Thank you to all of our attendees who came out for our Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile Show.  We are providing a list of exhibitors, phone numbers and weblinks as a convenient way for you to refer back to in case you lost a business card or brochure from a vendor you connected with during the show.

Feel free to refer back to this post whenever you may need to.  We have tried our best to provide accurate data, so if you find an error kindly call our office at 847-428-3320 x221 and we will help you to the best of our ability and make the correction. You can also email us at info@bridalexpochicago.com.

AAA Chicago Travel & Honeymoon

(312) 372-1830

www.aaa.com

Admit One DJs

(630) 205-8237

www.admitonedjs.com

After Dark Fantasy Bachelorette Party Ideas

(224) 875-2793

www.afterdarkfantasy.com

Ann Duncan Designs Florist

(630) 782-6353

www.Annduncandesigns.com

Arthur Murray Dance Center

(504) 875-9692

www.chicagoarthurmurray.com

Bella Bianca Bridal Couture

(630) 627-4027

https://www.bellabianca.com

Best Western River North

(312) 410-8873

https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-details.14112.html

Baby to Bride Boutique Wedding & Gown Accessories

(773) 536-4269

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BabyToBrideBoutique

Bloomingdales Gift Registry

(847) 568-6592

https://www.bloomingdales.com

Body Movin Dance Entertainment

(219) 614-6936

www.bodymovindance.com/

Brides By Becky

(630) 788-7816

www.bridesbybecky.com/

Brides By Demetrios

(847) 605-0015

https://www.demetriosbride.com/

Brides By Young

(317) 849-3333

https://bridesbyyoung.com/

Carson Pirie Scott & Co.

(414) 278-5746

www.carsonpiriescott.com

Celebrate Your Sexy Boudoir Photography

(509) 332-2803

https://www.celebrateyoursexy.com/

Christina Wehbe Photography

(630) 550-7516

www.christinawehbe.com

Christos Furs Wedding Attire

(708) 562-3877

https://www.christosfursalon.com/

Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro

(312) 602-2129

www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/chicago/chish/hoteldetail

DBY Events & Invitations

(847) 755-0861

https://www.designedbyyouinvitations.com/

Disco Movil Power Light DJ Entertainment

(847) 658-2959

https://www.discompl.com/

Divine Designs And Events (Floral and Event Decor)

(773) 428-0042

https://www.instagram.com/divinedesignsandevents/

DreamBoys Chicago Bachelorette Parties

(312) 265-1823

https://dreamboyschicago.com/

Eivan’s Photography and Video

(708) 263-4351

https://www.eivans.com/

Essence Photo And Video

(888) 777-7011

https://www.essenceweddings.com/URL

Famous Dave’s Catering

(586) 879-5035

www.famousdaves.com

Fetch! Pet Care & Training

(312) 235-2409

https://www.fetchpetcare.com/greater-chicago/

Firefly Events & Catering

(224) 408-2464

www.fireflyevents-catering.com

George Street Photo And Video

(866) 831-4103

https://www.georgestreetphoto.com/

Island Getaways Travel & Honeymoon

(262) 787-0048

www.myislandgetaways.com

Kebo Media Video

(312) 801-4984

www.kebomedia.com

Kendall College Venue & Catering

(312) 752-2556

www.kendall.edu/host

Knickerbocker Hotel

(312) 867-7510

www.millenniumhotels.com/usa/millenniumchicago/?cid=gplaces-MilKnicChicago

Kreative Atmosphere

(630) 699-9033

www.kreativeatmosphere.com

Layla Eloa Photography

(773) 691-1153

www.laylaeloa.com

LightRx Face & Body

(248) 579-6772

https://www.lightrx.com

Lipstick Love Cosmetics

(815) 383-7899

www.facebook.com/groups/lipsticklovewithjaye

Lisa Hoppe Travel Consulting

(414) 258-8715

https://www.hoppetravel.com

Marriott Chicago Downtown

(312) 836-6109

www.marriott.com/hotel-info/chidt-chicago-marriott-downtown-magnificent-mile/destination-guide/cusaxuy/home-page.mi

Mary Eugene Creative Veils & Accessories

(312) 720-0831

https://www.facebook.com/Mary-Eugene-690779357771704/

Men’s Wearhouse

(925) 826-5029

https://www.menswearhouse.com/URL

Menguin Formalwear

(479) 243-6205

https://www.menguin.com/

Mezlan Fine Men’s Shoes

(312) 962-8871

mezlanchicago.com/

Nerium-Robin McKinley Health & Skincare

(604) 505-6696

https://www.nerium.com/shop/lyriclynn

Nothing Bundt Cakes-Chicago

(773) 697-9263

https://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/bakery/il/chicago-lincolnpark

Paired Wine Co.

