JLM Weddings

Real Brides
Alvina Valenta

Jon and Jessica


06/11/2011
Augusta, GA, United States
After a storybook proposal at the Palace of Versailles, Jon and I set to planning our unique wedding. First, I found the dress: with its simple silhouette, asymmetrical bow and buttons trailing down the back, it was perfection. And for my accessories, I had a birdcage veil designed by Myra’s Veils. The ceremony was held in the historic First Christian Church and the reception, at the elegant Richmond on Greene, where no detail was overlooked from the rocking band to the savory food to the elegant cake. All in all, our wedding personified us as a couple.

Jessica wore an Alvina Valenta bridal gown, Purchased from House of the Bride in Augusta, GA.

Once Like a Spark  http://www.oncelikeaspark.com/

Richard and Stephanie


08/14/2010
Cohasset, MA, United States
We tied the knot on a perfect summer day in the picturesque coastal town of Cohasset, MA. The venue was rustic but sophisticated, the food was amazing and we couldn’t get people off the dance floor even after the band had stopped playing! My dress was simple yet elegant. I tried the dress on with my mother, mother in-law to-be and sister and based on their reactions knew it was the one!

Stephanie wore an Alvina Valenta bridal gown , Purchased from Wedding Atelier in New York, NY.

Jennifer Davis Photography  http://www.jenniferdavisphotography.com

Robert and Amy


09/10/2011
Philadelphia, PA, United States
We planned our wedding in Philadelphia because we love the classic beauty of the city. We got ready at the Omni Hotel at Independence Park and had our wedding ceremony at 2:30 pm at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on 3rd and Pine streets. Our reception was held at The Down Town Club at 6th and Chestnut streets later that evening, overlooking Independence Hall. We honeymooned in the South of France for the three weeks following our wedding.

Amy wore Lazaro bridal gown style 3051 , purchased from Jaehee Birdal Atelier , in Englewood, NJ and Amy’s bridesmaids wore Alvina Valenta bridesmaids dresses style 9947 , in Silver Tissue Taffeta.

Marie Labbancz  http://www.artoflove.com
Whipped Bakeshop  http://www.whippedbakeshop.com
Robertson’s Flowers  http://robertsonsflowers.com

John and Robin


8/13/2011
Bristol, RI, United States
John and I met a month into my freshman year of college, and were married nine years later in a historic, seaside mansion in Bristol, RI. I chose my Alvina Valenta dress because it matched the classic/formal feel of the wedding, as well as the champagne and black color scheme we had chosen. It was the third dress I tried on, and I fell in love with it right away!

Robin wore Alvina Valenta bridal gown style 9517 , Purchased from Bridal Galleria San Francisco, CA.

Rachel Kate Photography  http://rachelkate.showitsite.com/

Robert and Jennifer


12/02/2011
Coconut Grove , FL, United States
I wanted to build our wedding around my dress. I picked the third one I tried on – I just knew this was “the one”. Let’s just say thanks to Alvina Valenta our wedding day come together like magic! It was a fairytale wedding – very romantic and enchanting.

Jennifer wore Alvina Valenta bridal gown style 9102 , Purchased from Daisy Tarsi Coral Gables, FL.

Martha & Jesus Ramirez  http://www.udsphoto.com/

David and Johanna


12/11/2010
Albany, NY, United States
We were married in a classic winter/Christmas time wedding in upstate New York. We included evergreen and gold touches, lots of candlelight, and holiday music throughout the night

Johanna wore an Alvina Valenta bridal gown, Purchased from Angela’s Bridal Albany, NY.


Luke Walker  http://www.clarkwalkerstudio.com/

Brandon and Megan


10/01/2011
Richmond, VA, United States
I had a vision of what I called early on “vintage meets modern romance.” I knew from day one I wanted grey. All ten of my girls wore JLM Couture. I thought it would be fun to let them choose their own styles, and it was so much fun! Each woman looked amazing in a style that matched her own body and personality, and together they formed a beautiful, cohesive group. Our day was filled with so much love, laughter and fun. It was better than we could have ever imagined! And my rehearsal dinner dress was a Jim Hjelm Occasions dress! The bodice was Ivory and the skirt was Graphite Silky Taffeta.

