Set against the bold colors of fall, Martina Liana bride, Jessica, stunned in her strapless gown. Whether she was gliding down the aisle, or sharing the spotlight on the dancefloor with Dad, her style and personality shined through. Jessica’s beautiful, Scottsdale nuptials were captured effortlessly by Melissa Jill Photography. You have to see the beauty in this amazing wedding to believe it!
From the bride: My wedding was the most amazing day; stepping into my dress with just my Mother and Maid of Honor was a very special moment. It was the moment that it became real that today was the day I was marrying the man I had known for 17 years. The entire day was special, from seeing him for the first time, to reciting our vows we had written ourselves, to the relaxing feeling of melting into one another after the ceremony was over as we popped a bottle of champagne and laughed and smiled. In that small, quiet moment we talked about, and imagined, the life ahead of us.
As a bride, I was most excited for wedding dress shopping, however it was one of the hardest tasks in all of wedding planning. Let me share a little about my story and give my wedding advice after.
I flew to Scottsdale, AZ to visit my parents and my now mother in law also flew down with me for a wedding dress weekend. I don’t know if it was the pressure or just not finding the right dress. We went dress shopping all day and I tried on 40 gowns, they looked pretty, I felt like a bride, but I didn’t get “that feeling”. I talked to my wedding planner and she encouraged me to try a few more places the following day. I stepped into Mariee Bridal and fell in LOVE with all of the Martina Liana gowns. I was afraid to try on the gown I ended up buying because I was in love with it on the hanger but I was so scared of the, “what if I didn’t love it on” situation. But I tried it on and knew it was “the dress.” It also was solidified with the tears from both my mom and mother in law! I felt beautiful, elegant, and yet I still felt my fun personality shine through in the dress.
I was very excited for the reception- I chose the dress based on how well I could dance in it. I loved our dance party and my Father and my choreographed dance. The picture I sent is of us doing the Beyonce move, I think it captures the movement of the gown.
My biggest piece of advice is don’t settle, you didn’t settle on your future husband so don’t settle on a dress. Wait to have “that feeling” because you will have it. And try different styles and expand your horizons, most likely you’ll end up with a dress or dress style that you didn’t pin on pinterest.
I loved going against the grain and choosing bright bold colors you normally don’t see. We captured fall in all it’s glory with vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow (and shimmery gold)!
All in all, it was a perfect day, one I’ll continue to look back on, the day I finally married my “Aladdin”!
Congratulations to Jessica and Jay!