Say “Yes” to the Fairy-tale dress

Hollis channeled her inner Cinderella for a fairy-tale beach wedding on St Croix

How many of you out there spent your childhood dreaming of being a Disney Princess and planning your fairytale wedding to your Prince Charming?  Well now you can make that fantasy a reality with Disney’s new line of princess-inspired wedding gowns by Alfred Angelo.

• The treasures of the sea inspired Ariel’s gown. The mermaid silhouette features re-embroidered lace, pearl beading, and sequin sparkles.  [add to that the beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean Sea and  you've made our "Little Mermaid" fantasy a reality!]
• Aurora/Sleeping Beauty’s gown is romantic with a dreamy, willowy skirt for this slumbering princess.
• Belle’s wedding dress, with a draped waistline is inspired by the iconic ballroom dance scene from the film and focuses on making a grand entrance.
• Cinderella’s gown radiates with sparkle as its inspiration is the fairy tale’s enchanted glass slipper.
• Jasmine’s wedding dress conveys freedom and individuality and as a result her shimmering soft satin gown is exotic with a bejeweled neckline and low cut back.
• Snow White’s dress is inspired by nature, beauty and grace like the Disney Princess character herself.
• The regal, one-shoulder taffeta gown for our newest princess, Tiana, reflects her independent spirit with an asymmetric bodice and ruched skirt.

I often have brides ask me if its appropriate to wear a full gown for a beach wedding and I say YES, YES, YES!  In fact, the majority of my brides wear long gowns on the beach.  I do, however, have a few tips that go along with that decision:

• When choosing your dress, be mindful of the train.  Long, flowing trains with a lot of lace will tend to pick up “hitch hikers” (bits of flotsam and jetsam) on the beach as you walk down the aisle.  They can also snag on small sticks and bits of coral or rock, so I don’t recommend having a long and lacy train or veil.
• You WILL get hot in the tropics.  Consider having a second, lighter dress on-hand to change into after the formalities are over.  Keep it in the bridal theme and have fun with it.  Think fun and flirty white cocktail dress with sequins or choose a gown with a single-layer of breathable fabric.  This is also a great way to signal a transition in the evening to your guests – from the formal aspects to the full-on “party down” mode!
• Be kind to your groom and bridal party!  While it may be your life-long dream to wear a long formal gown, its probably not theirs.  Choose bridesmaid dresses that are tea or cocktail length with halter, spaghetti strap or strapless necklines.  Choose natural fabrics like linen or cotton and avoid synthetics.  J. Crew has a fantastic line of affordable dresses great for the beach.    Be sure that you and your bridesmaids bring bathing suits that match the neckline of your dress to avoid tell-tale tan lines!
• For your groom and his guys choose short sleeved Guyabera’s (traditional linen embroidered Latin wedding shirts) or light-weight suits.  By taking the time to think about the comfort of your royal subjects, you will truly be a fairy-tale princess to them!

This past summer May bride Hollis made her princess wedding dreams come true with her island destination wedding!  Though she had actually considered a Disney wedding in Florida, she and her now husband’s love of St Croix won out.  Inspired by her love of Disney princesses Belle and Cinderella, we worked together to create a fairy-tale beach wedding fit for royalty.

• The bride channeled her inner Cinderella with an ivory gown with full skirt, beaded bodice and large bow in the back.
• The ceremony aisle was lined with pink bougainvillea in conch shells and bunches of greenery that led up to romantic topiaries giving the beach a royal feel.  Bows of Loden green bichon silk added the final touch.
• The flowers by Antilles Lilies had a whimsical, fantasy feel with purple and green spider mums, large pink stargazer lilies and red roses.
• The reception décor was given a royal flair with rented gold Chiavari chairs and gilded gold chargers.  Dining tables were set with ivory linen and cocktail tables adorned with Loden silk clothes and red ties added the final touch.
• The bride carried the theme into her musical selections, dancing with her father to “Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman (an absolutely beautiful choice for a father-daughter dance for any wedding!)
• Since they married on Cinco-de-Mayo we added in a little nod to the holiday serving Margheritas and chips and salsa!