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Stunning Style: From Runway to Wedding Day (our January issue cover shoot!)

Samantha Laffoon Photography

Shot on location at Graylyn in Winston-Salem

We know: Sometimes the runways’ looks are so extravagant and radical that normal folks

Wardrobe stylist and fashion insider Stacee Michelle, who attended New York Fashion Week as a correspondent for E! News, produced the shoot for our January issue, and we are so excited to show it off! Check it out here and grab a copy of the magazine at any local wedding vendor and at participating Harris Teeters and Books-a-Million stores.


VICTORIAN REVIVAL

High necks, intricate lace and beading, and embellishments that echo yesteryear are all you need for a new-classic affair. 

To achieve this look, Sheena Steele of Star Studio gave our model a simple, classic twist at the nape of the neck, and added sparkle with a well-placed hair pin that complements but doesn’t compete with the show-stopping back of this dress from New York Bride & Groom.

For a garden-style dinner, Aisha Thomas of Aisha Thomas Events created this beautiful tablescape with help from Lily Bee’s Floral (look at that arrangement!) and Elle Dee Designs, who created the menu.

And check out this channeling-Victorian-era beauty from The WOW Factor Cakes. Swoon.

For some yesteryear flair, give your invitations a script that channels the days of feather quills and pots of ink. Paperie created by Tied & Two.

And even a strapless gown can have a new-classic feel, when it’s adorned intricate lace and gorgeous beading, like this dress from Winnie Couture. Want to add a 21st-century twist? Add the pop of the plumb ombre lip, like makeup artist Alyssa Green of Artistry by Alyssa did here.

Carolina-Bride-January-Shoot-Low-Res-Samantha-Laffoon-Photography-124-22.jpg‘Avalynn’ European lace outlined with embroidery, $3,289; teardrop embellished earrings, $89; teardrop diamond necklace, $199, all at Winnie Couture.


PRETTY IN PASTEL

Demure hues in frothy aesthetics are a chic and subtle way to make a statement.

This pale pink gown from New York Bride & Groom channels cotton candy, spun with sweet elegance. It’s the perfect hue for someone who wants to buck the white-dress tradition but not drastically. Pair it with a bouquet like this one from Lily Bee’s Floral—flowing with peonies, silver dollar eucalyptus, snapdragons and oriental lilies—and the result is breathtaking.

These sweet invitations from Tied & Two are a nod to the watercolor trend and a reminder that a fresh font can bring a playful yet glamorous touch to any paperie.


BLOOMS THAT BECKON

Whether on your lace or your manicure, florals and rosettes add depth and dazzle.

We’re swooning over this look’s handmade rosettes, lucite and simple, classic pony.

This gorgeous creation from WOW Factor Cakes lives up to its name. The delicate blooms, vertical touches and artful perfectly placed silver “drips” are a show-stopper.

If strapless isn’t your style, opt for dainty sleeves (like those on this dress, from Nitsa’s) and a swept-back ‘do.

Even a small bloom on a manicured nail lends an air of subtle sophistication.

A special thanks to all the vendors involved with this shoot!

PHOTOGRAPHY Samantha Laffoon Photography

VENUE Graylyn

WARDROBE STYLIST AND PRODUCER Stacee Michelle

MAKEUP Artistry by Alyssa

HAIR Sheena Steele | Star Studio

MODELS Cici Reid and Sebastian Pradoni

AGENCY Directions Model and Artist Management

TABLESCAPE DESIGN Aisha Thomas Events

LINENS, CHINA, GLASSWARE, CHAIRS, SILVERWARE Classic Party Rentals, Charlotte 

MENU CARDS Elle Dee Designs 

CAKES The WOW Factor Cakes

FLORALS Lily Bee’s Floral

INVITATIONS Tied & Two

WARDROBE Winnie CoutureNitsa’sNew York Bride & GroomOle Mason Jar

ACCESSORIES Neiman Marcus; Winnie CoutureNew York Bride & Groom

NAIL ARTIST Nails by Natalie

HAIR EXTENSIONS Indique Hair

This story was originally published January 10, 2017 at 2:43 PM with the headline "Stunning Style: From Runway to Wedding Day (our January issue cover shoot!)."

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