We were honored to attend a beautiful cocktail soiree at Alexia’s Bridal Boutique, the Vera Wang salon in downtown Raleigh last week, which centered around a bridal runway presentation featuring the newest, most glamorous couture designs in bridal and eveningwear. The evening started off with hors d’oeuvres, and a jazz trio from John Brown Entertainment Group, while guests enjoyed perusing the gorgeous gowns in the bridal boutique and catching up over champagne.

  

  

The highlight of course was when we were seated for the runway presentation. Fresh Affairs set the scene with beautiful floral arrangements, and James from Photography by Walters and Walters captured the event.

We couldn’t wait to share the stunning images of the new lines from top bridal designers from their fall collections. From black to red; mermaid to ballgown, these dramatic gowns are what is hot in bridal fashion.

    
The first wedding gown we saw was Douglas Hannant “91212”- a plaid patterned silk taffeta gown with long beaded sleeves and a dramatic low cut back.

    
Vera Wang’s “Kaye” is a mermaid gown with chevron pleated bodice and a tulle skirt and a shoulder floral applique.

    
Vera Wang’s “Katarina” is a strapless ballgown with a tulle panel skirt, flange applique and Chantilly lace detail.

    
Another Vera Wang strapless ballgown, “Katherine” has a hand rolled floral detail skirt and horsehair trim.

    
Vera Wang’s “Jessica” in black is a classic mermaid style, with micro pleated bodice and sheared organza full skirt.

    
Douglas Hannant “96512” is a low back lace sheath gown with velvet accent.

    
“Joesephine” by Vera Wang is a V-neck halter ballgown with Chantilly lace bodice and a full tulle skirt.

    
Monique Lhuillier “Infinity” has an elongated strapless bead-encrusted Chantilly lace bodice with a full tulle skirt.

    
Kenneth Pool “Cintrine” bridal gown has lace and tulle scoop neckline atop a dropped waist ballgown with an organza flower at the hip.

    
“Viola” by Claire Pettibone is an embroidered mermaid dress with an illusion back and hand placed Guipure lace trims.

    
Monique Lhuillier’s “Poet” has a double layer Chantilly lace sheath with embellished bateau neck and back.

    
Hollywood-glam is the style of Douglas Hannant “90812” – a one-shoulder mermaid gown with cut bead detail.

    
Kenneth Pool’s “Rio” is a tulle and organza natural waist gown with a crystal and pearl beaded belt and textured skirt.

    
“Luxe” by Monique Lhuillier is a scoop neck embroidered chiffon sheath.

    
Vera Wang “Kimberly” is a strapless bias-cut ballgown with hand rolled floral and floating Chantilly lace detail.

    
“Joanna” by Vera Wang is a strapless mermaid gown with chiffon laddering and a tumbled skirt.

    
Glamorous in Red! Vera Wang “Kylie” is a mermaid gown with asymmetrical tulle, draped neckline and floral applique skirt.

    

The finale in daring red! Vera Wang “Kassisa” is a strapless mermaid gown with an inverted flange bodice and floral detail skirt.

    
After the runway presentation, Alexia and Michael Joyce were joined by their daughter, Lana (namesake of their sister bridal salon, Lana Addison Bridal– located in Cary, NC). They graciously thanked everyone who contributed to the event. A big thanks to the Joyce’s for their friendship and for the amazing work they do for the Triangle wedding community!

Flowers: Fresh Affairs / Catering: Crave & Sweet Memories Bakery / Photography: Walters & Walters / Hair & Makeup: J&F Gemelli Salon / Music: John Brown Entertainment Group / Beverage: Sip… A Wine Store / Event Lighting: Get Lit Special Event Lighting / Event Rentals: CE Rental