Hayden Olivia Bridal Boutique - Charlotte, NC

Starting today, Yumi Katsura Trunk Show

Heather Batt — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:40:30 +0000

The gowns have arrived and they are gorgeous. The schedule is just about booked, however we will do all that we can to provide an appointment for you. Slipping into these gowns is a must! Call the boutique at 704-333-0377!

Yumi Katsura Trunk Show this Weekend

Heather Batt — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:44 +0000

If you have laid your eyes on the new Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine, you will see several new ads for this gorgeous collection. Hayden Olivia is hosting a Yumi Katsura trunk show this weekend, Feb 2-4, featuring the most sought after styles by Yumi Katsura, only available at our boutique this weekend! Hayden Olivia welcomes Sara Mack to Charlotte. She will be available to offer custom changes, discuss color options and sizing options as well as offer great incentives and savings on these beautiful gowns. This trunk show is by appointment and appointments are limited. Call today to grab one of the few appointments left. We can’t wait to meet you this weekend!

Gown Shopping Tips

Heather Batt — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:06:52 +0000

Congratulations! You’re engaged! Everyone is eager to see your ring, and before you know it they will be just as eager to see your dress. All eyes will be on you and the photos will be around forever. It’s a lot of pressure! Whether you feel excited, overwhelmed, or both, dress shopping does not have to be stressful. We have come up with a few tips to keep in mind as you get started:

1. Start Early! Most gowns will be delivered to the boutique approximately six months after you’ve placed the order. Once your gown arrives, you’ll need to have at least two fittings. These fittings fall a couple of weeks apart to allow the seamstress time to do the work. Remember that your dress will need to be ready earlier if you have plans to do a bridal portrait before your wedding.

2. Bring Support. Shopping for your wedding gown will be one of the most memorable experiences throughout your planning process. It is recommended that you bring those with you whose opinion you value most. You’ll want their support as you make your decision. However, it can be overwhelming to have too many different opinions thrown at you, so try not to invite more people than necessary. Besides, it’s fun to surprise more than just your groom as you walk down the aisle.

3. Trust your consultant. We have seen all of our dresses on a variety of body types, so we tend to know which styles will be most flattering on you before you even begin trying them on. Do not be afraid to be honest with us about budget or any other concerns you may have; the more we know, the more we can help!

4. Be open minded. Don’t eliminate anything after one glance. Try on several different styles at first to get an idea of what makes you look and feel best.

5. Trust your instincts. Only you know what makes you feel beautiful. You still want to look like yourself on your wedding day, just the very best version of yourself! Beauty radiates from the inside, so if you feel happy and comfortable, you’re guaranteed to look your best.

6. Don’t worry too much about “the rules.” It’s your day, and you can wear whatever you want! Your dress doesn’t have to be perfect for your venue or theme- it just has to be perfect for you!

7. Bring a camera. You’ll want to document everything since it is such a special occasion. Also, that way you can be sure you have a photo of yourself in the gown to show people close to you who weren’t able to shop with you. A photo will be useful as inspiration for your vendors and as you shop for accessories, too.

8. Don’t worry about the number. Know ahead of time that bridal sizing is more traditional. Whatever size you typically wear, be prepared to go up a size or two when ordering your wedding dress.

9. Don’t second-guess yourself. Once you have decided that a dress is the one, stop looking. Enjoy your choice and trust your decision!

10. Have fun! You only get to do this once!

Coren Moore Trunk Show, 1/26-1/28

Heather Batt — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:03:29 +0000

The gowns have arrived…so pretty, just as we expected! Not only can you try on the newest maids styles, we have the best carry over styles as well as gorgeous bridal gowns by Coren Moore. Appointments become limited on the weekends so call now to reserve your dressing room.

Haute Bride Headbands

Heather Batt — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:36:02 +0000

We love the new pieces that have just arrived. Headbands anyone? So gorgeous! We have also received great earrings and hair pieces to compliment your wedding day look. Accessory appointments available upon request!

Mary-Hannah, Married!

Heather Batt — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:05:03 +0000

Mary-Hannah, we adore you!

