Alfred Angelo's New York Runway Show

Bridal Market is in full swing here in New York, and one of our first stops today was the highly anticipated Alfred Angelo runway show, where we got a sneak peek at 40 stunning bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses hitting salons this fall!



I loved seeing all the new designs, meeting industry gurus and being a part of the Bridal Market energy. Check out the Weddzilla Blog for teaser photos featuring a couple of our favorite wedding gown styles, and stay tuned Monday for a full set of recaps and video clips!

(Photo Credit: Weddzilla)

On The Road To Bridal Market!

Today’s post is short, because as you read this, I’m on the road to Bridal Market in New York City!

It’ll be my first time hitting the runways at shows by some of my favorite designers, including Kenneth Pool, Amsale, Christos and Alfred Angelo, the designer of my own wedding gown. I’m very excited and can’t wait to share recaps next week on the Weddzilla Blog!



In the meantime, I’ll try to post live here a time or two, and will also be tweeting from @Bicoastal_Bride if you'd like to follow along. Have a fabulous weekend, everyone! See you Monday!

(Photo Credit: Alex Neumann Photography)

DC Ladies Post: Alfred Angelo’s Disney-Inspired Gowns

Happy Friday once again! Today, I’m back over on The DC Ladies blog, celebrating its first birthday today, where I'm sharing details about Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo, a gorgeous new line of princess-inspired gowns set to launch early next year. And if you’re picturing poofy, ultra-girly styles, think again! The new designs, including my favorite – the Ariel – range from classic and romantic to sleek and sexy. Head on over for a sneak peak!

Are you a Disney fan? Who’s your favorite princess?

P.S. This Staurday will also mark Bicoastal Bride's first birthday! I can't believe it's already been a year since I started this blog, but I can believe that I'm still loving every minute of writing it.

(Graphic Credit: Alfred Angelo)

Bridal Fashion: An Everyday Wedding Gown?

These days, more brides are breaking with tradition by choosing mainstream styles as wedding gowns. But are wedding gowns and bridal styles also becoming more mainstream themselves? Recently, while perusing the Alfred Angelo website, I wondered whether some of the featured styles couldn't also be worn as part of non-wedding-related outfits.

For example, wouldn't these lovely dresses just look beautiful at a dressy summer dinner party or during formal night on a cruise?



And how about these totally re-wearable bridesmaid styles?



What do you say, ladies? Would you ever consider wearing bridal for an occasion other than a wedding? Is it important to you that your bridesmaids are able to reuse their gowns after the big day?

(Photo Credits: Alfred Angelo)

An Alfred Angelo Wedding

I’ve always loved the Alfred Angelo line for its beautiful styles and affordable prices. Whether romantic, classic, trendy or sassy, I truly believe this line has something that would make just about any bride happy.

As you know, Alfred Angelo came to the rescue at the last minute when I was on the fence about my original dress, and I quickly fell head over heels for a romantic mermaid silhouette with cascading tiers of lace, a gorgeous semi-cathedral train, and an elegant grape sash beneath the bust.

And earlier, while on the hunt for bridesmaid dresses that would flatter a variety of body types, my sister and I found the perfect formal and flattering grape gown, which featured white embroidery and crystal detailing on its sash.

Of course, I was excited about these picks before the big day, but looking back at our photos afterward, I’m even more in love. In the end, I’m so glad I ordered my dream dress before it was too late, and that the girls also loved their dresses, which paired so perfectly with mine. I truly can’t imagine our wearing anything else.

Will you and your bridesmaids wear dresses made by the same designer, or closely matched in style? Whether you’re now looking back on your day or are still waiting for it to arrive, have you ever had any second thoughts about your dress choices?

(Photo Credits: Damien Smith Photography & Alex Neumann Photography)

A Bicoastal Wedding Gown Takes Flight

Planning the wedding was fun. The stressful part? Lugging my Alfred Angelo gown, altered just in time for us to leave town, across the country through three airports. Today, my husband shares his recap story about the infamous bicoastal wedding dress.

