Introducing...Hayley Paige!

Who, is Hayley Paige you ask? Although her name may not be familiar, over the years she has designed for some of the most notable bridal gown designers in North America. Her resume is impressive, having been an integral designer for the Melissa Sweet Bridal and bridesmaid collection. She was also the primary designer behind the first Marchesa Eterna bridal collection at Priscilla of Boston.

Now, she has spread her wings and created a beautiful couture collection that she calls her own. "I wanted to debut with a fun and fresh look that could also be distinguished with just the right amount of refinement and keenness” says Paige.  Her designs are romantic and charming. She celebrates the sweeter and edgier arrays of femininity, influenced heavily by a European aesthetic. Her bride, says Paige “has a loving and charming sense of self, but also commands just the right amount of edge”.

These beautiful new gowns will be in store soon and we can’t wait to receive them. We will be celebrating the arrival of this new collection with a trunk show to be held on March 23 to March 25, 2012 at our new salon located at 444 Preston Street. Please call or email for more information on this beautiful new collection.

Ciao for now xo

Antonella

Your maids

 You’ve asked your friends and family to be a bridesmaid. Now comes the impossible task of accommodating many personalities and body types, while keeping with your vision for your wedding day. 

On top of that, you really really really want the girls to wear the dress again…This is no easy task my friends, BUT with the right designers and styles to choose from, searching for the perfect bridesmaid dress can be easy and fun!

I love the idea of having the MOH wear a different style from the rest of the party. The fabric and colour is the same which allows for a cohesive look but it also allows your MOH to stand apart in a subtle way. Styles 5200 and 5211 are designed by Jim Hjelm and available in store!

The little black dress - both style by Lazaro

There isn't a girl that doesn't love to wear a little black dress. Choosing black as a colour for your bridesmaid dress is a great idea for many reasons. The girls will likely re-wear the dress if it's black, especially if it's super chic like the above dresses. Black is classic and timeless so it won't age or date the photographs you spent a fortune on and of course black is a neutral colour that will 'go' with a million other colours.

 

 Different Style, Cohesive collection

The Amsale bridesmaid dresses are amazing. The silk chiffon collection in particular is one of my favourites. I love that the bridesmaids can choose their own neckline, while the fit and style on the bottom half is the same. There isn't a body I've seen that hasn't looked amazing in these dresses. For something unique, choose different yet complimentary colours for the girls to wear. This will solve your problem of not everyone looking good in the same colour and having to choose between colours that you absolutely love anyway.

Twinkle Twinkle Swarovski Crystal....

Who doesn’t love a little bling, especially on the most important day of your life? Your wedding day is your day to shine, sparkle like a diamond and be the bell of the ball. Both Kenneth Pool and Lazaro have the special gift of creating opulent and unique gowns using Swarovski crystals that are hand embroidered and placed strategically on their gowns.
Founded in 2003 by Amsale Aberra, the Kenneth Pool label has been long recognized for its embodiment of fantasy and drama with its luxurious fabrics and exquisite bead work.
Each gown encapsulates the essence of the Kenneth Pool label: Ultimate femininity combined with sexy, lavish and unapologetic glamour. Wrap your waist with a three-inch band of Swarovski crystal that is delicately hand sewn by Amsale’s team in her New York City Atelier. You’ll feel the allure. The crystal embroidery is used to accent a woman’s shape. Adding the crystal deliberately to the natural waist, just under the bust line or as a broach accent piece will highlight your small waist, long legs or feminine curves. Some gowns feature detachable belts, which make a striking and dramatic addition to a cocktail dress after your big day. Although you may never wear your wedding dress again, the crystal belt is a piece that can re-create the magic of your wedding day time and time again.
Lazaro enjoys blending ultra-glamourous vintage details, stunning floral embellishments and his signature crystal hand beading to create a one of a kind masterpiece. A Lazaro bride appreciates the intricate detail of a hand-beaded crystal bodice. Bringing attention close to the face allows a bride to be the centrepiece of the day. The beadwork is often woven into soft tulle or sheer netting to create a romantic and feminine look. The crystals catch the light in such a way; you can’t help but be mesmerized.
Mia Bridal Co. located at 444 Preston Street is the exclusive retailer for both the Kenneth Pool and Lazaro collections. Proprietor Antonella Ceglia has enjoyed tremendous success since opening the boutique in May 2008. She works tirelessly to bring the Ottawa area modern and unique gowns and bridesmaid dresses, fresh off the runways of New York. For more information on the entire collection, please visit Mia Bridal Co.’s Facebook page or website at www.miabridalco.com

