“ Dramatic , bedazzled , long train , full A-line is my signature ,” she notes . All pieces are handmade by her atelier in Milan .
“ I try to work within a client ’ s budget — I don ’ t believe any bride should have to settle or be limited by finances ,” says Mallah , whose work once appeared in Vogue and Elle magazines on a celebrity client and who continually dresses brides around the world .
Yasmin ’ s also offers three sets of measurements , reducing the likelihood of last-minute alterations . She ’ s also designing her premier ready-to-wear collection and currently carries some ready-to-wear options — think mermaid-cuts , ruffles and other dramatic styles .
Modern brides on a budget will hit the jackpot at Elizabeth Findlay Bridal , where owner Deborah Badillo features samples and consignments from “ more contemporary , niche designers ” like Tara Lauren , Bo & Luca , and Laila Hafzi . Most are unworn and unaltered designer samples previously used for photo shoots and trunk shows or are from last season ; there are also a few classics from previous seasons . “ All are in excellent condition ,” Badillo notes . Discounts are between 20 % and 50 % off — marked down even more if slight repairs are needed — and available to take home that day — perfect for last-minute brides .
If overwhelmed by so many options , consider this : “ Pay attention to your intuition and how a dress makes you feel ,” Badillo advises . “ It should make you feel beautiful and should also be comfortable and easy to move around in . … The same [ applies ] to shoes . You ’ ll be on your feet all day . If you want height , try a platform or chunky heel .”
GLOW ALL NIGHT Even wedding photography and videography are seeing a new era with the dawn of “ cinematic , editorial style ,” Swarts says . In place of traditional portraits , couples are requesting more candid photographs and thoughtful artistry within them . Sessions are even timed for the golden hour before sunset to capitalize on the sun ’ s warm , glowing light .
To look your “ natural ” best , Laura Linsenmayer , owner of Roots The Beauty Underground , offers these must-haves : sunless-tanner-kissed skin with a casual contour , ½-set lash extensions , berry-stained lips , full brows , and teeth-whitener by
TOP : ZOE ISABEL PHOTOGRAPHY ; BOTTOM : RILEY STAR
planet- and people-friendly brands . Linsenmayer also likes what she calls a “ kitten eye ” instead of a cat eye ( visit her shop to learn more ), as well as applying the same color to lids and cheeks for “ monochromatic drama .” To “ make eyes pop ,” sweep on an eyeshadow color directly opposite your eye color on the color wheel . Help your lip shade last by first filling in your pout with a lip liner matching “ the prettiest color in your natural lip ,” she explains . “ Always set with a sheer finishing powder and makeup-setting spray to ensure all-day wear .” g
When it comes to photos , couples are seeking more candid and artistic shots to remember their special day . Bottom : a wedding planned by Coastal Coordinates ; top : a wedding at The Ranch at Laguna Beach with a photo session at a nearby beach
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