Renee + Josh | Monique Lhuillier Wedding from Bryan Rupp Photography

Today’s featured wedding comes to us from Stevenson, Washington, complete with romantic, vintage decor and a stunning Monique Lhuillier lace gown called Miranda. For those of you deciding on wardrobe for your wedding party here is a great example of some super tasteful wedding attire. Renee + Josh and crew have done an awesome job of creating a cohesive, yet mismatched look that’s elegant and thematic using plaid, checked and patterned ties for the gents and textured dresses in various flattering styles for the gals. Giving the wedding party a little guidance as well as some artistic license is a great option that doesn’t break the bank and at the same time allows the individual to wear their wedding wardrobe to future events. Well done team! PS – Don’t miss Renee’s accessories, also listed for sale here on PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com.

Renee + Josh | July 25, 2012 | Skamania Lodge, Stevenson, WA

Dress Listing: Monique Lhuillier, Miranda | Veil: Toni Federici | Bracelet: Miriam Haskell | Shoes: Claudia Ciuti

The Ceremony
We chose Skamania Lodge in the picturesque Columbia River Gorge for the site of our ceremony and reception.  My husband and I love the outdoors, so we knew we wanted to have the ceremony outside.  The gorge is phenomenally beautiful in the summer, and we had lovely weather that day.  The Lodge was perfect for it’s naturally quiet and peaceful setting. We had a short but sweet ceremony in the Lodge’s amphitheater, flanked by our mismatched bridesmaids and groomsmen. The amphitheater was decorated simply with a blanket of pink and white rose petals.

The Reception
I chose vintage and romantic details for our indoor reception in the Lodge’s ballroom.  The centerpieces were comprised of floral arrangements and tea light candles in mismatched milk glass and crystal containers.  I spent months scouring local thrift stores and antique shops for the containers and for the hankies and doilies upon which the centerpieces were set.  I also created tiered dessert stands for my cupcakes out of various sized vintage plates and candle holders.  Three large strands of bistro cafe lights provided the room with a soft and warm ambiance.

Renee’s Dress Search
I initially pictured myself in an empire-waist ball gown.  I saved my favorite bridal dress shop to visit for my mother’s trip to see me in Portland.  I asked to try on gowns in that particular silhouette, but I didn’t find anything I loved.  The dress shop seamstress astutely listened to what wasn’t working for me, and she returned from the sample room with the exquisite Monique Lhuillier, Miranda sheath gown.  It was so far from what I initially described, but I absolutely loved how it looked and made me feel.  My mother agreed, and I bought the dress that day.

How Renee Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Exquisite, Romantic, Posh

Why Renee Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
The dress has been hanging in my closet for a year now.  I initially thought I would shorten it to wear for anniversaries, but I feel better about selling the dress so my experience wearing this Monique Lhuillier stunner can be shared with another bride.

Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier, ‘Miranda’ | Photography:  Bryan Rupp Photography | Ceremony + Reception Venue:  Skamania Lodge | Event Planning:  Jen Babbitt of Paradox Productions | Floral Design:  Solabee Flowers and Botanicals | Cake:  Cupcake Jones

See all of our new, sample and used Monique Lhuillier wedding dress listings.