She wrote… “I just wanted to send a thank you and picture a little late to say thank you for all of the help with my dress! It was perfect for our day and I could not cherish it more. Your staff and the professionalism experience was superb and I would recommend you to anyone!”

Yumi Katsura Trunk Show

Heather Batt — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:45:07 +0000

Alice in her Gorgeous Gown

Heather Batt — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:18:50 +0000

Alice writes…

“Thank you so much for helping me find my dress…I really couldn’t have done it without you (thanks Laura, for helping me see past the large floral belt that was fortunately removable)! I had a very pleasant experience at your store. I felt that I really connected with Elizabeth and was put at ease from the moment I walked through those elevator doors. My experience was very positive and my dress arrived in only a little over 2 months! That was awesome! Thanks again for all your help! I would recommend you & the store to any future bride!”

2012 Top 10 Wedding Trends by The Knot

Heather Batt — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:24:58 +0000

Here’s a look at the top 10 wedding trends for 2012 thanks to The Knot

“Snow White” Wedding Dresses: Buzzed-about movies Snow White and The Huntsman and Mirror, Mirror will inspire 2012 brides to wear wedding gowns that are light and airy, but with a mysterious and sexy vibe. Vera Wang’s stunning witchcraft-inspired 2012 wedding dresses will be the bride’s first stop.
Enchanting Flowers: The magical settings of these Snow White-inspired movies and even much-anticipated fantasy filmThe Hobbit will have an effect on wedding décor, with brides opting for a woodsy vibe. Think: soft, decadent bouquets filled with flowers like cabbage roses, peonies and dinner plate dahlias.
Watercolor Designs: On dresses, invitations and table designs, watercolor touches give weddings the perfect creative bent for 2012. A-list designer Carolina Herrera showed stunning watercolor prints in her spring 2012 bridal collection. And the color palette to do this in? Pastels like pink and lilac are the “it” colors of 2012!
The Hunger Games-Style Bachelor Parties: Forget strippers and booze, the bachelor and bachelorette party of 2012 is giving way to The Hunger Games-style action. While ladies are channeling their inner Jane Bond via programs like Stiletto Spy School where they get to learn defensive tactics, high-speed stunt driving and MacGyver-like survival skills (all while rocking a dress, of course), guys are finally fulfilling their lifelong fantasies of race car driving, learning how to play poker like a pro and even, believe it or not, herding cows and sheep.
The Bombshell Bride: Marilyn Monroe wooed a president, was featured on the cover of the first issue of Playboy, is the subject of Oscar-buzzed movie My Week with Marilyn, and is going to make an especially big impression on brides this year. The beauty icon’s ability to accentuate her best features, signature pouty lips and slinky dresses (we especially love a number from Reem Acra with a sexy slit up the side!) are the perfect inspiration for bombshell brides.
The Panoramic Wedding Portrait: Just like critically acclaimed movie The Artist was shot on film without sound, the trend in wedding photography is to steer away from all the overdone effects (like odd angles and lots of added filters). Instead, photographers are shooting turn-of-the-century-inspired wedding portraits with a formal, classic approach. One shot that’s totally mantel-worthy? A panoramic wedding portrait where every single wedding guest is in the photo.
Ritzy Ranch Weddings: The setting? A 200-year-old barn complete with long exposed-wood tables, large chandeliers and ambient lighting. The flowers? Lace-wrapped bouquets of wild roses, lilies of the valley, Queen Anne’s lace and gardenias. The food? Delicate wild game like juniper-spiced venison, cider-braised pheasant and pan-roasted quail, Top Chef: Texas-style. Brides will be channeling the Old West with a rustic-elegant spin à la Lauren Bush and David Lauren’s recent nuptials.
When Harry Met Sally-Inspired Video Trailers: When it comes to wedding videos, it’s not something brides are watching after the wedding anymore. Couples are filming their love stories à la When Harry Met Sally and then showing snippets of it in video e-save-the-dates and having it screened at the wedding…all while guests are being filmed watching it, of course.
Long Sleeves & Lace: Brides can thank Kate Middleton and the latest Twilight installment for this wedding fashion trend – long sleeves and lace! Strapless dresses will still rule the bridal aisle, but expect more coverage for 2012 with a sexy twist. Think: sheer backs and illusion sleeves. And don’t be surprised if the look of lace pops up on everything from the wedding cake to the décor.
Mega-Moons: Sri Lanka? Check. Patagonia? Check. All in one trip? Check. That’s right, for 2012, brides won’t be settling on just one dream destination, but instead, they’ll be opting for a round-the-world getaway to several far-flung locales. Plus, they’ll be virtually bringing their friends with them via social travel apps that crowd-source friend-approved recommendations from resources like Tripl and Gogobot.

