Bella Rosa Bridal

This week we are featuring “Angelica” from Bliss by Monique Lhuillier. Angelica is one our FAVORITE gowns, she is so sweet and darling. Angelica has a slight dip in the neckline with lace scalloping shyly peaking out. The bodice is covered in ruched lace, where it comes to the natural waistline. The waist has the sweetest horse-hair ribbon bow to accentuate the waist. This A-line dress flares out with a beautiful toole skirt. 

Angelica is definitely that “princess fairy tale” dress. 

We really wish you could see this dress in person, it is STUNNING. These pictures do not do not do her justice at all. This gorgeous dress, by Marisa, is named “Morgan.” 

Morgan is full lace with a fit and flare silhouette. The lace on Morgan is to DIE FOR. It is a embroidered alencon lace with scalloping on the sweet heart neckline and bottom hem. Morgan has the fit and shape Marisa is famous for. The back of Morgan is just as beautiful as the front. Down the back are buttons which cover the zipper. The back has a beautiful pleated pattern, almost acting as a mock bustle. The underlay train ends at the floor, but the lace beautifully flows past the underlay and follows elegantly behind. 

Today we are featuring our new “Piper” by Tara Keely. This season peplums are forecasted to be a new trend. Piper has a beautiful peplum skirt, which will add shape any silhouette. She has a sweetheart neckline with subtle lace scalloping. The entire bodice is lace with a satin ribbon sash to accentuate the waist. The skirt is fitted with a beautiful train that follows. 

If you think Piper is your girl, give us a call to try her on!  Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends! 

This week we are featuring “Lorraine” by Tara Keely. Lorraine is definitely the dress you want if you want that “wow factor.” She’s the kind of girl whose got some personality and will let you show off your curvaceous figure. Lorraine is categorized as a mermaid silhouette, most fitting for woman who want to show off their hour glass curves. 

The bodice of the dress is all lace with a sweetheart neckline and a keyhole back. The waist is accentuated by a champagne belt with a beautiful flower detail. The bottom flares out with multiple layers of tulle and crinoline. 

Lorraine is not for the faint of heart. But if you think you got what it takes, come on in and try her on today! 

Photography by Black Fin Photos

When and where was your wedding? 
We got married on September 28, 2012 at Celebrations, which is on the swift creek reservoir. 

How did you find your dress/ know it was “the one?”
I knew this dress was the one because (first my grandmother picked it and she has excellent taste) when I came out with it on no one spoke. When I said liked it, my sister, mother and grandmother all cried (they were hoping for that). It was the only one that made me feel like the bride I wanted to be. 

How would you describe your wedding style? 
Simple and timeless. I wanted to go with things that were elegant and organic but not trendy. I did not want too many details because I knew it would be overwhelming. A garden my the water was a perfect setting. 

When and where was your wedding?
Our wedding ceremony took place at the Glen Allen Baptist Church in Glen Allen, Virginia on June 16, 2012.  The reception was held at the Tuckahoe Woman’s Club in Richmond, Virginia.

How would you describe your style, and how did you incorporate it into your wedding?
My husband and I wanted our wedding ceremony and reception to represent both of our styles, as well as the style of the area that we live in, Richmond.  We love everything southern and we knew we needed to incorporate southern elements into our wedding, everything from my dress to our food.  We also wanted to keep the wedding very classy and traditional, since I tend to be on the traditional side.  My wedding dress incorporated a little bit of everything southern to me (i.e. lace and pearls).  I wore pearl earrings and a pearl bracelet and gave pearl earrings to my bridesmaids.  I wore a very traditional long veil.   My bridesmaids’ dresses were pink with a halter ruffle neck and a flat bow at the waist.  The groom and our groomsmen wore silk pink seersucker bowties and cummerbunds that we had specially made by Peter-Blair in Richmond.  Our cake was monogrammed and we actually chose our cake style from Southern Living Magazine - Wedding Edition.

How did you pick your dress/ know it was “the one?”
I have always loved Monique Lhuillier wedding dresses and when I tried my dress on, I had a pretty good idea it was the once since it incorporated everything that I was looking for in a wedding dress.  I wanted something very special and unique, and I had the option of adding a longer train and buttons to the back of the dress, which made me feel like my dress was one of a kind.  I loved the lace on the sash of my dress and that may be one of the main reasons I chose my dress.  Once I was made over and had my veil and jewelry, I knew it was the one and said yes to the dress!

