WEDDING DRESS WEDNESDAY

Like a fabulous work of art, a Rivini bridal gown designed by the one and only Rita Vinieris is worthy of appreciation. We chose "Savia" as this month's Wedding Dress Wednesday feature for just that reason. The strapless floorlength ballgown silhouette with beautifully detailed drop waist is quite simply... a masterpiece!

While working for renowned designers like Lacoste Canada in the mid-80s, Rita was also creating evening gowns for friends and family on the side. When two of her close friends got engaged and were having a hard time finding wedding dresses that were simple yet elegant in style, Rita designed the dresses for them. "As it turned out, I really loved working with the fabrics and silhouettes. After that, it was natural for me to move into the bridal realm".

The popularity of her work soon led to the founding of the Rivini bridal company in 1995. Rita saw a niche in the market for women like herself wanting luxury in clean lines and classic elements. Her design philosophy resonates with today’s bride seeking elegance in simplicity.

This stunning "Savia" gown, along with over 60 others, can be found at Ashton Station Bridal located in the Olde Church Shoppes in Carleton Place. Owners Luigi and Tracy Porcari, who recently opened the doors in March, proudly state they're the only bridal boutique in the world to exclusively carry Canadian designer Rita Vinieris' Rivini collection. Please note, Ashton Station Bridal is a 'by appointment only' boutique.

Just starting your search for the perfect dress? Here's a little advice from designer Rita Vinieris herself -

"I believe a wedding venue sets the stage for the overall feel, and it's important to take this into consideration when choosing the style of your dress. For example, if you'll say your 'I Dos' on a cliff overloooking the sea, I would look for a gown made of a light, sheer fabric - silk charmeuse and chiffon would both look stunning blowing in the breeze. If you're holding your reception in a formal ballroom, you might consider a more structured dress with jeweled embelishments. As for your hair and makeup, don't do anything drastic - you want to look like yourself. Everything should work in harmony so no one element overpowers any other."