Something Blue

Heather Batt — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:34:19 +0000

The color blue is a symbol of loyalty and purity that has been connected to weddings for ages. Who would have thought! Now I have so many ideas to share with you- there’s simply no time to waste!

Let’s begin with shoes. There’s nothing more fun than electric blue heels peeping out from under your all white gown. Can’t find the right color blue? All of our Angela Nuran styles are able to be dyed any shade of blue you can imagine!

If you had your heart set on a white shoe, how about shoes with pretty blue bottoms or blue insides?

You can add color to any shoe with either one of these cute ideas.

This creative bride painted her toenails blue!

You may choose to have your something blue be as obvious as a blue sash around your gown.

For something more subtle, you could do a blue garter or blue embroidery inside your gown. At Hayden Olivia, we can sew in your intitials, wedding date, or a short message into any gowm.

Last, any of our Haute Bride accessories can be made with blue sapphire stones to make a custom, timeless piece like this bracelet:

The possibilities really are endless, so use your imagination!

Holt & Aidan, Married!

Heather Batt — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:44:41 +0000

The talented Ivy Robinson and her team worked with Sarah Larkey and the the incredible staff at The Ritz for an event that all in attendance will remember for some time. This gorgeous Modern Trousseau lace gown can be found among many other lace gowns at Hayden Olivia.

Christopher Record Photography

Little White Dresses

Heather Batt — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:16:36 +0000

Are you looking for the perfect reception or getaway dress to complement your wedding gown without breaking your budget? We have wonderful news for you! All of Coren Moore’s bridesmaid styles are available in white! These classic styles are simple and so fun to accessorize- like this bride did with that adorable hairpiece! There’s nothing we don’t already love about these dresses for bridesmaids- so we are completely giddy over them for our brides!

Got What It Cakes

Heather Batt — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:55:51 +0000

Mandie Miller, owner of Got What It Cakes, has graciously been providing us with cupcakes on Saturdays here at Hayden Olivia… and we just can’t get enough of them! Although Mandie designs custom cakes for all occasions, wedding cakes are her specialty. Check out some of her gorgeous creations below. The most exciting part is that they taste just as good as they look! Each cake is made without fondant, so if you’re looking for the smooth look of fondant, but the delicious taste of butter cream (or just a beautiful cake for your special day), Got What It Cakes is perfect for you!

Here is to 2012, Cheers!

Heather Batt — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:33:55 +0000

Image by Jenna McKenzie/Hey Gorgeous Events via Wedding Chicks

Gorgeous Bride, Gorgeous Lace

Heather Batt — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:55:06 +0000

We have a stunning Hayden Olivia bride to share with you today! As you reminisce of the past weekend and prepare for New Years, take a moment to peruse through our blog for real bride features, DIY ideas, fun parties and of course, other things that are just plane pretty!

Allison Wrote, “First and foremost, thank you so much for everything throughout the entire dress purchasing/fittings process. You were so great to work with and Hayden Olivia was such a wonderful part of my wedding planning experience.” Congrats to the happy couple!

Glitzy Affairs

Heather Batt — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:46:36 +0000

I always secretly dreamed of a winter wedding. When I see photos, I think of growing up in the foothills of the rocky mountains and spending New Years in Breckenridge, CO…enough reminiscing! We are in a festive kind of mood over here at Hayden Olivia Bridal and we are “cup running over” thankful for all of our amazing brides who we had the honor of working with. Oh how excited we are for 2012…but before we ring in the new year, lets swoon over more “winter, glitzy affairs” that make our heart stop!

