For those of you not familiar with this designer, Claire Pettibone creates enchanting, feminine, vintage-inspired gowns, sometimes with a little bit of goth, a little bit of rock ‘n roll mixed in. Claire Pettibone wedding gowns are unique and not for every bride… but perfect for Betty, who had planned a romantic wine country wedding with lots of charming, organic touches throughout.

The Lucien dress is understated, yet eye-catching, with a delicately beaded Guipure neckline. Guipure (which originated in Lorraine, France and is still produced in Europe, as all high-quality laces are) is a heavier lace featuring large patterns in needlepoint. The Lucien also features soft, neutral florals embroidered on the skirt and a full waist-cinching sash. The sheer, flowy layers capture the light beautifully in photographs.

Not only is this an exquisite dress, but the story of how Betty found it is a wonderful memory in itself!

Writes Betty:

So this all started in September of 2008. My mom was looking through a magazine after we got engaged (for dresses and ideas) and she said I had to come look at this dress, it was perfect for me. When I saw it I fell in love.

I was a little nervous calling the salon because I knew it was probably going to be so expensive. Well, first thing they told me was that they don’t make the dress anymore, ‘it’s an older style.’ SIGH, disappointment #1!  So I asked if there were any dresses left from when they were made. The girl in the salon said there was one in London but it was made for a runway model, a size 4 for someone about 5’10”. STRIKE TWO! I’m more like a 5’3” size 8!! She sensed my disappointment and told me she would call Claire (the designer) and ask if there was anything she could do. I didn’t hear back for a week, so I thought they just forgot about me. I decided to keep looking for another dress.

About a week and a half went by and I got a phone call! She said that Claire had told her there was probably enough fabric and lace to make ONE more dress but it couldn’t be larger than a size 8!! OMG, perfect. All the fabric and lace was in Europe, so the order would take 10-11 months to make since it had to be shipped here and then hand-sewn in LA.

I never tried my dress on before ordering it. The first time I ever saw it in person was when I went in for my first fitting at the end of August 2009! [Betty was married on October 10, 2009.] I made one of my biggest wedding decisions from a magazine picture my mom found, and trusted my instinct that it was going to be perfect for me.

What a lucky girl! To possibly own the last Lucien dress ever made… not only does it have sentimental value attached, but historical value too!

Oh, and I love how Betty chucked tradition and chose a pair of pretty flats (by Charles David) for her wedding shoes… they totally complement the style of the dress!

To all the beautiful brides out there, may you find the dress of your dreams as well!

Here’s a detail shot of Grais’ wedding gown. Ever the resourceful bride, Grais bought a plain, cream-colored dress off the rack, then took it to a seamstress to customize. They added on the vintage beaded butterfly applique on the bust, cut out the back and added crisscrossing satin straps, and used the same satin material to add a fluid bustle which draped sensuously behind. It was one of the most brilliant alterations we’ve ever seen! Grais took an ordinary dress and completely made it her own, and on budget-friendly terms too. Love it… so chic and effortless.

Check out that vintage sparkler! Wow! Not a bad way to accessorize.