Bridal Gown Inspiration
From different bridal gown silhouettes to designers and even materials, the options are endless when it comes to choosing a wedding dress! As you begin shopping for your wedding gown, think about which styles you prefer. Do you like sheath or A-line silhouettes? Maybe ballgown or mermaid is more of what you had in mind. Next, think about the style of your wedding and venue. Are you getting married in a ballroom or historical estate? Perhaps a tented wedding along the water, or a rooftop in New York City! Wherever you’ll be celebrating, think about how your dress will fit in with your surroundings.
I’ve seen a wide variety of styles among the many brides I’ve photographed over the years, so I decided to compile just a few of them for you in the list below. I hope you enjoy just a few of my favorites!
Wedding Gown Designer: Essense of Australia | Bridal Shop: Bliss Bridal in Cheshire, Connecticut
If you’re a bride with a classic, timeless style, this wedding dress is for you! I loved Kate’s bridal style entirely, but her Essense of Australia bridal gown pulled her look together flawlessly, and was perfect for a ballroom celebration! See more of Kate and Kevin’s summer wedding at the New Haven Lawn Club!
Wedding Gown Designer: Kelly Faetanini | Bridal Shop: A Little Something White in Darien, Connecticut
I couldn’t get enough of Lauren’s Kelly Faetanini wedding dress! It fit well with the style of their venue which sits along the Hudson River. See more of Lauren and Mike’s waterfront estate spring wedding at Wainwright House in Rye, New York!
Wedding Gown Designer: Essense of Australia | Bridal Shop: Bliss Bridal in Cheshire, Connecticut
I couldn’t get enough of Kaitlyn’s beautiful wedding dress! The lace bodice and sheer skirt were stunning, but I especially enjoyed how the double straps added a bit of fun to the gown as well! See more of Kaitlyn and Nick’s fall wedding at La Bella Vista in Waterbury, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Stella York | Bridal Shop: The Wedding Embassy in Oakville, Connecticut
Emelia chose a classic bridal style for her wedding day. The sweetheart neckline paired well with the tulle and lace on her bridal gown. See more of Emelia & Jon’s summer ballroom wedding at The Waterview in Monroe, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Allure Bridals | Bridal Shop: Julie Allen Bridals in Newtown, Connecticut
I loved Erica’s classic bridal gown! She looked absolutely stunning in her dress, and it was perfect for a ballroom wedding celebration! See more of Erica and Ron’s fall wedding at Aria in Prospect, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Pnina Tornai | Bridal Shop: Kleinfeld in New York, New York
If you want a bridal style that has a mix of a classic and modern feel, take note of Sara’s dress! The intricate lace detailing at the top of her gown paired beautifully with the tulle skirt. See more of Sara and Andrew’s fall wedding at The Waterview in Monroe, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Allure Bridals | Bridal Shop: Majesty Bridal in Danbury, Connecticut
I’m a huge fan of elegant lace on bridal gowns, and Jessica’s dress had just that! She was married on one of the hottest summer days in 2019, and luckily she didn’t have too many layers which kept her cooler and made it easier to move around. See more of Jessica and Nick’s summer wedding at Candlelight Farms Inn in New Milford, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Pronovias | Bridal Shop: A Little Something White in Darien, Connecticut
Every choice Melissa made when it came to creating her bridal style was amazing, especially her dress! It was perfect for a ballroom reception along the Connecticut coast. See more of Melissa and Andy’s colorful spring wedding at The Inn at Longshore in Westport, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Vera Wang | Bridal Shop: David’s Bridal
As much as I love lace, I’m equally in love with simple satin bridal gowns. The deep-v neckline and pleats on this dress were perfect for a December wedding day. See more of Lauren and John’s romantic winter wedding at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills in Middletown, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Morilee | Bridal Shop: Trudys in Campbell, California
The lace detailing on the dress Kate chose was perfect for her rustic venue! It had just a bit of beading to add a touch of extra class to her gown. See more of Kate and David’s spring wedding at Candlelight Farms Inn in New Milford, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Pronovias | Bridal Shop: A Little Something White in Darien, Connecticut
Ellen’s elegant lace dress was a wonderful choice for her classic seaside wedding! It was a warmer-than-usual day for mid-September, but her sleeveless dress helped to keep her cool. See more of Ellen and Bobby’s tented coastal fall wedding at Longshore Pavilion in Norwalk, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: BHLDN | Bridal Shop: Anthropologie in Westport, Connecticut
Nika’s gown was timeless with a boho twist and added an extra fun element to her bridal look, which also paired well with her venue. See more of Nika and Javier’s intimate black tie fall wedding at The Bedford Post Inn in Bedford, New York!
