Louisa Jane Dearing, 1859: Paired with a billowing ball gown skirt, this silk taffeta top—complete with a scooped neckline, fringe, box pleating, and a laced-up corset—delivered the waist-cinching silhouette that was oh-so in vogue when bride Louisa Jane Dearing wed Charleston native Henry Edmondston on December 28, 1859, in Augusta, Georgia.
Louisa Jane Dearing, 1859. Close-up of her wedding gown from the back and its lace up corset bodice
{Timeless Trend} Laced Up Corset; gown: “Natalie” by Truvelle; The Bridal House of Charleston
Septima Toomer Holmes, 1924: The geometric beading on this four-pound silk crepe sheath number—worn by Septima Toomer Holmes as she swapped vows with Henry Francis Porcher at Grace Episcopal Church on December 10, 1924—prove that intricate details can turn even the simplest of silhouettes into a sure-fire stunner.
{Timeless Trend} Beaded Sheath; gown: style 9191680 by Adrianna Papell; Bella Bridesmaids
{Timeless Trend} Geometric Patterns; gown: “Easton” by Blush by Hayley Paige; Bridals by Jodi
{Timeless Trend} Beaded Sheath; gown: “Halston;” Modern Trousseau flagship stores in Charleston, Savannah, and Nashville
{Timeless Trend} Beaded Sheath; gown: “Cristales” by Willowby by Watters; Bridals by Jodi, Fabulous Frocks, Jean’s Bridal
Wilhelmina Dorothea Meyer, 1914: While simple, unstructured silhouettes were all the rage at the start of the 20th century, the clusters of pearls, glass beading, lace and tulle trim, and watteau train of bride Wilhelmina Dorothea Meyer’s silk gown added special-occasion sophistication in spades. Wilhelmina wed Adolph Gevert Hollings on January 7, 1914, in the Holy City.
{Timeless Trend} Dimensional Statement Lace; gown: “Holland;" Modern Trousseau flagship stores in Charleston, Savannah, and Nashville
{Timeless Trend} Mock Neck; gown: style AV 9606 by Alvina Valenta; White on Daniel Island
{Timeless Trend} Watteau Train; gown: “The Valley” by Lela Rose; Maddison Row
Annie Kangeter, 1921: Charleston’s Annie Kangeter wore this tea-length silk and lace dress (stitched by her sister) to marry Charles D. Boette on April 14, 1921. Loose draping gracing both the bodice and skirt added a feminine (and super stylish) layered look to her flapper-chic frock.
{Timeless Trend} Layered Tank; gown: “Natalia” by Theia; Fabulous Frocks
{Timeless Trend} Draped Skirt; ensemble: “Keira Corset” and “Jacqueline Skirt” by Augusta Jones; Gown Boutique of Charleston
Theodosia Mary Wheeler, 1880: Theodosia Mary Wheeler wore her late-Victorian damask gown complete with an oversized bow, side-swept bustle, and demure sleeves to marry Franklin Bowditch Dexter on July 8, 1880, in Connecticut. More than two decades later, her daughter, Dorothea, donned it when she wed Henry Laurens of Charleston.
{Timless Trend} Jacket; gown: “Georgia” with jacket; Modern Trousseau flagship stores in Charleston, Savannah, and Nashville
{Timeless Trend} Bustle; gown: “Artemis” by Sareh Nouri; Maddison Row
Mary Rachel Gaillard, 1827: When she married George H. Ingraham on November 14, 1827, Holy City bride Mary Rachel Gaillard’s gown exuded romance with its billowing bell sleeves, empire waist, and whimsical tiered skirt—a look right on par with sweet fashion of the era.
{Timeless Trend} Empire Waist; gown: “Scarlet” by Willowby by Watters; Bridals by Jodi, Fabulous Frocks, Jean’s Bridal
{Timeless Trend} Scalloped Lace Hemline; gown: “Farren” by Monique Lhuillier; Maddison Row
{Timeless Trend} Tiered Skirt; gown: style 597 by Martina Liana; Gown Boutique of Charleston
{Timeless Trend} Sweet Sleeves; gown: style 812 by Wtoo by Watters Bridesmaids; Bella Bridesmaids