Here Comes the Bride
Kathy Lager, owner of Veiled in Elegance in Geneva, says romantic, lacey gowns and vintage styles are becoming increasingly popular as brides look for alternatives to the perennially popular strapless wedding gown. “We’re seeing more embellishment at the necklines, beading and illusion looks, which gives brides a few more choices beyond the strapless that’s been so popular,” Lager says. Lace has been popular for several years, and Lager says 2013 promises a greater variety of lace styles and weights. “There are more lighter-weight laces such as organza and more Chantilly lace,” she says. Vintage is influencing accessories as well. Post earrings are returning, as are belts embellished with crystal beads, lace, flowers and feathers. “These are timeless looks,” Lager says. “I feel like brides want to look back in 20 years and see classic, simple lines.” Blushers — over-the-face veils in various lengths — are seeing resurgence, inspired by British royal
3 Pictured is Elizabeth Dickerson Machak, 30, of Geneva, who married her husband, John, on Nov. 3, 2012. She is pictured wearing her wedding dress — an Angelina Bridal Couture gown with custom Alfred Sung cap sleeves — inside Veiled in Elegance in Geneva, where she purchased the dress.
bride Kate Middleton, now Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. “These can be added to any length veil including the cathedral length, which is still very popular,” Lager says. For bridesmaids, purple, coral, brown and champagne are popular choices,
and Lager says that a few bridal parties for next year have put bridesmaids in different colors or chosen a print for the maid of honor, with coordinating solids for the bridesmaids. “These can be deep shades or pastels that all coordinate,” she says.
6 These flower arrangements were put together by Elizabeth Wray Design. Photo by EyeShutter Photography
Veiled in Elegance • 15 W. State St. • Geneva • 630-208-7133 • www. veiledinelegance.com Additional places to look in Kane County
*Please note this is not a comprehensive list
Bella Bridal and Formal Wear • 2000 W. Main St., Suite HI • St. Charles • 630-443-9226 • bellabridalandformal.com The Crystal Bride • 207 W. State St. • Geneva • 630-397-5040 • crystalbride.com
Music From The Heart
St. Charles resident Maureen Christine, a vocalist specializing in pop standards and the Great American Songbook, says the wedding couples she works with frequently have musical selections in mind ahead of time. Sometimes, those selections are surprising, such as the couple who wanted “O Canada,” sung in tribute to the groom’s native country, or John Denver’s “Calypso,” a favorite song of the bride’s father. “People are asking for songs that have personal meaning, so it’s very eclectic,” Christine says. Still, perennial wedding favorites such as “Ave Maria,” “Amazing Grace,” Etta James’ “At Last” and Shania Twain’s “From This Moment On” continue to be popular choices. Frequently, couples find Christine online and listen to her audio samples for additional ideas. At the initial meeting, she discusses musical selections with the couple and may recommend additional songs or even musicians to round out the performance. “We can give a mini concert so they get to hear all the songs they’ve chosen,” Christine says.
A return to formal weddings has spurred another trend. Even couples who hire a deejay for the reception are starting to add live music during cocktails and dinner. “It’s the best of both worlds,” Christine says. “You still have the deejay for dancing, but live music really adds a touch of elegance, and it’s a way to include music that may not have fit into the church ceremony.”
Maureen Christine • 630-945-3455 • 815477-7664 • maureenchristine.com Additional places to look in Kane County *Please note this is not a comprehensive list
Backthird Entertainment • Aurora • 630-264-2366 • backthird.com Hooked On Sonics • South Elgin • hookedonsonicsband.com
Fresh, Natural … And Fabulous
3 Pocket invitations are very popular, says Steve Almy of Invitations Etc. in Batavia. Photo provided by Invitations Etc.
The British royal wedding and the popular British TV series “Downton Abbey” have helped to push the trend of romantic, vintage looks to the forefront, says floral designer Elizabeth Wray, owner of Elizabeth Wray Design in Geneva. Wray says that brides tend to fall into one of three categories: those who want modern takes on classic vintage looks, those who like soft, romantic garden looks and those who prefer edgier, contemporary styles. Vintage brides may veer toward the Hollywood glamour looks of the 1940s and choose roses or calla lilies embellished with