Looking back, I’m thankful Heather chose a light wedding gown, or at least a dress lighter than some of the crazy 80-pounders she’s pointed out on Say Yes to the Dress. After carrying the dress all around the Chicago O’Hare terminal, if it had been any heavier, I don’t think I would have survived.

Not only did the weight of the gown pose a problem, but the shear size of the garment bag made it incredibly difficult to carry, first through security at Reagan National in D.C., then all around the Chicago airport, and finally upon arrival in Los Angeles. Escalators, doorways, and even trying to find a place to sit down in a crowded airport became so much more tedious with a wedding dress in the picture.

Leaving D.C., I hadn’t yet seen the dress, and I wanted to try my best to avoid seeing it before the wedding day. But even though its bag was opaque, I could ultimately see some details when it was backlit. The most noticeable part was that there was a dark sash, although I couldn’t tell what color it was. However, at that point, even Heather was resigned to the fact that there simply wasn’t any alternative.

Though we were flying first class and had been relaxed at the beginning of the day, a cancellation, a couple gate changes, and another delay had us frazzled sooner rather than later. Once on each plane, there was thankfully a first class closet available in which to store the dress. But unfortunately, even this space was not large enough to hold the gown without folding it.

In the end, we made it through the trip without any damage to the dress, and I also got a great workout. But it sure wasn’t easy, and it got our wedding week off to a pretty stressful start!

Will you or did you travel with your wedding gown? Is yours a heavy dress, whether carrying it or wearing it?

(Photo Credit: Personal Library)

Fit To Be Wed

As you know, I eagerly (anxiously?) awaited the arrival of my Alfred Angelo gown ever since I ordered it back in February. After a lot of last-minute hustling, things at last seem like they'll work out, and I’m thrilled to slip into the gown of my dreams for the wedding!

Since this was my second gown selection, I’m definitely no stranger to fittings, bustles and fabrics. Here, my top tips for a stress-free fitting – the first of which is to order your gown more than four months ahead of time, so that you don’t end up scrambling the way I have!

• Don’t forget your shoes! The height of your shoes will have a big impact on how much of a hem, if any, your gown needs. You definitely won’t want to be caught without them.

• Also, be sure to bring along your wedding day lingerie. Undergarments can make a difference in the look and fit of a gown, so have these items already selected by the time your first fitting rolls around. A good seamstress can often even add bra cups to help with the fit, so don’t forget to ask about that option, if you're interested.

• If you have a fitness or weight loss goal, try to have met it by the time of your fitting. This will spare you from having to make further dramatic (and expensive) alterations to the gown closer to the wedding date.

• If you have a certain look in mind for your bustle, or a type of bustle you don’t want, be sure to let your seamstress know, and come prepared with photos when possible. Some bustle designs, including the French style, have multiple ways they can be crafted.

For example, on my old gown, we planned for an elaborate eight-layer French bustle with time-intensive ribbon ties. With my new gown, I’m going for a much simpler style. Before you agree to a certain design, be sure to take into account the exact look and bustling process, including how much time you’ll have and who will be available at your wedding to do it.

• If you can, snap a few photos. A gown can look different in pictures than it does in person, and this may give you some insight into other alterations you’d like made.

Have you done your gown fitting yet? What’s your best advice for a smooth session?

(Photo Credits: Alfred Angelo)

Dress Drama Update – 11 Days Out!

With only 11 days left until I walk down the aisle, things are finally looking up in the dress department, ladies!

As I mentioned in my dress meltdown post a couple weeks ago, I ordered my new Alfred Angelo gown late in February, and it wasn’t even scheduled to arrive until after May 7. If that weren’t already cause enough for a freak-out, the Alfred Angelo shop then told me they wouldn’t be able to start my alterations until May 20 – nine days before the trip out to California!

Well, when I got the call that the gown was finally in, I started hustling to see what other options there might be. I guess the stars aligned for me, because with a little research, I was able to find a fantastic local custom-gown designer willing to meet with me for alterations within the next couple days. Score!

My first two fittings, within a week of each other, went well, with not a lot of work needed, other than adding a bustle, plus taking the dress in a couple inches in the back and at the bust. And my dilemma of not having enough time to ship the gown to California before I leave town? Well, I’m taking a pass on shipping altogether by carrying the gown onto the plane with me, which I already cleared with the airline.

My gown will spend the flight hanging peacefully in the first class closet at the front of the plane, and I can take a load off knowing it will arrive on time, hand delivered by none other than the bride herself. Whew! Crisis averted, big time!

What’s the biggest “crisis” that’s thrown a wrench into your wedding plans?

(Photo Credit: Google Images)

Dress Stress & The One Month Crunch!

Next month at this time, it will be my wedding day! Wow! As you can imagine, I started the day off on a cloud of excitement. That is, until I called to check on the status of my Alfred Angelo gown.

Yes, putting a bit of a black cloud over today’s happy milestone is the fact that my new gown has still not arrived at the shop. In fact, while I initially understood that it might be in around May 7, I was told today that May 7 is actually the ship date for the gown, and that it won’t arrive for 5-7 business days after that.

Furthermore, the earliest alteration date available for me is May 20! Now, I’m usually pretty calm about things, and have everything else for the wedding well under control. But this situation has me really rattled and worried that the alterations won’t be done in time for me to either ship the gown to California or carry it onto the plane when I leave on May 29.

In the end, I know this is my fault. I simply waited too long to change my mind about my gown, and this is the result. I’m now scared that it’s somehow not going to work out, and that I’m going to be left without a dress for my wedding day, since I never completed the alterations on my first gown.

Has anyone else been in this situation, or do you have any helpful ideas or thoughts? Advice and encouragement are more than welcome today!

Rehearsal Dress for a Steal?

Back in December, I told you I was considering a big $300 splurge on this lovely gown from Alfred Angelo’s “Little White Dress” collection.

While I’m still considering snapping up this beauty to wear to our rehearsal and dinner, I also recently bought a fun, sassy dress on clearance at Macy’s for just $15!

Though I initially thought the playful print might look horrible on me, I surprised myself by absolutely loving it. What do you think? Is it rehearsal-worthy or over-the-top crazy?

(Photo Credits: Alfred Angelo & Heather Warren)

Big Wedding Change Revealed!

Well, ladies, I’ve officially joined the ranks of brides who have changed their minds about…the gown! Yes, I’m excited to say I’m now an Alfred Angelo bride!

After revealing my original gown a few weeks ago, I couldn’t shake the feeling that although it was beautiful and I did like it, I just didn’t feel as happy and thrilled as I thought I should. I didn’t get a rush when I imagined waking up and changing into the gown on my wedding day, and there were nagging doubts in the back of my mind about the fit and style.

But being just short of three months from the big day, I knew I’d really have to get moving if I wanted to make a change this big at such a late date. So, when I saw that a local boutique was having an Alfred Angelo trunk show a couple weeks ago, I decided to make an appointment to try on a few of the gowns that had been my favorites in photos way back in the beginning. As you may remember, I never got to even try these gowns on, since I bought my original dress at David’s Bridal before we had a chance to go anywhere else!

Going in, I really wasn’t sure what would happen. I thought I might fall in love with a new dress, but also thought I might feel reassured in my original choice. Well, from the second I put on the dress I’ve now ended up choosing, I had a “wow” moment I’d never felt as strongly with the other gown. In my heart I knew even then that the first choice had been wrong, and that this was truly MY dress!

But did I really want to change my mind so quickly? Did I really want to pay another $1,000 for a new dress, when I had already paid at least $600, including alterations, for the first one? So, I thought about it. For two weeks. I went back and forth, trying to remind myself of the things I do like about the first gown. But over time, I couldn’t stop thinking about the Alfred Angelo dress, and when I pictured myself on my wedding day, I started to see that very gown.

This weekend, hoping to make a decision, I made an appointment at the Alfred Angelo salon in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Not only were the consultants and managers amazing, but when I put the dress on again, there was no need to think it over any longer. This was 100 percent my perfect dream dress, and since the salon even had it in my exact size, I could see and feel the perfect fit. I felt happy and beautiful, and since Alfred Angelo was having a big sale, I got the new dress for just around $850, including tax!

