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Bridal Beauty

Planners and artists talk styles cascading from the runway to the aisle

If there’s an aspect of my wedding day I would have pondered for years had I not had a timeline, it would have been my wedding day look. I adored every ornate lace layer of my dress, and I’ve never felt more like a goddess than I did having my hair and makeup done. But two years later, I still think about all the looks I could have chosen.

Luckily, I get to walk down the aisle vicariously as the editor of this magazine. Whether fashion is your passion or you don’t know where to begin, the dress stylists, hair stylists and makeup artists of Northwest Florida are attuned to what’s trending.

Photo by Charlotte Fristoe Photography

Bridal Style

Sleek and simple

“The biggest trend we are seeing this year
is our clean, simple elegant bride,” said Brooke White, owner of White Weddings
in Tallahassee.

Clean lines and smooth fabrics such as silk, satin, crepe and chiffon are popular. Bodices may be without lace, jewels, beading or appliques, but that doesn’t equate to boring.

Sheath, A-line and trumpet dresses are streamlined in structure, but they feature bold elements such as slits, low backs and interesting necklines. These elements add a dash of sultry to the simplicity.

“With a clean gown, you truly can accessorize it any way you want, and it is so much fun seeing brides’ personalities shine through that,” said Maggie Matthews, owner of Margaret Ellen Bridal in Inlet Beach.

Unique add-ons, bold accessories

Whether your dress is a simple silk sheath or an ornate ballgown, distinct additions and standout accessories allow brides to showcase their personalities. Romantic removable cap sleeves. Dramatic capes. A surprising overskirt donned for the reception.

In stores, Matthews is seeing gowns with removable overskirts, sleeves, capes, wings and more. These features allow for multiple looks in one night.

“Be prepared for more elaborate accessories — longer veils, elbow length gloves, big earrings and sparkly heels to show off in slits,” said Kristen Barstow, owner of Vocelle’s Bridal in Tallahassee.

Photo by Sarah & Paul Photography

Pearls and florals

Femininity is in full force with florals and pearls appearing on dresses and accessories. While often dainty and delicate, these adornments are also showing up in bold ways.

“From pearl scatter veils to dangle pearl earrings to pearl embellishments on the gown itself, pearls are everywhere,” said Barstow. “They’re the perfect touch of classic with all the glam of modernity.”

Trending are floral appliques, three-dimensional floral effects woven into dresses or a simple dress with a dramatic floor-length veil.

Hair & Makeup

Light and loose curls

Slightly tousled, but completely intentional, “I woke up like this” curls are showing up everywhere. Whether your stylist creates a beach wave or lets your natural curls thrive, this effortless look pairs well with any wedding style.

“Styles are more lived in,” said Sherrie Clark, owner of Fuel Salon + Store in Tallahassee. “We curl and pin up and then go back to softly let pieces naturally fall.”

Clark suggests the following styles: twists or braids with cascading curls, sweeping curls gathered and pinned at the crown or big curls gathered in a low pony allowing the hair to hang in the open space at the back of your dress.

Photo by Sarah & Paul Photography

Sleek back

Allison Viviano, executive beauty director and makeup artist with Destin/30A Mobile Beauty Box, notes that sleek modern styles such as chignons and power ponytails are also popular, especially for brides with a more minimalistic style.

Picture middle parts sleeked into a chignon or bun at the nape of the neck or a teased high pony with volume at the crown.

Dewey and glowing

Brides are loving the no-makeup makeup look, enhancing their natural beauty. This approach spurns heavy foundation, fake lashes and bold eyes and lips. Instead, it embraces natural features — radiant, highlighted cheekbones, neutral mattes on the eyes, brushed brows, individual lash clusters and soft lip shades.

“Brides right now are loving the natural glam look, which includes focusing on the contour and highlight to give that dewy, smooth, glowing complexion we all desire,” said Brittany Sigler, owner and master artist at Destin/30A Mobile Makeup Box.

This look further enhances that already-present wedding-day glow.

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