and crystal adornments, this
lavish gown is the epitome of posh.
Gown: Monique Lhullier V-neck
gown with asymmetrical ruching,
$3,300. Veil: Toni Federici, $375. All
from Pure English, Virginia Beach.
Queen of the Sea
This gown's exuberant rosettes that are
gracefully placed along the skirt and train
are reminiscent of the gentle frothiness
of the ocean. Add the finishing touches
of this rhinestone belt and shimmering
headband veil for an undisputed royal
resemblance. Gown: Lace, sheer
overlay with rosettes by Allure,
$1,899.99. Belt: Rhinestone belt
by Allure, $249.99. Veil: Malis
Henderson headband veil,
$559.99. Jewelry: Silver small
drop earrings by Malis Henderson,
$279.99. All from
All the Rage, Hilltop,
Virginia Beach.
Splashing Silhouette
Nothing compares to
the unmatched beauty
of a perfectly poised bride.
The striking elegance of
this gown is distinguished
by the flawless mermaid
silhouette that flows into a
pretty pool of lovely lace,
bringing about a splash
of sophistication. Gown:
La Sposa "Denia" boasting
a gorgeous beaded lace
mermaid silhouette and
light tulle illusion overlay
with lace edging, $2,100.
Veil: Pronovias singlelayer,
floor-length veil
made from extraordinarily
soft and delicate tulle and
embellished with lace and
sequins, $571. Jewelry:
Akoya pearl drop necklace
embellished with Swarovski
crystals, $496. Matching
earrings, $175. All from
Maya Couture, Norfolk.
Credits:
Photography: Jim Pile
Creative Director: David Uhrin
Styling: Pamela Hopkins with assistant Courtney Thompson
Hair and Makeup: Elizabeth Paschall and assistant Jason Fairbanks with Salon Vivace,
www.salonvivace.com
Models: Jessica Duncan and kris Smith with Evie Mansfield Modeling and Talent Agency, Virginia Beach,
www.eviemansfield.com
Words: Angela Blue
Thank you to the beautiful Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel for providing us with the perfect backdrop for our Marvelous Mermaids.
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