Attending Bridal Market was one of my biggest professional goals a few years ago. I had no idea how to set up appointments, which dresses were considered part of a trend, or how to approach a designer to ask if I could snap a few pictures. This year was absolutely different. Similar to last year, I set up all of my appointments on my own (with a few assists from my friend Jessica!), switched to my camera instead of my iPhone in order to capture better photos, and definitely wasn’t shy when asking questions. There were absolutely times when I was faking confidence, but even still, I noticed I’ve grown as a professional in the wedding industry when I think back to my first Market.
I took far, far too many pictures to share here, which is why I’m so excited to share more later this week and next week on The Styled Bride’s blog! But, I have to share a few of my favorites with you. Welcome to my version of Bridal Market (or Bridal Fashion Week or BFWNY – the number of names and hashtags is seriously out of control). It’s one of the weekends I look forward to most because I get to people watch (I spotted Keija Minor, the Editor-in-Chief of Brides a few times), watch fashion shows in beautiful venues, catch up with friends new and old, and feel like Sarah Jessica Parker while running through New York City to look at wedding dresses. It’s the most exhausting best weekend of the year.
Claire Pettibone’s gowns amaze me with their artistic quality. Plus, that venue and those flowers…I die. Modern Troussau caught my eye at the end of the summer in Charleston, and I spotted my beloved Fawn gown while I was viewing the new collection and chatting with Callie, the designer (!), while drinking tea and eating chocolate. Are you kidding? Best. Appointment. Ever. PS: The model’s ring? She had just gotten engaged, but I thought it was a prop!
Saturday was filled with Watters, a place card with my blog’s name on it that made my day, snapping photos of Des from The Bachelorette with the gowns she designed for Maggie Sottero, seeing Olia Zavozina’s new collection (I interviewed her during my first trip to Bridal Market!), and the loveliest meeting with Anna Campbell. We met last year at the Claire Pettibone show where she asked me if I wanted to view her collection the following day. I ended up trying on a gown…and a veil…at that meeting. I shocked my mom and my best friend with that text message! :) She’s so, so sweet, and I loved catching up with her again!
I wasn’t supposed to go back into town on Sunday, but I was invited to a dinner with a few other bloggers, photographers, and event planners. I left feeling so completely inspired and thankful for a fun night, new friends, and not getting lost once on the subway.
Until next year!
Stay tied to Carly is Inspired…
Great seeing you this weekend!! :) Such a whirlwind, but so so fun!
Your pictures make me want another wedding, minus the partner, just the flowers and dress.
You have absolutely grown! Well done!!!