What was your absolute favorite moment, memory, or experience you took away from your wedding?
I would have to say that my favorite moment and memory from my wedding was definitely my husband and I saying our vows at the altar.  The whole day flew by so fast but that moment is the one thing that I have a clear memory of.  Looking back now, at the whole experience, I am just so grateful for all of the love and support from everyone that helped make my wedding so special.  The whole experience has drawn me closer to my family and friends.  My husband and I also really appreciated that our pastor’s reverent service made many references to the importance of faith for a successful marriage.

Did you ever have a total “panic attack” or bridezilla moment?
I am proud to say that I did not have a full blown “panic attack” on my wedding weekend.  I must admit, however, that there were a couple of times where I almost lost my composure.  The weather on the day of our wedding was beautiful.  It was 75 degrees and sunny, however, it was a little windy.  In fact, the flowers and decorations at the church entrance had blown over before we arrived.  My “bridezilla” moment occurred when my maids of honor were in the process of bustling my dress after the ceremony on the way to the reception.  The needle nose pliers we had set out disappeared! So unfortunately, I did have a “bridezilla” moment, but my maids of honor forgave me in no time.  

Was there anything special that made your wedding unique?
Of course I feel like our wedding was special and very unique.  We incorporated different things and ideas that my husband and I both enjoy to make it a very personal and unique experience.  My brother escorted me down the aisle, which was very special to me.  Our wedding favor was a blackberry preserve that my husband’s aunt and my mother-in-law  made themselves. Our guests were able to enjoy a special cocktail when they arrived at the reception venue, a blackberry specialty drink called “Sweet Beginnings”.  I was also fortunate enough to have a wedding dress that was very versatile and able to take on a totally different style from the wedding ceremony to the reception.  I actually had people ask me if I had a dress change when all I had done was added halter straps and bustled it!  

If you could do it all over again, would you go back and change anything?
There is nothing that I would go back and change about my wedding if I was able to do it all over again.  It was such a special day and the memories that were made were perfect just the way it was!

Congratulations Megan! We are so happy for you :)

If you would like to be a featured Bella Bride, please email us. 

Our bride of the week is Hiyasmin! 

When and where was your wedding?
“August 25, 2012 at the Bloemendaal House in Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.”

How would you describe your style, and how did you incorporate it into your wedding?  
“Since I was having an outdoor wedding, my style was a collection of nature and rustic. I had a “lovebirds theme” and use an antique shutter to hold my place cards. I die cut color coded birds to indicate my guests meal choice. I used birdcages centerpieces with each one different. I made homemade jam for everyone as our wedding favors.” 

 

We agonize about the dress, shed tears for the dress, and looove the dress. But what about the shoes?! We have the honor of seeing so many shoes from so many girls during their fittings. These are some trends we’ve seen here in Richmond we’re drooling over.

BLING
Who doesn’t love a statement piece?! We’ve seen it all, from WOAH to subtle. Adding a little sparkle never hurt anyone. 

SHOE CLIPS
Take your bridal shoe from cute to FABULOUS with a pair of shoe clips. Its the perfect way to add that something special. Most girls choose something like a flower clip, but you can also get feathers, lace, and such. Its a cute way to make your shoes unique and special. Check out Etsy for some super cool shoe clips. 

BOOTS
We love the juxtapositionof hard against soft. This is a growing trend, especially for girls that get married outside on a farm or barn. Its for those Southern Bells that want to look beautiful and elegant but at the end of the day still like to get their hands dirty. 

NEUTRALS
There’s something really sexy about a great nude shoe. Its subtle, but at the same time can be the cherry to a the perfect look. EVERYONE needs a fabulous nude shoe, it makes the legs look tall and lean.. and who doesn’t want that?! 

TOMS
We would say this is probably one of the fastest growing trends we’ve seen in the past year. Not only are they cute and comfortable, but its for a great cause. For each pair bought, a pair is donated to a child in need.  

SOMETHING BLUE
Is there a more perfect place for that “something blue” than in your shoes!? Pure genius we say, someone deffinetly deserves a high five! We’ve seen every shade of blue from tiffany blue to dark navy.

POP OF COLOR
Can we please take a moment of silence and salute all the brides out there who wore a “pop of color.” Its so fun, and hey makes for some pretty awesome pictures! As you walk, they barely peak out from under your dress to whisper “Hello there, I’m gorgeous.” Its a fun way to do something non traditional without going all out.