Clint and Bonnie, a newly wedded couple, drove straight from Idaho all the way down to Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Park in Florida to have this amazingly gorgeous trash the dress photo shoot with Our Day Wedding Photography. With the sandy beach, foamy waves, and a stunning sunset - this was an truly magical location to have fun and let loose for some great photos. Here are some words from the Bride; “My husband & I fell in love a little more, after an evening on the beach, smiling, kissing, staring into each others eyes, holding stunts and kisses that made us laugh, all while our amazing moments where being captured, to be memories we’d cherish forever.” Her advice; "While being photographed at the sea shore, don’t seek for perfection, relax & enjoy each other and your beautiful surroundings. The rest will fall into place, the wind will tangle your hair, into a tousled mess, the sand will cover your toes, your handsome husband will get a slight workout as he holds you tight in his arms above the waves, & it’s possible your fourteen hundred dollar dress may get wet. Yet it’s all worth the beauty, the love felt & the memory made."

Amy Kuschel Charlston | Art Deco detailing adds a measure of decadence to Charleston's delicately beaded French Chantilly lace silhouette. A sassy, lower circle skirt of Point d'Esprit netting adds swing to this enchanting gown. A beaded bateau neckline with a barely-there ribbon tie along with charming cap sleeves add to Charleston's flirtatious spirit. Layered over a sexy bias cut satin slip for comfort and versatility, this classic, iconic flapper sheath silhouette is always in style.

Inspired by Old-Hollywood fashion from the 1930's and 40's, Amy Kuschel's newest gown collection highlights some of the most timeless and elegant styles from screen sirens like Lauren Bacall, Jean Harlow, Rita Hayworth, and Katharine Hepburn. From hour glass hugging curves to flapper-esque sheeth silhouettes, each gown shines with its own style personality and movie star worthy charisma.

All of the gowns featured are available at Sewly Yours Bridal, by appointment only 802-660-9003.

Amy Kuschel Harlem | The cultural and artistic explosion that took place then made Harlem a gathering place for writers, artists, musicians, photographers, poets, and scholars. This gown captures that artsy, Jazz era vibe. Cosmopolitan French Pop Art lace makes this gown sing with a sensual and sophisticated high front neckline complemented by a low, open backline. Add signature four-ply silk crepe skirt to turn up the drama and intrigue of Harlem's languid, sexy sheath silhouette.

Amy Kuschel Broadway | You'll take center stage and win their attention in this ladylike trumpet silhouette designed to capture the essence of modern elegance. A softly curved low cut neckline and natural waist show off your curves. Demure cap sleeves adorn your shoulders. Delicate lace edgings create a feminine framing for your decolletage. 60s Garden Party lace adds a bit of playful romance...there's always magic in the air!

Amy Kuschel Libby | Libby's bohemian spirit is effortless and elegant, bringing to mind looks from the liberated 20's and hippy days of the 60's. Libby's sheer blouse styling is fabricated in pebble silk chiffon exuding romance, intrigue, and charm. With a delicate tie back neck and open backline adding to the sophistication and allure. Our signature 4-ply silk crepe skirt creates a clean, fluid sheath silhouette with soft gathering at the waistline to show off your feminine curves.

Amy Kuschel Go Lovely | The Go Lovely gown is fashioned after Audrey Hepburn's portrayal of Holly Golightly in the 1960s Breakfast at Tiffany's. Who can resist these memorable post-war looks? So simple and elegant, a classic, iconic silhouette with Upper East Side sensibilities. six-ply silk crepe highlights Go Lovely's hourglass silhouette, flattering the female figure with a low cut softly curved neckline, elegantly shaped straps to gracefully frame the neckline. Fluid yet feminine with a natural waistline that cinches you at your smallest point.

Casablanca № 2233 ~ Carnation | Carnation is a strapless, form fitting, fit-n-flare gown that boasts a sumptuous combination of beaded and embroidered tulle over iridescent organza with sleek satin lining. The sweetheart neckline and sweeping train add a dramatic twist to this gown.

