23 of The Most Epic Bridal Gowns I’ve Photographed

I don’t know about you but I have a weakness for a knock-out bridal gown. The kind that makes everyone take two steps back when they see it and sends the photographer into an elaborate cloud of shutter clicks. This post will guide you through some of the most epic bridal gowns I’ve photographed in my career. Whether that’s on the set of an editorial shoot, an engagement session or a client’s real wedding day—these are the gowns that took my breath away.

“Elegance is not standing out, but being remembered.”

— Giorgio Armani

Bridal gowns are a significant part of what I do. While I’ve undoubtedly shot a magnificent selection of lavish wedding attire, I feel there’s quite a lot to be desired from the average (read: vanilla) bridal gowns you can find off the rack. 

That’s not what you’ll find here.

From Oscar de la Renta to Carolina Herrera and Marchesa, these gowns will take the cake. And the cake-topper too.

But they’re special not because they embody a passing fad or viral trend. But because something about them is extraordinary. In their own way and style, each of these gowns just does it better. (Thanks to some of the most celebrated talent in fashion.)

That’s why I simply couldn’t rank them. Some of the gowns cannot be compared to one another for the same reason that you wouldn’t dare compare a red wine to a white wine. Apples and oranges.

I spend a lot of time creating timeless imagery for my brides as well as assisting them with their wedding planning process. I share these epic bridal gowns with you so you can get a feel of what it’s like on the other side of the lens.

I hope you find inspiration in your own planning process here. From pre-wedding parties to the big day to the honeymoon, there’s plenty to muse over. 

So here they are, in no particular order. Regardless, you’ll be sure to get swept away…

1. The Heirloom

Imbued with familial history and romance, this vintage Dior wedding gown was worn by Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s grandmother before it was restored and worn by her granddaughter in 2020. It was made by Christian Dior himself in 1953. Time has turned the color to a soft candlelight ivory and created a few small holes, but after beautiful restoration and styling by Ever After, it fit Eunice to perfection. Far and away, one of the most special and memorable gowns I’ve photographed.

2. Cotton Candy Confections

I couldn’t gather a collection of the most epic bridal gowns and not find a Monique Lhuillier design making an appearance (or three!) on my list. With a gown that deliciously resembles mounds of spun sugar, how can you resist this cotton candy confection? The sweet ruffles found their spotlight via the creative direction and stylings of Carrie Goldberg on location at Villa Pizzo in Lake Como.

3. Something Blue

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue… if you’ve ever wondered if you could get away with a baby blue wedding gown, wonder no more. One of my favorite brides wore this Oscar de la Renta gown to perfectly compliment the blue waters of their Maldivian celebration planned by the Wedding Atelier.

4. That Tuscan Train

Kate Upton’s wedding weekend, planned by Lisa Vorce, was everything you’d imagine a Tuscan wedding with intricate personalization to be. A romantic villa. Fireworks. A Red Party rehearsal dinner. Uplander Olympics. And of course, a Valentino gown to die for. Actually, two gowns to die for. I couldn’t exclude her dazzling post-ceremony number by Christy Rilling Studio.

5. In Living Color

For a pre-wedding party or a dramatic engagement session, this Edwin Oudshoorn gown shot in collaboration with Bella Belle shoes and styled by Joy Proctor would create electric waves. Just add a historic site like the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens photographed here and you’ve got high drama—literally.

6. A Rose is a Rose

This bride’s voluminous wedding gown by Ukrainian designer Milla Nova, and sourced from Viero Bridal Chicago, featured individually hand-sewed tulle roses. It was the perfect accent to the surrounding desert landscape of this Amangiri, Utah wedding.

7. A Touch of Gold

This gorgeous Nicole + Felicia gown features just a touch of delicate gold embellishment on the sheer, floral bodice. Photographed at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, this gown exuded all the pomp and presentation of a Saint-Honoré pastry.

8. A Feathery Feté

This feathery Marchesa gown has stuck with me ever since Josephine and Alan’s engagement session in Santa Ynez. I’ve never been able to get those whimsical, yet sophisticated feathers that floated on the California breeze out of my memory.

9. Perfectly Pink

Talk about a show-stopper. I photographed this Giambattista Valli couture creation styled by Carrie Goldberg with Harper’s Bazaar in China. Not only was every single gown epic, but the entire trip was bucket-list-worthy. 

