Hayley Paige Designer Appearance at Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury Event on January 17, 2016

It was an exciting day at the Chicago Marriott O’Hare on January 17, 2016 when we held our luxury bridal show with special guest celebrity designer Hayley Paige. More than 600 brides and grooms-to-be registered for tickets to experience all that is new and unique in wedding planning.

vendor shotsAll event photos by Vito Rade Photography, all rights reserved.

To-be-weds had the opportunity to see 63 talented wedding purveyors that included popular categories such as wedding photographers, travel agents, DJs, table top décor and florists, bakeries, veils and accessories, Chicago wedding venues, caterers, cinematographers, wedding film makers, men’s formalwear and of course wedding dresses.

Second vendor gridAs couples walked through the venue, they could meet the owners of the area’s best wedding purveyors. Many booked appointments with their favorite vendors, sampled wedding cake, and were able to see all the latest trends in floral. The show also featured several wedding day transportation companies including trolleys and limo buses.

Make up TeamWe had Tamara Makeup + Hair Artistry work with all of our models to create a glamorous and romantic look to mirror the print campaigns in all the leading bridal magazines featuring Hayley Paige. Accessories by Maria Elena Headpieces were the perfect finishing touch.

Hayley smiling wide There were lots of smiles and our models loved meeting Hayley. As the day grew closer to the highlight of the day where we presented the Spring 2016 collection of designer gowns by Hayley Paige, our back stage production crew was busy helping our models get ready.

Hayley Close upAbove, with her hair and make up ready, our guest designer Hayley Paige was ready for her close up for her on-camera interview with Mirar Productions. Our President, Bill Brennan (below left) reviewed presentation notes behind the scenes with Hayley while Philipe Carvalho worked with us to find the perfect lighting to capture Hayley.

4 pic of Hayley, Bill, Jim, TamaraAbove: Hayley kicks up her heels for a snapshot with Jim Verraros. Top right, Hayley with the team at Tamara Makeup + Hair Artistry, bottom left Hayley with our President, Bill Brennan, bottom right, Hayley makes her entrance to an enthusiastic crowd.

Entire groupOnce our models were ready, we had the chance to be photographed moments before the show began by the incomparable Vito Rade of Vito Rade Photography. Pictured here from left to right is Jim Verraros, Executive Vice President, Hayley Paige is center and Carol Tardi our Fashion Director is on the far right next to Bill Brennan, President.

Hayley by herselfOur audience was thrilled to see Hayley as she made her first steps onto the runway to sit down with our Fashion Director, Carol Tardi to share her inspiration behind the collection.

The opening spotlight scene featuring Hayley’s Spring 2016 collection began with each model walking down the runway to an enthusiastic crowd as evidenced by hundreds of camera phones clicking photos of their favorite gowns.

Crystelle and KristenNicoletta,” (left) and “Lily,” (right) by Hayley Paige, photo by Vito Rade Photography

Eliania and AuroGeorgie,” (left) and “Hayley,” by Hayley Paige, photo by Vito Rade Photography

Alijcia solo 2 picsPaige” by Hayley Paige, photo by Vito Rade Photography

Rachel, Step and AlexandraGwen,” “Cali,” and “Comet,” by Hayley Paige, photo by Vito Rade Photography

 

Andi and ElianiaTanner,” and “Georgie,” by Hayley Paige, photo by Vito Rade Photography, all rights reserved.

The gowns were simply stunning and our team at Spinnin’ Discs provided fabulous lighting for the runway as well as the music styling for the show.

4 Grid of Pics Hayley waivingAside from designing bridal gowns, Hayley also designs a full line of attendant dresses under the name Hayley Paige Occasions.

Hayley has also designed many Red Carpet ensembles for celebrities including Chrissy Teigen, Maria Menounos, Hilary Rhoda, Adrianna Costa and Jamie-Lynn Sigler. Be sure to watch E! News for the next Red Carpet event to see who else might choose to wear a piece from her Red Carpet Collection.

Hayley and Aura Finale“Hayley is an incredible designer and her personality is so kind and loving,” says Jim Verraros of Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury. We were honored and blessed that she was able to take time out of her busy schedule to be with us especially since she travels the country so frequently for trunk shows and designer appearances. I could tell that she was a big hit with our audience because the applause as she walked our runway seemed to last an eternity!”