Who wore Romona Keveza

Johnny Depp LOVES Romona Keveza too! 

Christina Hendricks wore this stunning red gown to the 

Golden Globe Awards

                                

Edie Falco (our fave mobster wife) in Romona Keveza at the Tony Awards

Jennifer Love Hewitt is a show stopper in this beautiful gown fully equipped with crumb catcher!

 

 Virginia Madsen at the 2011 Oscars.

LOVE this cocktail dress worn by Brooke Burke

Romona Keveza is an exquisite bridal gown designer. We have carried her creations since opening in 2008, so we know first hand how exceptional her gowns really are. Her gowns are luxurious, feminine and timeless. Her evening wear pieces are just as special. 

No wonder celebrities choose these creations for their moment on the red carpet!

Many of her wedding gowns translate beautifully into evening wear, making her one of the most sought-after bridal gown designers in North America. 

Our brides feel like a million dollars and a real star when wearing one of her gowns.

Noir By Lazaro

I HEART Lazaro. 

He has become a household name in bridal couture and often appears on ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ Atlanta and NYC. His creations are feminine, romantic and bold. Recently he has launched ‘NOIR by Lazaro’, a new collection of sophisticated and refined eveningwear. This exclusive collection features stunning cocktail and floor length silhouettes with elegantly beaded appliqués in rich jewel tones. This collection is perfect for weddings, cocktail receptions and dinner event. A natural evolution from Lazaro’s signature bridesmaid collection NOIR draws from this designer’s sense of vintage glamour and modern styling.

Here’s a sneak peak as to what you can expect at Mia Bridal Co. in the coming months!

A gown like Kate's

This is the first moment I've had to sit in almost a month. With the move to our new location at 444 Preston Street, things have been hectic. Not hectic enough though for me (who typically enjoys sleep) to wake up at 5am and watch the Prince say 'I do' to his Princess. My mom always tells the story of her and I when I was only a couple of months old watch the fairytale that was Charles and Diana. So, on April 29th 2011 I sprung out of bed and hopped into my mom's (yes my hubby and I are living with her temporarily as we renovate our new home) to watch THE wedding of the year. Kate looked beautiful, I loved everything about her gown, I thought it was perfect! I loved how her dad held her hand down the aisle, I loved how Kate took William's breath away. I love how they are in love.

But... back to the dress!! Rewind to bridal fashion week at the start of April 2011 and you'll see some uncanny resemblances to Kate's gown by celebrated designer Romona Keveza. Romona Keveza is known for her sophisticated, elegant and feminine collections. There is a Grace Kelly in all of her gowns and I thought Kate channeled this icon as well.

                                         Grace Kelly was beautiful. The gown... timeless!

   This gown will stand the test of time. Princess Kate was radiant in her gown by Sarah Burton. I loved that although the gown was modest in design, there was a little 'sexiness' with the plunging V neckline. Perfect for a young, confidant Princess!

Gown by Romona Keveza, unveiled two weeks before the Royal wedding. Available in store this summer!

