Yesterday I posted my thoughts on the Vera Wang “Diana” dress, spawned by the ad I saw featuring this design in the latest issue of Town & Country Weddings magazine.  The overall consensus seemed to be that while the dress has a very decadent quality to it, there’s just a little too much going on overall for it to be all that wearable by your average bride. 

For a different perspective (and what I figured had to be a more educated one), I sent a quick tweet to the ladies at b. Hughes Bridal for their thoughts.  As a Vera Wang retailer, they carry this dress in their store and have seen how it looks first hand on dozens of different “real” brides.  They graciously got right back to me, leaving this very helpful comment for readers:

We LOVE this gown! As an insider, we can tell you that the bow around her waist is actually a removable bow. Without it, the bodice is so clean and soft around the face and the drama and romance of the tiered layers is left to the skirt. We did love the bow for the runway, but for a real bride, we think it is best with a soft grosgrain ribbon at the waist.

Geesh! Thank goodness for the bridal boutique ladies! Subtle as that change may be, IT CHANGES EVERYTHING!  Don’t believe me?  Compare the ad image from yesterday with the bow-less version below. 

If you need further convincing, Allison from b. Hughes Bridal also provided these images from a recent photoshoot featuring the dress in question, shot by Jose Villa.  And while I will give you that Jose is a master who can make pretty much anything look good, this version of Vera Wang’s  Diana is not needing much help right?

So I’m sold. I defnitely still think this dress could overwhelm perhaps a more petit bride but in general, sans that insane tulle bow the clean bodice paired with that layered skirt is pretty darn awesome.

What do you think? Does this change your opinion? Did you love it regardless?

I’m a big fan of simple flowers used in abundance (babies breath anyone?).  Don’t get me wrong, I love mountains of fluffy pink peonies as much as the next girl, but sadly those lovelies can leave quite a dent in your wallet.   But a flower like astible is abundant, in season almost all summer long, available in a variety of colors (red, pink, purple & white) and much more budget friendly.

Like babies breath, it has often been relegated to filler status, but when used in isolation, I think their feathery quality is dreamy and gorgeous.  They dry beautifully too with the colors fading to a more muted version of their fresh, vibrant selves.  If you’re having a summer wedding, don’t overlook these beautifully simple flowers!

{Photo credits:  Top row: Belathée Photography via The Bride’s Guide ; Middle row:  Country Living, Angelica Glass via Green Wedding Shoes; Bottom row:  Green Wedding Shoes}

Don’t get me wrong, I love me some intricate details on a wedding gown.  Three dimensional fabric flowers, intricate ruching, playful ruffles…love it all.  And I really DO want to love this Vera Wang dress with its decadent layer upon layer of fabric details.

But try as I might, I can’t get over the feeling that it’s wearing the model rather than the other way around.  Presumably someone out there can pull this off but I don’t know…it just seems so overwhelming in this image.  Just me?

…and on an unrelated note, why is the Vera Wang website going out of its way to be so user un-friendly?  Yes she’s an icon, dresses speak for themselves, yadda yadda yadda but why the need to block prospective brides from getting any info on her lovely dresses without first creating a user account?

I mean I know the reason (lead generation, market research, etc), but unfortunately the site is failing to provide any really useful information on what most site visitors are surely there for – more detailed images and information on the latest season’s designs.  This despite the fact that it’s the first stop for anyone who’s fallen in love with her gowns after seeing them in her multimillion dollar ad campaign.  Seems a little silly to hold this information hostage from prospective customers on your own site when you can get price info, fabric construction and more detailed pictures via Style Me Pretty’s Look Book (incidentally I do think it looks eminently more wearble in this image).

…someone help me off this soapbox?

The latest issue of Town & Country Weddings magazine features the most incredible collaboration between the reigning queen of all things sweet, Amy Atlas and some totally drool-worthy jewels.

It’s hard to pick a favorite from this line up but if pressed, I think I’d have to say those playful pink jumbo barber pole candy sticks dripping in sapphires and aquamarine gemstones.

Seriously…all this bling + decadent sweet things = heart palpitations.  I love it.

And now for the REALLY big announcement!  In celebration of DeShelia’s official launch into the world of weddings, she is graciously offering one lucky White Thread reader a chance to win complete wedding day photography coverage.

Yes you read correctly!  A full day of coverage (dawn to dusk), unlimited pictures and unlimited locations.  The big winner will also get:

• Online viewing gallery with print ordering (available for 3 months post event)
• 6 web-sized images
• 300 edited hi-res images on DVD with a proof book
• 12X12 custom designed storybook album
• 2, 7X7 custom designed parents albums
• choice of any 2 of the following:  engagement, bridal or boudoir sessions, second & third photographer

So now I have your attention right?!  DeShelia shared with me how she would describe her ideal bride & groom:

My ideal couple loves a good story and they appreciate photography’s ability to capture it for years to comes. I’m an extrovert by nature. I love to have fun and enjoy life. My favorite client experiences are those with couples who aren’t afraid to try something different, just be themselves and enjoy their special day.

So if this sounds like a photography experience you would enjoy on your big day, ENTER TO WIN!

How: All you have to do is leave a comment below telling White Thread about your Southern wedding. What makes it unique and special? Why do you and your groom deserve to win a free wedding photography package?

By When: One lucky winner will be randomly selected from all entrants on Friday, April 2nd and announced here on the blog on Monday, April 5th.

Fine Print: This contest is open to any couples getting married throughout North Carolina.  While DeShelia will be expanding her business this summer into the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, please note folks outside of NC are not eligible for this contest (sorry!)