With her fiancé in Afghanistan and losing her mother to cancer when she was only nine years old, Erica has been left to plan their wedding solo. Even with her wonderful father beside her, Erica knew that when it came time to shop for her wedding gown, she would also feel like she was going it alone. Knowing this was going to be an emotional appointment, we got a great surprise when Erica’s fiancé called at the beginning of the appointment. It was great to see the love between the couple, even thousands of miles away.
Erica didn’t really know what type of gown she was looking for. She only knew she wanted something that was classic and elegant. The ceremony will take place in a rose garden and her reception will be at a cool, modern downtown venue, so the dress needed to work for both of these settings.
This Augusta Jones gown (Lucille) was perfect! The beautiful lace will play perfectly with the rose garden setting, and the classic lines of the fit-to-flare silhouette has a sleek modern feel that will move seamlessly to her downtown venue after the ceremony. Most important, Erica felt beautiful and everyone in her party knew that her mother would have loved this gown.
Rough sketch, the beginnings of Erica’s Bridal Blueprint.
Paul gave Erica’s hair waves and Lesley’s chose a soft color palette to let Erica’s beautiful skin and natural coloring shine through. I then added Toni Fedrerici’s Sunrise veil and crystal drop earrings from Thomas Knoell to complete Erica’s transformation to a beautiful bride.
The addition of a crystal and beaded Erin Cole belt accentuated Erica’s tiny waist and added even more sparkle to her gown.
This sparkling crystal Cheryl King headpiece placed in Erica’s hair completed Erica’s “head to hem” look.
A bouquet of soft pink and lavender garden roses complement Erica’s makeup and will coordinate perfectly with her rose garden setting.