(312) 995-9812

www.pairedwine.com

Pazzo’s At 311 Catering & Parties

(480) 518-1930

www.pazzoschicago.com

Severin Photography

(857) 265-6170

https://severinphotography.com/

Simply Luxe Bridal Boutique

(224) 241-8115

https://www.simplyluxebridal.com

Spinnin’ Discs DJs

(847) 818-8330 x34

https://www.spinnindiscs.com/

Studio M Creations Invitations

(630) 330-7713

https://www.studiomcreations.com

Sway Dance Chicago

(773) 772-6204

www.swaydancechicago.com

Sweets and Treats Catering

(815) 703-3079

https://sweetsandtreatscatering.com

The Gilded Aisle Wedding Planning

(312) 699-7959

www.thegildedaisleweddings.com

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago

(312) 649-2000

www.godfreyhotelchicago.com

Timothy Whaley & Associates

(630) 271-1737

https://www.twaphoto.com

Trend VIP & Laser Engraving

(630) 408-4058

https://www.facebook.com/AllSurfaceEngraving/

Trolley Car & Bus Co.

(630) 350-7433

https://www.trolleycar.net/

Veiled By Chacha

(630) 790-1328

https://www.veiledbychacha.com

Virginia Wolff, Inc. Florist

(312) 226-1777

www.virginiawolff.com

Warm Belly Bakery

(312) 265-0780

warmbellybakery.com

Warwick Allerton Hotel

(312) 274-6423

https://warwickhotels.com/allerton-hotel-chicago/

Well Told Weddings Inc. Photography

(224) 478-4245

www.WellToldWeddings.com/

White Wedding Cinema Wedding Films

(773) 517-6597

www.whiteweddingcinema.com/

Window Works-Addison (Home Decor)

(630) 984-7110

https://www.mywindowworks.com/

Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront-ownership

(312) 346-4549

https://www.wyndhamgrandchicagoriverfront.com/

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Inc

(407) 626-6153

https://www.clubwyndham.com/cw/home.page

See link below for all gowns, style numbers, salon sponsors below:

To see all bridal gowns featured on our runway with links to each store as well as designers names, style and prices, kindly click this link.

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At Bridal Expo Chicago + Milwaukee, we’re all huge fans of the show “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta,” and we know thousands of Chicago brides and grooms feel the same way. That is why we are so pleased to announce we are bringing celebrity stylist Monte Durham from this TLC Show back this Fall to co-host our luxury bridal show on Wednesday Evening, September 14th, 2016 at Drury Lane Theatre, Oak Brook, IL from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.

Watch the short video below from your smart phone or desktop device to see how exciting our last bridal event was with Monte Durham. A film by by Mirar Productions.

If you are a wedding professional or have a wedding business, you won’t want to miss out on exhibiting at this upcoming show! Call Dena Kill at 847-428-3320 x228 to get pricing and contract details. See more videos here: More Videos!

Our last event in mid February of 2016 drew over 600 registered brides and grooms, and 88 exhibitors.  With additional members of the bridal party, our total attendance exceed 2,000 bridal consumers and decision makers. Needless to say, Monte was incredibly well received and he also visited the show floor to take selfies with every exhibitor and some very lucky attendees.

Visit Our Full Website Here

Above event images by Wasio Photography.

Join us and the incredible Monte Durham on Wednesday Night, September 14, 2016 at the majestic Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, meet engaged couples and present your best work! We look forward to having you with us for a night of wedding planning, fashion and fun!

This amazing sign was presented by Tone Productions DJ Services.

Exhibitor booths and detail images by Wasio Photography.

Above exhibitor booth designed by Divine Designs and Events.

Above images by Just Love Me {Photography + Design}

Above runway images by Just Love Me {Photo + Design} Model hair and make up by Tamara Makeup + Hair Artistry.

Above image: Monte walks out on stage to a roaring crowd of engaged couples!

For more information on this event and how to become a part of it, please contact one of our Sales Managers:

Dena Kill at 847.428.3320 x228 or via email at dena@bridalexpochicago.com.

Michele Johnson at 847.428.3320 x235 or via email at michele@bridalexpochicago.com

Not able to join us for this event? Consider our next upcoming September Bridal Events:

Sunday, September 18th at Hyatt Regency Schaumburg from 11:30am-4pm

Sunday, September 25th at Renaissance Hotel Northbrook from 11:30am-4pm

Visit Our Full Website Here

Take a peek at one of our recent event films below:

We look forward to seeing you all!

–The Staff at Bridal Expo Chicago + Milwaukee Luxury Events

(Designer Martine Harris pictured center, photo courtesy Martina Liana)

It’s hard to believe, but bridal fashion week is just around the corner (for Chicago, it’s THIS week!) and I had the pleasure of interviewing designer Martine Harris (Martina Liana, Sorella Vita, Essense of Australia, Stella York) on what to expect from her new collections that are about to debut at Chicago Bridal Market!

Jim Verraros: It’s hard to believe, but Chicago Bridal Market is already next week! What can we expect from your new collection for Martina Liana?

Martine Harris: Fall 2016 is all about taking traditional looks to the next level. From modern clean lines to vintage-inspired beading, every detail has been flawlessly taken into consideration. Modern lacework, plunging necklines, and innovative textures are just some of the features on our newest styles. And, as always, every Martina Liana gown is 100% available for custom changes – every element of the design, including fabric, colour, and beading is open for a bride’s reinterpretation so we can deliver a truly couture experience for brides.

(New from Martina Liana, Fall 2016; styles Jude and Sander)

JV: You’ve started a huge trend with the beaded bridesmaid gown for Sorella Vita. Can we expect to see different versions of this to continue?

(Modern Metallics Collection from Sorella Vita)

MH: Yes! We have had amazing success with our Modern Metallic Designer Collection and will continue to offer new matte sequin styles each season. We also have a Modern Metallic gown in our new Juniors Collection so there can be a gown for every member of your bridal party!

JV: I loved your concept of Separates. How have brides responded to them? What’s been the most popular style from the collection?

MH: Our Together.Forever. collection continues to be a favourite among brides, with our most popular styles being the Stevie Skirt and the Cayla Corset. Those are both such incredible pieces – they look amazing together and with any other skirt or top you might love. This season we are thrilled to introduce 13 new pieces to the collection! 6 new styles of corsets and bodysuits, 5 new skirt options, plus a new mini-dress, and a fashion-forward long-sleeved lace jacket with high collar (it can be worn totally sheer or with a solid corset underneath)! From chic and simple to sheer and sexy – the new separates showcase a variety of options perfect for those wanting a truly custom look.

(pictured above, the “Cayla” corset from Martina Liana)

JV: What was your inspiration behind this season?

MH: This season we are focusing on reinterpreting classic dress details such as exposed boning, unexpected textures and volume, illusion tulle backs and, of course, lace! As always, it’s the details that really make each dress a unique work of art. High necklines, golden hues and high-low hemlines all give a modern update to traditional looks. We have carefully matched the perfect details to the perfect design, allowing a bride to show off their personal style in a new and on-trend way. Our new collection continues to emphasize what makes Martina Liana special – that every detail, no matter how small, deserves its own focus and attention.

(New from Martina Liana, Fall 2016: Style 823)

JV: Describe your favorite piece from this upcoming collection.

MH: I love, love, love our new gown style #791. It’s a sleek, soft column gown made from the most gorgeous Natural Bellagio Crepe. It has long sleeves, which is a really hot trend that I love right now. It also showcases some fabulous details like crepe covered buttons and a cowl back that makes this dress stunning from all angles. My other favourite is style #823, which features some of the most elaborate beadwork we have ever had! With beaded cut-outs, a low back and a Bellagio Crepe skirt – this dress is high-fashion at its finest.