So now, without further ado, I give you my gorgeous wedding dress as viewed from the front, back, and up close! This fabulously romantic dress truly has everything I want – soft lace, crystal beading, a little pop of our grape color, and a semi-cathedral train that’s longer and more stunning than the train on my original gown. Plus, the fitted upper bodice shows off my hard-fought curves, the result of hours of hard work and exercise over the past year. And the best part is that my awesome consultant Tina even showed me how to make the skirt at the bottom appear a bit fuller by adding a crinoline slip, since the full skirt was really my favorite thing about the first gown. Without a dobut, this gown is “me.”

So in the end, athough I did lose money on the first gown, I know I made the right choice. Plus, even factoring in the cost of both gowns, I’m still under the original $2,000 budget I set for myself in the beginning. And since the new gown fits almost perfectly and was custom ordered three inches shorter, there should be very few changes needed when it arrives in late April or early May.

What do you think, girls? Would you have done what I did? Have you followed your heart to change any big aspects about the wedding pretty late in the game?

(Graphic Credits: Google Images)

The Dress Quest: Fiancé’s Choice

No, I didn’t actually involve Stephen in helping choose my gown, since I’m excited to surprise him on the big day. But just for fun, after I had already chosen my dress, I set him loose on a couple websites to see if any of the styles he liked, or thought I would like, matched up with the gown I actually chose.

It turns out the styles he thought I would like – elegant, somewhat sleek, and with a long-but-not-outrageously-long train – were also the ones he found to be the most beautiful. Here, a couple of his choices.

Eager to know how he did? The big reveal is coming right up tomorrow! Did you involve your fiancé in choosing your gown?

(Photo Credits: Alfred Angelo)

The Dress Quest: Inspiration & Ideas

Like many a bride before me, I started my quest for the perfect wedding dress by poring over magazines, websites, blogs and catalogs, even before I was officially engaged. With the proposal obviously on the horizon last spring, I figured it couldn’t hurt to get a glimpse of what was out there in the wedding gown world.

Though I scoped out lots of designer’s lines, most all of my early favorites came from Alfred Angelo’s gorgeous and affordable collection, including these beauties, each different in style and cut.

Soon armed with plenty of ideas and a ring on my finger, I was eager to get shopping with my mom and sister the next time I headed out to California. But then, one day while we were visiting Stephen’s best man and his girlfriend, we stopped by a Men’s Wearhouse to check out a few tux options for the guys. Can you guess which store was right next door? Yup! David’s Bridal!

So, while the guys amused themselves with video games and gadgets in Best Buy, Kate and I headed into David’s, supposedly only to look. But as you can imagine, just looking wasn’t good enough. I immediately saw two dresses I just had to try.

While I thought I’d love the first one, after putting it on, I immediately decided it was a “no.” I disliked the embroidered details, and since this was the first wedding gown I had ever tried on, I was shocked by just how heavy the skirt truly felt.

But the second gown, which was part David’s Oleg Cassini line, had an elegant, classy and timeless look I completely fell in love with. Plus, the dropped waist seemed perfect for my figure, and the details on the train blew me away.

But was it “the one”? Would I love it as much when I went back with my sister and mom? Stay tuned…

How did you begin your dress search? Did you surprise yourself by liking styles you didn’t originally think you would, or by hating a dress you loved on the hanger?

(Photo Credits: Alfred Angelo & Personal Library)

Bridesmaid Dresses on Parade!

With only four months to go until our wedding day, my bridesmaids’ dresses are starting to come in! So far, all of the girls have been completely thrilled with the look and fit of their gowns, even before they have them hemmed and altered.

As a sneak peak, here are my beautiful Cali girls Bridget, Pooneh and Kellie modeling their gorgeous Alfred Angelo gowns.

Since the dresses fit so well, we’ve even decided to leave them strapless, instead of adding spaghetti straps, which was the original plan. I can’t wait to head out to California to hang with the girls and see the gowns this spring!

What do you think, ladies? Have your girls received their gowns yet?

