La Vie en Pink’s pièce de résistance had to be Le Fashion Show, a sublime display of the city’s finest happily-ever-after gowns. Bridal boutiques Sposami, Christianne Brunelle, Christina Formals and Melissa Gentile unveiled their delish designer dreamscapes of lace, satin and silk. Adding to the splendor were vibrant bridesmaid dresses, sultry belly dancers, a raucous drummer and the sweetest little flower girl rosette appliqués could buy.
Dress by Melissa Gentile, photo by Studio 55
christianne brunelle
At Christianne Brunelle, haute wedding gowns don’t discriminate. All in-house collections are completely customizable; their malleability opening infinite style doors for every body type. A standout boutique treat is the Lis Simon Collection, championing architectural aesthetics over an excess of embellishments.
the aubrey gown
‘The Aubrey Gown’s’ strapless, hip loving take on all-over lace is the perfect marriage of modern and vintage.
Dress by Christianne Brunelle, photo by Studio 55
the victoria gown
‘The Victoria Gown’ keeps refinement on its toes with a plunging neckline barely made modest with barely-there lace.
Dress by Christianne Brunelle, photo by Studio 55
the melissa gown
‘The Melissa Gown’ is a lesson in ruffles, moderating bodice-embellishment as its skirt bravely backs reams of full, flirty folds.
Dress by Christianne Brunelle, photo by Studio 55
the stella gown
Much like its ruffled contemporary ‘Melissa,’ ‘The Stella Gown’ shows little self-control when it comes to ribbons of exquisite organza. The structured bodice and sweetheart neckline create a feast out of an already-eyeful.
Dress by Christianne Brunelle, photo by Studio 55
the meridian gown
‘The Meridian Gown’ winks at modern-day allure with mermaid silhouette and contrasting sating bands.
Dress by Christianne Brunelle, photo by Studio 55
the aurora gown
Like its natural phenomena namesake, ‘The Aurora Gown’ makes beauty its credo and awe-stricken its endgame - except it employs tulle and not the conventional oxygen and nitrogen emissions.
Dress by Christianne Brunelle, photo by Studio 55
lis simon for christianne brunelle
This princess dress doesn’t skimp on the trappings-royale, though its one true object d’art is the Swarovski crystal waistline.
Dress by Christianne Brunelle, photo by Studio 55
With no square-inch left unpleated, Simon’s girlish stunner is every ballroom belle’s dream, undaunted by feather-weight veil.
Dress by Christianne Brunelle, photo by Studio 55
A strapless number with asymmetric bodice, ‘The Bernadette Gown’s’ structured upper-half melts into sinuous tulle. The hip-flower and ethereal veil soften further.
Dress by Christianne Brunelle, photo by Studio 55
melissa gentile
Evocative of belletristic romance, Melissa Gentile couture advocates the merit of simple silhouettes, luscious euro-fabrics and Swarovski crystal beadwork. All gowns are handcrafted equally to fit this standard of modern glamor, though each remains a unique reflection of the designer’s artistic influences.
Though its shape cries clean-cut sophistication, the gown’s execution was far from simple; enmeshing silk duchess satin, Swarovski crystals and a nonpareil neckline.
Dress by Melissa Gentile, photo by Studio 55
Dainty sleeves plunge into a deep V on this gorgeous, backless dress spun from French silk lace.
Dress by Melissa Gentile, photo by Studio 55
French lace, French silk tulle, an asymmetrical neckline, and Swarovski crystals add up to one touchable, tangible realization of a daydream dress.
Dress by Melissa Gentile, photo by Studio 55
Enchanting as its folkloric muse, this strapless mermaid gown is absolutely doused in silk lace details, flower embellishments and Swarovski crystals.
Dress by Melissa Gentile, photo by Studio 55
Dropped to the waist, the dress gushes into a French tulle skirt. Pleated and crystal details add to its fresh-faced elegance.
Dress by Melissa Gentile, photo by Studio 55
This sheath number with criss-cross embellishments, skinny straps and essence de old Hollywood is every bit the looker.
Dress by Melissa Gentile, photo by Studio 55
A duchess dress with lace appliqués and chapel length train is the best way to do ‘vision in white,’ second only to wings.
Dress by Melissa Gentile, photo by Studio 55
Indulge in your edibility: by-hand accents and cathedral train are only the icing atop this Italian silk cake (the bodice even kind of looks like a super-fancy cupcake holder!).
Dress by Melissa Gentile, photo by Studio 55
christina formals
With a weakness for bright and beauteous colors, Christina Formals specializes in dolling-up your maids of honor, moms and other besties. A distinctive selection of wedding gowns is an obvious complementary feature, as are a free and easy environment and golden personal service.
Dress your favorite coquettes in this low-cut, green poli-chiffon dress with 3D rosettes. It’s the perfect thank you for all the posing/errand running/hand holding you put them through.
Dress by Christina Formals, photo by Studio 55
Friends don’t let friends hide behind muted colours. Vibrancy is the ideal accessory to accompany a satin ball gown with underbust beading and two billowing underlays.
Dress by Christina Formals, photo by Studio 55
Nothing solidifies girl-friendship like the chance to wear a midnight-blue ball gown with sparkly beading, taffeta and asymmetrical pleats.
Dress by Christina Formals, photo by Studio 55
When trying to channel forest nymphet or faerie princess, think of this one-shoulder stunner with empire waist and gathered, beaded bustline.
Dress by Christina Formals, photo by Studio 55
Give your girls an (almost) equal opportunity to eye-pop in soft pink dresses with burgundy belts, sweetheart necklines and gathered, looped & tucked skirts.
Dress by Christina Formals, photo by Studio 55
Turn your number one bonding tool (chocolate) into your number one photo-op (all your lovely ladies in chocolate brown, A-line, taffeta dresses with square necks).
Dress by Christina Formals, photo by Studio 55
For your gutsy, vixen of a MOH: a plunging peach dress with beaded waist.
Dress by Christina Formals, photo by Studio 55
Taffeta and strapless, this brown gown with layered skirt and tulle underlay is timeless and striking, much like your buds.
Dress by Christina Formals, photo by Studio 55
Taffeta turns teal in this comely creation with bead appliqués and asymmetrical waistline.
Dress by Christina Formals, photo by Studio 55
maison sposami
Euro-vogue meets classic elegance at Maison Sposami, a superb boutique upholding visionary designs and intricate detailing. Pretty as the wedding gowns are, nothing’s so sweet as flower girl frocks.
Your lil’ leading lady will love this dress, portrait neckline- rosette appliqués, pickups and all.
Dress by Maison Sposami, photo by Studio 55
Suited up in simple white with subtle detailing, your darling flower gal will look like a mini you!
Dress by Maison Sposami, photo by Studio 55
makeup by mindy shear
Makeup by Mindy Shear, photo by Studio 55
Mindy Shear and her team primped and preened our lovely models with their line of designer/airbrush makeup. Mindy has been bringing her unique aesthetic sensibility to the cosmetics world since 1987, and continues to blend a fine art sensibility with professionalism.
belly dancers
Carole Dahab, photo by Studio 55
Montreal’s most exuberant belly dancers, Carole Dahab and Other, shook their stuff post-fashion show, permeating an infectious energy and bringing clap-happy spectators to their feet.
charlie k
hair by salon deauville
Hair by Salon Deauville, photo by Studio 55
The long-trusted salon lent us their beauty professionals to do our models’ tresses justice. Founded in the 50’s, Salon Deauville is forever Montreal’s beauty darling; a place to indulge, unwind and get pampered.