10. The Garden Party

This Marchesa gown, styled by Gabrielle Hurwitz, spread across the internet as rampantly as periwinkle when it hit the scene. I’ll never get over the colorful bursts of beaded and embroidered florals cascading across the bodice. Have you ever Seine anything quite so pretty?

11. Bead Count

The same Maldives bride’s pre-wedding gown did not disappoint either—in fact, I may love it even more! A solid beaded and sequined Zuhair Murad gown with a warm, golden glow and lavender accents. Perfection! The stunning celebration was planned by the Wedding Atelier.

12. The Classicist

It doesn’t get more timeless and classic than Carolina Herrera. This perfectly polished gown, also styled by Gabrielle Hurwitz and photographed off the coast of the island town of Key Biscayne is sure to put some wind in your sails.

13. The Drama Queen

This Nicole + Felicia tulle and gold-embellished gown feels right at home amongst the dramatic setting of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. It’s couture fit for a bride who is just as full of character, history and strength as the 360-year old stone structure under her feet.

14. Lavender Dreams

This gown is everything that your childhood dress-up dreams were made of—with a splash of lavender on top. You can always count on a Monique Lhuillier gown (and Gabrielle Hurwitz‘s fashion styling) to make you feel like a French queen.

15. Cultural Differences

One of the most beautiful expressions of cultural heritage I’ve had the pleasure of photographing was a Mehendi Welcome party, featuring traditional Pakistani and Indian clothing, garlands and accessories.  At the Napa Valley wedding, Nadine donned this gorgeous, custom-made lehenga choli by Élan. 

16. Silver Linings

For a slight variation on white, I love this silver party dress. Featured in one of my favorite collaborations with celebrity stylist Micaela Erlanger, this Oscar de la Renta dress is all the silver lining I’ll ever need.

17. The Exposé

For the romantic with a sultry side, this Zuhair Murad body-conscious gown fits the bill. It has just the right amount of exposure to be all at once seductive and ethereal. See Kori and Parker’s French-inspired California wedding, planned by Brooke Keegan Special Events, here.

18. The Head-Turner

At a closer look, this voluminous style from the Monique Lhuillier Fall 2020 Bridal Look Book features a subtle textured pattern. But you don’t have to get close to feel the impact of this dramatic silhouette, photographed on picturesque Lake Como with Creative Direction and Styling by Carrie Goldberg.

19. The Traditionalist

For Addie and Richard’s elopement in Japan, expertly planned by Lisa Vorce, they held an intimate and secluded ceremony that fostered as sacred an experience as the commitment they were making to each other. The traditional silk Japanese kimonos they incorporated added such a rich element of heritage and beauty.

20. The One with The Bow

This impeccable gown, sourced by Miami’s own Ever After, features one of my favorite obsessions: bows. Despite the sophistication and architectural effect of the silhouette, this gown, worn by Chelsea in front of her grandparent’s hand-painted mural, somehow manages to keep its romantic essence. Such is the genius of Oscar de la Renta. See the genius planning of Posh Parties in this timeless Palm Beach wedding.

21. Ready, Set, Flow

For a laid-back, ethereal look, this Viktor Rolf Mariage gown embodies all my dreams of being swept away to sea. With three-dimensional florals practically bursting off the oversized tunic, and the sheerness of the simple silhouette leaving just a trace of the body’s shadow, this maximalist turned minimalist gown is ready to flow wherever the current takes her. Once again, Gabrielle Hurwitz‘s fashion genius prevails.

22. The Modern Classic

A little of this, and a little of that and you’ve got the practically perfect modern classic gown. Worn by Lea Michele, and styled by Brad Goreski, this Monique Lhuillier strapless stunner with an asymmetrical skirt will still be a classic look decades from now. See her full Napa Valley wedding to Zander Reich, planned by Lisa Vorce, here.

23. The Cinderella Ball Gown

Ok, Cinderella’s gown was blue. But how irresistible is this ever-so-slightly blush color on a ball gown? It’s pale enough to be mistaken for white but blush enough to make you look twice. See more of Ashleigh’s Lazaro gown (sourced from Kleinfeld Bridal) and the rest of her elegant Palm Beach wedding here with planning by Posh Parties.

Searching for the perfect bridal wardrobe?

Check out my 2-Part Series on Hiring a Bridal Stylist for your special celebration below: