Bride wearing an off-the-shoulder puff sleeve wedding dress

Riley Peterson

Guest Blogger

Real Martina Liana Bride Nicole and Spencer 

The bride stands outside near elegant columns, holding hands with her groom, who is dressed in a black tuxedo. The couple shares a tender moment, with the bride’s off-the-shoulder puff sleeve wedding dress flowing gracefully.

Nicole and Spencer’s love story began with a friendship that blossomed effortlessly into something deeper. Their bond, built on shared experiences, led to a sweet and intimate proposal and later to an unforgettable wedding. 

On the big day, Nicole’s wedding dress exuded pure old Hollywood glamour. Martina Liana Style 1266 hugged her curves in a sleek and timeless mermaid silhouette. With its sophistication and drama, this Real Bride felt like a princess, as she walked down the aisle into her happily ever after with Spencer. 

With timeless black-and-white elegance and personal touches, like a photo gallery of cherished memories, the couple’s special day was a beautiful reflection of their journey and the love they’ll carry forward together. Check out the beautiful images below! 

NICOLE, TELL US ABOUT YOUR PARTNER.  HOW DID YOU MEET?

My husband, Spencer, and I met at work and our friendship naturally blossomed into a relationship. We built a strong foundation on shared experiences. What I love most about our relationship is how effortlessly it grew into something deeper. Spencer proposed in the most intimate and private way, which was exactly what I had always envisioned. It happened in a small park in our local neighborhood with just the two of us. I didn’t want a grand spectacle, I wanted it to be about us, because our relationship has always been about him and me. 

For our wedding, Spencer was adamant about not having a first look. He wanted the first moment he saw me to be when I was walking down the aisle. We did, however, have a first touch, which was incredibly special and romantic, setting the perfect tone for our day. As I walked down the aisle, , I heard that he teared up. The photos captured everything beautifully and the look on his face said it all. His reaction was so genuine and sweet, and it made me feel even more confident and loved in that moment. 

The bride walks down the aisle with her father, her face partially hidden behind a delicate veil, while her off-the-shoulder puff sleeve wedding dress flows elegantly around her.

DESCRIBE YOUR BRIDAL STYLE. TELL US ABOUT YOUR DRESS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE.

My bridal style was inspired by a desire to channel a modern, old Hollywood look, focusing on elegance and a timeless, classic aesthetic. I knew from the beginning I wanted a gown that would not only complement my personality, but also make a statement without being over the top.  

My mermaid gown, Martina Liana Style 1266,which I found at Studio I Do Bridals, was exactly that. Its silhouette hugged my curves beautifully, making me feel as though it was custom-made for me. The structured design combined with the luxurious fabric gave off this regal, glamorous vibe I had always dreamed of. What made it my dream dress was how it balanced sophistication with just the right amount of drama, allowing me to feel confident, radiant and graceful. Slipping into my wedding gown made me feel like a princess on my wedding day – elegant, powerful and completely myself. 

A close-up shot of the bride's off-the-shoulder puff sleeve wedding dress, showcasing intricate lace trim detailing along the veil.

The bride stands outside near elegant columns, holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers, with her off-the-shoulder puff sleeve wedding dress flowing gracefully around her.

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING.  

Our wedding reflected our personal styles and the love story Spencer and I have built over the years. We chose black and white as our wedding colors because it aligns with our organic styles. Neither of us wears a lot of color and we wanted the day to feel timeless and classic. To keep that theme, we asked all our guests to wear black, creating a beautifully uniform and elegant atmosphere.   

We made the wedding personal in several ways, one of the most special being the photo gallery we created for our cocktail hour. This gallery was filled with photos from various significant moments and traditions we’ve created over the last five years, like attending football games, our annual holiday trips to NYC, taking our yearly Thanksgiving photo on his parents’ front steps and even wearing matching pajamas with our dog, Pepper. It was such a fun way for our guests to walk through our journey as a couple and see the memories that mean so much to us.  

Another important touch was honoring the memory of our loved ones who couldn’t be with us. We set up a memorial table with their photos and lit a candle to symbolize that they were still with us in spirit, which was a heartfelt and emotional element of the day. 

One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony was our unity sand ritual, where we poured sand together to symbolize our lives merging into one. That moment was particularly special for me, because it represented not just our love but the future we’re building together as husband and wife. The whole day was filled with love, warmth and personal touches that made it feel truly ours. From the décor to the traditions we incorporated, every detail told a part of our story.  

A bride wearing an off-the-shoulder puff sleeve wedding dress stands with her bridesmaids in black dresses, adjusting her train as she prepares for her big day.

Cheers to Nicole and Spencer!   

Bridal Shop: Studio I Do 

Photography: Taylor Devynn 

Venue: Richmond Downtown Marriott  

Wedding Planer: Kendall Nibbs 

Cake: Publix Bakery 

Hair and Makeup: Tailwo (Hair) / Erica Manson (Makeup) 

 

   

Did you wear a Martina Liana gown on your wedding day? Share your photos with us for a chance to be featured. 

Are you still searching for the perfect wedding dress? Check out our latest designer gown collections from Stella York, Essense of Australia, Martina Liana and All Who Wander.