Perfect Picks



Perfect Picks | Go bold when you pick mix-and-match cocktail dresses for your bridesmaids, like this Charleston bride
There are brides who say they want their bridesmaids to look and feel good at their wedding, and then there are the brides who are for-real sisters in style. Count Laura Westbrook in the second camp. When she said “I do” to Cameron at The Gadsden House this year, she slipped on a dreamboat of a two-piece Madison James gown she had customized (after spotting it on Veritá. A Bridal Boutique’s Insta feed), along with a pair of light blue Ted Baker heels she sheepishly calls basic “Sex and the City” but irresistible nonetheless.
 
And her four bridesmaids? They handpicked their posh frocks from a collection of 20 options Laura had curated online, a mix of textures, colors, and silhouettes that complemented each woman to the hilt. “I think when you get women in something they truly love, it’s bound to have an impact—they shine,” says Laura. “And that is exactly what happened.” Her mom got the same treatment after feeling lackluster about the options she was contemplating. “I wanted her to feel on top of the world that day, too,” says Laura who went outside her mother’s typical cut and palette to suggest a winner. A pediatric occupational therapist by training, Laura might need to think about moonlighting as a stylist. 
 
Vendors
 
Planning, design: Nicki Paige Collection, https://www.nickipaigecollection.com/
Venue: The Gadsden House, www.gadsdenhouse.com
Images: Natasha Coyle, www.natashacoylephotography.com
Florals: Roadside Blooms, www.roadsideblooms.com
Baker: Life Raft Treats, www.liferafttreats.com
Caterer: Cru Catering, www.crucatering.com
Papergoods, calligraphy, signage, jackets: Two Paper Planes on Etsy.com (the bride’s shop)
Printing: Sas-E-Ink, www.saseink.com
Linens: Event Haus, www.eventhausrentals.com
Bride’s attire: Verita. A Bridal Boutique (gown, accessories), veritabridal.com; Ted Baker (shoes), tedbaker.com
Bridesmaids’ attire: Dress the Population (printed and halter dresses), Shona Joy (dark green dress), Bardot (pink lace dress), all from Nordstrom, www.Nordstrom.com
Mother of the bride’s dress: Vince Camuto from Nordstrom, www.Nordstrom.com
Beauty: Pampered and Pretty (hair), www.pamperedandprettyxo.com; Make Up by Jami, www.makeupbyjami.com
Groom’s attire: Indochino (tux, tie), www.indochino.com; Ted Baker (shoes), tedbaker.com
Groomsmen’s ties, pocket square: Tie Bar x Show Me Your Mumu, www.thetiebar.com