Blush is the rising star of wedding gown fashion with many of the top designers offering various shades of the delicate and feminine color as an alternative to the traditional white and ivory. Luxurious layers of tulle, lace, and satin are dreamy, delicate, and perfect for the bride looking for a gown that will make her feel like a princess.

All of the featured gowns are available at Fiori Bridal Boutique, in Essex Junction, Vermont.

Casablanca № 2230 ~ Lilac | Lilac is a flattering A-line gown with an illusion bateau neckline that follows the delicate curve of the collar bone, and is beaded front and back. Lace appliqués run the length of this tulle gown over satin lining and down onto the scallop lace train, while dainty buttons are sprinkled down the illusion back.

Stella York № 6025 | This flowing Stella York sheath bridal gown was imagined and crafted to provide an exceptional fit without sacrificing comfort . Constructed from breezy tulle and corded lace, it is completed with a Diamante-beaded belt that slims the waist – showing off your curves. The back of this bridal gown zips up under fabric-covered buttons for ease of use. Inspired by whimsy and romance, this gown would complete any beachside wedding.

Essence of Australia № D2088 | This eye-catching Regency organza wedding dress from the Essense of Australia bridal gown collection boasts figure-flattering ruched pleating on its fitted bodice, a sweetheart neckline, a slimming dropped waist, and layers of flowing organza on its skirt and chapel train.

Justin Alexander № 8825 | An elegant silk dupioni ball gown with piped neckline and waistline, full gathered skirt and pockets create simplicity at its best. The color is pearl pink.

Essence of Australia - style D1745

We love Essence of Australia wedding gowns for their romantic, fairytale inspired designs using gorgeous textures of fabric and intricate details of lace and beading. Here is a sample of some of our favorites, available at Fiori Bridal Boutique in Essex, Vermont. There is a little something for every taste and body type. The knowledgable and attentive staff at Fiori Bridal Boutique can help guide you to the gown that is perfect for you and spending an afternoon in their boutique is truly an experience every bride deserves!

Above is a French-inspired, long sleeve, A-Line wedding gown that features soft lace over crepe. Available in your choice of ivory and white.

Essence of Australia - style D1910

Gown style D1910 is a fit-and-flare wedding dress with a vintage-inspired look and filled with unique features. An illusion sweetheart neckline gives the bride a comfortable fit, while also allowing for the vintage lace detailing to extend beyond the neckline border in front, and into a breath-taking flourish in the back, achieving the popular “tattoo back” look that so many brides desire. The under-layer of matte Lustre satin smooths and shapes to the body creating sexy curves while also showcasing the upper layer of lace and clear crystal beading which create a subtle shimmer when the bride moves. Finishing the gown is a unique three-tiered skirt and extra-long cascading train, both of which feature intricate lace motifs along the hem. Timeless pearl buttons finish the back of the gown, adding to the overall vintage-inspired style. If you are looking to complete your vintage wedding day with the perfect – and truly unique – vintage-inspired wedding dress, then look no further, as this style will give you everything you dreamed of, and more!

Essence of Australia - style D1951

This classic, yet modern crepe sheath silhouette bridal gown, style D1951, features a detachable beaded crepe belt, plunging neckline, and a pretty chapel train. It comes in your choice of romantic Ivory and traditional White. All Essense of Australia wedding dresses are fit-tested on a variety of body types and constructed with the optimal level of support for each design.

Essence of Australia - style D1932

This Regency Organza and tulle wedding dress boasts figure-flattering wrapped pleating on its bodice, a portrait neckline, a slimming dropped waist, and swirls of bold fabric on its skirt and chapel train. Choose from a corset closure or a zipper closure under crystal buttons.

Save the date for the Essence of Australia Designer Show, at Fiori Bridal Boutique from November 20-21. You will get a chance to be one of the first to view and try on the newest gowns in the collection! Plus the knowledgable and experienced staff at Fiori Bridal will help you find a gown that is perfect for you.

Fiori Bridal Boutique is located at 18 Main Street in Essex Junction. Check out Fiori Bridal Boutique on our site, or give them a call at 802-872-9663 for more information.