Megan’s bridesmaids wore Jim Hjelm Occasions bridesmaids dresses style 5947 , style 5021 , style 5027 , style 5030 , style 5069 , style 5137 , style 5184 , Alvina Valenta bridesmaids dress style 9072 , and Lazaro bridesmaids dress style 3081 , all in Graphite Silky Taffeta. Dresses were purchased from Hannelore’s , in Alexandria, VA and Jeanette’s Bridal , in Manassas, VA

Marta Locklear  http://martalocklearphoto.com/

Barrett and Annelise


06/25/2011
Littleton, CO, United States
Barrett and I attended the same college in Colorado. We had many mutual friends and had known each other on a basic level for three years, after years of friendship a romance started to blossom and we quickly fell in love. There was no doubt in either mind that we wanted to get married, and when Barrett proposed to me it was the second happiest day of my life, with our wedding topping the list. After a year of planning, we had a completely magical day, with all the amazing vendors, as well as friends and family surrounding us.

Annelise wore Alvina Valenta bridal gown style 9051 , Purchased from Anna Be Denver, CO.

Two One Photography  http://www.twoonephotography.com/index2.php#/home/
Sweet Pea Flowers  http://sweetpea-flowers.com/
The Manor House  http://www.themanorhouse.com/index2.php

Nick and Chelsea


09/24/2011
Stafford, VA, United States
We got married at Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard. The venue was absolutely perfect, leaving us with endless possibilities for fabulous photos. Our florist & photographer did an amazing job to help truly capture the day we had imagined. I initially fell in love with my Alvina Valenta gown in a bridal magazine and searched every bridal boutique until I found it!

Chelsea wore Alvina Valenta bridal gown style 9060 , with her added touches. Purchased from Katherine’s Bridal Boutique Alexandria, Virginia.

Genevieve Leiper  http://genevieveleiper.com/site.html
Potomac Point Winery  http://www.potomacpointwinery.com/
Holly Heider Chapple Flowers  http://www.hollychappleflowers.com/index2.php#/home/

Hunter and Ashley


10/10/2009
Richmond , VA, United States
My dress was the very first one I tried on. It was love at first sight! I tried other dresses on but nothing compared to the way I felt in that one. If the store would have let me I would have walked out wearing it. They were wonderful. They let me sleep on it and the next day when I got off work they were about to close and I knew I had to have that dress. They stayed open late so I could try it on again and flaunt it off to my mom and soon to be mother-in-law.

Ashley wore Alvina Valenta bridal gown style 9658 , with her added touches. Purchased from Jingles Bridal Richmond,VA.

Eagle Eye Photography  http://rutseneaglephotography.com/
Buz and Neds  http://buzandneds.com/
Coleman Brothers  http://www.colemanflowers.com/
Envy Salon  http://www.rvaenvysalon.com/index.php

Taylor and Lacey


09/25/2011
nashville, TN, United States
I knew exactly what type of dress that I wanted to go along with the feel of our venue. Lace. Classy. Simple. Breathtaking.
People say that you will just know when you put on your wedding dress that it’s the right one. I seriously doubted that. It is absolutely true.My Alvina Valenta dress made me feel more beautiful than I ever expected to feel and for that I am truly grateful. I will never look back on my dress and regret it because I know that on that day I felt wonderful. Who can regret that?

Lacey wore Alvina Valenta bridal gown style 9102 , purchased from Arzelles Nashville, Tn.

Kristyn Hogan  www.kristynhogan.com
Historic Cedarwood  www.cedarwoodweddings.com
Full Frame Digital Cinema  www.fullframecine.com

Greg and Amanda


11/05/2011
Boston, MA, United States
We wanted a unique, glamorous, modern, and romantic wedding. I know that’s a lot of adjectives, but our wedding hit each one out of the park! To set the tone, we of course had to choose a unique venue – The Liberty Hotel in Boston. Between my knockout Lazaro gown, my bridesmaids’ elegant Alvina Valenta dresses, our gleaming decor, the sensational flowers and a ton of love, we definitely achieved something glamorous, modern and romantic, too. 11/5/11 was better than I could have imagined!

Amanda wore Lazaro bridal gown style 3056 , purchased from Kleinfeld Bridal , in New York, NY and Amanda’s bridesmaids wore Alvina Valenta bridesmaids dresses style 9964 , in Eggplant Chiffon, purchased from Here Comes the Bridesmaid , in New York, NY

Allegro Photography  http://allegrophotography.com
Taylor Creative, Inc.  http://taylorcreativeinc.com
Winston Flowers  http://winstonflowers.com

A.J. and Laura


06/20/2010
Saratoga Springs, NY, United States
A.J. and I knew that we wanted to be married in the Chapel on Union College’s campus, which is where we met. The Chapel is very classic looking, with beautiful architectural details that are formal and elegant yet understated. I wanted the bridesmaid dresses to mirror this style, so I chose the Alvina Valenta one-shouldered long gowns in a classic Indigo color. The dress was flattering on each of my seven bridesmaids, they all looked gorgeous! My Mother also looked beautiful in an Alvina Valenta gown that was very elegant and not at all “matronly” looking.

