I was never the kind of little girl who dreamed about her wedding day. But once my best friend asked me to marry him, I dove head-first into the world of wedding planning. I quickly discovered the joy of jaw-dropping couture gowns—they never fail to make me weak in the knees! Here, I've rounded up photos from my gown inspiration binder in the hopes that they inspire other brides out there. Get your "pinning" finger ready to add these to Pinterest...
Gown Inspiration: Then
I love every wedding gown style and silhouette to a fault. The first wedding gown I ever fell in love with was a Lazaro fit-and-flare. When I first laid eyes on it, I immediately tore it out of the magazine and insisted it was "The One."
Lazaro Dress, Style 3766
Over the next five years, my sense of style changed drastically, proof that you should never set your sights on a dress too far in advance. I've found a new gown by Marchesa that's swept me off my Louboutin-loving feet, and I'm beyond excited to try it on in New York this spring!
Gown Inspiration: Now
Marchesa
Marchesa blends traditional elements with whimsical designs. All of her creations leave me with sensory overload!
Photo Credit: Joe Buissink Photography
Veluz Reyes
I'm in love with this Philippines-based designer's gowns. I'm not the only one—brides around the world clamour to get their hands on her designs, which are custom-made to perfection. Browse more gorgeous Veluz Reyes styles here!
Photo Credit: Veluz Reyes
Inbal Dror
If you're searching for drama, Inbal will gladly deliver your fashion fix. Check out more gorgeous Inbal Dror styles here!
Photo Credit: Inbal Dror
Anna Maier~ Ulla Maija
This Southern bride's lace dress is classic and elegant—perfect for a traditional bride who loves fashion. Check out more photos from this real wedding here!
Photo Credit: DVB Photography
This bride's gown is elegant without being overly fussy. Check out more photos from this real wedding here!
Photo Credit: Meghan Wiesman Photography and Jennifer Bagwell Photography
Some days I wish I had more Bohemian blood running through my veins. If I ever decided to run away and elope with my groom, I would borrow this dress from a wedding in Costa Rica. (Crushing on it, too? You can find it on Etsy.) Check out more photos from this intimate real wedding!
Photo Credit: Toh Gouttenoire/ bidrop.com
Christos
Isn’t this dress unbelievably gorgeous? Christos incorporates every chic detail you could think of in their designs.
Photo courtesy of designer
Paolo Sebastian
This is my dream reception dress; it’s flowy and sophisticated, but wildly sexy—in other words, it’s perfect!
Photo courtesy of designer
Oscar de la Renta
Nothing can put a smile on a bride’s face quite like ruffles by the legendary Oscar! Doesn’t this just exude sophisticated sass?
Photo Credit: Sweet Monday Photography
Sareh Nouri
This dress is ethereal and delicate, yet it still has plenty of "wow" factor.
Photo courtesy of designer
J’Aton Couture
Ruffles, a see-through bodice and sparkles galore? Somehow, the talented duo behind J'Aton Couture makes it all work together. Check out more J'Aton Couture gown styles here!
Photo Credit: Sugar Love Weddings
Jenny Packham
I really must sing the praises of this back—who doesn’t love a little sparkle?
Photo Credit: Carlos Andres Varela Photography
Pnina Tornai
There's something about this lace dress that screams “la dolce vita" (the inspiration behind my wedding day).
Photo courtesy of designer
Galia Lahav
This train isn't for shy brides—it makes a major fashion statement. Check out more Galia Lahav gown styles here!
Photo courtesy of designer
Elie Saab
My fiancé Edwin nearly hung up the phone on me one day when I announced that I wanted to wear a blush-colored wedding dress. I like to think that he was so enamored with the idea of his bride wearing pink that he needed a moment for himself. While a certain someone has clearly nixed this idea, I personally love seeing a bride rocking a colored dress, especially this one!
Photo Credit: SugarLove Weddings
Justin Alexander
This tea-length dress is picture-perfect for a springtime wedding with a vintage vibe. Check out more photos from this real wedding here!
Photo Credit: Bliss Eleven
This Grand Cayman Island wedding was knock-your-socks off pretty, but it was the bride's dress that stole the show. Check out more photos from this beach wedding!
Photo Credit: DVB Photography
Emannuelle Junqueira
The feminine sleeves and details are perfect for girlie-girls at heart.
Photo courtesy of designer
When Claire Pettibone and This Modern Romance unite, the results are nothing short of breathtaking; this dress left me speechless.
Photo Credit: Stephanie Williams -This Modern Romance
Tell us: If money were no object, which of these fantasy gowns would you wear?
— Angelica Bragg
Angelica Bragg is a real bride and the blog maven of The Bridal Detective. She and her fiancé, Edwin Mirzayans (a published author), are planning a destination wedding at the Italian Lakes in Summer 2014. With a stunning backdrop and "la dolce vita" attitude, the couple's soirée will be intimate and romantic, all while celebrating two cultures. When the couple returns from their Italian road trip honeymoon, they will throw a glam after-party with all of their loved ones back home in Jacksonville, Florida.