 

***For more information on Hayley and/or where to find her gowns, visit Bella Bianca Bridal Couture in Oakbrook and Chicago where you’ll find her collection available for purchase. To schedule an appointment, call 630.627.4027 (Oakbrook) or 312.787.2377 (Chicago).

 

***Follow Hayley Paige on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram!

An Exclusive Interview with Celebrity Designer Hayley Paige!

The World of Bridal inspires me. Designers inspire me and their newest collections are always something I look forward to seeing at New York Bridal Fashion Week. Designer Hayley Paige for JLM Couture has always been one of those designers to get excited about. Seeing this talent grow into a bridal household name has been a great pleasure of mine to witness. Not only has Hayley created lines for her namesake collection, “Hayley Paige,” but a diffusion line, “Blush by Hayley Paige,” been named the new designer for Jim Hjelm bridal and now has launched Occasions by Hayley Paige. In other words, this bright young star is taking over.

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Hayley taking her walk down the runway in New York City; Photo above courtesy Lloyd Johnston III

Needless to say, it’s been a busy few years for Hayley, but she was kind enough to answer a few questions for us leading up to her appearance at our upcoming luxury bridal show this Sunday, January 17th, 2016 at the Marriott Chicago O’Hare where we’ll be showcasing her incredible new collection to more than 2,000 attendees! In our interview, we discuss what’s next, celebrities and her very own wedding where she wore not one, not two but five different outfits during her wedding weekend celebration!

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Hayley on her wedding day reviewing her dresses; Photo courtesy CHARD Photographer

Jim Verraros: We need to talk about your gowns you designed and wore for your wedding. They were ALL so AMAZING and you looked impossibly stunning! What was the process in creating them and were there others we didn’t see that you designed that just didn’t make the final cut?

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Rehearsal Dinner Gown designed by Hayley Paige; photo courtesy CHARD Photographer

Hayley Paige: I went into the whole wedding wardrobe gambit with a “more is more” mindset. Thus, had I had more time, there definitely would have been more gowns! The process for each was no different than the process of creating an entire collection; each piece embraced a different personality and told a particular story. Aside from the wedding gowns, I also created a rehearsal dinner dress, a boudoir robe for the “getting ready” process and in between changes, and a brunch outfit…complete with a Chiquita banana inspired head piece.

For my first dress, the artwork was inspired by the stained glass windows in our Catholic Church. The flowers were actually hand-painted to give that translucent watercolor effect! The lavender coloring was inspired by my mom because that has always been her favorite color. This gown made me feel like a modern day Aurora from sleeping beauty (and the Haute Bride tiara certainly didn’t hurt anyone); it was just magical!

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The new Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Wallis immediately after the exchange of vows outside the church; Photo courtesy CHARD Photographer

My outdoor ceremony was made to be a real “paige-turner” with dashes of Haute Couture elements. I took my favorite Hayley Paige signature ballgown silhouette and added splashes of color with dimensional flower motifs. This embellishment was also hand-painted and subtly beaded throughout. The bodice had more of a modern feel; I wanted that smooth finish that happens when you combine honey and sugar! It reminded me of marzipan in the best way possible. And of course I went for a cropped top for this look, simply because I just wanted to have some fun and be a little brazen.

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A romantic moment overlooking the magnificent water in Lake Tahoe, California

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Fairy tale kisses during the second ceremony; Photos above courtesy CHARD Photographer

My reception gown was inspired by holograms and comets. I wanted that explosion of sparkle, but not in a traditional rhinestone way. To achieve that iridescent effect, my embroiderer and I worked with unusual alabaster stones and satin-finished elements that change colors in the light. I made this gown with the intention of shining bright and feeling sexy. The daring back neckline, nude illusion tulle, and strategically placed appliques managed to stay in place all evening…. even through the limbo and failed attempts to break dance!

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Hayley in her third custom gown during the start of the reception; Photo courtesy CHARD Photographer

JV: You design Jim Hjelm Occasions bridesmaids (which has now been re-named to Occasions by Hayley Paige), Jim Hjelm Bridal, Blush by Hayley Paige and of course, Hayley Paige. How do you do it and keep all of your labels distinct and separate?