Laura’s bridesmaids wore Alvina Valenta bridesmaids dresses style 9945 in Indigo Charmeuse, and Laura’s Mother looked fabulous in Alvina Valenta bridesmaids dress style 9028 in Eggplant Silky Taffeta, all purchased from Lily Saratoga , in Saratoga Springs, NY

Luke Walker  www.clarkwalkerstudio.com

Mike and Jenna


9/27/09
Philadelphia, PA, United States
Our wedding was held at the Glenn Foerd Mansion in Bensalem, PA. The rain cleared up just long enough to hold the ceremony outside, & began again just in time to create a rainbow during dinner. Instead of a guest book, we had wishing branches with hand-cut paper birds for people to jot down well wishes for our married life, we had cupcakes & chocolate mustaches & a take-away candy buffet. Our friends were (literally) bussed in from the Old City section of Philadelphia by yellow school buses & the after party was at a cocktail bar in Old City called Sassafras. My dress was embellished with vintage brooches and vintage lace appliqué. The seamstress also added pick ups throughout the bottom of the gown.

Jenna wore an Alvina Valenta bridal gown with her added touches.

Carina and Amanda  http://www.lovemedophotography.com/

Nilah  http://www.nilah.com/services/
Jenna’s headpiece was made by Liason on Etsy.com

Cody and Jenn


10/23/2010
Afton, VA, United States
The theme of the wedding was vintage glam. The wedding fell into place after I bought my dress, which was full of lace and ruffles. I knew the wedding would have to be super girly and romantic to match the look of the dress and the bridesmaid dresses that I found. I wanted the mood of the wedding to convey nothing but love – love for our family, love for our friends and display the love that Cody and I have for each other.
Jenn wore an Alvina Valenta bridal gown, purchased from Jeanette’s Bride ‘N Tux Boutique Manassas, VA.

Simply Bloom Photography  http://simplybloomphotography.com/
Pat’s Floral Design  http://www.patsfloraldesigns.com/
Veritas Vineyards and Winery  www.veritaswines.com

Alex and Liz


08/13/2011
Sun Valley, ID, United States
I grew up in Idaho, and we decided that Sun Valley would be a perfect place for our relatives and friends to gather for our wedding. We were right- I’ve never seen a group of 200 people come together with more spirit than our guests did. We danced, photobooth-ed, and laughed all weekend.
The two easiest decisions we made throughout our planning were my dress and our photographer. My parents, maid of honor, and I chose the second dress I tried on; it fit my personality exactly. Our photographer, Hillary Maybery, captured every detail beautifully.

Liz wore Alvina Valenta bridal gown style 9000 , purchased from Panache Bridal Beverly Hills, CA.

Hilllary Maybery  www.hillarymaybery.com
Venue  www.sunvalley.com

Robert and Marissa


09/03/2011
Rockleigh, NJ, United States
It was love at first sight and 2 years later we tied the knot. We had a beautiful wedding at The Rockleigh in New Jersey. We had a garden ceremony as the bride always dreamed of. Our colors were eggplant purple and pops of gold. My bridesmaids wore beautiful eggplant silky taffeta dresses. The day was shared with our closest friends and family and it was absolutely perfect.

Marissa’s bridesmaids wore Alvina Valenta bridesmaids dresses style 9025 , style 9045 , style 9043 , Jim Hjelm Occasions Bridesmaids dresses style 5054 , style 5055 , and Lazaro Bridesmaids dress style 3032 , all in Eggplant silky taffeta.

Rick Helman  www.rickhelmanphoto.com
Diana Gould  http://site.dianagouldltd.com/
Play by Play Faze 4 Orchestras  www.faze4.com

Jake and Meredith


5/23/10
Nashville, TN, United States
Jake and I were married on May 23, 2010 at Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, TN. Our wedding day was incredibly memorable thanks to both of our families and our closest friends coming together to celebrate. Despite sweltering spring (felt more like summer!) weather and a wardrobe malfunction (one of the straps on my dress popped when my brother in law hugged me too tight!), I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.

Meredith wore an Alvina Valenta bridal gown , purchased from Arzelles Nashville, TN.

