Bella Rosa Bridal

Check out our new bridesmaid line by Mackenzie Michaels!

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. 

OTR.. what in the world does that even mean?!

Off The Rack

This is what modern television has lead many to believe the meaning of “off the rack.” The infamous “Running of the Brides.” Brides (or sometimes just those knowing they will be a bride one day) waiting hours and hours just to try on a heavily discounted dress. 

Why wouldn’t you want an OTR dress?! Its a great way to get a designer couture dress that would have cost you thousands at a discount price. Its a great way for a bride to get her dream dress without breaking her budget

Where do OTR dresses come from?
OTR dresses are usually dresses that were once samples in a bridal salon, but have been discontinued. Because the dress can no longer be special ordered, the salon has no use for them anymore. Because of this, the dress is sold off the rack “as is.”

Other times, girls do not claim a dress after it comes in, they find another dress they like better, or in some unfortunate circumstances weddings are canceled. These dresses are never worn, but most designers will not take returns or cancel orders if they are already in production. These dresses are also sold OTR. 

Why should I get an OTR dress?
OTR dresses are heavily discounted. If you are sample size, or close to sample size, OTR dresses are a great alternative to an expensive designer dress. Get the same look, for a lot lower price. OTR dresses also do not have to be ordered, so if your wedding is very soon or you need a dress immediately: OTR is the way to go.

How do I get an OTR dress?
Bridal salons will usually advertise an “OTR Sale”/”Annual Sample Sale” or host a “Running of the brides.” But in fact, most salons will have OTR year round, you just have to ask. At Bella Rosa we keep all OTR wedding gowns in the back room, and you must ask to see them. But the appointment is no different from a regular appointment, and you are not treated any differently

What should I know before purchasing an OTR dress?
You have to understand most of these dresses were samples in the store, so they have been tried on by quite a few times, by quite a few girls. Beading and buttons may be missing, there might be a few make up spots, or stray thread strands. Bridal salons understand this, and this is the reason why they discount the dress. But many times a dress can be professionally dry cleaned or alterations can repair missing beading/lace/buttons/zippers. 

 Sample gowns are sizes 10/12 , but we really mean 6/8/10. This is because bridal sizes run quite small. Depending on the dress, a gown can usually be taken in 2 or 3 sizes and let out 1 size. Alterations will be more expensive with an OTR dress (unless you are a perfect sample size) because the dress must be altered more. 

If you like a dress, and know it is “the one,” BUY IT. Off the rack dresses are hot items because the prices are so great. OTR inventory moves quickly, so you need to too!

At Bella Rosa we just marked all of our OTR gowns down AGAIN. All dresses are now all under $2,000. Dresses are originally from $4,500. Prices starting at $199. 

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. 

We are continuing to feature Alyne for wedding gown wednesday since we have such beautiful dresses we do not always have.  We love how Alyne has multiple different beautiful necklines. This week we are featuring the gorgeous Catherine.  She is an all lace fit and flare.  The V-neckline is softened by the scalloped lace.  This gown has multiple layers to give the dress dimension, one of the layers is a very pale pink tulle and gives this ivory dress the slightest blush hue.  The back of this dress is one of our favorite things about this dress.  It has a low rounded back with buttons all the way to the hem.  The scalloped lace goes just slightly longer then the lining.  

Talk about a wedding worthy of a movie! Amy is our Bella Bride of the Week, and we couldn’t be more excited. The wedding had an effortless vintage chicness, with the feeling of an old 20s film. Amy’s wedding was equally breath taking as she was. 

Gorgeous photography by Tiffani Sunshine Photography

Amy walked down the aisle at Monumental Church in Richmond, with ceremony at the historic Hippodrome in Jackson Ward. 

Congratulations Amy and Patrick!

Are you a Bella Rosa bride? We would love to have you as a featured Bella Bride! Please email us for more information.  

We were so excited to received the Alyne samples for the Alyne trunkshow a week early.  So, we wanted to share one of the dresses we don’t normally have as a sample with you!

The reason we wanted to share Bridgette with you is because of her fantastic neckline.  The illusion bateau neckline is so classic and beautiful.  The subtle sweetheart under the illusion is perfect for the bride that prefers something with a little more modesty but loves the look of a strapless dress.  The banding at the waist accents the natural waist.  Box pleats give this gown a pretty fullness.  There is a small surprise in the back of this gown, there are sparkly little bows that take the place of buttons going down the back of the dress to the hem.  This gown is made of a beautiful silk organza.  

This gown will only be with us through the end of the month, so hurry in to try on “Bridgette” today!