Sneak Peak - Arc Hotel Shoot

I walked into the Arc Hotel last Sunday for the shoot and was in awe of what surrounded me. Make up artists, hair stylists, assistants, models, stylists, photographers, EVERYONE was buzzing around in preparation for the photo shoot. I felt like I was on the set of a Hollywood film, it was outstanding. And to top it off I was in a dream closet come true!! Jewels, heels and evening gowns were everywhere. It was wonderful for Mia Bridal Co. to be involved in such a way.Although Dan (the amazing photographer) and Viresh (model manager extraordinaire) are still working on the images, here is one...many more to follow!

                                                Kenneth Pool 'Royalty' gown is front and centre
                                         Her beautiful 'maids' are stunning in the Amsale creations

As seen in...

Speaking with a client the other day inspired this particular blog. She happened to recognize a gown because she saw it in the movie ‘The Hangover’. I thought it would be fun to list some of these famous gowns here, a collage of sorts. We've all seen these movies, so hopefully you'll recognize a few of these famous frocks! 

 

'Tyler' gown by Amsale featured in  

 The Hangover

Issy tied the knot in this gown by Kenneth Pool

Rachel McAdams wore this romantic gown by Lea-Ann Belter in 

The Time Traveler's Wife

When In Rome stars wore 'Ava' by Kenneth Pool (left) and G810 

by Amsale (right)for this lavish affair fit for a princess

 Here's Katherine Heigl once more in 27 dresses wearing a gown by Amsale

My girl, Julia Roberts in a beautiful custom gown by 

Amsale in Runaway Bride

Jessica Alba plays herself as a bridesmaid in her BFF's wedding

All 5 girls are wearing dresses by Amsale...

I just love the idea of mixing complimentary colours and styles!

The Arc

I met Viresh of CoverModels Management at the Posh Wedding Show last month.  We got along wickedly and we promised that we would work together again soon. Well...he sure  delivered!!! On Sunday, March 20th  Mia Bridal Co. will be dressing his gorgeous models in couture bridal dresses for The Arc Hotel website photo shoot. We are amongst some of the best local shops and jewellers dressing the models for this chic shoot. Howard Jewellers and Morgante menswear will represent, as well as many more local trendsetters and stylists. Photographer Dan Ziemkiewcz will photograph while Viresh will direct. I look forward to seeing the finished, gorgeous product. Although these aren't the specific gowns in the shoot, the look and feel are similar.                                    

                                                                  Modern. Fresh. Opulant.

 

Prom

Some amazing high school grads have stopped by the shop to  find their dress for prom. Here are some of our house favourites. Looking back at my own prom dress (forever ago) I could have used Mia Bridal Co.!!

 I love the look of this dress by Amsale. It's simple, effortless and available in some beautiful colours. If you're one to accessorize, this is the style to do that. It looks incredibly rich with big, bold jewelry.

Just in, we love this new dress by Jim Hjelm. The cocktail length skirt is layered for a soft ruffle effect
(big right now).  It has the perfect sweetheart neckline and can be accented at the waist with a big sparkly belt.

This dress by Lazaro is adorable! I love the full, flirty skirt. Equipped with pockets for your fave lip gloss.

Happy shopping!
xo

POSH Wedding Show

Every bride loves a good wedding show. One that is informative, elegant and showcases the best in wedding related products and services.
Mia Bridal Co. is pleased to be part of the fashion show for this event that is taking place on February 19th 2011 at the Summit in the Marriott Hotel. So sip champagne, mingle and connect with some very savvy bridal professionals.

Here are the details, I hope to see all of  YOU amazing brides there!

When? Saturday, February 19th 2011
Where? The Summit, Marriott Hotel
Price? $20 per person
Who? Brides and their posse

For more information on this spectacular event please visit www.poshwedshow.ca

A Winter Wedding

Today, with all this snow I can't help but think of winter weddings and what I would wear if I were to say "I do" this time of year. We have a few brave and obviously stylish brides getting married over the next few weeks and I can't wait to see how their winter weddings fall into place. I imagine a lot of candlelight, faux fur, crystal icicles, hot cocoa spiked with Baileys and white fluffy UGGS.