Gray Photography  http://grayphotograph.com
Meredith Zeller  http://www.bridalblueprints.com
Melissa Spaid  melissamariefloraldesign.blogspot.com/

Chistopher and Allison


05/06/2010
PALM SPRINGS, CA, United States
We tied the knot at the Colony Palms Hotel Palm Springs. Originally an underground speakeasy and brothel in the 30s. We tied in the vintage charm of the property throughout the wedding and the classic, timeless style of my dress meshed perfectly.

Allison wore Alvina Valenta bridal gown style 9905 , purchased from Here Comes the Bride San Diego, CA.

Mi Belle  mibelleinc.com
Aaren Mckinney  aarenmckinney.com
Arrangements Palm Springs  www.arrangementsdesign.com

Steve and Jennifer


08/21/2010
Baton Rouge, LA, United States
A short engagement means little time to find a dress. Lucky for me, the first dress I tried on was “IT”! It was beautifully dramatic, it was jaw-dropping gorgeous and I just had to have it! It became mine and shortly after, I experienced the happiest day of my life!

Jennifer wore Alvina Valenta bridal gown style 9002, purchased from Bridal Boutique of Baton Rouge in Baton Rouge, LA.

Charlotte Latham  http://charlottelatham.com/

Nick and Ashley


06/08/2010
Sonoma, CA, United States
My husband Nick and I met in college. I was studying Art History and in desperate need of a tutor for finance. So, I went into class looking for the perfect person. I sat down right next to Nick. It turns out that I picked the right guy. We never made it to the library, but we have been together ever since. We were married June 8, 2010 at Gundlach Bundschu winery in Sonoma, California. I wore a beautiful vintage inspired Alvina Valenta gown that was the perfect note to the intimate wedding with our closest friends and family.

Ashley wore Alvina Valenta bridal gown style 9658

Edyta Szyszlo Photography  http://www.edytaszyszlo.com
Chris Andrews  www.NapaWeddingSource.com

Luke and Nichole


05/22/2010
Saratoga Springs, NY, United States
After only 3 dates, I knew my husband was “the one” and were engaged about 5 months later! When I first went dress shopping I was not expecting to find my dream dress on my first trip, but then there it was. The third dress I tried on was the silk duchess satin Alvina Valenta soft fluted gown and I just knew. Next, I found a brooch to match both my style & my dress. Then I felt complete, knowing I would look & feel both beautiful & stylish for my special day!

Nichole wore Alvina Valenta bridal gown style 9960, and her bridesmaids wore Jim Hjelm Occasions bridesmaids dresses style 5776, both purchased from Angela’s Bridal in Albany, New York.

Clark + Walker  http://www.clarkwalkerstudio.com/

David and Kaitlin


08/12/2011
Chagrin Falls, OH, United States
Kaitlin and David are college sweethearts who left the Cleveland snow to pursue their lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. However, Ohio will always be home and the perfect setting for a beautiful wedding at the Club at Hillbrook located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
Engaged July 19, 2010 and married August 12, 2011, Kaitlin and David are lifelong soulmates with a passion for the outdoors.

Kaitlin wore Alvina Valenta bridal gown style 9011, purchased from Matina’s Bridal in Beachwood, Ohio.

Jonathan Koslen  http://www.newimagephotography.com

Matt and Jessica


09/05/2010
Sisters, OR, United States
Matt and Jess were married on September 5th, 2010 in Sisters, Oregon surrounded by Ponderosa Pines (their favorite tree), vibrant wild flowers, a small creek, beautiful cabins, and a crafty mix of urban style and DIY elements. Their focus was nature based, spiritual, and family centered. The design touches were a blend of creative Portland style, natural pines high in Eastern Oregon, shades of aqua and green and used locally grown white flowers with accents of greenery and feathers. The day was filled with beautiful blue skies and scattered stark white clouds and a gentle cool breeze.Matt’s hand-crafted touches included hand silk screened patterns and graphics of on ties, invitations, wine labels, children’s activity books and a framed drawing of a tree guests stamped with their thumbprints to create leaves. Matt had a surprise picnic for Jess with fruit, cheese, champagne, chocolate, flowers, a wrapped present and a refinished tandem bike with custom embellishments.

Jessica wore Alvina Valenta bridal gown style 9960, purchased from Ania Collection in Portland, Oregon.

JOS photographers  www.JOSphotographers.com
Five Pines Lodge  http://www.fivepinelodge.com/
Lia Sophia  http://www.liasophia.us/index_en_US.jsp