HP: I believe you can kind of look at is the way a chef prepares meals. Each course encompasses a different flare and appeases a unique palate. It’s important to go head into the process with an end goal in mind: who am I making this delicious creation for?

JV: You also have an amazing red carpet collection available at the JLM Boutique in West Hollywood, California. Who’s your dream celebrity client to dress and what would you select for her to wear?

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Pictured above, Adrianna Costa, Kelsea Ballerini, Peta Murgatroyd and Chrissy Teigen in Hayley Paige on the Red Carpet

HP: I’ve been a mad fangirl of Chrissy Teigen for years. Her sense of humor is ferociously sexy. Ironically enough, she recently rocked our “Bardot” pant suit at the Go90 Sneak Peak event in Beverly Hills! With regards to dressing the red carpet scene, I’ve had the most delightful taste of ice cream, but now I want the whole sundae. Whether it’s doing something custom for the Met Gala or creating costume work for rockstars on tour, wherever our gowns can take us I am ready to wow!

JV: You recently hit 187,000 followers on Instagram! Congratulations! What an incredible accomplishment! How do you think social media influences today’s bride?

HP: I love the personification of it all! Instagram creates a platform to connect with brides/other creative people on a personal level. The content is candid and inspiringly contagious.

JV: You’ve had so many amazing moments over the years with gowns you’ve created: “Dori,” “Carrie,” “Guindon,” “Paloma,” “Babs,” “Keaton,” “Josie,” “Londyn…” I could go on and on. Do you know when a dress is going to have a moment before it’s shown to the public or are you surprised when a gown takes off?

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Hayley Paige “Paloma” Gown; Photo courtesy JLM Couture

HP: Every season is an opportunity to get brides, stores, and fashion-supporters alike on their sparkly-tippy-toes. It’s important to balance your assortment and answer a different question with each look, but for the sake of “wow-factor,” I always try to push the envelope; even if it means taking a risk. There is somewhat of a formula to it all, but it’s important to allow that natural reaction to happen. If you go in with too much of an expectation, you become too controlling with it all.

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Hayley Paige’s “Dori” Gown; Photo courtesy JLM Couture

JV: You design four collections for bridal and bridesmaids under JLM Couture, you have a Red Carpet collection…will we see a ready-to-wear, lingerie or swimwear line from you?

HP: I sure hope so!!! I used to write comic books and children’s stories when I was really little and I also went through a period of making handbags for all of my mom’s friends. During my educational studies, I did a lot of costume work, styling, and illustrating; I LOVE being eclectic and crafty so anything and everything that the imaginative world touches…I am so down and the sky’s the limit!

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Painting above by Hayley Paige

JV: Let’s say Kylie Jenner wants to wear one of your pieces for an event. What would you put her in? {P.S. I’m obsessed with her}

HP: A pink latex power suit! She has phenomenal curves and a unique platform to be fashionable. Some people have negative thoughts towards her, but I don’t have a single bad thing to say…I respect people that can put themselves out there and experiment with their look. I believe in just “doin’ your thang”!

JV: With your schedule these days, you’ve got to be insanely busy. How do you relax and unwind both physically and mentally?

HP: Pretty much anything involving my husband. He keeps me laughing and inspired which is all I need.

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Another moment of love on the beach at Lake Tahoe; Photo courtesy CHARD Photographer

JV: What makes you happy? Like really ridiculously over-the-top happy?

HP: Impossibly gorgeous gowns….and unicorns.

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Queen Bee, the “unicorn,” was a rescue horse from Reno Riding and a donation was made to the Children’s hospital where Queen Bee visits to cheer up the patients. The dye was of course non-toxic, safe and temporary as Hayley is a lover of ALL animals. Photo courtesy CHARD Photographer

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Here I am pictured with Hayley; photo courtesy Brandon Bacquie

**Hayley Paige gowns available at Bella Bianca Bridal Couture in Oakbrook, Illinois and Chicago.

**To schedule your appointment for the upcoming trunk show held at Bella Bianca Bridal Couture in Chicago, Jan. 14th-16th, 2016 call 312.787.2377 where Hayley herself will be in attendance. If you miss this opportunity, don’t worry; this salon carries her collection year round.

Written by Jim Verraros for Bridal Expo Chicago + Milwaukee Luxury Shows

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