Bridal wear in the spotlight at Wedding Fest
Published:Monday | February 3, 2025 | 5:04 PMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
There was quite a buzz at the AC Hotel on Sunday evening for the highly anticipated premiere nuptial event, Wedding Fest. With exhibitors offering a wide variety of services for tying the knot, Elevated Gowns and Decor and The Sweetest Weddings Jamaica took to the stage to present an opulent bridal fashion show.
Cadaesia Gunning, owner of The Sweetest Weddings Jamaica, explained that she was grateful for the positive feedback received from the attentive audience. She highlighted a few of the bridal styles on trend for this year’s wedding season. “We showcased some of our luxury ball gowns, as well as mermaid dresses, classic and sheath gowns,” she told Lifestyle.
With a decade of experience in the ‘I do’ industry, the dress expert expanded her offerings beyond stunning gowns. She also took the opportunity to bring customised suits, tailor-made for the dapper groom, into the spotlight. “As a one-stop store, we provide wedding accessories like jewellery, ring pillows and guest books, just to name a few, along with stationery such as invitations, and cake boxes,” she shared.
With plans already in place to expand to a bigger space, Gunning advises that budding brides who are looking for a dream dress should keep an open mind during the selection process. “If you are open to other silhouettes, then you will have a good time,” she added.
Attorney-at-law Gaunique Williams-Lawes revealed that she started Elevated Gowns and Decor two years ago, based on her personal experience as a bride. “I got married in 2022 and, while planning, I decided to buy a gown. I loved it! And I always loved planning and decor. So my wedding opened the door for my business in dress rental.”
Aiming to ensure that every bride is memorable, the boutique, located in St Ann, currently supplies sophisticated, chic wedding dresses, ranging from sizes four to 28 wide.
“We cater to just about every bride, with mermaid gowns, fit-and-flare dresses as well as exquisite ball gowns,” she said, adding, “Our presentation was great and well received. Person said our gowns were modern, fresh and sophisticated, which is great, because our goal is to change the bridal landscape of Jamaica.”
If you’re looking to be a queen or having a beachside wedding, Williams-Lawes is confident that she has the gowns to match the grand occasion. “I love to make sure that brides look good and feel confident on their wedding day. And the wedding dress plays a huge part in that, because the guests always remember the bride and how she looked for the main event. In order to capture those beautiful memories, you need a good gown; you need an elevated gown,” the Elevated Gowns and Decor owner said.
When choosing the dream dress, Williams-Lawes strongly recommends that brides shop three to four months before the big day and check to see that the gown of their choice suits them. “Also, come in and do a fitting. Try on the gowns. Don’t ask for photos, because your vision may not align with reality. You may want a mermaid dress but, when you fit that style, it’s not flattering on you. Or you may want a ball gown and, when you try on a mermaid dress, you realise it’s a better fit.”