Brooch Bouquet: Baubles and Brides via Wedding Chicks

Winter Wedding Via Style Me Pretty

Taylor ‘D Events

Designer Feature: Hayley Paige

Heather Batt — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:27:50 +0000

The newest collection to come to life under the JLM Couture umbrella is the Hayley Paige label. Ms. Paige has a impressive background in the bridal industry with previous experience designing for both the Melissa Sweet bridal and bridesmaid lines as well as working as the primary designer behind the first Marchesa Eterna bridal collection at Priscilla of Boston. She now serves as head designer for both her own label as well as Blush by JLM Couture.

The Hayley Paige Collection was designed with a bit of an eclectic feel while ultimately weaving together romance, charm and sophistication into each and every gown. Each piece from her line is designed with a woman’s body in mind while incorporating a unique flair of femininity, whether it be subtle beading, textured silk petals or soft organza draping. We are so excited to introduce this new collection to you with our first ever Hayley Paige Trunk Show at Hayden Olivia Bridal, January 19th-21st. Please, give us a call today to make your appointment and let us help you get acquainted with this fabulous new line!

‘Hattie’

‘Gianna’

‘Bella’

‘Kiki’

Photos courtesy of JLM Couture

New Arrival: ‘Hepburn’ by Ines di Santo

Heather Batt — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:16:33 +0000

We are excited to reveal to you the newest addition to the Hayden Olivia Bridal gown selection! Early next week are expecting the arrival of Ines di Santo’s ‘Hepburn’! A gorgeous fit-and-flare silhouette constructed of silk taffeta, complete with a sweetheart/halter neckline and a voluminous bubble hem. The rouching throughout the gown adds beautiful structural detail while also allowing for a more natural flow through the gathered skirt, which includes a soft pickup accented by crystal beading and a flower embellishment. We are so excited to see this breath taking dress on our brides, give us a call today and make an appointment to slip into this brand new gown!

Photos courtesy of Ines di Santo

Fabulously Floral

Heather Batt — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:10:50 +0000

As a part II to yesterday’s post on “How to Pull Off Any Style,” I came across this fabulously styled bride who let her uniquely bold personality shine through when choosing her gown. By embracing the style that represents her so well there is no question, when looking at these photos, that she is in fact a bride! Although not a traditional look it is refreshing to see “outside of the box” thinking every now and then. The silhouette is gorgeous and the colors are fantastic…Love, Love, Love it!!!

stylemepretty.com

How To Pull Off Any Style

Heather Batt — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:15 +0000

Of course you want to look like yourself on your wedding day, but that does not mean that you can’t aim for a particular style that goes along with the theme of your event. For example, you may have a bit of a boho feel to you big day or a vintage flair to your decor which you’d like it carry into your style. These ideas are very doable and believe it or not you can pull off whatever you want on your big day, however there is a bit of a trick to it at times and it is important to go about styling yourself the correct way and then own it! Here are a few ideas and tips on how to pull off the style of your dreams!

Going for that effortless beachy style? Notice the texture of her gown, the natural elements of her necklace and the messy undo that looks natural blowing in the breeze! It is important to remember the atmosphere of the ceremony and know that if you aren’t comfortable and are constantly thinking about your dress wrinkling or your veil blowing off then you will not look comfortable and thus the effortlessness of the look is lost.

lovelybride.com

Vintage inspired style is very in right now and can be interpreted in many different ways. if you are planning to get ultra traditional with an all over lace gown it is important to balance your look with more updated elements, this will keep you from looking too outdated or matronly. The bride above has done a beautiful job of balancing her style…the beauty of the antique lace is complimented by a less traditional hairstyle and an oversized accessory. Her makeup is kept fresh and young to keep the look youthful! Gorgeous!

kissthegroom.com

When you have a lot of texture in your gown you can go one of two ways…you can be over the top and show stopping by continuing the textured feel into your accessories and hairstyle or you can downplay your style a bit and go with simpler choices to accessorize with. Going for the most stand out option can take some careful selections when working with accessories! By finding textured pieces that may have a characteristic that resembles your gown, such as a similar hue or color family or similar appearance in the texture will allow the look to flow a bit better than something totally off the all and too flashy.

