I have fallen head over (high) heels in love with Shani’s chic, high fashion style! With a background in fashion design, she had a clear vision of what she wanted her wedding dress to look like. And with the help of the amazing dress designer Ines Di Santo, Shani made her dream dress a reality! Details like the crystal adorned bodice and fabulous feathers on the skirt, make this dress is nothing less than exquisite and unforgettable….enjoy!

Shani + Gary | September 17, 2011 | Old Westbury, New York

The ceremony

The ceremony was held at the de Seversky Mansion in Old Westbury, on the picturesque blue stone patio overlooking the great north lawn and du Pont Lake. The de Seversky Mansion is a “diamond in the rough” – the exquisite venue is unfamiliar to many and is the best kept secret as the estate is inconspicuously nestled on the campus of New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) on Long Island’s Gold Coast.  My husband is an NYIT graduate and was never even aware of the mansion – that’s how tucked away it is!

The reception

We had a European style wedding as my guests were able to explore the mansion as the evening progressed. The ceremony on the “Patio”  illustrated the mansion’s beautifully manicured landscape which was great for pictures. Cocktail hour took place in the “Library” and the “Terrace Room.” Each room displayed characteristics of refined elegance and an inviting ambiance to our guests. Dinner was held in “The Garden Room” and the “Dining Room” each room displaying a unique dining experience to our guest. Dancing, the cake cutting ceremony and the throwing of the bouquet took place in the grandiose “Ballroom” with views of the east lawn.

How Shani found her dream wedding gown

I knew exactly what I was looking for in the search for my dream wedding dress. Hence, it was quite challenging locating a bridal salon that carried gowns that matched my vision.  I went to many New York City couture bridal salons. Bridal Reflections on Fifth Avenue was the only salon that carried the designer that I was hopelessly searching for without knowing so… and so I was introduced to designer Ines Di Santo.  Ines Di Santo and I collaboratively created my gown based on my vision and design. We used the corset bodice of an original gown of the designer but made significant changes to the pattern with respect to design. Additionally, the skirt of the dress was completely re-designed to silk satin organza ruffles with feathers and strategically placed hand sewn Swarovski crystals. In the end, Ines Di Santo delivered my dream dress as it mirrors my personal style and exudes vintage glamour.

How Shani felt in her wedding dress

My wedding dress made me feel absolutely dazzling, ultra feminine and charmingly alluring.

Why Shani decided to sell her wedding dress

I heavily debated about selling my gown as it holds much sentimental value to me due to it being my wedding dress and my creative design. However, I would love to share my dress with another woman who appreciates the masterful construction of haute couture and is looking for that avant-garde gown for their special day.

Shani’s wedding dress: Ines Di Santo

Photography: Duet Wedding Photography

Here’s a gorgeous Southern California wedding that’s full of style and charm. Beautiful flowers, a sophisticated ambience and one of the most unique wedding cakes I have ever seen make this celebration a real stand-out. Don’t miss it!

Christine & Jake | July 30, 2011 | Ritz Carlton, Marina del Rey, California

The ceremony

Our ceremony was held at the Garden Gazebo at The Ritz Carlton.

The reception

We had a cocktail hour on the terrace overlooking the Marina, followed by dinner and dancing in The Ritz Ballroom with 125 guests.

How Christine felt in her wedding dress

Like a dream come true!

Why she decided to sell her wedding dress

I had no intentions of spending so much on my wedding dress.  I searched high and low to find my perfect dress but nothing took my breath away until I saw this one.  It is too beautiful of a dress to tuck away in a closet!

Christine’s wedding dress: Ines Di Santo, Taylor

Photography: Duke Photography

What do you get when you marry Texas style with New Orleans charm? A fabulous wedding and reception that is loaded with memorable details and special touches. Lacey and Michael both call Texas home (Lacey, by way of New Orleans), and planned a celebration to incorporate all their favorite southern traditions. An intimate setting, delicious “Southern comfort” fare, and New Orleans traditional ‘second line’ parasols are just some of what you’ll discover in today’s Real Wedding feature. What are my favorite details? Lacey’s unique and beautiful feather-adorned bouquet, and a truly one-of-a-kind groom’s cake designed in the image of the TCU mascot – the horned frog. Enjoy!

Lacey + Michael | October 9, 2010 | Dallas, Texas

The ceremony

Our wedding ceremony was held at St. Thomas Aquinas church in Dallas on an amazing fall afternoon.  We had a traditional catholic mass, with a talented organist and soloist who set the intimate mood for our ceremony.  There were floral accents of black, white and green throughout the church.

The reception

We had our reception at the historic Arlington Hall at Lee Park in Dallas.  Our vision was New Orleans meets Texas, as we had both grown up in Texas, and I was from New Orleans.  This meant that the food had to be abundant, the music playing all night, and the drinks free flowing.  Some of the New Orleans accents included some southern comfort food, performing the traditional “second line” with parasols and hankerchiefs, and wedding cake pulls. It was an amazing celebration with our closest friends and family.

How Lacey felt in her wedding dress

Modern, Romantic, and Unique

Why she is selling her wedding gown

I tried on many, many dresses before I found “the One” and when I did, I knew it right away.  I felt amazing on my wedding day, and I would love for another bride to have that same experience.

Lacey’s dress: Ines Di Santo, Turquoise

Photography: Joseph Mark

In September, I did a post about 5 of my favorite wedding gowns that were at least 50% off of their retail price. Browsing through all of the dresses doing my “research” was so much fun, I decided to do it again.

Each of these dresses is just so amazingly beautiful. ( And the serious savings aren’t bad either!)

Pnina Tornai 799/1142828, Size 2, Asking $2800 (Save $7,200, 72%)

Vera Wang, Size 4, Asking $1800 (Save, $2,700, 60%)

Monique Lhuillier, Size 2, Asking $4,900 (Save $8,100, 62%)

Ines Di Santo Adele, Size 8, Asking $1,900 (Save $1,900, 50%)

Lazaro, Size 4, Asking $2,100 (Save $2,100, 50%)