Wedding Gown Designer: Martina Liana | Bridal Shop: Carine’s Bridal Atelier in Washington D.C.
I remember asking Julia one day before her wedding to describe her bridal style and she responded, “I’d say it’s classic, but with a mix of boho!” Her gown was just that, with a satin skirt and train that paired with a plunging neckline and intricate lace detailing. See more of Julia and Taylor’s classic ballroom fall wedding at The Waterview in Monroe, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Theia Couture | Bridal Shop: A Little Something White
Modern brides, this gown is for you! I loved the high neckline and low-cut back with a bow that softly tied around the back of Camille’s neck. See more of this fall wedding editorial at Chamard Vineyards in Clinton, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Anne Barge | Bridal Shop: The Plumed Serpent in Westport, Connecticut
The detailing of Sarah’s timeless gown fit her historic estate venue beautifully! I especially loved the lace and button back. See more of Sarah and Shawn’s spring wedding at DCA Meadowlands in Darien, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Martina Liana | Bridal Shop: Jaehee Bridal Atelier in Englewood, New Jersey
Samira looked like a Greek goddess for her seaside country club wedding! With a deep neckline and plenty of lace, her dress was wonderful for a summertime soirée. Check out more of Samira and Angel’s coastal summer wedding at Greentree Country Club in New Rochelle, New York!
Wedding Gown Designer: Eve of Milady | Bridal Shop: Bridal Reflections in New York, New York
I couldn’t get enough of Rachel’s Hollywood glam bridal look! The lace of her dress that wrapped around her arm just off the shoulder and up the straps added even more to the beauty of her wedding gown. See more of Rachel and Andrew’s summer wedding at Haley Mansion in Mystic, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Pronovias | Bridal Shop: Mariella Creations in Rocky Hill, Connecticut
What’s better than one wedding dress? Two wedding dresses! These beautiful brides’ gowns complemented each other wonderfully while they each maintained their own personal styles. See more of Kate and Britt’s winter wedding at Kinsmen Brewing Company in Milldale, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Watters | Bridal Shop: Nordstrom in New York, New York
You know classic ballroom weddings are some of my favorites! Though Nicole’s gown choice wasn’t one we traditionally see at these types of venues, I still loved what she chose. See more of Nicole and Steve’s winter wedding at The Rockleigh in Rockleigh, New Jersey!
Wedding Gown Designer: Reem Acra | Bridal Shop: Jessica Haley Bridal in Rye, New York
A gorgeous lace bodice paired with a flowy tool skirt is one of my favorite combinations for bridal gowns. I was especially in awe of this stunning dress for a waterfront wedding celebration! See more of Paige and Danny’s classic spring wedding at Wainwright House in Rye, New York!
Wedding Gown Designer: Monique Lhuillier | Bridal Shop: Kleinfeld in New York, New York
Meg’s gown was perfect for her coastal August wedding celebration. I especially loved the detailing of the buttons that went from her back all the way down the train. See more of Meagan and Alan’s coastal summer wedding at The Inn at Longshore in Westport, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Stella York | Bridal Shop: Lucille’s Bridal Shop in Orange, Connecticut
Simpler gowns with a larger train are some of my favorites! It makes moving from place to place easier throughout the day without too many layers of fabric. See more of Stephanie and Will’s fall wedding at Keeler Tavern in Ridgefield, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Madison James | Bridal Shop: Julie Allen Bridals in Newtown, Connecticut
I’m a big fan of wedding dresses with low-cut backs, especially when they have beautiful detailing like this one! See more of Laura and Mike’s coastal fall wedding at The Inn at Longshore in Westport, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Grace Loves Lace | Bridal Shop: Grace Loves Lace in New York, New York
Have a mentioned how much I love lace? Add a pair of sleeves to a lacey wedding dress and I’ll guarantee you it’ll be one of my all-time favorites. See more of Kelley and Jason’s Hudson Valley spring wedding at Windrift Hall in West Coxsackie, New York!