Sewly Yours Bridal was a fixture on Church Street in downtown Burlington for over 20 years, delighting and enchanting brides (and every little girl that walked by the windows) with their exquisite selection of vintage and modern-day gowns and accessories. This past year owner, Debbie Wells, decided to close up the shop on Church Street and open a more intimate studio on her property in Milton. Tucked away among her colorful gardens, Debbie's new space gives her the peace and creative flow she yearned for during the many years on a bustling downtown marketplace. We spoke with Debbie about the transition, what it has meant for her business, and what the new studio space is like.

How long has Sewly Yours been in business? I helped my first bride 34 years ago - in 1981.  Officially became "Sewly Yours" in 1992

What is the story of how you became a seamstress and bridal gown boutique owner? I grew up a "Navy-brat" and moved very often growing up.  When we were close enough to visit Vermont, spend my school vacations visiting my grandmother and great-grandmother here.  I was obsessed with their crafting and sewing, and they were endlessly patient with me.  I made all my own clothes through school and very early started sewing for friends.  A very dear, and still a best friend, refused to "let" me continue sewing for free and insisted on paying me!  Through shopping in a local fabric store, became well acquainted with the owners and staff, and started making display dresses for the store and gained referrals for work, including local bridal salons that need seamstresses for alterations.  In the early 90's opened my first retail boutique, featuring my own designs, restored vintage gowns from my collection and a small selection of designer gowns.  In 2001 had the opportunity to move downstairs into my former location on the corner of Church and Pearl Street.

One of our favorite inspiration features from the new Summer/Fall 2015 edition of Vermont Bride Magazine, is the Something Old, Something Blue fashion spotlight. A dramatic, old-world theme styled by Danika Johnson, of Blomma Flicka, set at the rusticly elegant Samuel Read Hall House in Brownington. Bold patterned walls, charmingly innocent farmhouse character, and a weather-worn barn are the perfect contrast to Danika's lush, colorful bouquet design and the custom gown from Tara Lynn Bridal.

Are you still looking for that perfect gown to walk down the aisle in? It can be a daunting task to figure out what gowns will look best on you, then go and try them on, and hardest of all - make a decision! The staff at Fiori Bridal Boutique can help ease your mind and create a fun, stress-free experience when it comes to gown shopping. And they are going to introduce their newest line of gowns, by ti adora, in a few days! There will be a Trunk Show held at their store in Essex Junction on January 20th, but you can also see a sneak peak at the 95 Triple X Bridal Show!

Ti Adora by Alvina Valenta blends soft, vintage romance with the fresh, modern soul of today’s bohemian bride. Playing with soft fabrics and lace combinations, luxe embroideries and inspired silhouettes, designer Jessica Williams approaches ti adora as a love affair of the romantic free spirit, offering her signature of detailed, feminine artisanship with a twist of cool and carefree styling.

Persephone Dress. Photo by Justin Larose.

If you are passionate about using local companies, or are looking for the perfect way to showcase Vermont in your wedding, then you have to check out Tara Lynn Bridal. Tara Lynn Bridal offers custom made-to-order dresses, eye-catching hand-sewn embroidered pieces, and more wedding attire options using natural and organic fibers. From her studio in Sutton, Vermont, owner Tara Lynn Scheidet offers a personalized style and experience that puts the look, fit, and personality of the bride first.

Tara Lynn Bridal’s dresses and suits are a departure from more traditional wedding attire, attracting brides looking for something with more unique flair and less of the traditional “white and fluffy” style.  Because each piece is custom-made, you won’t find these dresses on racks in traditional bridal shops. With unique designs ranging from hand-painted trout to trains made from seashells, beads, and feathers, Tara Lynn strives to bring brides’ dreams to life.

Here comes the bride, not dressed in white...

…and it’s okay.

Wedding gowns come in such wonderful, subtle shades, from champagne, or gold, or blush, or even oatmeal, that look amazing on brides. Stark white can be difficult to wear, but soft, romantic tones look amazing on most brides.  Look at how dreamy these gowns are, and if looking is quite enough, stop by Fiori Bridal Boutique in Essex Junction to try them on!

CB Couture Style B055
This Champagne Silk Charmeuse gown has a dramatic draped neckline and deep V back accented with a beaded shoulder strap with roses, fresh water and blush pearls.