What a time to be alive. Many of us are wondering how something we’ve never seen in our lifetimes could have crept upon us so quietly and with such force. The challenges and disruptions pressed upon our lives have become a daily test upon our wills and strength in a way that has shaken everything we’d once known to be, well, normal. My heart goes out to everyone affected; those impacted by this relentless virus, the bride whose wedding has been postponed, business owners and employees unsure of their next moves, essential workers getting out there to bravely serve at the frontlines, the parents running a homeschool from their dining room table, the children missing their friends, and their educators who work tirelessly to teach from a distance. Each and every one of us is a hero about now, for we are all mourning something, and doing whatever we can to survive.
The world of weddings is just one of many facets to feel the blow. What was meant to debut and celebrate the latest in bridal couture, like so many events and occasions as of late, this April’s New York Bridal Fashion Week had been cancelled. Runway shows and designer presentations were no longer set to beguile the admiring eyes of brides, buyers, and fashion media. Necessary measures to maintain social distance have been made imminent for the greater good of us all. While the loss of Bridal Market has been far from the worst we’ve seen and continue to endure in the face of this pandemic, we also recognize the value of holding hope. At Sophisticated Weddings, we’ve always been one for good vibes. Getting married is, after all, meant to be a moment that exudes happiness, wonderment, and celebration. It’s about coming together and cherishing the people, places, and things we love. We looked to find a way to bring back just a sprinkle of that magic, and that idea took a bit of improvising.
For eight years, Sophisticated Weddings has produced original and exclusive photo shoots for its magazine, organizing a hefty-sized team of talent to collaborate on a dazzling series of still captures. Now as we find ourselves keeping a safe distance from one another until further notice, publisher Steve Sendor and I had only each other from within our own quarantine space to find a way of making sweet lemonade from some very sour lemons. The facts we knew to be are this: Steve is a photographer with a great camera. I could fit into a sample size dress. There were dozens, if not hundreds, of new wedding dresses begging for their moment in the spotlight, without the opportunity to do so. With that in mind, we had contacted several designers to send us pieces from their latest collections, and the two of us headed into the studio alone. No stylists, no special backdrop, no hair and make-up team— essentially, nothing of what we are used to. Just a dozen new couture gowns, myself to pose as a model, and Steve as a photographer. In lieu of the ordinary, we present you with a twist on our Bridal Market coverage. Rain or shine, we are here to inspire. Sunnier days are ahead of us, and until then, we invite you to keep planning, keep dreaming, and keep your chin up. We will get through this together, and you will get to have your cake and eat it too.
With wishes for love, light, and laughter,
Samantha Sendor
Editor-in-Chief
AUGUSTA JONES – “ALBA”
A timeless and dreamy dress certain to leave a lasting impression. Strapless slim A-line Crepe gown with bias cuff neckline, hand-draped bodice, side pleated skirt, and back buttons to end of train.
MAGGIE SOTTERO – “FRANCESCA”
Opt for coverage, but make it sexy. This romantic illusion-back sheath wedding dress offers charm and intrigue in spades. Sequined lace motifs over sparkle tulle, organza-lined sequin lace bodice, illusion lace back, V-neckline, long illusion lace sleeves, covered button over zipper closure colors.
WONÁ – “BRUNA”
From the “Love Stories Collection,” the Bruna bridal gown is a truly feminine dress. This A-line outfit is a combination of different fabric, lace, and shining beads. The bodice is made of ornamental lace that is decorated with embroidery and beads. The same motif is found on a skirt made of veiling.
ROBERT BULLOCK – “CHARLIE”
Rediscover romance in its long sleeves, sheer beaded Chantilly lace, and 4-ply crepe modified mermaid gown with satin waistband and buttons down the back of the bodice.
SÉBASATIEN LUKE - RUFFLE-TIERED MERMAID GOWN
Versatility has never looked so good with this ruffle-tiered mermaid gown with detachable bow belt (bow can be front or back), and detachable skirt bottom to create a cocktail dress. Ivory satin-faced organza and silk floral appliqués complete the look.
REBECCA INGRAM – “JOANNE”
Soft, sweet, and a touch of sultry, Joanne is constructed by textured tulle, three beaded trims under the best to the waist, a V-back and plunging ruched illusion V-neckline, and covered button over zipper closure.
SOTTERO & MIDGELY – “DOMINIC”
Fit for a royal, this illusion back long-sleeve sheath wedding gown fuses enduring romance with a chic and slimming silhouette. Beaded lace motifs over tulle, plunging illusion lace back, deep V-neckline, long illusion lace sleeves, crystal button over zipper closure, and lined with Inessa stretch jersey for comfort.
WONÁ – “MOANA”
From the "Icon Collection," Moana is a sophisticated and stylish wedding gown, decorated with shining beads, crystals and lace. The skirt is completed with a veiling layer for a lighter and romantic look.
MAGGIE SOTTERO – “SELENA”
A crown jewel of a design could be big, could be glitzy, or could be a simple satin ball gown wedding dress with pockets. All are equally commanding of respect. Huron Mikado, square back neckline, scoop neckline, covered button over zipper closure, pockets, and covered buttons trail down to hemline.
REBECCA INGRAM – “JODY”
A vintage deco pattern for your ‘something old’ and an easy-breezy chiffon skirt for your ‘something new’. All in one sexy beaded sheath wedding dress perfect for a summer soiree. Arlo chiffon, illusion beaded bodice, V-back, plunging illusion V-neckline, beaded spaghetti straps, covered button zipper closure, and a thigh high slit.
SOTTERO & MIDGELY – “ABBOTT”
Simple, striking, and Renaissance-inspired. A long puff-sleeve V-back gown for a sweet and sophisticated statement. Merona stretch creep, soft V-back, deep illusion V-neckline, long Merona stretch crepe sleeves with illusion lace cut-out, lined with serene stretch chiffon, crustal button on over zipper closure, illusion lace cut out train, and also available sleeveless.
MAGGIE SOTTERO – “WINSLOW”
This floral tulle A-line bridal dress beckons the need for gorgeous lace. Sequined lace motifs over Chantilly lace, scoop back neckline, deep illusion V-neckline, illusion lace tank straps, and covered button over zipper closure.