(pictured above, Martine’s Favorite gown from Fall 2016: style 791)

JV: We’ve seen so many slinky, sexy versions of the white dress. Do you foresee this continuing?

MH: Yes, I think that this trend will continue as long as there are brides that want to look and feel sexy on their wedding day. In regards to Martina Liana, we will continue to offer a variety of gowns in all silhouettes so that every bride can find their dream gown!

(New for Fall 2016 from Martina Liana; styles Jude and Sia)

Martina Liana available at the following Chicago Bridal Boutiques:

Bella Bianca Bridal Couture, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois

Volle’s Bridal Boutique, Lake Zurich, Illinois

Click here to see the full Martina Liana Collection!

–Jim Verraros for Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury

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.

All 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.

As 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.

We 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.

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.

Above, 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.

Above: 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.

Once 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.

Our 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.

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

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

“Paige” by Hayley Paige, photo by Vito Rade Photography

“Gwen,” “Cali,” and “Comet,” by Hayley Paige, photo by Vito Rade Photography

“Tanner,” 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.

Aside 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 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!

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.

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!

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?

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!

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.

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

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!

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?

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?

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

https://www.hayleypaige.com

Hayley Paige on Facebook

Hayley Paige on Instagram

Hayley Paige on Twitter

Hayley Paige on Pinterest

Photo courtesy Just Love Me Photography + Design at Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury

As New York Bridal Fashion Week quickly approaches, we had the opportunity to interview designer Carlos Ramirez of Liancarlo, one of the industry’s most respected bridal houses. Designed, manufactured and produced all in Miami, Florida, Carlos is known for his exquisite embroideries and innovative fabric techniques.

Jim Verraros: You attended law school and instead of interning at a firm, you sold a few sample dresses which essentially birthed the start of Liancarlo. Can you describe the very first gown you ever sold?

Carlos Ramirez: The first few pieces I started out with were actually not gowns, but sportswear pieces.  I thought those would be an easier way to break into the market.  It was almost a year or so later that the sportswear began to morph into late day/evening and slowly into gowns.  But the first piece was a very “gypsy” inspired piece with a neckline that fell slightly off the shoulder and antique lace appliqued on a silk chiffon ground. It was the late 80’s after all!

Photos above courtesy Just Love Me Photography + Design at Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury

JV: I love that your whole approach to fashion is how you approach art. Does inspiration begin with a painting that leads into a garment, or is it the other way around? Are they completely separate or very much connected?

CR: It’s ALL connected. Ideas occur in one space and are developed further in another, and that applies to pattern, shape, cut, the use of color… almost anything is “food for thought.”  A couple of seasons ago, while spending a really frustrating day working on new embroidery patterns, I left frustrated and absorbed in thought at the end of the day and went to my regular yoga class.  On the back of the guy in front of me was this small flower tattoo, it looked almost like a cornflower.  Well that was it! I got home and drew up various versions and the next morning I was emailing patterns to Italy for the embroidery.

JV: Your collections have stunning metallic threading and embroideries. Do you have a favorite gown you’ve done that you’re really proud of?

Carlos creating abstract flowers from cut up Italian embroidery for the hem of a gown

CR: It is kind of funny, I don’t get too attached to what I have done, I always think the best gown will be in the next collection. It’s just the way I think.  In every collection I have favorites, but I am always excited about what to do next; that they don’t compare to the ideas or thoughts I have going forward.

JV: We’re heading into New York Bridal Fashion Week very soon! Can you share with us some hints about what we can expect from you for your Fall 2016 Bridal Collection? Any photos or sketches you’d like to share are welcomed. 😉

CR: I will have photos since we just recently did our photo shoot.  That was awesome, we again took over my house and my paintings and the canvas served as a backdrop. It was very cool, it’s like my whole vision blending into an image. This collection is really cool.  There are of course new embroideries; I worked with a new mill to develop this really unique metal threadwork, it’s very fine and delicate, almost like filigree. Beautiful.  Also, I used one embroidery to create abstract flower patterns, it was almost like painting in fabric.  It took forever to cut up and create the flowers since it was the whole hem of a ball gown and then we added crystals.

