At the gorgeous Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, NJ on August 19, 2017, Matthew and Melanie Bernstein said their vows in front of their loved ones. It was an elegant affair and no one was more dressed for the occasion than Melanie. Wearing an enchanting and classic gown, Melanie looked wonderfully bridal on her wedding day.
Just looking to have a fun day trying on wedding gowns, Melanie and her gown shopping posse made a day trip to Kleinfeld Bridal. From trying on gowns at other bridal boutiques, Melanie knew that she was looking for a dress with a fit-and-flare silhouette and lace. Melanie's bridal consultant pulled a few gowns for Melanie to try on. Torn between two gowns, both with similar silhouettes and lace patterns, Melanie could not help but notice the difference between the lace on the two gowns.
“There was just something about the Pnina Tornai lace that looked richer and more elegant and kept drawing me back to it,” Melanie fondly remembers. “It just felt more luxurious!”
Feeling a little overwhelmed by making such a big decision, Melanie found it hard to commit to the gown. Leaving the bridal boutique empty handed, Melanie visited a few other salons to make sure she was choosing the right dress. Unable to get the Pnina Tornai gown out of her mind, Melanie went back to the Pnina Tornai Boutique at Kleinfeld Bridal. She slipped back into her favorite gown again and this time the consultants helped her visualize everything by accessorizing her with a veil and jewelry.
Finally able to envision herself on her special day, Melanie said yes to the dress! Originally with no belt, Melanie decided to add a crystal belt to her gown to match the vision she had for her wedding ensemble. The buttons and corset that the gown already had were to Melanie's liking and the tapered train was the perfect length for Melanie's petite frame.
Keeping the tradition alive, Melanie wore the veil that her mother and sister wore when they got married. The veil looked lovely with her half up, half down for the ceremony giving Melanie a soft and romantic aesthetic. Not to compete with her shimmering belt, Melanie kept her jewelry simple wearing only diamond drop earrings and her wedding rings.
Although it may have taken Melanie a bit longer to say yes to her dream wedding dress, it was definitely worth the wait. Melanie walked down the aisle in a timeless and classic gown that brought joy to her and everyone who saw her in the dress.
Melanie reminisces, “I definitely felt very bridal. . . .I'll forever be happy with this decision!”
Written by: Jazmine Keels
Photography by: Gabelli Studio Photography and Cinema