Gown by Jim Hjelm

Our beloved Jim Hjelm designs the gown above. Many brides are opting for gowns with straps and this French lace/silk organza option is totally decadent.The lace provides a little modestly and a lot of sophistication. The full skirt is playful but not overdone. If I were to remarry Leo (the one and only) I would wear this gown to the church in a horse-drawn sleigh. Maybe my reception would be in Tremblant at a chic hotel and there would be a plethora of Caviar and Champagne.


Naya - by AMSALE

Naya is a work of art. This gown is made of a beautiful Silk Mikado. The silk is slightly thicker and totally appropriate for a winter affair. This crumb catcher neckline is something that we continue to see in couture evening wear and bridal wear. Pair this gown with a vintage faux fur bolero jacket and VOILA...we have perfection! I would re-marry Leo in this gown and have the intimate reception at one of my favourite boutique hotels here in Ottawa, The Arc.

L257 by Romona Keveza

This gown is incredibly romantic and totally elegant. The silk organza sweetheart bodice with faux wrap is a Romona Keveza specialty. The gown spills into several layers of soft silk organza with a final net overlay that creates dimension and texture. This large crystal belt is new to the Romona Keveza collection this season and adds the perfect amount of sparkle. In candlelight this belt would look like a sky of falling stars. Pair this gown with a long veil scattered with small white polka dots, almost like a light dusting of snow!


Now, if they would only clear the snow outside my front door ;)
xo
Antonella

Amsale Aberra, a Reality Star

Amsale Aberra is arguably one of the finest couture bridal designer in the world. As Creative Director for the Amsale, Kenneth Pool and Christos collections she has caught the attention of A-listers like Halley Berry, Salma Hayek and Julia Roberts.

Amsale is now gearing up for a new chapter in her career – her bridal boutique on New York’s Madison Avenue is going to be the subject of a new reality TV show airing in April. The show will be free of drama and free of crazy conflict, something Amsale is not interested in. Rather, it will be a show about the pursuit to perfection. This is Amsale’s principle and it fits her philosophy. For Aberra, a wedding dress is perfect when it reflects the bride. “It makes her personality and makes her comfortable, and when someone is comfortable they look beautiful” she said.

I look forward to watching the show and seeing the incredible gowns. Stay tuned for more information on air times!

xo

Antonella

The Wedding Palace Bridal Show...a great success!

Alex and I would love to thank all of the blushing brides who took the time to stop by our booth over the weekend during the Wedding Palace Bridal Show. It was a VERY busy event and we had the pleasure of speaking to so many wonderful brides-to-be. We look forward to having a busy season and meeting new friends over the next few months.

We had the Jim Hjelm gown #8962 at the show with us over the weekend and the feedback was incredible. Not only did hundreds of girls stop for a closer look, many mentioned that they saw that exact gown on ‘Say YES to the Dress’ this past Friday night. I was hardly surprised as we are home to many of the gowns featured on that show.

Although I urge brides to take a girls weekend to NYC…I certainly don’t think it’s necessary to purchase THE dress, anywhere other than the 613, especially considering what you will find at Mia Bridal Co.

Thanks again ladies for all of your support, look forward to having you at the shop!

Ciao for now :)

Antonella

A JIM HJELM Love Affair

Imagine the soft feel of these silks against your skin as you walk down the isle. You're looking at your handsome prince and he's looking at you...

Our JIM HJELM bridal gowns have been trickling in daily. Blushing brides are definitely in love, and so are we! The silks are flowy, the embroidery is feminine and the look... chic.

We are hosting a JIM HJELM trunk show on January 28th -30th at the salon. Appointments are recommended and space is limited. We will be showcasing the entire fall 2010 collection and many of the Spring 2011 gowns. All gown orders placed this weekend will receive 10% off.