As I was browsing online stores (what woman doesn’t occasionally pass the time doing so?) I found some great finds that are reasonably priced and can help any modern bride look chic without spending a fortune. Check out a few inspiration pieces below.  P.S. The Nina shoes are customizable — you can choose the base color, the heel color, and the bow color!

Clockwise from Top Left: Pearl bracelent from JCPenney.  Stain Rosette handbag by Coloriffics.  Crystal hair pins by Naugi Bridal.  Bow-topped satin heel by Nina.

What better way to announce you’re “taking the plunge” than to do so, literally? Check out this awesome save-the-date announcement inspiration from Steep Street where the bride & groom-to-be donned wedding gear and jumped in feet first, so to speak!

I saw the photos from this shoot on GreenWeddingShoes and had to share it with you all! Love Love Love the soft colors mixed with romantic pops of color.

As I was browsing Facebook recently, I noticed my friend L had posted some great photos of herself doing some modeling work!  I immediately asked if I could share on the blog, as some of her modeling photos were ‘rustic bridal’ as I like to say.  These photos are taken my two local photographers that are friends with L –> so check out Jason Hatcher &  Josh Beeman.

LOVE this one!!  Photo by Jason Hatcher.

Photo by Jason Hatcher.  This is actually her real-life groom, J!

Photo by Jason Hatcher.

The two photos above are by Josh Beeman.  L did the make up herself — talk about talent!

I can hardly think of anything more fun that browsing through all the dress designs that were showcased at Bridal Fashion Week.   Based on everything I’ve seen, here’s my top 6 trends in Wedding Gowns.

Trend 1: Pops of Color

General wedding tradition dictates that the wedding gown will be all white.  Well, not so, says one of the top trends of 2010.  This is not to say that the dress has little to no white, but it’s totally hot to have a hint of color in your wedding dress!  This could be a beautiful colored flower or bow, it could also be a colored streak or ribbon around your waist.

Trend 2:  Bows

NOT the super poofy kind that adorned the worst bridesmaids dresses of the 80’s… but rather more beautiful satin creations as small accents.

Trend 3:  Metallics

When I first heard that some bridal designers had metallics in their dresses, I was a bit worried.  Gawdy, anyone?  However, these designs give you a bit of shine & glamour, without feeling the least bit “over the top.”  This fashion can be built into the details of your dress, be added on with a shiny gold/silver sash, or hinted at with glitzy shoes.  Beware of too much.  This trend can go wrong quickly in bad hands.

Trend 4:  50’s Flair

Is everyone obsessed with Mad Men?  By looking at the runway, one might think so!  Plenty of classy tea-length styles and tulle skirts were found.  And it’s oh so cute!  Especially for an outdoor summer wedding, or a rustic fall wedding.

Trend 5:  One Shoulder Dresses

This trend has been huge in Hollywood during 2009 and now it’s carrying over to wedding gowns.  And I love it!  One of my favorite designers is Maggie Sottero and she’s all over this!  So, say “so long” to strapless, and welcome the asymmetry!

Trend 6:  Tiers & Raw Edges

Whether it’s chiffon, organza, tulle, or even feathers (my personal fave), designers are layering tons of fabric to create dramatic dresses.   When I think of this, I immediately think of Monique Lhuillier, and her designs worn by Heidi Pratt and most recently Molly (as in Jason & Molly from The Bachelor).  They are stunning… soft, yet dramatic.  I’m using the same Vera Wang dress I used earlier as an example.  This dress is lovely and shows how the trends can easily be combined, and still be classy.

Bridal Fashion by Vera Wang, Sottero & Midgley, Amsale, Alan Hannah, Justin Alexander, Maggie Sottero, Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier

I love looking at wedding photography, and today I came across a Chicago based photographer that really gives an edgy style to the photos. So, if any brides are planning their nuptials in the Chicago area, consider Jai Girard photography — of course you might have to book 2 years in advance, but hey, wedding pictures last forever!