(Photo Credits: Joann Benson & Patty Warren)

Bridesmaids Playing Dress-Up

How many wedding gowns did I go through before making a choice? Surprisingly, not nearly as many as I thought I would. But picking out a dress for my maids? Now, that was the hard part!

When I first started keeping an eye out for bridesmaid dresses (which I’ll admit was during my pre-engaged days), I was crazy about some of the short, sassy designs by Mori Lee.

But when I actually saw them in person, they seemed too informal for our church ceremony, and also weren’t a good match with my dress. (More to come about that very soon!) It was on to “Plan B.” With my sister, who’s my maid of honor, being a great sport, we scouted around tons of different shops, including David’s Bridal, where she tried on a couple other styles.

But neither of them stood out as “the one.” Finally, after lots more indecisiveness, we struck gold at a store carrying dresses by one of my all-time favorite designers, Alfred Angelo. There, Kellie graciously got in and out of a few more gowns, telling me what she loved and hated, until we both fell in love with this beauty.

Not only do I love how elegant the gown looks in rich grape, but the beadwork and white embroidery on the sash also add just the right touches of embellishment. And with added spaghetti straps, the dress has turned out to be a flattering pick for all seven of my maids, despite their different heights and body types.

Did you and your bridesmaids consider many different dresses before making a decision? Are your girls all wearing the same dress, or are you letting them choose their own gowns in a certain color or style?

(Photo Credits: Mori Lee, David’s Bridal & Alfred Angelo)

I’m Dreaming of a…Cute Rehearsal Dress!

Though I admit it would be fun to change into a short, sassy reception dress, I’m so psyched about my gown that I plan to spend every possible minute of my wedding day wearing it.

As for the rehearsal and dinner, I had that all planned out, too, thinking I’d stick with a black and gold dress I already own and love. But, of course, that would just be too easy! No, I had to go and discover Alfred Angelo’s “Little White Dress” collection, including this gorgeously elegant pick, which is 100 percent my style.

The price code on the website says the dress is under $300. What do you think, ladies? Is it worth it? Would you or did you spend that much on a rehearsal dress? Will you be changing into a separate dress for the reception?

Oh, decisions, decisions…

(Photo Credit: Alfred Angelo)

Designer Spotlight: Alfred Angelo

From his wedding gowns to his bridesmaid dresses, Alfred Angelo’s designs have topped my list of favorites since long before I ever got engaged. Over the years, I’ve known many a bride who’s had nothing but good things to say about this line.

Now that I’m a bride myself, I can see why. Not only are Alfred Angelo’s dresses stunningly gorgeous, but they also come in so many styles to complement different tastes and body types. Plus, they’re affordable for brides on a variety of budgets.

Check out a few of my all-time favorite Alfred Angelo fashions, including gowns from his new 2010 lineup.

Who’s your favorite designer, and which wedding gown styles do you love most?

(Photo Credits: Alfred Angelo)

Jewel Tones in June?

I’ve always been a lover of rich purple shades, so when I started envisioning our wedding colors, an elegant combination of grape, white and silver immediately sprang to mind.

Then, we decided to get married during June, and I had second thoughts. After all, jewel and metallic tones seem more often associated with the crispness of winter than the early days of summertime. For a while, I considered switching to a lighter, more summery mix – maybe turquoise and light brown, or lavender instead of grape.

But the more I thought, the more I loved my original picks, regardless of what the calendar might say – especially after I discovered Alfred Angelo's gorgeous purple bridesmaid dresses.

In the end, I’ll probably add accent touches of lavender or lilac for contrast and variety. I’ll keep you posted about my final choices down the road, but for now, here are a few fun finds that have caught my eye.

What do you think? Did the season of your wedding help influence your choice of color scheme?

(Photo Credits: Bridesmaid Dress – Alfred Angelo; Satin Ring Box - shop.getmarried.com; Purple Cocktail Napkin – shop.getmarried.com; Paradise Passion Tealight Holder – omgallery.com; Colorful Circle Stickers – shop.getmarried.com; With a Flourish – Candy Purple Wedding Invitation – shop.getmarried.com)