Prepare to be inspired by Lizzie Nelson's extraordinary wedding journey! This fashion-forward bride embraced her love for vintage, creating a unique and personal wedding wardrobe that tells a story of family, legacy, and a deep appreciation for timeless style.
But here's where it gets controversial: Lizzie didn't just wear one vintage bridal look, she wore three! And each piece has an incredible story to tell.
Let's start with the main event: Lizzie's wedding dress, a true vintage gem. She sourced this deep ivory gown with a subtle floral print from Cha Cha Linda, a Brooklyn-based vintage store. The dress, designed by Carolina Herrera in 1987, had a sweetheart neckline and a removable shawl with a rosette. Lizzie and the store owner, Eva Lopez, discovered a unique way to style the shawl, flipping it backwards to create an off-the-shoulder look. It was a moment of pure joy and connection, and Lizzie knew she had found her dream dress.
However, the story doesn't end there. Lizzie, with the help of a talented seamstress, Ann Hamilton, added a detachable train to her gown, creating a stunning and flexible look. The train, crafted from the perfect fabric to match the 1980s cream gown, was a masterpiece in itself. Hamilton's creative eye and problem-solving skills ensured that every detail was considered.
And this is the part most people miss: Lizzie's commitment to incorporating 'something old' into her wedding wardrobe. She didn't just wear one vintage piece, but three, each with a deep connection to her family's history.
First, there was her grandmother's Priscilla of Boston wedding dress from 1958. This silk gown, with its hand-beading and long sleeves, had been worn by multiple family members, including Lizzie's mother and aunts. Over the years, the dress had been altered, but Lizzie and Hamilton worked their magic, transforming it into a modern two-piece set - a top and a mini bubble skirt - perfect for her reception.
Next, we have a two-piece Donna Karen set, worn by Lizzie's mother as her second look in the '90s. Lizzie, with her mother's blessing, adapted this cream silk ensemble, transforming the pants into a tailored style and shortening the top to fit her height. She even created a new layering piece, ensuring the look was true to her personal style.
But the most sentimental piece of all? A pair of custom earrings by Larkspur & Hawk, featuring a piece of lace from her grandmother's wedding dress. These earrings, crafted using an 18th-century foiling technique, added a touch of shine and a 'something blue' moment to Lizzie's ensemble. She loved that these earrings would not only be a part of her wedding day but a cherished keepsake for life.
Lizzie's wedding wardrobe was a celebration of family, a tribute to her loved ones, and a bold statement of her unique style. It's a reminder that weddings are not just about the dress, but the stories and emotions that make them truly special.
So, what do you think? Is embracing vintage for your wedding a bold move or a beautiful tradition? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
