Written by Megin Potter | Photos by Di'Namic Photography
Turning back the clock to a time of structured tailoring, mid-century glamour, and the optimistic romance of a bygone era.
The moody lighting and striking shadows of a Northeast November are poetically fleeting. For a couple that loves old movies, the quiet drama of this time of year called out for a wedding day look that embraces the charm and restraint of an earlier time.
Sophie Ward lives in Ballston Spa, NY, where antique stores and vintage shops abound with hidden treasures. Impressed by the quality and rich fabrics of these secondhand and vintage pieces, she has integrated many into her wardrobe.
For her wedding, however, she wanted an enormous Princess Grace of Monaco - inspired ballgown. Sophie yearned for a dress with personality unlike anything she saw new.
That’s when an Instagram listing caught her attention. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and that’s how I knew it was the one,” she said. This creamy, soft, raw silk 1950’s wedding gown, with its mid-length sleeves, banded waist, and beaded lace front panel had a quiet elegance, but it was a big risk to buy her wedding dress online from an Etsy shop, and some cautioned her against it.
“It’s honestly hard to make your own choices when you’re planning a wedding because there are so many cooks in the kitchen,” said Sophie, “but if you can’t stop thinking about something - just risk it.”
When Sophie opened the box, the dress looked sad and deflated but it fit remarkably well, she said. Investing in alterations from A Love Story By Angela’s Bridal in Troy, NY, she created tomorrow’s heirloom today, by adding volume, adjusting the bust and shoulders, perking up the back bow, and bustling the train in a very beautiful way.
“This story is not done,” said Sophie. “This dress is crafted so well, and beautifully, and there’s so much life left in it, it would be a shame to let that go.”
Paired with a regal embroidered veil from Saratoga Closet, it was perfection.
Sophie said while internet shopping is trendy right now, she usually finds the best treasures in person. “When you have a vision, don’t settle. It’s out there, somewhere.”