Wedding Gown Designer: Hayley Paige | Bridal Shop: The Plumed Serpent in Westport, Connecticut
I always like to describe Julia as a classic bride with a few trendy twists. The subtle stripes in her gown were a nod to the nautical vibe for her wedding celebration. See more of Julia and Matt’s coastal spring wedding at the Guilford Yacht Club in Guilford, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Maggie Sottero | Bridal Shop: Sukran’s Bridal in Norwalk, Connecticut
I remember Jamie telling me she wanted the entire vibe of her day to feel timeless and classy. She certainly achieved that in her bridal look perfectly with this gorgeous gown! See more of Jamie and Taylor’s elegant winter wedding at The Inn at Longshore in Westport, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Custom made in China
Sally had not one but two wedding dresses for her big day! The first one, pictured above, was classic and elegant with a soft peach color showing through the top layer of tulle and lace on the skirt of her gown. See more of Sally and Peter’s spring wedding at the New Haven Lawn Club for more of Sally’s BHLDN reception dress from Anthropologie!
Wedding Gown Designer: Melissa Sweet | Bridal Shop: David’s Bridal in Norwalk, Connecticut
Kimberly’s style was vintage-Hollywood-glam-meets-boho, and she pulled it off wonderfully! The sheer sleeves of her dress helped to keep her a just bit warmer for her November wedding as well. See more of Kimberly and Corbin’s fall wedding at Cask Republic in Stamford, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Emmy Mae Bridal | Bridal Shop: Everthine Bridal Boutique in Madison, Connecticut
These two were married on a hot summer day by the water, with an afternoon ballroom reception. The cut of Mariah’s dress helped to keep her cool while still maintaining an elegant bridal look. See more of Mariah and Alexi’s coastal summer wedding at The Inn at Longshore in Westport, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Kelly Faetanini | Bridal Shop: A Little Something White in Darien, Connecticut
This was another form-fitting gown with a beautiful train and plenty of lace detailing! It was perfect for a modern industrial style wedding. See more of Thalia and Samantha’s tropical warehouse spring wedding at The Knowlton in Bridgeport, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Pronovias | Bridal Shop: Pronovias in New York, New York
If you’ve gotten this far, you know two of my favorite features in a wedding dress is a button back and plenty of lace details. This beautiful Pronovias gown didn’t disappoint! See more of Melissa and Jamie’s coastal summer tented wedding at Essex Yacht Club in Essex, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Rue De Seine | Bridal Shop: Everthine Bridal Boutique in Madison, Connecticut
If you’re going for a boho bridal vibe, a wedding dress like this is the one for you! It’s form-fitting cut and elegant sleeves were just a few of my favorite things about it. See more of Sammy and Mike’s fall wedding at The Lace Factory in Deep River, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: BHLDN | Bridal Shop: Anthropologie in Westport, Connecticut
Who knew an art-deco vibe could be translated into a bridal gown?! Aside from the elegant neckline and cap sleeves, this dress also had some stretch to it, which made it pretty easy for this beautiful bride to move around without much hassle. See more of Alli and Tim’s romantic Yale portraits and summer wedding at Edgerton Park in New Haven, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Allure Bridals | Bridal Shop: Bliss Bridal in Cheshire, Connecticut
Low back: check. Beautiful bow to give an extra bit of style and visual interest: check! See more of Janel and Phil’s romantic fall wedding at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Madison James | Bridal Shop: Kleinfeld in New York, New York
I remember Amanda telling me that she wanted her wedding day to feel natural and organic. Instead of going with a classic white wedding dress, she chose a gown with a soft blush hue that showed through the top layer of the tulle on her skirt. See more of Amanda and Kyle’s rainy fall wedding at Farmington Gardens in Farmington, Connecticut!
Wedding Gown Designer: Pronovias | Bridal Shop: A Little Something White in Darien, Connecticut
A sweetheart neckline and lovely lace detailing made this wedding dress perfect for a ballroom wedding. See more of Mallory and Joe’s classic spring wedding at Whitby Castle in Rye, New York!
Wedding Gown Designer: Pronovias | Bridal Shop: Pronovias in New York, New York
Elizabeth blended a classic and timeless bridal style with Hollywood glam, and I loved every bit of it! See more of Elizabeth and Johnny’s Hudson Valley spring wedding at Birch Hill Catering in Castleton-on-Hudson, New York!
There are so many styles to choose from when it comes to finding your dream bridal gown! I hope a few of these helped you in finding inspiration for different wedding dress styles that you enjoy!
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shaina Lee Photography is a husband and wife photography team serving Connecticut, New York, and beyond. We specialize in timeless, elegant, and romantic weddings while celebrating all couples in love.
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