Whew- what a month and where has it gone?  Here are a few details of happenings around the boutique!  The new arrivals are over the top gorgeous, new events planned for the summer (check out our events page) and we have been busy adding pretty accessories and pieces to our selection of accessories.  We have patiently awaited the arrival of two gowns from Jim Hjelm- yes ladies, the anticipated striped gown has arrived!  Our alterations department has been so booked that sweet Mai has been working 7 days a week- congrats to all of the brides who were married in April and May!  We are patiently waiting to see your photos!  Here are a few photos of new arrivals…

Ivory beaded (yes, this gown is fully beaded!) Alencon lace over Peach Organza

modified A-Line bridal gown, sweetheart neckline, open back, with covered button detail, sweep train

 Perfect details from Haute Bride

A message from Jenna…

“I wore the Portia on 9/22/12 when I married my love.  I have to share a story with you first.  In July of 2011, my now husband and I were in Charleston, SC while I was finishing up training for my new job with Walgreens.  We parked the car so he could finish a phone call and when I looked to my right, I saw your Charleston store.  I immediately took a photo and sent it to my best friend (who introduced my husband and I and was our MOH).  I told her we would be shopping here for the big day, which I had no idea would come in 2012.

I had totally forgotten about this until the day I chose a Modern Trousseau gown from Hayden Olivia Bridal in Charlotte.  I randomly chose this shop because it was centrally located for my mother (WV), my now sister-in-law (Atlanta), and myself (North Myrtle Beach, SC).  I hadn’t looked at Modern Trousseau gowns, I actually was not a fan when they pulled Portia from the rack and insisted I try it on.  It was gown number 3 and from the moment I put it on, I knew it was the gown I would marry my husband in.  It was so comfortable.  I could wear it everyday!

Thank you for designing my dream gown, and being a part of the fairy tale I’ve always imagined!”

Congratulations Jenna, we loved working with you!

We always like to keep you up to date on our new arrivals.  Here is a sneak peek of just a few…we have had several arrive in the last two weeks and more to come.  We are thrilled to share these with our newly engaged brides, still lots of time for fall/winter 2013 brides and spring 2014 brides.  Peek at our schedule of events here.  Do you have an appointment booked in the coming weeks- we hope so!

We are so thrilled to share that some of the exact gowns that were just launched at Bridal Market in NYC this past weekend have already hit our gown gallery.  Our designers are so great that they allowed us to pre order so we would be one of the first stores to have these gowns available.  They are new, stunning and ready for you to slip into.  We are often asked, do I need an appointment?  We do ask that you make an appointment so we can make sure we have a dressing room available for you as well as a helpful consultant to answer your questions and provide you with an unforgettable gown shopping experience.  Here is to Bridal Market 2013 and gorgeous gowns that have already arrived- Cheers!

We are thrilled to host our spring Hayley Paige trunk show this weekend.  The designer will send in the newest styles for just one weekend.  Appointments are limited, however we will do our very best to accommodate all requests.  If you have a specific gown in mind, please call ahead to check availability.  We look forward to meeting you this weekend.  Do you have your appointment time booked?

Guindon Gown: Ivory striped organza strapless bridal ball gown with sweetheart neckline,

full flounced skirt, and taupe raw silk sash at natural waist with chapel train

It happens almost weekly, a little like celebrating a holiday around here…should we give the arrival day a title or name?  All silliness aside, we are over the top excited to share a few new arrivals with you.  Well maybe not a few, more like 5-6 gowns.  No need to dream about slipping into the gown from your Ipad or Laptop, now you can slip in to see for yourself!  Heads up:  Saturday appointments are booking about two weeks in advance and week day appointments about one week out.  Of course this fluctuates from week to week…in other words, plan ahead for this special appointment!  Do you have your’s booked?  Here is a sneak peek!

Style Jim Hjelm 8313:  Ivory tulle ball gown, Alencon lace elongated bodice with three quarter sleeve,covered buttons and chapel train

Style Hayley Paige 6303:  Ivory dropped waist A-line bridal gown with lace embellished bodice and organza sweetheart draped neckline with crisscross straps in back lacing into a bow and chapel train

We are thrilled to host our Anne Barge trunk show this weekend.  We love that we can share these collections with our Queen City brides.  Traveling from out of town for your appointment? What a treat, we can’t wait to meet you.  Appointments for this collection are available Thurs-Sat.  While the weekend is booked, we never like to turn brides away- still give us a call and we will do our very best to accommodate!  Have you previewed the collection?

Sad to report that I did not get to see these gorgeous gowns grace the red carpet last night at the Oscars, however happy to report that I was glued to the web and social media outlets early this morning to take in all of the details.  Over here at Hayden Olivia, we have a love for clean lines, traditional style and love gowns that take up the aisle- here are a few favorites from last night.  Brides are hopefully thinking, “How can I achieve this look for my wedding day?”  Very achievable- in fact there are already gowns hanging in our gallery that will surely give you the red carpet look you desire.  Here is a little bridal Oscar eye candy for this Monday afternoon. Shall we?

Jennifer Aniston in Valentino, Oscars 2013 (AP/Invision)

Francie by Coren Moore

Jennifer Lawrence In Dior Haute Couture, Oscars 2013 (AP/Invision)

Modern Trousseau Reagan  

Hayley Paige 6256

Maria Menounos in Romona Keveza, Oscars 2013 (Getty)

Ramona Keveza Couture

First look, accessory and first fitting appointments can be some of the most fun when brides are determined to pick out the accessory, veil or shoe that provides “just the right touch!”  While the department stores and online resources do a fabulous job of providing these items, we try to seek out unique, can’t find elsewhere items.  Our veil designers will make any custom changes upon request, our jewelry designers will take a necklace and transform it into a bracelet and shoes- well, we have seen some fabulous ones as of late.  Here are just a few of our recent favorites.  How will you finish your look?

Haute Bride

Veil Trends

Veil Trends

 Jennifer Leigh

We have had numerous requests for purposeful, stylish, non-matronly options for covering shoulders and arms for the ceremony.  This gets tricky- some boleros, capes, and jackets can be boxy, shoulder-paddish looking, gapping in all the wrong places, cover too much of the goods and just simply do not work.  We put one of our designers to the test and they over delivered.  You name the shape, we now have a sample for you to try.  We just received several gorgeous pieces that honestly- could not be more perfect!  Can’t wait to share these with you. Do you plan to cover your shoulders and if so, do you have an appointment at HOB in the next few weeks- we hope so!