Frame Your Gown

Heather Batt — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:42:38 +0000

Once the day you’ve been planning for months is over and it is time to hang your gorgeous gown back on it’s little padded hanger, you will get a bittersweet thought in your mind of never being able to enjoy your fabulous dress again. You will have it preserved and it will be packed away in a pretty box and shoved to the back of the guest room closet, right? Because that is what you are supposed to do with your wedding dress, right? Well, Adrienne Maloof from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills has shown us that you can have your cake and eat it too! If you watch the show you may have caught a glimpse of the reality star’s gown STILL hanging in her closet! However it is not hanging on a rack with her blouses and suits…it is hanging in an oversized 3D picture box on the wall. Maloof had her fabulous ball gown preserved within the frame so she is able to enjoy it for years to come! I just thought that this was such a fantastic idea that I had to share! After further research it turns out to be a service that can most likely be found in your area, but for some reason has not become overly popular up until now! I have a feel that that might change very soon : ) Have a fabulous Friday and don’t forget to stop in for our Pink Tag Event going on this weekend only at Hayden Olivia Bridal!

Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

Heather Batt — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:28:00 +0000

The cold snap that we have literally experienced overnight has gotten me into the Christmas spirit and I found myself browsing through gorgeous winter wedding photos on pinterest (if you have discovered it you know you will understand the obsession) ! As I scrolled through beautiful photos I came across some fabulous ideas as well as a couple of photos that I was very excited to find and share with you!

First of all, I came across this style board for a winter event which includes an image from the Hayden Olivia Bridal website, in the top left corner, of a bride wearing a feather shrug by Modern Trousseau and chunky pearl necklace by Kristin Morris! Also love the shoes and the groom’s suit…most wouldn’t think to go with such a light color during this time of year it looks fabulous!!

Love the gorgeous blue hue of this gown and the soft sparkle that continues into the veil! So unique yet so fabulous for the season : )

fashionologie.com

Gorgeous silhouette and absolutely love the sleeves!

thebrideroom.com

I was super excited to come across this photo especially! The bride’s name is Lauren Smith we, at Hayden Olivia Bridal, had the pleasure of assisting her with her gown shopping experiences. She decided on a gorgeous Kenneth Pool which she wore during her ceremony last winter! Absolutely stunning bride!!

These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things!

Heather Batt — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:38:15 +0000

It’s that time again when I get to share with you, all of the gorgeous items that we have come across that are just so fabulous they can’t be ignored : ) From gowns to shoes to hair and jewelry…it’s a bank of inspiring ideas that I find irresistible and I hope that you do too!

So unique and gorgeous! Beautiful use of lace!

Gown by Anna Campbell

Neutral yet interesting…Love!

anthropologie.com

Such a different and beautiful shape creating a classic look.

The unexpected mix of denim, ruffle and boots is gorgeous! So perfect for a low-key country affair : )

25.media.tumblr.com

solomonbrothers.com

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the back of this dress : )

reasontobreathe.tumblr.com

This gown looks so vintage and one of a kind! It definitely has a fabulous timeless look : )

Gown by Anna Campbell

weddings.weddingchannel.com

weddingchicks.com

Style of the Week, featuring Hayley Paige

Heather Batt — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:28:50 +0000

We are so excited to be hosting a brand new collection at Hayden Olivia Bridal during the Hayley Paige Trunk Show, coming in January! As part of JLM Couture, Hayley Paige creates a very whimsical feel with the lighter than air look of her gorgeous gowns. As we are gearing up for this fabulous event I have created this weeks style around one of her beautiful dress, ‘Gianna’! Although there are so many incredible ways to style this gown the softness of the material and flow of the skirt steered me toward a look of organically inspired feminine elegance : )

Hayley Paige ‘Gianna’

nordstrom.com

citified.blogspot.com

whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com

etsy.com

modcloth.com

Fun & Fabulous Shorty

Heather Batt — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:06:19 +0000

I came across this image of model Nyasha Matonhodze posing for Vogue Japan in the most fabulous dress!!! What a fantastic shape and incredible lines, that you don’t normally see in a short dress! I would absolutely wear this dress down the aisle or anywhere for that matter…it’s just that fabulous!!!

Photograph by Solve Sundsbo