Liancarlo, Fall 2014 Collection

JV: One of my personal favorite bridal looks you did was on Jamie Lynn Spears who looked timeless and elegant in her Liancarlo gown and gorgeous veil. Who’s your dream celebrity client to dress either as a bride-to-be or for a red carpet event?

CR: I think we have lost perspective on who some of these people are.  I am perfectly content dressing a nice intelligent bride that I meet at one of my trunk shows.  Often times I meet the most fascinating and genuine women at our shows, and I am honored to be part of their happiest day. That works for me.

Carlos designing embroidery patterns above

JV: You’ve recently joined Facebook which I am so excited that you have! You’ve been sharing a lot of your gorgeous artwork lately…how do we purchase a Carlos Ramirez original?

CR: It’s at one gallery for the moment, but I am about to sign up with 2 more galleries.  It will be on my website: https://www.carlosramirezart.com

JV: The bride today is so much different then the bride of ten years ago in terms of style and buying behavior. How do you feel social media has influenced today’s bride?

CR: Obviously greatly, but it’s not just social media, it’s the internet as a whole.  The fact that brides can look at collections, wedding ideas from hundreds of resources, concepts that they may not have thought of before, really helps to expand the realm of creativity when it comes to putting a wedding together.  I think it’s a huge plus; I hear all these stories from brides about what they are thinking of doing for their wedding and think wow, that sounds exciting and fun.

JV: Is there a designer either in bridal or ready-to-wear that you respect or have admiration for?

CR: I actually have had a huge respect for Valentino (the man not the current label) for all of his career.  In many ways he really dressed people and wasn’t just about the hype.

JV: Your gowns can be heavily beaded and embellished and still be as light as a feather! How do you do it?

Photo courtesy Just Love Me Photography + Design at Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury

CR: I work very hard at that.  I always think the person should wear the dress and not vice versa, so I look for ways that they can remain light and wearable.

JV: What would you say is one of the biggest mistakes brides make when shopping for a gown?

Real Bride wearing Liancarlo, style 5806, photo courtesy Troy Grover Photographers

CR: Too much shopping and too many opinions.  Once you have an entourage, you are dressing by committee, don’t do that.  Go with your feelings, have a close friend or relative that knows you help you out, but someone that also respects your individuality.  And by all means when you’ve found the gown, buy it and move on.  Lots of brides spend months looking for a dress, and end up getting confused after having tried on hundreds of styles, that they end with a poor choice.  Stop when it’s right.

Photo of Carlos Ramirez on the runway at Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury courtesy Just Love Me Photography + Design

Thank you so much, Carlos for spending the time with us! We can’t wait to see you in New York for Bridal Fashion Week!

Click on the video below to see the movement of Liancarlo gowns on our runway:

–Jim Verraros

Liancarlo available in Chicago exclusively at Ultimate Bride

To see the collections and to find a retailer nearest you, visit: https://www.liancarlo.com

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It’s not every day we have the pleasure of welcoming a celebrity designer to one of our events. Ines Di Santo is a celebrated designer of bridal and evening couture, but more importantly, she gives each gown her personal touch: “Your wedding day is your chance to have your red carpet moment, and I’m here to help you look and feel amazing.”

Her sense of glamour and vibrant femininity inspires every appointment. She custom fits luxury to your body and spirit with her mastery of tailoring and construction that has been perfected over countless brides in the United States, Canada and beyond. Combining her European aesthetic with her innate sense of design, she experiments with swathes of silk, lace, embroidery and embellishments to effortlessly create your perfect gown.

We had the distinct pleasure of featuring her and her newest Fall/Winter 2015 collection at our event on Sunday, February 22nd at the Marriott Michigan Avenue in Chicago.

Not only did she captivate our audience with her words of inspiration, but the gowns truly made a statement on our runway.

To learn more about Ines Di Santo and to view her entire collection, visit her official website: www.inesdisanto.com. To schedule an appointment for your Ines Di Santo gown viewing, visit Chicago’s official Ines Di Santo retailer, www.bellabianca.com.

To see our event film captured by Mirar Productions, click below:

Thank you to: Marriott Michigan Avenue, Tamara Makeup + Hair Artistry, Ines and Veronica Di Santo, Bella Bianca Bridal Couture, Just Love Me Photography + Design and Mirar Productions.