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Wedding Belle

Monday, March 7, 2011


Alabama-based designer Heidi Elnora makes her Holy City debut as the Spring Bridal Show’s featured designer during Charleston Fashion Week®. Photographs by Leslee Mitchell

March 7, 2011

Wedding Belle
Heidi Elnora delivers her glam gowns to the runway at Charleston Weddings Magazine’s Spring Bridal Show

Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a ’maid in waiting, or simply in love with all things wedding, you’re surely getting excited for Charleston Weddings Magazine’s Spring Bridal Show, now less than three weeks away. Looking forward to checking out this year’s new additions, including a performance by Charleston Virtuosi during cocktail hour and a touch-up station manned by the experts from Cos Bar? Or are you crossing your fingers that you’ll score one of the fabulous giveaways—including a flower girl gown, consultation with Charleston Weddings editor Melissa Bigner, and Mac make-your-own-invitation software?

Of course, the glamorous runway shows—featuring tunes spun by DJ Arthur Brouthers—are the main event, bringing looks from local, regional, and national designers and boutiques to the runway. To up the anticipation, let’s get to know fabulous featured designer Heidi Elnora.

One heck of a busy wedding belle, this Alabama native—whose eponymous line has been praised by Town & Country Weddings, Lucky Magazine, Daily Candy Atlanta, getmarried, and more—now has two exclusive gallery shops in Atlanta and Birmingham, and her gowns also appear in boutiques from New York to Missouri. Then there was that stint on season two of Project Runway. Get the point? The Savannah College of Art and Design grad’s Southern-meets-siren dresses resonate far and wide. As for us, we adore her current concept: pick a silhouette from her menu of “girls,” then add on details—sleeves, embellishments, and the like—á la carte. The end result is a custom, couture creation handmade by artisans in Georgia and Alabama.

Charleston Weddings asked Elnora to weigh in on her designs and her career in the wedding biz:

In my 2011 collection, the thing I’m most excited about is all the detail and craftsmanship and how it showcases a true Southern girl’s sense of style—charm and sophistication.

My inspiration wall is covered with images from the French countryside—white-washed barns, dilapidated buildings, Victorian chandeliers, silver spoons—and vintage buttons, ribbons, lace, and tulle.

My favorite material to work with is raw silk because it is simple and understated but completely elegant and flawless.

I describe my design aesthetic as prim + posh; I cater to brides who have a unique sense of style.

My craziest time in the fashion business has been January 2011, when I juggled two Heidi Elnora stores, 75 brides, 12 employees, and my three-month-old baby.

I think every bride should take a moment to reflect on the journey that got her to her special day.

See Elnora's gorgeous looks for yourself at her runway presentation under the Charleston Fashion Week® tents!

Charleston Weddings Magazine’s Spring Bridal Show, presented by Gathering Floral + Event Design. Saturday, March 26, 10:30am-2pm. Marion Square, corner of King and Calhoun sts. $45; $60 VIP. (800) 514-3849, www.charlestonspringbridalshow.com

For complete details on Charleston Fashion Week®, click here. www.charlestonfashionweek.com

For more information on Heidi Elnora and her collections, click here.